Maytag Atlantis washing machine (MDE8600AYW) just developed an electrical burning smell. Transmission recently replaced by Maytag. Black soot under appliance.

hi Alyson.
this is what i found on the internet.
WHAT'S CAUSING A BURNING SMELL IN YOUR WASHING MACHINE? If you notice a burning smell in your washing machine, the cause could be any number of things. Regardless, this is one smell you shouldn't ignore. It's important to quickly diagnose the problem and find the solution.
The Burning Belt Smell Many top loaders are direct drive. This means they do not use a belt. The motor is directly connected to the transmission.
In Whirlpool and Kenmore models there is a rubber coupler between the motor and transmission that takes much abuse. It's very common for the fingers or the rubber itself on the coupler to break. A clicking noise with no spin or agitation along with a slight rubber smell are symptoms of this problem.?DIY repair is possible. Older models may also have belts that can be tighted or replaced
The new Whirlpool or Maytag washer can often be fixed without calling for repair.
To work on a top load HE washer pull the empty unit away from the wall. Drape a small rug or towel over the control to minimize damage to the wall and the panel. Lean the unit against the wall and the bottom will be clearly visible. Lie on the floor and note if there are rubber pieces or shavings under the washer. The belt may be rubbing against a plastic guard attached to the motor. The solution is actually quite simple: If the belt is shredded or worn you need to replace it. You can call a repair person or, if your washer is under warranty, the manufacturer. Or, if you or someone you know is handy, you can do it yourself!
Electrical Problems If your washer smells. The first thing to do if you notice an electrical smell in your washing machine and not a rubber burning smell, is to unplug the machine and call the manufacturer or a repair person.
An electrical burning smell may also be caused by a water leak coming into contact with electrical wiring. Both are major concerns and should be addressed immediately. A water leak can cause structural damage in your home and can short out the electrical wiring in your washer and cause additional damage to the machine.

Other Causes

Another more likely cause of a burning smell in your washer is overloading. Adding too many clothes to your washing machine can stress the motor or transmission, causing them to overheat or malfunction and emit a burning smell. For top load washers, overloading can cause the agitator to freeze or malfunction, stressing the drive belt and causing friction, which could emit a burning rubber smell.
To prevent overloading, know the size of your washer. They are measured in cubic feet. In addition, know how many towels, pants, shirts, and other items you can safely load. When it doubt, do smaller loads. Not only will this prevent overstressing the machine, it will also ensure clothes are thoroughly cleaned and rinsed.
or go to this link might help you to find out more.

washing machine has smell of melted rubber and found black bits on the...

Draining problem;
About the noise. If stumbles on the wash cycle and no noise occurs, is transmission problem. If the noise is present all the time the coupler that is located between the transmission and motor needs to be replace!

It is very likely that the motor has burned out. What happens is that the water solenoid allows water to fill to a certain point where a fill sensor stops it. The program then moves on to activate the motor which will agitate the wash. So when power is supplied to the motor, it tries to start, overheats because of a break down of insulation in the windings, and you smell burning. Replace the motor.

is the smell rubber or electrical? the pump could be seizing on it and burning the belt. check this out first.

Probably the slide plates or even the rear rollers. check the felt also while you have it apart

Replace the belt.

this black soot like substance is the motor carbon brush dust. i would get the motor brushes replaced and clean off all the dust from the pulleys and also replace the belt as it has been slipping on the dust.

Sounds like the belt has burnt off. You can check this by tilting the machine back and looking under it. Sometimes the belt gets hard and just starts to slip, then it will smoke and burn off. If this is the case, Just replace the belt and this will fix it.

We had the same problem and needed a new motor.

Check to see if it is a pump problem or a transmission problem. First remove both belts see if all the pullys turn freely. if the pump has a tight feel check inside pump for a item jammed in it.look for transmission oil on floor or belts if oil is present transmmision if probably going.ALSO check at the top of the tubs for anything stuk in between tubs.