Author: ApplianceFixGuide Team

Problem: Freezer thermistor out of range – sensor reading implausible temperature (< -25°F or > 80°F) indicating open/short circuit

How to Fix Refrigerator Error

1. Unplug refrigerator.
2. Locate freezer thermistor: behind rear interior panel near evaporator coils (small white sensor clipped to evaporator tubing).
3. Disconnect thermistor harness.
4. Measure resistance at room temperature (70°F): should read 8,000-10,000Ω. At 32°F: ~7,964Ω. At 0°F: ~23,345Ω.
5. If reading infinite (open) or 0Ω (short), replace thermistor WPW
6. If resistance within spec, check wiring harness continuity back to main board J3 connector – look for pinched wires near hinge areas.
7. If wiring good but code persists, test defrost thermostat WPW10316428 (clipped to evaporator) – should read closed below 40°F.
8. Last resort: main control board W10868991 has failed ADC circuit – replace board and reprogram.

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Browse all Maytag error codes: Maytag Error Codes

Problem: Power failure detected – voltage interruption >2 seconds causing control board reset

How to Fix Refrigerator Error

1. Press CANCEL button to clear display.
2. Verify household circuit breaker hasn’t tripped – reset if needed.
3. Check power cord connection at wall outlet and refrigerator terminal block.
4. Test outlet voltage: must be 110-125VAC. Low voltage (<105V) can trigger PF code.
5. Inspect main control board for blown thermal fuse (small white component near power input) – replace if open circuit.
6. If PF recurs frequently without actual outages, suspect failing main control board W10868991 with unstable power regulation circuit.
7. Note: PF is informational only – refrigerator will resume normal operation after power restoration unless underlying electrical fault exists.

Browse all Maytag error codes: Maytag Error Codes

Problem: Door ajar condition detected >10 minutes – door switch failure or physical obstruction preventing proper closure

How to Fix Refrigerator Error

1. Visually inspect both doors for obstructions (ice buckets, drawers not fully closed, food items protruding).
2. Check door gaskets for tears/ripping that prevent sealing.
3. Test door switches: locate microswitches at door frame (typically 2 per door). With door closed, switch plunger should depress fully.
4. Disconnect switch harness and test continuity: should read closed circuit when plunger depressed.
5. Replace faulty door switch WPW10358373 (typically $12-18 each).
6. If switches test good but code persists, check wiring harness continuity between switches and main board.
7. Rare case: main control board W10868991 misreading switch inputs – replace board only after verifying all switches/wiring.

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Problem: Programming error – main control board not programmed with correct model-specific code after replacement or memory corruption

How to Fix Refrigerator Error

1. Enter programming mode: Press and hold Door Alarm key, then within 2 seconds press and hold Freezer Temp Down key. Release Door Alarm after 3 seconds – display should show ‘PE’.
2. Locate Program Code on serial plate sticker inside refrigerator wall (after word ‘CODE’ – e.g., ‘0302’).
3. Press Refrigerator Temp Up/Down keys to set first digit, Freezer Temp Up/Down for subsequent digits.
4. After entering all 4 digits, press and hold Freezer Temp Down until code flashes (3 seconds) to save.
5. If display shows ‘
6. 8′ during programming: board is defective or incompatible – verify replacement board matches original part number exactly (W10868991 vs W10890094 have different firmware).
7. If correct code won’t save: main control board has failed EEPROM – replace board with genuine OEM part.
8. NEVER use generic/unprogrammed boards – will cause permanent PE0000 fault.

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Browse all Maytag error codes: Maytag Error Codes

Problem: General system error – main control board detected uncorrectable fault in compressor drive circuit or sensor array

How to Fix Refrigerator Error

1. Unplug refrigerator for 10 minutes to reset microprocessor.
2. If Er returns immediately on power-up: main board failure likely.
3. Remove rear access panel and inspect main control board W10868991 for visible damage (burnt components, bulging capacitors near compressor terminals).
4. Test compressor start relay/overload separately – remove from compressor pins and shake; rattling indicates failed relay. Replace relay kit if faulty before condemning board.
5. Measure resistance across compressor windings (common to start/run): should read 3-10Ω each with no shorts to ground.
6. If compressor tests good but Er persists, main board has failed compressor drive circuit – replace W10868991 and reprogram with correct code.
7. Note: Er code often appears with compressor not starting – always verify sealed system integrity before board replacement.

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Browse all Maytag error codes: Maytag Error Codes

Problem: Fresh food compartment thermistor fault – sensor reading out of range (>120°F or <-40°F) indicating open circuit

How to Fix Refrigerator Error

1. Unplug unit.
2. Locate fresh food thermistor: typically behind small cover/vent in upper rear wall of refrigerator compartment.
3. Disconnect harness and measure resistance at 70°F room temp: should read 8k-10kΩ.
4. Submerge sensor tip in ice water (32°F) – resistance should increase to ~7,964Ω.
5. If reading infinite/open circuit, replace thermistor WPW
6. If resistance stable but code returns, inspect wiring harness for damage near door hinge (common failure point from repeated door opening).
7. Check defrost thermostat WPW10316428 continuity – should read closed below 40°F. Faulty defrost thermostat can cause erroneous temperature readings triggering F
8. Clear code by unplugging 5 minutes after repair.

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Problem: Freezer compartment thermistor fault – sensor reading implausible temperature indicating short circuit (<500Ω at room temp)

How to Fix Refrigerator Error

1. Unplug refrigerator.
2. Access freezer thermistor behind rear interior panel near evaporator coils.
3. Disconnect harness and measure resistance at room temperature: should read 8k-10kΩ.
4. If reading <1kΩ (short circuit) or 0Ω, replace thermistor WPW
5. Inspect sensor wiring for pinched sections against sharp metal edges in evaporator compartment.
6. Check connector pins for moisture corrosion – clean with electrical contact cleaner if present.
7. After replacement, verify temperature display stabilizes within 1 hour of operation.
8. If F2 returns with new sensor, suspect main control board W10868991 ADC failure – test other thermistors to isolate fault.

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Problem: Defrost thermistor fault – sensor monitoring evaporator temperature during defrost cycle reading out of range

How to Fix Refrigerator Error

1. Unplug unit and remove freezer rear panel to access evaporator assembly.
2. Locate defrost thermistor: small sensor clipped directly to evaporator tubing near defrost heater.
3. Disconnect harness and measure resistance at room temp: should read 8k-10kΩ.
4. During actual defrost cycle (initiate via service mode test #
5. , sensor should read ~14kΩ at 32°F evaporator temp.
6. If open/short circuit, replace defrost thermistor WPW10316428 (often sold with thermostat as kit).
7. Inspect defrost heater continuity: should read 20-50Ω. Open heater won’t trigger F3 but causes frost buildup.
8. If thermistor tests good but F3 persists, main control board W10868991 misreading sensor – replace board after verifying all wiring.

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Browse all Maytag error codes: Maytag Error Codes