Maytag Washer F24 Error Code — What It Means
F24 on Maytag washers does not have a single universal meaning. On most Maytag front-load washers, F24 indicates a water temperature sensor or thermistor fault that is reading out of range. On certain compact front-load models, the same code means either the load exceeds the cycle capacity or too much inlet water has entered the tub. Because Whirlpool and Maytag use different code sets across model families, the first step is always to confirm your exact model number and check the owner’s manual or service literature before diagnosing the fault.
If your model uses F24 as a thermistor code, the machine has detected an open, shorted, or out-of-specification reading from the temperature sensor or its wiring. If your compact front-load displays F24 for overload or excess fill, the machine is protecting itself from overfilling or cycle stress. Do not assume the meaning without verifying your model’s code table.
Common Causes
- Model code-set confusion Compact front-load models assign F24 to overload or excess inlet water, not a sensor fault, so the repair path is entirely different.
- Open or shorted thermistor The water temperature sensor on the tub or sump reads out of range, causing the control to halt the cycle and log F24 on applicable models.
- Damaged wiring or corroded connectors Loose, broken, or corroded wires between the thermistor and the control board interrupt the signal and trigger the fault even when the sensor is good.
- Overloaded wash cycle On compact models that use F24 for capacity, packing too much laundry into a delicate or specialty cycle exceeds the programmed weight limit.
- Inlet valve stuck open or water supply not shut off On models where F24 signals too much water, a defective inlet valve or continuously running supply line causes the tub to overfill between cycles.
- Failed control-board input circuit If the thermistor and harness test within specification but F24 persists, the main control’s sensor input circuit has failed.
Step-by-Step Fix
- Identify your exact model number and pull up the service literature or owner’s manual to confirm whether F24 is a thermistor fault, an overload code, or an excess-water code for your machine.
- Clear the fault by pressing Pause or Cancel twice and then Power once, or disconnect power at the breaker or plug for five minutes and restore.
- Check for obvious external causes before opening the cabinet: if your model uses F24 for overload, remove some laundry and run Rinse and Spin; if the code signals excess water, turn off the water faucet and verify the tub is not filling when the machine is idle.
- Unplug the washer and access the temperature sensor (usually mounted on the tub or sump) per the service manual, then inspect the harness connectors for looseness, corrosion, or damage.
- Measure the thermistor resistance at the sensor terminals and compare the reading to the specification table in your model’s service sheet; replace the sensor if it reads open, shorted, or out of range.
- Test continuity through the harness from the sensor connector to the control board plug; repair or replace any damaged wiring or corroded terminals you find.
- Verify the control-board sensor input if the sensor and wiring both test good; if the board does not respond correctly to a known-good sensor signal, replace the main control or CCU.
Parts Often Needed
| Part | Notes |
|---|---|
| Water temperature sensor / thermistor | Amazon | Order by full model number; confirm the connector style matches your harness. |
| Wire harness (sensor to control) | Amazon | Only if wires are cut, burned, or terminals are broken beyond cleaning. |
| Main control board / CCU | Amazon | Required when sensor and wiring test good but F24 persists; verify part number from the existing board label. |
When to Call a Pro
Call a qualified appliance technician if you cannot locate your model’s code definition, if you are uncomfortable working with electrical connectors and multimeter resistance checks, or if the fault returns after you have cleared it and verified the load size and water supply. Also call for help if you have confirmed the sensor and harness are good but the control board still logs F24, because main-control replacement requires correct part-number matching and often a software initialization sequence. If your machine is showing F24 alongside other error codes or unusual fill and drain behavior, a pro can run the full diagnostic mode and trace both water-circuit and sensor-circuit faults together.