Maytag Washer F5 E3: Door or Lid Lock Error (Meaning, Causes, Fixes)

What the code means

Maytag's Product Help article for front-load washers says F5 E3 means the door is not locking properly, and tells owners to make sure the door is completely closed and nothing, such as clothing or shipping material, is blocking the latch, then reset the control by cutting power for 5 minutes. On top-load washers, Maytag's F5E3 help article gives only the 5-minute power reset, but Maytag's top-load service manual (W11416395) explains the code: F5E3 is "Lid Lock Will Not Unlock," shown when excessive force on the lid keeps the lock bolt from retracting, when wash media buildup (detergent, lint, soil) keeps the bolt from retracting, or when the main control can't tell whether the lid lock is unlocked. It's one of the faults that stops the cycle, and technicians check it with the manual's lid lock test. The related F5E1 code in the same manual is a lid switch fault, where the control doesn't sense the strike on the lid. Maytag's owner help adds that the Lid Lock light flashes when the lock hasn't moved into the locked position, the lock motor can't be powered, or the lid isn't fully closed because something is in the way.

Likely causes

• Door or lid not fully closed: clothing, shipping material or something else blocking the latch (Maytag's first check)
• Pressure on the lid, such as items stacked on top or an overfilled load, keeping the lock bolt from retracting (named in Maytag's service manual)
• Detergent, lint or soil buildup at the lock or the lock striker on the lid
• A temporary control glitch that a 5-minute power reset clears
• A worn or failed lid lock or door lock assembly, or a lock motor that can't be powered
• Wiring, or the main control being unable to read the lock's position, which Maytag's lid lock test checks

Safe DIY checks

1. Check that the door or lid is completely closed and nothing is caught in the latch, including clothing, a sock or leftover packing material. Take anything off the top of a top-load lid.
2. Clean the lock area: Maytag says to wipe detergent, lint or soil buildup off the lock and the lock striker (the piece on the lid that fits into the lock) with a soft cloth, warm water and mild soap.
3. Reset the washer the way Maytag describes: unplug it (or switch off its breaker) for 5 minutes, plug it back in and start a cycle.
4. On top-load models, press and hold Start for up to 3 seconds if needed, and expect a click and a short unlock-and-relock when the cycle begins. Maytag says that self-test of the lid lock is normal.
5. If F5 E3 comes right back with the door or lid clear and clean, stop resetting it over and over. That points to the lock assembly or its wiring, so plan on a repair or a service visit.

Parts that commonly fix it

Always match the part number to your exact model.

Related codes

• F9 E1 Maytag Washer F9 E1
• LF Maytag Washer LF
• E18 Bosch Washer E18
• E11 Electrolux Washer E11
• E1 Frigidaire Washer E1
• E2 Frigidaire Washer E2

All Maytag codes →

Sources

1. Maytag Product Help: F5 E3 - Front Load Washer (door not locking properly, check latch, 5-minute power reset)
2. Maytag Product Help: F5E3 - Error Code, top-load washer (5-minute power reset, schedule service)
3. Maytag top-load washer service manual W11416395 Rev B (F5E3 Lid Lock Will Not Unlock causes, F5E1 lid switch fault, Test #8 Lid Lock)
4. Maytag Product Help: Lid Lock Flashing - Washer (lock not in position, lock motor not powered, lid interference, cleaning the striker)
5. Maytag Product Help: Lid Not Latching - Washer (blocked latch, cleaning, lid lock self-test at start)