# How to Fix Maytag Washing Machine Error F42 (Heater Relay)
The F42 error code on a Maytag washing machine indicates a critical safety fault related to the heating system. This guide will help you understand the error and walk you through the troubleshooting steps.
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## 1. Explanation: What Does Error F42 Mean?
In plain language, the Maytag F42 error means the machine’s Main Control Board (or MCU) has detected that the **Heater Relay is faulty, stuck ON, or shorted.**
The heater relay is essentially a switch on the control board that sends power to the heating element inside the tub. When this relay fails, the machine cannot safely manage the hot water cycle.
### The Likely Culprit
While the heater element itself (E01 code) can sometimes cause issues, the F42 code specifically points to a malfunction of the control component responsible for switching the element on or off.
**The likely component requiring replacement is the Main Control Board (sometimes called the PCB or CCU).**
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## 2. Step-by-Step Fix: How to Diagnose the F42 Error
Before ordering parts, always attempt a simple reset. If the error immediately returns after the reset, proceed to component inspection.
### Step 1: Power Cycle (The Hard Reset)
Since the control board often simply needs a quick reboot to clear a transient fault, try a hard reset first.
1. **Unplug the machine** from the electrical outlet.
2. Wait a minimum of **5 minutes** (this allows the control board to completely discharge any residual power).
3. Plug the machine back in and attempt to run a short cycle.
If the F42 error reappears, move to Step 2.
### Step 2: Access the Control Board and Heating Element
**Safety First:** Always unplug the washer before opening the cabinet or accessing any internal components. Water and electricity are hazardous.
Depending on your model, the main control board is usually located either on the back of the washer or underneath the top console. The heating element is typically located near the bottom of the tub.
### Step 3: Check Wiring and Connectors
Visually inspect the wire harness connecting the Main Control Board to the heating element circuit.
* Look for burnt wires, especially near the relay terminals on the main board.
* Ensure all plastic connectors are firmly seated on the Main Control Board and the heating element terminals. Loose connections can sometimes mimic a relay fault.
### Step 4: Confirm Heating Element Integrity (Optional, but Recommended)
While F42 is a relay code, a completely shorted heating element can sometimes overload and damage the relay on the control board.
1. Disconnect the wires leading to the heating element.
2. Using a multimeter set to Ohms ($Omega$), place the probes across the two terminals of the heating element.
3. **Reading Check:** A healthy heating element should typically read between **10 to 30 ohms**.
4. **Fault Check:** If the element shows an **open circuit (O.L. or infinite resistance)**, the element is bad and needs replacement. If it reads **0 ohms (a dead short)**, the element is shorted.
> **Note:** If the heating element tests healthy, the fault definitively lies with the switching component (the relay) on the Main Control Board.
### Step 5: Replace the Main Control Board
Since the relay that governs the F42 error is soldered directly onto the Main Control Board, the simplest and most reliable solution for this specific fault is to replace the entire board.
1. Carefully photograph the existing board’s wiring setup before disconnecting anything.
2. Disconnect the wire harnesses and any retaining clips holding the old board in place.
3. Install the new Main Control Board.
4. Plug in the machine and test for the F42 error.
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**Check the price for a replacement Main Control Board here: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Maytag+Main Control Board&tag=trivian-20**