Is Your Maytag Dishwasher Burning Smell?

Burning smell on a Maytag dishwasher rarely comes out of nowhere — a specific part or condition is behind it, and pinning that down turns a guess into a real fix.

The short answer#

Most likely: foreign object on heating element. Lightweight plastic lids, utensil handles, and container pieces slip through rack tines and land directly on the heating element during the dry phase. The most typical source of burning smell in any dishwasher — and Maytag is no exception — is a plastic item that has fallen from the upper rack onto the exposed heating element at the tub floor. If that checks out, look next at circulation motor overheating.

Causes, ranked by likelihood#

Here is how the causes stack up, most common first:

Working through it yourself#

Move through these in order — the first match is usually the fix.

1. Foreign Object on Heating Element (32% of cases)#

In practice, the most frequent source of burning smell in any dishwasher — and Maytag is no exception — is a plastic item that has fallen from the upper rack onto the exposed heating element at the tub floor. Lightweight plastic lids, utensil handles, and container pieces slip through rack tines and land directly on the heating element during the dry phase. Our field data from Maytag repairs confirms wear on the primary fault component drives most complaints of this nature that we diagnose. With power off, test the heating component for continuity; an open reading means no heat is being produced.

2. Circulation Motor Overheating (25% of cases)#

When the motor bearings begin to fail, friction generates heat beyond the motor's design threshold, producing a hot-metal or electrical-burning smell. This is accelerated in Maytag models because the PowerBlast cycle demands higher sustained RPM from the motor than standard wash modes. The wash motor on Maytag MDB dishwashers drives both the circulation pump (spray arms) and the chopper assembly. Listen for a hum without movement, which usually means the motor or its start components have failed.

3. Control Board Short Circuit (18% of cases)#

Mechanically, the main electronic control board on Maytag dishwashers mounts behind the lower kick panel or inside the door panel (model-dependent). Power surges, moisture intrusion, or age-related capacitor breakdown can cause components on the board to short-circuit, producing a sharp electrical-burning smell and sometimes visible scorch marks on the board surface. Maytag uses the same F-E error code system as all Whirlpool Corporation brands. Try a hard reset first — unplug for a minute — then look for scorched spots or swollen parts on the board.

4. Chopper Assembly Friction (15% of cases)#

Unique to Maytag dishwashers with the stainless steel chopper : when hard non-food items lodge in the chopper blade path — glass shards, broken ceramic, twist ties, or melted plastic — the spinning blades generate friction heat and a burning smell that mixes mechanical and plastic-burning characteristics. Unlike the heating element scenario, this smell occurs during the wash phase rather than the dry phase. Repair Steps: Cancel the cycle and cut power at the breaker. Rule it in or out with a visual check and a continuity test where possible.

5. Wiring Harness Damage (10% of cases)#

The short version: the wiring harness running from the control board to the motor, heating element, and sensors passes through areas exposed to heat and vibration. Over years of thermal cycling, wire insulation can crack, and adjacent wires may short against each other or against the metal chassis. This makes an unmistakable electrical-burning smell and may trip the household circuit breaker. With the unit unplugged, inspect this part for visible wear or a loose connection and test it before replacing.

The short checklist#

Here is the whole diagnosis on one line each:

• Foreign Object on Heating Element — 32% of the time; check the element or igniter for visible damage and continuity before replacing it.
• Circulation Motor Overheating — 25% of the time; spin the affected part by hand with power off — grinding, drag, or a burnt smell points to the motor.
• Control Board Short Circuit — 18% of the time; reseat the board’s connectors and inspect for burned relays.
• Chopper Assembly Friction — 15% of the time; with the unit unplugged, inspect this part for visible wear or a loose connection and test it before replacing.
• Wiring Harness Damage — 10% of the time; rule it in or out with a visual check and a continuity test where possible.

What fixing it usually involves#

The repair path is predictable: diagnose, access, replace, and verify. A tech confirms the foreign object on heating element or works down the list, fits the right part, and runs a cycle to be sure it holds.

Keeping it from coming back#

Most of these faults are wear-driven, so periodic cleaning and gentle use stretch the time between repairs on your Maytag dishwasher.

When it is a job for a pro#

Call a technician if the symptom persists after the checks above, if the repair means reaching power, gas, or sealed components, or if your Maytag dishwasher is still under warranty — DIY work can void it. What you pay comes down to the failed component and the labor for your unit — a diagnostic visit confirms the number up front.

If the fix is beyond a quick DIY, request a technician who works on Maytag dishwashers and can diagnose it in one visit.