Manual Door Unlocking of Maytag Neptune Front Load Washers

Maytag Neptune Front-Load Washers are equipped with emergency access cord that can be used to unlock the door when the door lock mechanism fails to unlock it after a wash load is done. The emergency access cord is located under the top cover and can be accessed through the dispenser bezel. Make sure that power to the machine is disconnected prior to servicing to avoid the risk of electric shock.

Remove the four screws securing the dispenser bezel to the top cover then lift the bezel off to access the emergency access cord. Carefully pull the emergency access cord steadily then open the washer door.

The pulling of the emergency access cord overrides the wax motor and the sliding gear is pulled from right to left away from engagement with the rotating gear. It allows the rotating gear to release the wire loop of the door.

The failure of the door lock mechanism to unlock the door is due to a failed wax motor in the extended position. This requires the wax motor to be replaced. Access to the door lock mechanism for the wax motor replacement requires the removal of the front panel and lifting the top cover. Click here for the detailed front panel and top cover removal procedure.