The Et error code on a Maytag dryer signifies a failure within the EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory) on the machine’s electronic control board. Essentially, the dryer’s “brain” has encountered a data corruption or communication breakdown, preventing it from reading the permanent instructions required to execute drying cycles safely.
🛠️ Important: Official Documentation
For your safety and to avoid voiding the warranty, please check the official docs.
If you see this code, you are likely experiencing a total halt in operation. Your dryer might refuse to start, the display might become unresponsive, or you may hear clicking sounds as the board attempts to boot up. While a “memory error” sounds terminal, don’t worry; it is often fixable through a systematic reset or a straightforward component replacement, saving you the cost of a brand-new appliance.
Symptoms
When the EEPROM fails, the dryer loses its ability to process logic. Look for these specific physical signs:
- Non-Responsive Interface: Pressing “Start” or changing cycle settings results in no action, or the “Et” code immediately reappears.
- Mid-Cycle Shutdown: The dryer may start for a few seconds and then abruptly stop, flashing the error code.
- Audible Clicking: You may hear the relays on the control board clicking repeatedly as the software tries to “reboot” itself unsuccessfully.
- Erratic Display: The time remaining may jump randomly, or the lights on the console may flicker and dim.
The Complete Solution
The Complete Solution
Follow these steps in order. We will move from the simplest, free fixes to the more complex hardware replacements.
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Perform a Hard Power Reset:
Sometimes the EEPROM isn’t “broken,” it’s just “confused.” Unplug the dryer from the wall outlet or flip the dedicated circuit breaker in your home’s electrical panel. Leave the power off for at least 10 full minutes. This allows the capacitors on the control board to fully discharge, wiping the volatile memory. Plug it back in and try to start a “Timed Dry” cycle. If the code persists, proceed to step two.
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Access the Electronic Control Board:
Using your 1/4″ nut driver or Phillips screwdriver, remove the screws located at the back of the top console (for older models) or the rear of the top panel (for front-load style models). Carefully slide the top panel back and lift it off. You will see the main control board—a large plastic housing filled with wires and a green or blue circuit board.
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Inspect and Reseat Wiring Harnesses:
Vibration from thousands of drying cycles can loosen connections. One by one, unplug each wiring harness from the control board and inspect the metal pins for signs of corrosion, burning, or “arcing” (blackened marks). Use a can of electronic contact cleaner if you see oxidation. Firmly push each connector back in until it clicks. A loose communication wire is a frequent “ghost” cause of the Et error.
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Check for Component Short-Circuits:
Use your multimeter to check the resistance of the heating element and the thermistor. While “Et” is a board error, a shorted component elsewhere can sometimes “backfeed” voltage into the board, triggering the error. If the heating element shows “continuity to ground” (touching one probe to the element and one to the dryer chassis), it must be replaced as it is likely frying the control board.
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Replace the Main Control Board:
If the reset failed and the wiring is secure, the EEPROM chip itself has failed. The chip is soldered to the board and is not a consumer-serviceable part; you must replace the entire board. Note the part number printed on the board (e.g., WPW101… or W102…). Unscrew the old board, move the wires to the new board one at a time to ensure they go in the correct spots, and snap the new board into place. Reassemble and test.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Intermediate (Requires electrical safety knowledge) |
| Estimated Time | 30 – 60 Minutes |
| Tools Needed | 1/4″ Nut Driver, Phillips Head Screwdriver, Digital Multimeter, Needle-nose Pliers |
| Estimated Cost | $0 (Reset) to $180 (New Control Board) |
Why is my Maytag showing Error Et?
Why is my Maytag showing Error Et?
Understanding the root cause of an EEPROM error is crucial for preventing its return. Unlike a broken belt or a blown fuse, “Et” is a digital failure. Here are the primary culprits:
1. Voltage Spikes and Power Surges: This is the most common cause. A sudden spike in the home’s electrical grid (from a thunderstorm or a utility grid switch) can send a “dirty” pulse of electricity through the control board. This pulse can scramble the data stored in the EEPROM chip, leading to permanent corruption of the machine’s firmware.
2. Component Age and Wear: Every memory chip has a limited number of “write/erase” cycles. Over many years of heavy use, the microscopic cells within the EEPROM chip can physically degrade, making it impossible for the processor to retrieve the data it needs to operate. This is simply the natural lifecycle of modern electronics.
3. Electrical Noise (EMF Interference): If the dryer is not properly grounded or if there are loose wiring harnesses within the machine, electrical noise can interfere with the data transmission between the UI and the main control board. The system interprets this garbled data as an EEPROM error.
4. Excessive Humidity: If your laundry room is poorly ventilated, moisture can condense on the control board. This moisture can create tiny “micro-shorts” across the pins of the memory chip, leading to the “Et” error code.
How to Prevent Error Et
Modern dryer controls are sensitive. Protect your investment with these preventative measures:
- Install a Dedicated Surge Protector: Most people protect their computers but not their appliances. Use a high-quality surge protector designed for large appliances (ensure it is rated for the correct amperage) to shield the EEPROM from grid spikes.
- Ensure Proper Grounding: Verify that your dryer’s 3-prong or 4-prong cord is wired correctly and that the house outlet is properly grounded. Proper grounding bleeds off static and electrical noise that can corrupt memory.
- Maintain Low Humidity: Ensure your dryer vent is clear and pushing all moist air outside. High humidity inside the dryer cabinet is the primary enemy of circuit board longevity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I just reprogram the EEPROM chip myself?
A: Generally, no. The software on Maytag control boards is proprietary and requires specialized flashing equipment and the original firmware source code, which is not released to the public. Replacing the board is the only viable path for DIYers.
Q: My dryer works occasionally but the Et code keeps coming back. Why?
A: This indicates an “intermittent failure.” It is usually caused by a “cold solder joint” (a crack in the solder) that expands and contracts as the dryer heats up, or a capacitor that is beginning to bulge and fail. It will eventually become a permanent failure.
Q: Is it worth fixing a 10-year-old dryer with an Et error?
A: If the rest of the dryer (motor, drum, bearings) is in good shape, spending $150 on a control board is much cheaper than $800+ for a new unit. However, if the dryer is noisy or rusting, it might be time to upgrade.