Maytag Dishwasher FAE5 Error Code — What It Means
The FAE5 (or F10E5) error code appears on Maytag dishwashers after the cycle ends and the machine drains. Maytag’s official guidance is limited: the code indicates a fault event that caused the cycle to terminate, but the manufacturer does not publish a specific root cause on the product-help page. The confirmed first step is to press Cancel twice, then start a new cycle to clear the code.
If the code returns, you are dealing with a recurring fault that requires diagnosis. Field experience suggests FAE5 can point to either a water-inlet problem or a flood-detection condition, but these associations are not confirmed by Maytag’s public documentation. Treat repeated FAE5 as a signal to inspect water supply, leak paths, and base-pan sensors rather than continuing to reset the machine.
Common Causes
- Transient control glitch A one-time electronic hiccup triggers the code without an underlying mechanical fault, and a reset clears it permanently.
- Water supply restriction A kinked inlet hose, closed supply valve, or low household pressure prevents the dishwasher from filling correctly.
- Water in the base pan A small leak or spill collects in the bottom of the cabinet and trips the flood switch, causing the cycle to abort.
- Failed inlet valve The water-inlet valve sticks closed or partly blocked, so the control cannot complete the fill sequence and throws a fault.
- Faulty door latch or switch The door-latch assembly or its switch loses contact during the cycle, signaling an open-door condition and stopping the wash.
- Control board or wiring fault A failing main control board, loose wire, or corroded connector interrupts communication and logs an error even when components are working.
Step-by-Step Fix
- Clear the code using the manufacturer reset. Press Cancel twice, wait ten seconds, then close the door and select a new cycle. If the dishwasher completes the wash without repeating FAE5, the problem was a one-time glitch and no further action is needed.
- Note when the code reappears. Run a short cycle and watch whether FAE5 displays immediately at startup, during the fill phase, mid-wash, or at the end. Early appearance suggests a fill or door-latch issue, while late appearance points toward drain, leak, or control faults.
- Inspect the water supply line and valve. Turn off power and pull the dishwasher forward enough to see the inlet hose. Check that the supply valve under the sink is fully open, the hose has no kinks or blockages, and the household water pressure is adequate. Disconnect the hose at the dishwasher end and place it in a bucket, then open the valve briefly to confirm strong flow.
- Check for water in the base pan. Tip the dishwasher back slightly or remove the lower access panel. Look for standing water, damp insulation, or a wet float switch in the base. If you find moisture, dry the pan thoroughly, locate the source of the leak (door seal, hose connection, sump), and repair it before resetting the code.
- Test the door latch and switch. Open and close the door several times, listening for a firm click. If the latch feels loose or the door does not seat squarely, remove the inner door panel and inspect the latch assembly and wiring harness. A faulty door switch will prevent the cycle from starting or cause it to abort mid-wash.
- Examine wiring and connectors at the control board. With power off, remove the outer door panel or console to access the main control board. Look for burned traces, swollen capacitors, or loose wire terminals. Wiggle each connector gently and check for corrosion or moisture. Pay special attention to the inlet-valve harness and any flood-sensor leads.
- Consult the model’s technical service sheet. If FAE5 persists after the checks above, locate the tech sheet taped inside the door or cabinet. Follow the diagnostic flowchart for F10E5 or FAE5, which will guide you through resistance checks, component isolation, and control-board testing specific to your model. If the tech sheet directs you to replace the control board or inlet valve, order the part by the model and serial number stamped on the door frame.
Parts Often Needed
| Part | Notes |
|---|---|
| Water inlet valve | Amazon | Choose by model number if fill is weak or the valve does not open when powered. |
| Door latch and switch assembly | Amazon | Match to your series if the door will not latch firmly or the switch shows no continuity when closed. |
| Main control board (electronic control) | Amazon | Verify the board part number on the existing unit before ordering; some models share boards across series. |
| Flood switch or base-pan sensor | Amazon | Required if you confirmed water in the base pan and the float or switch is corroded or stuck. |
When to Call a Pro
Call a professional if the code returns after you have verified strong water supply, dried the base pan, confirmed the door latch clicks securely, and found no obvious wiring damage. Persistent FAE5 usually means the main control board or a sensor is sending inconsistent signals, and diagnosis requires a multimeter, the factory service manual, and experience with Whirlpool-platform dishwashers. A qualified technician can run the built-in diagnostics, measure component resistance against the tech-sheet table, and determine whether the fault is in the control board, user interface, inlet valve, or wiring harness. Attempting board-level troubleshooting without the correct schematic risks further damage and can void any remaining warranty.