Maytag · Washing Machine

F06

Drive Motor Tachometer Error

Severity

High

Your Maytag Washing Machine stopped working and is showing error F06, which corresponds to a fault called "Drive Motor Tachometer Error". This is one of the most searched error codes for this appliance — you are not alone, and there is a clear fix.

Owner's Summary

The speed sensor on your Maytag washer's motor is not giving a reading, so the control board cannot confirm the drum is spinning. A broken drive belt is the cheapest and most common cause — it's a $15 part.

Symptoms

Maytag washer not spinning, makes noise but drum still, F06 displayed

Common Causes

Broken drive belt
Worn motor brushes (brush motor models)
Faulty motor speed sensor
Defective motor control board
Damaged motor windings

How to Fix

1 Inspect drive belt — replace if broken or glazed
2 Check motor carbon brushes and replace if worn below 1/4 inch
3 Test motor speed sensor/tachometer resistance
4 Replace motor control board if sensor tests good
5 Replace motor if windings are open

Tools You'll Need

Multimeter Replacement Belt Flashlight

Most of these fixes need only basic hand tools. If your repair requires opening electrical housings or testing live components, a multimeter and basic electrical safety knowledge are essential — when in doubt, call a technician.

Technical Explanation

The CCU reads tachometer pulses from the motor speed sensor to calculate actual RPM. F06 is triggered when zero or erratic pulse counts are received during a spin command — indicating motor stall, belt failure, or a broken tachometer. The CCU cuts motor power to prevent overheating.

Is It Safe to Keep Using?

Avoid running the machine with F06 — a stalled motor with power applied will overheat the motor windings within minutes.

Technician's Pro Tip

On Maytag top-load washers, a broken drive belt is diagnosed in 30 seconds: remove the back panel, look for a belt on the floor of the cabinet or hanging loose around the motor pulley. If the belt is broken, replacement takes 15 minutes.

Related Codes

E2 — Samsung Washing Machine

Water Supply Error

High

4E — Samsung Washing Machine

No Water Supply Detected

High

5E — Samsung Washing Machine

Drain Error — Water Not Draining

High

Frequently Asked Questions

What does error code F06 mean on a Maytag Washing Machine?

Code F06 on a Maytag Washing Machine indicates "Drive Motor Tachometer Error." In practice, the most common trigger is broken drive belt. Severity is rated high, and typical repair costs range from $15 to $280.

Can I fix F06 myself, or do I need a technician?

Many cases of F06 can be resolved without a technician. The first step to try: inspect drive belt — replace if broken or glazed. If that doesn't clear the code, work through the remaining steps in the "How to Fix" section above before assuming a part needs replacing.

Is it safe to keep using my washing machine with code F06 showing?

Avoid running the machine with F06 — a stalled motor with power applied will overheat the motor windings within minutes.

How much does it cost to repair F06 on a Maytag Washing Machine?

Repair costs for code F06 typically range from $15 to $280. Drive belt: $15–$30; Motor brushes: $15–$35; MCU: $80–$280. Costs on the low end usually reflect a DIY fix with no parts required, while the high end reflects a part replacement plus professional labor.

Estimated Repair Cost USD

$15 – $280

Drive belt: $15–$30; Motor brushes: $15–$35; MCU: $80–$280