If you own a Maytag Neptune front loader washing machine you need to be aware that there is a potential failure waiting to happen. The affected models include the Neptune Stacker 2000, MAH3000, MAH4000 and the MAH5500A models.
There is a small actuator that locks the door before the spin cycle located in the door latch assembly. This actuator is called a wax motor, Maytag part # 12002535 is the redesigned part. It works by heating a ball of wax up which causes the actuator pin to push out and lock the door. It takes around 45 seconds to extend so it is rather slow compared to a typical electromechanical solenoid. The older wax motors have a brown actuator pin while the newer version has a black actuator pin.
The wax motor failure is caused by moisture penetrating the wax motor (older design) over time, which causes the electrical resistance to drop to such a value that the small Q6 triac located on the upper control board overheats and shorts out internally. The triac is essentially an electronic switch that is controlled by a low control voltage, which is provided ultimately by the processor U1. The R11 overheats because the failed Q6 is allowing 120 volts on the triac's center control pin. When this happens, R11 burns and opens up electrically. Sometimes Q6 still looks normal and other times the plastic case ruptures after the failure. However, a burnt R11 is the telltale sign that you have had this failure and the Neptune washer should be left off to prevent further damage to your upper control board.
To inspect your control board you need to do the following:
1. Unplug your Neptune's power cord.
2. Remove three Philips screws along top of washer console.
3. Pull top of control console towards you while pushing bottom of console away from you.
4. Control board is located behind timer assembly on back panel.
5. Inspect the R11 resistor located near the left control board mounting screw.
If your R11 is burnt, you have two options. The first is to repair the control board and the second option is to replace the control board. To repair your control board you will need a 25-watt pencil type soldering iron, solder, diagonal cutters, needle nose pliers, replacement Q6 and R11 components. Whether you repair or replace control board I would not power up machine until the new wax motor is installed or you risk damaging your repaired or new control board again.
If you have not experienced the No-Spin problem consider yourself lucky because you are now aware of the issue and can replace the wax motor before you have a failure. You need to inspect your door lock wax motor and make sure you don't have the older style with the brown actuator pin. Note: If you identify that you have the older brown pin wax motor you need to replace it a.s.a.p. so you don't experience the R11/Q6 failure. I would not use machine until the original wax motor is replaced. Look for a second article from me on how to inspect/replace the wax motor.
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Hear the funny Neptune Help Song at www.neptunehelpsong.com which explains the faulty door latch wax motor issue.
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