Choose Product
Identify Problem
03
Find Solutions

Maytag Central air conditioner won't turn on

When a Maytag central air conditioner won't turn on, start with the transformer, the most likely cause listed for this symptom. The furnace or air handler transformer supplies the 24-volt signal that passes through the thermostat to the condensing unit contactor. A failed transformer can leave the air conditioner not turning on even when the thermostat appears normal. Next, check the furnace control board, which may fail to send 24 volts to the contactor or power to the blower motor. A dead thermostat display commonly points to depleted wall thermostat batteries. Also check for an incoming power problem, including a tripped circuit breaker, blown fuse, or power switch turned off at the furnace or air handler. Less commonly, the wall thermostat or thermostat wiring may not send the cooling signal through the yellow thermostat wire. Battery replacement and basic visual checks are reasonable DIY steps. Testing 24 volts, replacing a transformer or control board, and working inside the disconnect box involve electrical hazards and should be handled by a qualified technician. Enter your Maytag model number to find the exact replacement transformer, control board, thermostat, or other part for your central air conditioner.

01 - Maytag Central Air Conditioner Transformer

The furnace control board sends a low voltage signal of 24 volts to the thermostat. When the themostat cooling contacts close, a 24 volt signal is sent to the contactor coil, closing the high voltage circuit and sending power to the condensing unit components. Some furnaces have a separate transformer for the 24 volt circuit, so if the contactor is not receiving the proper voltage when the thermostat cooling contacts are closed, it's likely this transformer has failed and the component will need to be replaced.
Enter model number to search for the required part specific to your product
Highly Likely

02 - Maytag Central Air Conditioner Control Board

If the central air condensing unit contactor is not receiving 24 volts or power is not getting to the furnace blower motor, a possible cause is a defective furnace control board. While this is not a common problem, if all other potentially faulty components are working properly, the control board should be replaced.
Highly Likely

03 - Wall Thermostat Batteries

Most wall thermostats are either powered by an enclosed battery or by the furnace or air handler transformer. If the thermostat display is dead, you can remove the thermostat cover and look for replaceable batteries. Replace the batteries if needed and check operation.
Common

04 - Incoming Power Problem

Check to see if there is power to the furnace or air handler. One or more indicator lights on the control board should be illuminated. If there is no power to the furnace or air handler, check to see if a circuit breaker has tripped or a fuse has blown. Confirm the power switch on the side of the unit is turned on.
Common

05 - Maytag Central Air Conditioner Wall Thermostat

The furnace control board sends a low voltage signal of 24 volts to the contactor through the wall thermostat. When the contactor receives the signal from the wall thermostat, it closes the circuit, sending voltage to the condensing unit components. There should be 24 volts between the common (“C”) and yellow (“Y”) thermostat wire terminals on the furnace control board when the wall thermostat is in the cooling mode. You can check for this voltage with a multimeter. If voltage is not reaching the contactor, it's likely the wall thermostat is defective and will need to be replaced.
Less Common

06 - Maytag Central Air Conditioner Wifi Thermostat

The furnace control board sends a low voltage signal of 24 volts to the contactor through the WiFi thermostat. When the contactor receives the signal from the WiFi thermostat, it closes the circuit, sending voltage to the condensing unit components. There should be 24 volts between the common (“C”) and yellow (“Y”) thermostat wire terminals on the furnace control board when the WiFi thermostat is in the cooling mode. You can check for this voltage with a multimeter. If voltage is not reaching the contactor, it's likely the WiFi thermostat is defective and will need to be replaced.
Less Common

Frequently Asked Questions

Why won't my Maytag central air conditioner turn on?
How do I know if the Maytag thermostat is not turning on the AC?
What does the transformer do when my central air conditioner will not start?
Could a Maytag central air conditioner control board be causing the AC not to turn on?
How do I find the correct Maytag central air conditioner replacement part?

Shop by Maytag Central Air Conditioner Parts