Owner’s manual
Error Codes
What is the capacity of Maytag MTW5740TQ0?
The Maytag MTW5740TQ0 top-load washer has a 3.2 cu. ft. capacity. This is the tub volume the washer is designed to handle; using the right load size helps cleaning performance, spin-out, and reduces wear on drive components.
A 3.2 cu. ft. top-load washer is best when you load by basket fullness, not by weight.
- Fill the basket loosely to about 3/4 full for most mixed loads
- Keep bulky items (blankets, jackets) to 1-2 pieces at a time
- Leave space at the top so items can circulate and agitate
- Distribute items evenly around the basket to reduce out-of-balance spinning
- If the washer bangs or walks, reduce the load and re-balance the items
| Load type | What it usually looks like in the basket | Best practice |
|---|---|---|
| Small | Bottom covered, items move freely | Good for delicates and quick washes |
| Medium | About 1/2 full | Best everyday performance |
| Large | About 3/4 full | Avoid packing; keep items loose |
| Bulky | Fewer large items, uneven shapes | Wash 1-2 items; balance carefully |
Overloading a 3.2 cu. ft. washer can cause poor agitation and rinsing, longer drain times, and more vibration. Those conditions can speed up wear on parts like the clutch 285785, washer lid switch assembly WP8318084, and washer drain pump WP3363394.
For the exact specifications and cycle guidance for your MTW5740TQ0, we recommend checking the MTW5740TQ0 owner's manual.
You can also order replacement parts for your MTW5740TQ0 from the parts list for this model, or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
How do I reset the lid lock on a Maytag washer?
To reset the lid lock on your Maytag MTW5740TQ0 washer, we start with a power reset: unplug the washer for 5 minutes, plug it back in, then close the lid and try a Spin or Drain/Spin cycle. If the washer still will not spin, the lid switch circuit is likely not being made.
- Stop the cycle: push in the timer knob to pause.
- Power cycle: unplug for 5 minutes, then plug into a grounded 3-prong outlet.
- Close the lid firmly: the washer will not agitate or spin with the lid open.
- Restart: pull out the timer knob to start.
- Try a different cycle: select Spin (or a full cycle) and listen for the lid switch “click.”
For model-specific operating steps and cycle behavior, follow the MTW5740TQ0 owner's manual.
On the MTW5740TQ0, a lid lock complaint is often really a lid switch problem. If the washer fills but will not agitate or spin, or stops when the lid is moved, the switch assembly is the first part we check.
Common causes:
- Lid not closing squarely (hinge or lid strike misalignment)
- Broken lid switch actuator tab
- Failed switch contacts inside the assembly
- Loose wiring connection at the lid switch
| Symptom | Most likely check | Part on this model page |
|---|---|---|
| Won’t spin or agitate, lid must be closed | Lid switch not sensing closed lid | Washer lid switch assembly WP8318084 |
| Stops mid-cycle when lid is bumped | Intermittent lid switch | Washer lid switch assembly WP8318084 |
The lid switch is a safety interlock. If it does not read “lid closed,” the washer can pause, refuse to spin, or act like it is stuck even though the timer advances.
We recommend ordering by model number (MTW5740TQ0) to ensure the correct revision. You can order parts from the list for this model, or search by model on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
What is the most common problem with a Maytag washer?
For the Maytag MTW5740TQ0 washer, the most common customer-reported issues are won’t drain or spin, won’t start/agitate, and leaks or unusual noises. Many of these trace back to basic checks (lid closed, drain height, suds level) and a few high-wear parts.
- Won’t drain or won’t spin: clogged/kinked drain hose, excessive suds, or a failing drain pump
- Won’t run, fill, rinse, or agitate: lid not closed, a normal cycle pause, overload, or a lid switch problem
- Stops mid-cycle: normal pause (about 2 minutes on some cycles), overload, or power interruption
- Leaks: loose fill hoses, worn tub gasket, or a valve that does not shut fully
- Grinding, squealing, or banging: clutch/brake wear, suspension issues, or a worn drive block
For model-specific operating checks (including lid-closed operation and drain-hose height guidance), use the MTW5740TQ0 owner's manual.
- Confirm the washer is plugged into a grounded outlet and the breaker is not tripped.
- Close the lid fully; this model will not agitate or spin with the lid open.
- Check drain hose routing; the hose end should not be higher than 96 in. (244 cm) above the floor.
- Reduce detergent if you see excessive suds (suds can prevent proper draining/spinning).
- Wash smaller loads and redistribute bulky items to prevent out-of-balance conditions.
If the quick checks do not resolve the issue, these parts are frequent fixes for the symptoms above:
| Symptom | Common fix part | What it affects |
|---|---|---|
| Won’t spin/agitate with lid closed | Washer lid switch assembly WP8318084 | Confirms lid is closed so the washer can run/spin |
| Won’t drain or drains slowly | Washer drain pump WP3363394 | Pumps water out during drain/spin |
| Poor spin, burning smell, noisy spin | Clutch 285785 | Transfers power for spin and helps control basket speed |
| Agitator not moving properly | Agitator dog 80040 | Helps the agitator “ratchet” and move clothes |
Drain and spin problems can look like a major failure, but on the MTW5740TQ0 they are often caused by installation conditions (drain height), oversudsing, or a safety interlock (lid switch). Fixing the root cause prevents repeat stoppages and reduces wear on the drive system.
To order replacement parts for your MTW5740TQ0, use the parts list for this model or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
What's the average lifespan of a Maytag washer?
Most Maytag washers average 10 to 13 years of service life in normal household use. For your Maytag MTW5740TQ0 top-load washer, consistent maintenance and avoiding overloads are the biggest factors that keep the drive system, drain pump, and suspension working longer (see the MTW5740TQ0 owner's manual).
- Light use (1 to 3 loads/week): 12 to 15 years
- Average use (4 to 7 loads/week): 10 to 13 years
- Heavy use (8+ loads/week): 7 to 10 years
| Usage pattern | Typical lifespan | Biggest wear areas |
|---|---|---|
| Light | 12 to 15 years | Hoses, lid switch, minor leaks |
| Average | 10 to 13 years | Drain pump, clutch, suspension |
| Heavy | 7 to 10 years | Drive components, basket/drive block, gear case |
- Overloading (extra strain on the clutch, drive block, and basket drive)
- Unbalanced loads (accelerates wear on suspension springs and pads)
- Detergent overuse (soap buildup, odors, poor rinsing)
- Ignoring slow drains (pump strain and standing water issues)
- Skipping basic cleaning (residue leads to smells and performance problems)
If the washer still fills and drains but performance is slipping, these model-matched parts are common fixes:
- Washer drain pump WP3363394 (won’t drain, slow drain, humming)
- Washer lid switch assembly WP8318084 (won’t spin or stops mid-cycle)
- Clutch 285785 (weak spin, burning smell, poor agitation/spin transfer)
- Agitator dog 80040 (agitator slips or doesn’t move clothes well)
Knowing the expected lifespan helps you decide whether to repair or replace. On a washer in the 10 to 13 year range, a targeted repair like a drain pump or lid switch often restores reliable operation without the cost of a full replacement.
- Keep loads evenly distributed and avoid packing the tub tight
- Use the correct water level and cycle for the load
- Periodically run a cleaning routine described in the MTW5740TQ0 owner's manual
- Order model-specific replacement parts from the parts list for MTW5740TQ0, or search by model on Sears PartsDirect
Last updated: February 2026
