Maytag Washing Machine Error OL: Overloaded

1. SAFETY: Disconnect power before inspecting this appliance.
2. Open the lid and remove roughly one-third of the load.
3. As a rule of thumb, the drum should be no more than three-quarters full with dry laundry — items need room to tumble.
4. Set the removed items aside to wash in a second load.
5. Close the lid and restart the cycle.

Error OL on your Maytag washing machine means: The washer has detected that the drum is carrying more weight than it is rated for. An overloaded drum cannot agitate or spin properly, leading to poor cleaning and potential motor damage. The cycle will not proceed until items are removed. The washer's self-diagnostic system has detected this condition and paused the current cycle.

The most frequent cause is too many items placed in the drum — drum capacity exceeded. Work through the causes and fix steps below in order — most Maytag washer errors are resolved without a service call.

Error OL is DIY-safe. No tools are required and the fix typically takes under 15 minutes. Follow all steps in sequence.

As a practical guide, load the drum no more than three-quarters full with dry laundry. Items need room to tumble and circulate through the water — a packed drum cleans poorly and accelerates wear on the motor and drum bearings.

• Too many items placed in the drum — drum capacity exceeded
• Single very heavy item (wet comforter, rugs) exceeding the machine's weight limit

• Do not force items down into an already-full drum to fit more in — overloading is one of the most common causes of early bearing failure

OL appears with a clearly undersized load — possible load-sensing fault or control board issue

• Load the washer with the drum three-quarters full at most — a correct load size improves cleaning performance and extends the life of the motor and drum bearings