Maytag Model # MAH4000AWW Neptune Front Load Washer Problem: Door will not lock. All cycles during wash work except the spin cycle.

A class suit was filed in the State of Illinois, USA 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 led to the filing of the class suit.

The obvious symptom of a failed wax motor is the inability of the washer to advance to the spin cycle and the door lock lamp is not turned on. The washer stops momentarily at the end of the wash cycle then continue to tumble as the machine control checks the activation of the door lock switch. The control will not allow a spin speed higher than 51 revolutions per minute (RPM) unless the door lock switch is activated by the wax motor. It is a safety feature of the washer to prevent accident due to accidental opening of the washer door during a high speed spin.

Customers who purchased the Neptune Front Load Washers in the USA after April 1, 1997 and before August 9, 2004 are Class members and eligible for the repair reimbursement, replacement cost, or purchase certificate depending on the length of service of the machine. Call up Maytag at 1-888-MAYTAG (1-888-629824) for more information.

The models included in the class suit are as follows: MLE2000AYW, MLE2000AWW, MLE2000AZW, MLG2000AWW (Gas Stack Unit), MAH3000AAW, MAH3000AEW, MAH3000AGW, MAH3000AWA, MAH3000AWW, MAH3000BGW, MAH4000AWW, MAH4000BWW, MAH4000AWQ, MAH4000BWQ, MAH5500AWW, MAH5500BWW, MAH5500BWW, MAH5500BWQ, MAH55FLBWW, MAH55FLBWQ, MAH6500AWW, MAH6500AWQ, MAH7500AWW, MAH7500AWQ, MAH7550AAW, MAH7550AGW.