What are the symptoms of error code rL?

Washer will not start the Clean Washer cycle, Washer stops shortly after beginning the cycle, Washer displays rL and refuses to continue, Drum may rotate slowly before the error appears

What causes error code rL?

Clothing or items left inside the drum, Detergent pods or debris stuck under the basket, Heavy residue buildup causing false load detection, Sensor misread due to unbalanced items (rare), Motor torque feedback detecting unexpected resistance

How do I fix error code rL?

Remove all clothing or items from the drum., Check under the basket for trapped socks or debris., Wipe the drum and run the Clean Washer cycle again., Ensure no detergent pods or objects are stuck in the door boot (front-load)., If rL persists with an empty drum, inspect for drag or mechanical resistance.

Maytag Washer - rL Error Code

The washer detected items inside during the Clean Washer cycle.

Meaning

The washer detected items inside during the Clean Washer cycle.

The Maytag rL error code indicates that the washer detected clothing or other items inside the drum during the Clean Washer cycle. This code appears on multiple Maytag platforms, including front-load MAH models, Bravos/Bravos XL/VMW top-load models, and some Neptune TL units. The Clean Washer cycle is designed to run with an empty drum, and the control system monitors motor torque, weight, or spin resistance to determine whether items are present. If the washer senses load weight or drag, it stops the cycle and displays rL.

Symptoms

Washer will not start the Clean Washer cycle
Washer stops shortly after beginning the cycle
Washer displays rL and refuses to continue
Drum may rotate slowly before the error appears

Causes

Clothing or items left inside the drum
Detergent pods or debris stuck under the basket
Heavy residue buildup causing false load detection
Sensor misread due to unbalanced items (rare)
Motor torque feedback detecting unexpected resistance

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Step-by-Step Fixes

Remove all clothing or items from the drum.
Check under the basket for trapped socks or debris.
Wipe the drum and run the Clean Washer cycle again.
Ensure no detergent pods or objects are stuck in the door boot (front-load).
If rL persists with an empty drum, inspect for drag or mechanical resistance.

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Safety Notes

Disconnect power before inspecting under the basket or removing debris.
Do not run the Clean Washer cycle with detergent pods or laundry items.

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Applicable Models

Show Models

Front-Load Maytag MAH Series: MAH3000AWW, MAH4000AWW, MAH5500AWW, MAH6500AWW, MAH7500AWW, MAH8700AWW, MAH9700AWW
Top-Load Maytag Bravos Series: MVWB300WQ, MVWB400VQ, MVWB450WQ, MVWB700VQ, MVWB750WQ, MVWB850YW, MVWB880BW, MVWB950YG
Top-Load Maytag Bravos XL Series: MVWB725BW, MVWB835DW, MVWB855DC, MVWB855DW, MVWB950YW
Top-Load Maytag Centennial Series: MVWC300BW, MVWC350BW, MVWC360FW, MVWC415EW, MVWC425BW, MVWC565FW, MVWC575FW
Top-Load Maytag Early VMW Series: MVWC6ESWW, MVWC700VW, MVWC700VQ, MVWC7000WQ, MVWC7000XW, MVWC7000YW, MVWC750YW
Top-Load Maytag Neptune TL Series: FAV6800AWW, FAV9800AWW

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Other Maytag Washer Error Codes

Show All Error Codes

Model-Specific Notes

Front-load models detect rL using motor torque and spin resistance. Bravos, Centennial, and VMW top-load models detect rL through weight sensing and motor feedback. Neptune TL models may trigger rL if items are trapped under the basket or if the motor senses unexpected drag.

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.