How do I reset the lid lock on a Maytag washer?
On the Maytag MHW5100DC0 washer, there is no “lid lock” to reset because it uses a door lock. Most lock issues clear by canceling the cycle and doing a quick power reset; then restart and let the washer re-lock the door normally (as described in the MHW5100DC0 owner's manual).
Quick reset steps (door won’t open or won’t lock)
- Touch POWER/CANCEL to cancel the cycle.
- Wait for the drum to stop moving; the door unlock can take a few minutes.
- Unplug the washer (or switch off the breaker) for 5 minutes, then restore power.
- Close the door firmly; make sure nothing is caught between the door and bellow.
- Touch and hold START; you should hear the lock click, unlock, then lock again.
If the door is locked and you need to add a garment
When Add a Garment is lit:
- Touch START once to pause.
- Wait for the door to unlock after movement stops.
- Add 1 or 2 items, close the door, then touch and hold START to resume.
Check Control Lock (control panel lockout)
Control Lock can make the washer seem “stuck” even when the door lock is fine.
- Touch and hold CONTROL LOCK for 3 seconds to toggle it off.
- Watch the display count down “3, 2, 1” as you hold the button.
When it’s likely a part problem
If the display shows a door-locking error (commonly F5 E2) or the door never latches, the lock mechanism or wiring is often the cause.
| Symptom | Most common cause | What to do next |
|---|---|---|
| Door won’t lock at start | Door not fully closed, item blocking seal | Reseat load, close door firmly, restart |
| F5 E2 (door won’t lock) | Failed lock assembly | Replace washer door lock WPW10443885 |
| Door closes but leaks at front | Torn/warped door seal | Inspect/replace bellow |
Why it matters
A front-load washer like the MHW5100DC0 must lock the door before it can tumble and spin. A weak latch, a blocked seal, or a failed door lock can stop the cycle to prevent leaks and injury.
You can order model-correct replacement parts from the parts list for MHW5100DC0, or search by model on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
Can I wash a king size comforter in a Maytag washer?
Yes, you can usually wash a king size comforter in your Maytag MHW5100DC0 washer as long as it fits loosely in the drum and can tumble freely. Use a bulky or bedding-type cycle if available, use HE detergent, and stop if the load becomes tightly packed or badly unbalanced (see the MHW5100DC0 owner's manual).
How to load a king comforter so it washes and spins correctly
A front-load washer cleans best when the load can lift and drop.
- Fluff the comforter first, then fold it loosely (do not roll it tight)
- Load it evenly around the drum, not all on one side
- Leave space at the top so the comforter can tumble
- If it looks “stuffed,” remove it and use a laundromat-size machine
- Avoid adding extra items after the cycle starts; adding 1 to 2 items max helps prevent tight packing
Cycle, detergent, and settings that work best
Use settings that reduce suds and help the washer balance the load.
- Choose a bulky/bedding cycle (or the closest equivalent)
- Use only HE detergent; use less than you think you need to prevent excess suds
- Use an extra rinse if the comforter holds detergent
- Use high spin only if the load stays balanced
- If the washer pauses to rebalance, let it continue
Common problems and what they point to
| What you notice | Most likely cause | What to do next |
|---|---|---|
| Washer shakes or “walks” | Load is unbalanced or too large | Reposition comforter; reduce load size; verify leveling per the installation guide |
| “Sd” or lots of foam | Too much detergent or non-HE detergent | Let suds routine finish; reduce detergent next time |
| Won’t drain or won’t spin | Drain path restriction or installation issue | Check drain hose routing; if symptoms persist, inspect the pump (complete) WPW10605427 |
Why it matters
A king comforter that is too large for the drum can prevent proper tumbling, trigger vibration during spin, and leave detergent residue. Loading it loosely protects the suspension, helps the washer drain and spin, and improves cleaning.
You can also find more Maytag washer troubleshooting help in our Maytag maxima front load washer error codes guide, and order model-matched parts from this page or search by model on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
How to get a Maytag washer to drain and spin?
On the Maytag MHW5100DC0 washer, use the Drain & Spin cycle to pump out water and spin the load; you can also add Extra Rinse if you need a rinse before the final high-speed spin. For exact button sequence and options, follow the MHW5100DC0 owner's manual.
Quick steps to drain and spin
- Remove some items if the drum is tightly packed; loads must tumble freely.
- Press Power, then select Drain & Spin.
- If you want a rinse first, select Extra Rinse (adds water before spinning).
- Adjust spin speed lower for delicate fabrics (when available on your control).
- Touch and hold Start to begin the cycle.
If it will not drain or will not spin
These are the most common causes on front-load Maytag washers like the MHW5100DC0:
- Too many suds from non-HE detergent or too much HE detergent; suds can slow or stop draining/spinning.
- Drain hose installation issue (kinked, clogged, or pushed too far into the standpipe).
- Drain height problem; the end of the drain hose should not be higher than about 96 in. (2.4 m) above the floor.
- Small items in the pump (coins, socks) that block the impeller.
- Out-of-balance load; heavy items can prevent a full-speed spin.
What to do based on what you see
| Symptom | What it usually means | What we recommend |
|---|---|---|
| Loud humming, no drain | Pump is jammed or failing | Check for obstructions; replace the pump (complete) WPW10605427 if needed |
| Suds or “soapy” water left | Oversudsing | Cancel cycle; run Drain & Spin with Extra Rinse; do not add detergent |
| Water drains slowly | Hose restriction or partial clog | Straighten hose, clear clogs, confirm standpipe fit |
| Door stays locked with water inside | Water still in tub | Run Drain & Spin; door unlocks after draining completes |
Why it matters
Using Drain & Spin is the safest way to remove water before opening the door, moving the washer, or restarting a cycle. It also helps prevent oversudsing and reduces strain on the drain pump and door lock.
You can order model-correct replacement parts for the MHW5100DC0 from the parts list for this washer, or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
How to fix F51 error on Maytag washer?
On a Maytag MHW5100DC0 washer, treat an F51 as a control fault that you clear first, then correct the condition that triggered it (most often excess suds, a drain problem, or a door-lock interruption). Use the reset steps in the MHW5100DC0 owner's manual.
Reset and restart (first step)
- Touch POWER/CANCEL once to clear the code.
- Reselect the cycle and press START.
- If the tub is full, run DRAIN & SPIN.
- If the washer is still spinning, wait; it can take 20 to 30 minutes to stop and drain.
Most common causes to check
- Too many suds: non-HE detergent or too much HE detergent can stall sensing, draining, or spinning.
- Drain restriction: coins, lint, or small items can overload the drain system.
- Door not locking: a poor latch can interrupt the cycle and trigger a fault.
- Control issue: repeated faults after a proper reset point to an electronic control problem.
Targeted fixes (safe, practical)
- Reduce detergent: Use only HE detergent; many loads clean well with about half the label amount.
- Confirm draining: If you hear humming but little water movement, check the drain path; replace the pump (complete) WPW10605427 if the pump is jammed or weak.
- Verify door lock: Make sure the door closes cleanly and nothing is caught in the gasket; replace the washer door lock WPW10443885 if the door will not lock reliably.
- Persistent repeat code: If the washer resets but quickly faults again, the washer electronic control board W11029844 is the common repair when symptoms include random beeps or cycles that will not start.
Symptom guide
| What you notice | Most likely cause | Best next step |
|---|---|---|
| Heavy foam, long cycle, stops mid-cycle | Excess suds | Reduce detergent; run DRAIN & SPIN |
| Slow or no drain | Clog or failing pump | Clear drain path; replace pump |
| Door will not lock | Door lock problem | Clear latch area; replace door lock |
Why it matters
Clearing the code without fixing the trigger leads to repeat shutdowns and poor draining or spinning performance.
You can order MHW5100DC0 parts from the parts list for this washer, or search by model on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026





