Maytag Dryer F31 Error: Motor tachometer fault
What Does Maytag Dryer Error Code F31 Mean? F31 indicates a motor tachometer fault on Maytag Bravos XL and Centennial dryers. The tachometer is a speed-sensing component built into the drive motor — it produces a pulse signal proportional to motor RPM. The control board on MEDB and MEDX series dryers uses this signal to […]
Quick Assessment
Answer to continue safely
Is it safe to keep using?
No. F31 indicates a motor or speed sensor fault. Operating the dryer risks burning out the motor if it is stalling under load.
Can I reset the code?
No. F31 caused by a failed motor or tachometer requires physical repair. A hard reset may clear a transient fault but will not resolve a hardware failure.
When to stop immediately?
Stop if you notice: Motor hums without drum rotating at startup, Burning smell from the dryer at motor location.
Symptoms You May Notice
Dryer will not start or stops immediately after start
The motor may attempt to spin then stop, or the cycle simply fails to begin. F31 appears because the board cannot confirm motor rotation within the startup sequence.
Loud hum at startup followed by F31
The motor attempts to start, hums under load without rotating, and the board detects no tach signal and shuts down with F31.
F31 appears after F30 (drum jam) history
A previous drum jam event may have overloaded the motor and damaged the tachometer winding or the hall sensor that generates the speed signal.
Motor briefly hums then stops
A short motor hum is audible when Start is pressed, but the drum does not rotate.
Possible Causes
Failed motor tachometer (speed sensor)
The motor's built-in tachometer winding or hall-effect speed sensor has failed, producing no signal or an out-of-range signal. This is the most common cause of F31 on Maytag Bravos models.
Requires ProfessionalMechanical motor failure
The motor itself has seized due to a burned winding or failed bearing. The tachometer generates no signal because the motor is not rotating.
Requires ProfessionalWiring harness fault between motor and control board
The tach signal wire has broken or the connector has pulled free, preventing the speed signal from reaching the CCU.
Requires ProfessionalSafe Checks You Can Do
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1
Hard reset and listen at startup
Unplug the dryer for 5 minutes, restore power, and press Start. Listen carefully: if the motor hums without the drum rotating, the motor is seized or overloaded — stop immediately. If the dryer starts and runs briefly before F31 appears, the tachometer is failing intermittently.
A motor that hums without rotating is drawing high current. Do not allow this to continue for more than 1–2 seconds to avoid burning the motor windings.
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2
Check for drum obstruction before motor diagnosis
Rotate the drum by hand with the door open. The drum should turn with light, smooth resistance. Heavy resistance indicates a mechanical load on the motor that may have caused the tach fault. Clear any obstruction and re-test before assuming motor failure.
On Maytag Bravos XL models, a seized idler pulley can also overload the motor and trigger F31 — the pulley requires internal access to inspect.
When to Call a Professional
Contact a qualified technician if:
- Motor resistance and tachometer testing with a multimeter
- Motor replacement on Maytag Bravos XL / MEDB platforms
- Tach harness inspection and repair or replacement
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