Maytag Washer Error Code F13 — What It Means
The F13 error code on a Maytag washer typically indicates a fault related to temperature sensing or control-board communication. Depending on the model, F13 often appears when the washer detects a problem with the water temperature sensor (thermistor), the heater circuit, or when the main control board and sensors are not communicating correctly. When this error occurs, you may experience failed or incomplete wash cycles, extended cycle times as the machine retries or attempts to reach a target temperature, clothes that aren’t washed at the expected temperature, or the washer may lock out certain functions for safety. In some cases the machine will not advance past a diagnostic or drain step. Left unresolved, the root causes can lead to repeated cycle failures and — rarely — potential overheating or electrical hazards if a failed heater or shorted component is involved.
Common Causes
- Defective water temperature sensor (thermistor) or NTC sensor
- Faulty main control board or communication error between modules
- Damaged or corroded wiring harness and connector pins
- Failed heating element or heater relay (on models with internal heaters)
- Intermittent door lock or lid switch causing diagnostics to misreport
- Faulty pressure switch or water level sensor affecting cycle logic
- Software or firmware glitch that requires a power cycle or service update
- Drain or motor issues that cause the machine to abort cycles and flag codes
Troubleshooting Steps
- Power safety first: unplug the washer or switch off the circuit breaker before inspecting or working on the appliance.
- Clear the code: restore power and run a diagnostic or press the clear/reset procedure in your owner’s manual to see if F13 reappears.
- Check for obvious signs: inspect the control panel and rear access panels for burn marks, water leaks, or loose connectors.
- Inspect wiring harnesses: disconnect and reseat wiring connectors to the control board, thermistor, and heater. Look for corrosion, bent pins, or damaged insulation.
- Test the temperature sensor: locate the thermistor and measure resistance with a multimeter at room temperature. Compare to the expected ohms in the service manual; large deviations indicate a bad sensor.
- Test the heating element and heater circuit (if equipped): check continuity of the element and for short to ground. Inspect heater relay on the control board for signs of failure.
- Run diagnostic mode: put the washer into its service diagnostic cycle (per model instructions) to view live sensor readings and pinpoint failing components.
- Swap or replace suspect parts: if tests confirm a bad thermistor, harness, or control board, replace the defective component with OEM parts.
- Update controls: if the washer exhibits intermi