Maytag Washer F8 E1 Code: Meaning & Fixes
- Meaning
- Long fill: the washer is taking too long to fill and isn't detecting the right amount of incoming water.
- Can I fix it?
- Yes, usually a DIY fix
- Also shown as
- LF, Lo FL, F8E1
- Seen on
- Maytag top-load and front-load washers with electronic controls. Some show LF or Lo FL instead of F8 E1.
LF, F8 E1 or Lo FL on a Maytag washer means long fill: the washer isn’t getting enough water fast enough. Check that both the hot and cold valves are fully open and both inlet hoses are connected. Then check the hoses for kinks, the inlet screens for debris and the drain hose depth in the standpipe.
Try this first
- Open both the hot and cold water valves behind the washer all the way. Both hoses must be connected.
- Straighten any kinks in the inlet hoses.
- Clean the inlet screens where the hoses connect to the washer.
- Check that the drain hose goes no more than 4.5 inches into the standpipe and that the standpipe is at least 39 inches high.
- Remove any anti-flood device on the supply line, since it can cut water pressure.
What causes F8 E1
| Cause | What you notice | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Water valve closed or one hose disconnected | LF early in the fill | Both valves fully open, both hoses on |
| Kinked or clogged inlet hose | Weak water flow into the drum | Run each hose into a sink and look at the flow |
| Clogged inlet screens | Slow fill even with the valves open | Screens on the back of the washer's inlet valve |
| Drain hose too deep or standpipe too low | Water siphons out while the washer fills | No more than 4.5 inches in; standpipe at least 39 inches |
| Low water pressure from an anti-flood device | Fill is slow on every cycle | Connect the hoses straight to the supply |
Fix it step by step
Tap a step number to tick it off as you go. Ticks stay on this device.
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Let the drain routine finish
When F8 E1 or LF shows, the lid or door may lock and the control may stop responding. Press Power: the washer runs a drain routine for about 8 to 10 minutes and ignores the buttons. Wait 10 minutes before you do anything else.
-
Check the water supply
Turn both the hot and cold valves fully on. Check that the red hose goes to the hot valve and the blue hose to the cold valve.
-
Check the inlet hoses and screens
Unplug the washer and shut off both valves. Remove the hoses with pliers and put the ends in a bucket. Run water through each hose at a sink and replace any that flow poorly. Clean the screens on the back of the inlet valve with an old toothbrush, mild soap and water, without removing them.
Safety: Unplug the washer before you pull it out or disconnect hoses. Water and mains power don't mix.
-
Check the drain hose
Use the U-shaped hose form, put no more than 4.5 inches of hose into the standpipe and don't seal the opening with tape. The top of the standpipe should be at least 39 inches above the floor, or water siphons out during the fill.
-
Run a test cycle
Reconnect the hoses, open both valves, plug the washer in and start a short cycle. Watch that water flows in steadily.
When to call a technician
If both valves are open, the hoses and screens are clear, the drain hose is set up correctly and LF still comes back, the water inlet valve or the water level sensing may be at fault. Contact Maytag service or a technician.
Questions people ask
What does LF mean on a Maytag washer?
LF stands for long fill. Maytag lists F8 E1 and Lo FL as the same alert: the washer is taking too long to fill with water.
Why is my Maytag washer locked with LF on the display?
When it can't detect enough incoming water, the washer locks the lid or door and runs a pump-out routine of about 8 to 10 minutes. Wait for it to finish, then check the water supply.
Can the drain hose cause a long fill code?
Yes. If the hose goes too deep into the standpipe or the standpipe is lower than 39 inches, water siphons out as fast as it comes in, so the washer never reaches its fill level.