Written by
Tessa Brandt Appliance Care EditorPublished October 29, 2026
VERIFIED
Error codeoL
ApplianceWasher
oL is an overload report from a top load Maytag washer: more laundry went in than the tub should hold. The washer reacts by draining off whatever water and detergent it had taken on.
Restarting after oL
Take several items out of the tub.
Put in HE detergent.
Shut the lid, then press START/PAUSE.
When the load is still lopsided
End the cycle with Start, or pull the power cord.
If water remains, run drain only.
Move or remove items until the load sits level. The Bulky or Heavy Duty cycle may suit what is left.
While the cycle can still be paused: Start, lift the lid, shrink the load, Start again.
Related codes
F0 E3: overload, the load exceeds capacity or the basket cannot turn.
When oL appears again with a clearly smaller load, book a technician on (415) 649-2156. Our Maytag washer repair work reaches San Francisco households and neighbouring Bay Area towns; mention the model number and how much was in the drum.
Model compatibility: Maytag reuses codes across series and model years, so oL may mean something different on another appliance or generation. Confirm this against your model’s documentation and record your full model number before acting.
Plain language
What this code means
oL indicates that a top load washer has been overloaded.
Important safety warning. Do not attempt repairs involving electrical components, gas, water lines, refrigerant or sealed systems. Unplug the appliance if it is safe to reach the outlet, and leave internal diagnostics to a qualified technician.
Seeing this code on your Maytag appliance?
Book a specialist visit for a clear estimate and approval before any repair.
You submit a request with your appliance model and symptom, we confirm an appointment window, and a technician performs an on-site diagnosis. You then receive a clear estimate and decide whether to proceed before any repair begins.
Yes. We provide an upfront estimate after diagnosis. No parts are ordered or installed until you approve the work, so there are no surprise charges.
Replacement parts are selected for the exact model and confirmed with you before ordering or installation.
Service areas are listed on the Locations page. Contact us with your ZIP code to confirm current coverage for your address.
Ready to get your Maytag appliance working again?
Book a repair online or call us — clear estimates and approval before any repair work begins.
