F8E1 Moderate Moderate DIY

Maytag Microwave F8E1 — Sensor Open / Defective

Maytag Microwave · Error code F8E1

What F8E1 Means

A temperature or moisture sensor input to the control is reading open-circuit or out of expected range.

Symptoms

  • F8E1 appears at startup or during sensor cycles
  • Sensor cooking unavailable
  • Cycle aborts

Common Causes

1
Open temperature sensor (thermistor)

Thermistor wire broken or sensor element failed.

2
Disconnected sensor harness

Connector at sensor or control board unseated.

3
Damaged sensor cable

Wire chafed or cut from heat or grease exposure.

4
Failed control board

Sensor input circuit on the ACU has failed.

How to Fix It

  1. Unplug the microwave for 5 minutes.
  2. Access the sensor area (typically in the vent or cavity ceiling).
  3. Inspect and reseat the sensor harness at both the sensor and the control board.
  4. Measure thermistor resistance with a multimeter at room temperature; compare to tech sheet.
  5. Replace the sensor if reading is open or far out of spec.
  6. If sensor checks good, replace the main control board.

Parts You May Need

If diagnosis points to a failed part, these are the common replacements. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

Common replacement Maytag microwave sensor (thermistor/humidity) View on Amazon→

More Maytag Microwave Codes

door 'door' — Door Not Closed / Open Reminder F1E1 F1E1 — Main Control Board Failure F1E2 F1E2 — ACU EEPROM / Memory Error F2E1 F2E1 — Stuck Key on Keypad F2E2 F2E2 — User Interface Mismatch F3E1 F3E1 — Humidity Sensor Failure

All Maytag codes → All microwave codes →

Verified against manufacturer documentation: maytag.com

Always unplug an appliance before servicing it. This guide is for informational purposes and is not a substitute for a qualified technician.