Fixing your Maytag Bravos washer doesn’t have to mean dealing with warranties and repairs. Your washer has a built-in reset function that can help to resolve many common issues, ranging from error codes to stuck cycles.
But it’s not quite as simple as pressing a button. For the Bravos line of washers, including the Bravos X and XL, you will need to rotate the cycle selection knob in a certain order to reset it.
It’s a bit like rotating the dial on a combination lock.
To reset your Maytag Bravos washer, begin with the Wash Cycle knob in the Normal position. Rotate it once counter-clockwise back to the Normal setting, then turn it three clicks clockwise, one click counter-clockwise, and one click clockwise. Then turn the knob until you see Rinse Only highlighted and press Start.
This will force your washer to reset itself and re-calibrate the drum, which can help solve a number of issues. I’ll walk you through the exact steps to take and provide some tips on what to do if you run into any trouble.
How To Reset Maytag Bravos Washer
Before beginning the reset process, it’s important to make sure that the washer is completely empty. This will ensure that the recalibration cycle works correctly and doesn’t cause any further problems.
So take a moment to lift the lid and remove any clothing or items that may be in there before resetting it.
Step 1: Set the knob to Normal
You will want to start with the Cycle Select knob pointing towards the Normal setting. If you recently lifted the lid, the lights on the control panel should be on.
Step 2: Rotate the knob counter-clockwise
Rotate the knob counter-clockwise one full rotation, until it winds up pointing back at the Normal setting.
Step 3: Rotate the knob clockwise 3 times
Next, rotate the knob clockwise three clicks so that it’s pointing at the 3 o’clock position.
Step 4: Rotate the knob counter-clockwise 1 time
Rotate the knob counter-clockwise one click.
Step 5: Rotate the knob clockwise 1 time
Finally, rotate the knob back in the clockwise direction 1 time. All of the lights below the knob should begin flashing to let you know that you’ve entered the diagnostic mode.
Tip: If the lights don’t begin flashing, you may have turned the dial too quickly. Put the knob back to the Normal cycle and start again, making sure that you rotate the dial at a consistent, steady rate.
Step 6: Rotate the knob clockwise until Rinse is selected
Now you will need to tell the washer that you want it to reset and re-calibrate itself. Turn the knob clockwise until the Rinse cycle is selected.
Step 7: Press start to reset
Once the Rinse cycle is selected, press the Start button to begin the reset process.
What to expect
After you press the Start button, the washer will first reset itself. You will notice that the LED lights will begin to pulse to let you know that the process has started, and you should hear the lid lock turn on.
It may take your washer a few seconds to reset. After about 20 seconds, the drum will begin moving and the washer will re-calibrate itself.
The recalibration process itself could take up to several minutes. During this time, it’s normal to hear the drum move, stop, and move again. This is the machine checking to make sure everything is level and aligned properly.
When the entire reset and recalibration process is complete, the lights will stop pulsing and the lid will unlock.
Run a test cycle
The only thing left to do at this point is to try running a load of laundry and see if the issue you were having has been fixed by the reset.
It may be a good idea to run a small load of towels or other items before attempting to wash your clothes just in case the washer is still having trouble. This step isn’t necessary, but I’ve found that it can be a good way to check that the issue is fixed before trying to wash anything I care about.
How long does the reset process take?
The entire reset process should take less than 5-10 minutes. That’s good news, and it means that you can hopefully get back to your laundry in no time!
Can I reset my Maytag Bravos washer if it’s displaying an error code?
You can reset your washer even if it’s currently displaying an error code. Doing so will remove the error code and may resolve the problem that the washer was running into.
That said, I do recommend writing down the error code you see before you reset your washer. That way, you can refer back to it if you end up needing a professional to look at your washer.
Are there any risks involved in resetting my Maytag Bravos washer?
Maytag has designed the Bravos washer to reset and re-calibrate itself and there are usually no risks associated with following this process.
You will want to make sure that the drum is completely empty before you start, however, as any extra weight could throw off the recalibration process and lead to poor performance.
And of course, if you find yourself having to reset your washer frequently, it could be a sign of a more serious issue that may require a professional to repair.
What else to try
If you’ve reset and re-calibrated your washer and are still running into problems, you have a few options.
The first is try power cycling your washer, which involves unplugging it for 10-15 minutes and then plugging it back in.
Maytag also offers a 1 year warranty on new washers and a 10-year limited parts warranty that covers the motor and wash basket. Since these are the most expensive parts to replace, if your machine is less than 10 years old, it’s a good idea to reach out to Maytag.
You can contact their warranty team by phone, email, or live chat during normal business hours Mon – Fri. In some cases, they may be able to help you with additional troubleshooting steps without needing to send a technician to your home.
Patrick Ward