A class suit was filed and then later on won against Maytag in 2004 due to the high failure rate of the wax motor used in the door lock mechanism of their Neptune Front Load Washers. The wax motor is used to activate the door lock switch by extending its shaft when a voltage from the machine control is applied across its terminals. Its failure then leads to the breaking down of components in the expensive machine control board. This is the fact that angered the customers which lead to the filing of the class suit.

Many of the (early) Maytag Neptune washers had more than their share of problems. So much so, a class action suit was brought against Maytag; and they paid for repairs, replaced washers or provided credits toward new washers. Many of the problems were tied to the control board and "wax motor" door latch mechanism. Maytag charged $300 - $400 and up to replace the entire control board - when the parts on the board can be easily replaced for several dollars.

Anyway, you didn't include the nature of the problem you're having, so it's hard to provide any direction. It is normal for the board to become darker near resistors - but not burnt. Most problems are burnt resistors, triac and transistors - and of course, in my case - the "wax motor" that was responsible for the whole problem in the first place. It reported that the door wasn't locked - so high speed spin never took place. Clothes were wet and took a long time to dry as a result.

Provide as much detail as you can for the best answers. What does it do? what doesn't it do? strange noises? Has it slowly been getting worse? Does it smell? Do you use regular or HD detergent? I know some questions sound crazy - but knowing the answers to them does help!

Your washer uses a wax motor door latch assembly with a high failure rate that led to the filing of class suit against Maytag in 2004. The failure of the wax motor results in a no spin problem.

Verify first if the door lock light is on. If not, the wax motor failed and resistor R11 and transistor Q6 on the machine control board also failed. Replace the wax motor and R11 and Q6.

Most technicians will advise you to replace the machine control board and not just the wax motor. But replacing them is not a difficult task. You just need to know how to solder and desolder.

When you opt to ask a technician to repair your machine, insist that only the wax motor, R11 and Q6 must be replaced, not the entire control board. The service will cost you about $300.

Do not hesitate to inform me if you want to do the repair yourself for the complete disassembly and repair procedure.