What E11 or E12 Means
Maytag attributes E11 to the gas sensor reporting a problem to the control board, and E12 directly to a problem with the gas sensor or the associated wiring. The gas sensor is part of the sensor cooking system, which detects what is coming off the food to judge when it is done.
Common Causes of E11 or E12
- Transient fault cleared by a power reset
- Sensor contaminated by cooking vapour
- Sensor wiring connector loose
- Gas sensor failed
🔧 One Safe Check You Can Try
Switch the microwave off at its circuit breaker for one minute, restore power, and then run a short heating test with a cup of water to verify operation, which is the check Maytag asks for. The microwave will usually still heat on manual time and power settings even with this code, so a practical test is to run one minute on a cup of water and see whether it warms. Avoid sensor-based cooking functions until it is fixed, since those depend on the very sensor that has reported a fault, and they will either refuse to run or judge the food badly.
⚠ Why You Shouldn't Go Further Than That
- A microwave oven holds a high voltage capacitor that can retain a dangerous charge long after the appliance is unplugged, so the cabinet is never opened at home under any circumstances.
- An over-the-range unit is also mounted above a cooking surface at head height and is heavy enough to need two people and a support to remove safely.
Opening a panel to inspect or repair something yourself doesn't automatically cancel your manufacturer's warranty — but it can risk accidental damage, and some manufacturers do have specific service conditions. Check your product's warranty terms, or ask us, before deciding.