Installation guide
Owner’s manual
Error Codes
Does Maytag Quick Wash use less water?
On the Maytag MAV8551AWQ washer, Quick Wash is designed to refresh a small, lightly soiled load using a minimal water level, so it typically uses less water than a regular cycle when you keep the load small and the water level low (as intended). See the cycle guidance in the owner's manual.
Quick Wash saves water mainly because it is meant for:
- Small loads only
- Little to no soil
- Minimal water level setting
- Very small detergent dose (about 1 teaspoon)
If you run Quick Wash with a larger load or raise the water level, water use increases and the advantage goes away.
Use these settings and habits for MAV8551AWQ:
- Choose Quick Wash only for a small load with light soil
- Set the water level to the lowest setting that still allows good circulation
- Load loosely; do not pack items tight
- Use the correct wash temperature for the fabrics (ATC may blend water to hit target temps)
- Measure detergent carefully; too much can cause extra suds and poor rinsing
| Feature | Quick Wash | Regular cycle |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Refreshing lightly worn items | Everyday cottons, towels, jeans |
| Load size | Small | Small to large |
| Water level | Minimal | User-selected (often higher) |
| Detergent | Very small amount | Normal measured amount |
Using Quick Wash the way it was designed helps reduce water use and can shorten overall cycle time. Using it for heavy soil or large loads often leads to poor cleaning and can leave detergent residue.
Last updated: February 2026
How do I reset the lid lock on a Maytag washer?
On the Maytag MAV8551AWQ, there is no electronic “lid lock reset” like newer washers; it uses a safety lid switch. Most “lid locked” or no-start symptoms clear with a power reset and by making sure the lid switch is being pressed properly. See the owner's manual for normal lid switch operation.
- Push the control dial IN to stop the washer.
- Unplug the washer (or switch off the breaker) for 5 minutes.
- Plug back in.
- Close the lid firmly (do not slam).
- Select a cycle, then pull the control dial OUT to start.
This washer will not agitate or spin with the lid open, and it can stop for safety if the lid switch system malfunctions.
- Confirm the lid closes squarely and fully.
- Look for a broken or missing lid strike/plunger.
- If the washer fills but will not agitate or spin, suspect the lid switch circuit.
- If the lid switch is physically damaged, replace the switch.
Helpful parts for this model:
| What you see | What to check first | Likely fix |
|---|---|---|
| Won’t start at all | Lid fully closed; dial pulled out | Reseat lid; power reset |
| Fills but won’t agitate/spin | Lid switch and plunger alignment | Replace switch or plunger |
| Stops when lid is opened during spin | Normal safety behavior | Close lid; pull dial out to continue |
The lid switch is a built-in safety device. If it is not being pressed correctly, the washer can pause or stop to prevent spinning with the lid open, which protects you and the drive system.
Last updated: February 2026
How to check the drain pump on a Maytag washer?
To check the drain pump on your Maytag MAV8551AWQ washer, we confirm the washer is set up to drain correctly first, then test whether the pump is getting power during the drain portion of the cycle. If the pump gets power but will not run, the pump is bad.
A drain issue is often caused by the hose setup, not the pump. Use the guidance in the installation guide to verify these basics:
- Make sure the drain hose is not kinked, twisted, or crushed.
- Confirm the drain hose is elevated at least to the top of the tub.
- Aim for a standpipe or drain height of 3 to 5 feet for best performance.
- If the drain height is over 8 feet, the washer may not remove water completely.
- If the drain must be over 5 feet, a high-volume pump may be needed for better draining.
Before using a meter, check for restrictions that can mimic a failed pump:
- Unplug the washer.
- Lower the drain hose to a bucket or floor drain and see if water flows out by gravity.
- Inspect the drain hose for lint or small items.
- If accessible, check the pump inlet and outlet hoses for debris.
When the washer should be draining, the drain pump should receive line voltage.
- Unplug the washer; access the pump wiring.
- Reconnect power and start a cycle that includes drain/spin.
- Carefully measure voltage at the pump terminals during drain.
- 120 VAC present but pump does not run: replace the pump.
- No voltage at the pump: troubleshoot the lid switch circuit, timer, wiring, or controls.
| Symptom | Most likely cause | What to check next |
|---|---|---|
| Hums but won’t drain | Pump jammed or failing | Pump inlet, impeller area, hoses |
| Won’t drain and won’t spin | Safety circuit stopping operation | Lid must close; lid switch system |
| Drains slowly | Drain height or restriction | Hose routing, standpipe height |
On the MAV8551AWQ, the washer will not complete spin and water removal if draining is restricted or if a safety input (like the lid switch) prevents operation. Confirming hose height and kinks first prevents replacing parts that are still good.
Last updated: February 2026
