Maytag Dryer Error Code F27 — What It Means & How to Fix It

What Does This Error Mean?

F27 means your Maytag dryer's control board detected that the drum motor slowed below its minimum expected speed during a cycle. The dryer stops to prevent damage from the motor straining under excessive load. An overloaded drum, a worn drive belt, or a failing motor are the most common causes.

Affected Models

Maytag MEDB835DW
Maytag MEDC215EW
Maytag MED5500FW
Maytag Bravos Dryer

Common Causes

Drum is overloaded — too much laundry is creating more resistance than the motor can overcome
Drive belt is worn, glazed, or slipping on the drum, reducing effective drum speed
Idler pulley is worn or seized, increasing belt tension and resistance on the motor
Drive motor is worn and losing torque — unable to maintain minimum speed under load
Drum glides or felt seals are worn and dragging on the drum

How to Fix It

Reduce the load size — remove one-third to one-half of the items and try the cycle again.

F27 most often appears when the drum is packed too full. A single wet towel or denim item can be surprisingly heavy and strain the motor.
If F27 appears on a normally-sized load, open the dryer door and turn the drum by hand.

The drum should spin freely with moderate hand pressure. If it feels stiff, grinds, or catches, the belt, idler pulley, or drum glides need inspection.
Unplug the dryer and listen when you try a cycle — if you hear a squealing or grinding sound before F27 appears, a worn belt or idler pulley is the cause.

A squeal usually indicates the idler pulley bearing is dry. A slapping or thumping indicates a worn or broken belt.
Have a technician inspect the drive belt, idler pulley, and drum glides if the drum does not spin freely or if sounds indicate mechanical wear.

These are accessible by removing the front or rear panel of the dryer. The belt and idler pulley are inexpensive parts.
If the belt and pulleys are fine but F27 persists on normal loads, the motor may be losing torque and need replacement.

Motor replacement is the most expensive repair in this chain — confirm simpler causes first.

When to Call a Professional

If reducing the load size does not resolve F27, the drive belt, idler pulley, and drum glides should be inspected. A technician can identify whether the mechanical resistance is coming from a worn belt or a failing motor before recommending parts.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between F27 and F06?

F06 means the motor speed sensor (tachometer) is not reading correctly — a sensor or wiring fault. F27 means the motor speed has genuinely dropped below minimum — a mechanical fault. The drum may be physically hard to turn.

Can an overloaded drum cause F27?

Yes. This is the most common cause. A drum packed too full creates more mechanical resistance than the motor can handle at normal operating speed. Remove some items and try again before investigating the motor or belt.

How much does a drive belt replacement cost?

A replacement drive belt for a Maytag dryer typically costs $10 to $30 for the part. With technician labor, the total repair usually runs $100 to $200.