Maytag Washer - F5E3 Error Code
The washer cannot unlock the door or lid.
Meaning
The washer cannot unlock the door or lid.
The Maytag F5E3 error code indicates that the washer attempted to unlock the door (front-load models) or lid (top-load VMW models) but did not receive confirmation that the unlock mechanism disengaged. Although the meaning is shared across platforms, the hardware differs. Front-load models use a door lock assembly with an internal unlock solenoid or wax motor. Top-load VMW models use a lid lock assembly with a solenoid and unlock-sensing switch. Mechanical binding, wiring issues, or failed lock assemblies commonly trigger F5E3. When this error appears, the washer may trap clothing inside until the lock mechanism is repaired or manually released.
Symptoms
Causes
Step-by-Step Fixes
- Unplug the washer for 5 minutes to reset the lock system.
- Ensure the door or lid is not being pushed outward by clothing.
- Inspect the strike for cracks, bending, or misalignment.
- On front-load models, test the unlock solenoid or wax motor inside the door lock assembly.
- On VMW models, test the lid lock solenoid and unlock-sensing switch.
- Inspect wiring harness connections for corrosion or loose seating.
- Replace the door lock or lid lock assembly if it fails testing.
- Replace the main control only if the lock assembly tests good.
Safety Notes
- Disconnect power before accessing the lock assembly.
- Do not force the door or lid open, as this can break the strike or hinge.
- If clothing is trapped inside, manually release the lock using the service pull-tab (if equipped).
Applicable Models
Show Models
- Front-Load Maytag MHW Series: MHW3000BW, MHW3100DW, MHW3500FW, MHW3505FW, MHW4200BW, MHW4300DW, MHW5100DW, MHW5500FW, MHW5500DW, MHW5630HW, MHW5630HC, MHW6000XW, MHW6630HW, MHW6630HC, MHW7000XW, MHW7100DW, MHW8200FW, MHW8630HW, MHW8630HC, MHW9000YW, MHW9000XL, MHW9000XR
- Front-Load Maytag MHWE Series: MHWE200XW, MHWE201YW, MHWE251YG, MHWE251YW, MHWE301YG, MHWE301YW
- Front-Load Maytag MHWZ Series: MHWZ400TQ, MHWZ600TW
- Top-Load Maytag MVWC Series (VMW): MVWC200BW, MVWC300BW, MVWC350BW, MVWC360FW, MVWC415EW, MVWC416FW, MVWC425BW, MVWC465HW, MVWC565FW, MVWC575FW, MVWC6ESWW, MVWC700VW, MVWC700VQ, MVWC7000WQ, MVWC7000XW, MVWC7000YW, MVWC750YW, MVWC755DW, MVWC765FW, MVWC766FW, MVWC835DW, MVWC836DW, MVWC840GW, MVWC845GW, MVWC855DW, MVWC865GW
- Top-Load Maytag MVW Series (VMW): MVW4505MW, MVW4505MW2, MVW5430MW, MVW5430MW2, MVW5435MW, MVW5435MW2, MVW5435PBK, MVW6500MBK, MVW6500MBK0, MVW7230HW, MVW7230HC, MVW7232HW
- Top-Load Maytag MVWB Series (VMW high-capacity): MVWB835DW, MVWB835DW1, MVWB855DC, MVWB855DW, MVWB766FW, MVWB765FW, MVWB765FW1
Related Pages
- Maytag Washer F2E1 – A button on the washer---s user interface is stuck or being detected as continuously pressed.
- Maytag Washer F3E1 – The washer is detecting an issue with the water level sensing system.
- Maytag Washer F5E1 – The washer cannot lock the door or lid.
- Maytag Washer F5E2 – The washer detected that the door or lid was not opened between cycles.
- Maytag Washer F6E1 – The washer---s control boards are not communicating correctly.
- Maytag Washer F7E1 – The washer cannot detect proper motor speed.
- Maytag Washer F8E1 – The washer is taking too long to fill or is not detecting water entering the machine.
- Maytag Washer F9E1 – The washer is taking too long to drain.
Other Maytag Washer Error Codes
Show All Error Codes
- Maytag MVW4505MW Washer Cheat Sheet
- Maytag Neptune TL dc Error Code - Unbalanced Condition
- Maytag Neptune TL Hr Error Code --- Heater Relay Error
- Maytag Neptune TL LE Error Code --- Lid Error
- Maytag Neptune TL LO Error Code --- Locked Rotor
- Maytag Neptune TL OP Error Code --- Lid Open
- Maytag Neptune TL SL Error Code --- Suds Lock
- Maytag Neptune TL UC Error Code --- Uncontrolled Spin
- Maytag Washer CE Error Code - Communication Error
- Maytag Washer dL Error Code - Lock Failure
- Maytag Washer dU Error Code - Unlock Failure
- Maytag Washer F0E1 (Front-Load) Error Code
- Maytag Washer F0E2 (Front-Load) Error Code
- Maytag Washer F0E2 (Top-Load) Error Code
- Maytag Washer F0E3 (Front-Load) Error Code
- Maytag Washer F0E3 (Top-Load) Error Code
- Maytag Washer F0E4 (Front-Load) Error Code
- Maytag Washer F0E4 (Top-Load) Error Code
- Maytag Washer F0E5 (Front-Load) Error Code
- Maytag Washer F0E5 (Top-Load) Error Code
- Maytag Washer F0E7 (Front-Load) Error Code
- Maytag Washer F0E7 (Top-Load) Error Code
- Maytag Washer F0E8 (Top-Load) Error Code
- Maytag Washer F0E9 (Top-Load) Error Code
- Maytag Washer F1E1 (Front-Load) Error Code
- Maytag Washer F1E1 (Top-Load) Error Code
- Maytag Washer F1E2 (Front-Load) Error Code
- Maytag Washer F1E2 (Top-Load) Error Code
- Maytag Washer F1E3 (Front-Load) Error Code
- Maytag Washer F1E3 (Top-Load) Error Code
- Maytag Washer F1E4 (Top-Load) Error Code
- Maytag Washer F1E5 (Top-Load) Error Code
- Maytag Washer F2E1 Error Code --- UI Stuck Button
- Maytag Washer F2E2 (Front-Load) Error Code
- Maytag Washer F2E3 (Top-Load) Error Code
- Maytag Washer F2E5 (Top-Load) Error Code
- Maytag Washer F3E1 Error Code --- Water Level System Error
- Maytag Washer F3E2 (Front-Load) Error Code
- Maytag Washer F3E2 (Top-Load) Error Code
- Maytag Washer F3E3 (Front-Load) Error Code
- Maytag Washer F3E3 (Top-Load) Error Code
- Maytag Washer F3E5 (Front-Load) Error Code
- Maytag Washer F3E6 (Front-Load) Error Code
- Maytag Washer F4E1 (Front-Load) Error Code
- Maytag Washer F4E4 (Front-Load) Error Code
- Maytag Washer F5E1 Error Code --- Door or Lid Not Locked
- Maytag Washer F5E2 Error Code --- Door or Lid Not Opened Between Cycles
- Maytag Washer F5E4 (Front-Load) Error Code
- Maytag Washer F5E4 (Top-Load) Error Code
- Maytag Washer F5E5 (Top-Load) Error Code
- Maytag Washer F6E1 Error Code --- Communication Error
- Maytag Washer F6E2 (Front-Load) Error Code
- Maytag Washer F6E2 (Top-Load) Error Code
- Maytag Washer F6E3 (Front-Load) Error Code
- Maytag Washer F6E3 (Top-Load) Error Code
- Maytag Washer F6E4 (Top-Load) Error Code
- Maytag Washer F7E1 Error Code --- Speed Sensor or Motor Speed Error
- Maytag Washer F7E2 (Front-Load) Error Code
- Maytag Washer F7E2 (Top-Load) Error Code
- Maytag Washer F7E3 (Front-Load) Error Code
- Maytag Washer F7E3 (Top-Load) Error Code
- Maytag Washer F7E4 (Top-Load) Error Code
- Maytag Washer F7E5 (Top-Load) Error Code
- Maytag Washer F7E6 (Front-Load) Error Code
- Maytag Washer F7E6 (Top-Load) Error Code
- Maytag Washer F7E7 (Front-Load) Error Code
- Maytag Washer F7E7 (Top-Load) Error Code
- Maytag Washer F7E8 (Front-Load) Error Code
- Maytag Washer F7E8 (Top-Load) Error Code
- Maytag Washer F7E9 (Front-Load) Error Code
- Maytag Washer F7EA (Front-Load) Error Code
- Maytag Washer F7EC (Front-Load) Error Code
- Maytag Washer F8E1 Error Code --- No Fill or Long Fill
- Maytag Washer F8E2 (Front-Load) Error Code
- Maytag Washer F8E2 (Top-Load) Error Code
- Maytag Washer F8E3 (Front-Load) Error Code
- Maytag Washer F8E3 (Top-Load) Error Code
- Maytag Washer F8E5 (Top-Load) Error Code
- Maytag Washer F9E1 Error Code --- Long Drain
- Maytag Washer F9E2 (Top-Load) Error Code
- Maytag Washer F9E3 (Top-Load) Error Code
- Maytag Washer Int Error Code --- Cycle Interrupted
- Maytag Washer LE Error Code --- Motor Error
- Maytag Washer LF or LO FL Error Code --- Long Fill / Low Water Flow
- Maytag Washer LOC or LC Error Code --- Control Lock Activated
- Maytag Washer nd Error Code --- No Drain
- Maytag Washer nF Error Code --- No Fill Detected
- Maytag Washer OL Error Code --- Overload Detected
- Maytag Washer PAU Error Code --- Cycle Paused
- Maytag Washer PF Error Code --- Power Failure
- Maytag Washer rL Error Code --- Items Detected in Clean Washer Cycle
- Maytag Washer Sd or SUD Error Code --- Excess Suds Detected
- Maytag Washer tE Error Code --- Temperature Sensor Error
- Maytag Washer UL Error Code --- Unbalanced Load
Model-Specific Notes
Front-load Maytag washers typically trigger F5E3 due to worn unlock solenoids, swollen wax motors, or mechanical binding inside the door lock assembly. Top-load VMW models more commonly experience F5E3 due to a failed lid lock solenoid, a broken strike, or wiring fatigue near the lid hinge. This error often appears at the end of the cycle when the washer attempts to unlock.
Disclaimer
The information provided on this page is for educational and informational purposes only. Repairs involve electrical, mechanical, and water-related risks. Always follow manufacturer instructions and consider contacting a qualified technician for diagnosis or repair.