Maytag Neptune 3000 won't complete final spin...

[dustin92]

I recently took in a Maytag Neptune 3000 in on trade, and the previous owner said it ran through the cycle fine, but would not go into the final spin. I tested it and it makes an attempt to balance, but never gets to full speed. It just repeatedly distributes, then gives up and starts over. The door is locking, although it seems to take a long time to lock/unlock (compared to our 5500). The machine is in ok condition, although it has seen better days. Not wanting to put a lot into it, but figured I'd post here and see if it could be a simple or inexpensive fix. Otherwise, I'll save what parts I can use on our 5500 and send the rest to the scrap yard.

 

[iowabear]

My newer Neptune (6500) exhibited the same behavior and eventually would give up and display a "LR" code.  I researched the problem and it was most commonly fixed by replacing the motor control board.

 

So I took a chance and just bought a used one from ebay for something like $60 or $70.  Super easy repair (just swapped the boards) and it solved the problem.

 

There are a lot of revisions to these boards, you have to make sure you get one that is right for your machine. 

 

[DADoES]

 
There are two microswitches in the door lock mechanism.  One confirms the door is closed (and operates the interior light), the other confirms the lock is engaged.  It won't go into full-spin unless both switches are triggered.  The door locks/unlocks slower because it operates via a wax motor instead of a solenoid.  A common failure is the wax motor goes bad (doesn't lock) and blows a triac(?) on the cycle controller board in the console.  A fellow online offers a DIY kit which includes an updated-style wax motor, a replacement triac, and instructions.  Any 3000/4000 model still with the original-style wax motor should have it replaced ASAP with the updated wax motor (which is less-prone to the problem) before the problem occurs.

Since you say the door does lock, maybe the associated microswitch is bad?

5500/6500/7500 use a solenoid-operated door lock instead of the wax motor and aren't subject to the wax motor issue ... although other door-lock related problems can occur.  I'm not sure when the change to solenoid-lock occurred, maybe some 4000s had it toward end of their production.

 

[dustin92]

So, it sat for a while and I decided to have a look at it (because I need a decent set to give a friend) and it turns out the wax motor has been replaced at some point (and seems to be defective) It starts moving to the right when the cycle is started, appears to contact the first switch, and appeared to contact (or nearly contact) the second switch, but it didn't make an effort to spin until I manually depressed the switches with a screwdriver. Then it took off and spun no problem. Assuming I just need to order a new wax motor and install it? The one it currently has is a black tipped one, so from what I can see it has been replaced. The other thing I noticed is the motor sounds different (and louder) than our 5500, whether it should or not I don't know. Any advice?

 

[combo52]

Non Spinning MT Neptune

You can add a thin plastic shim so the plunger will depress the 2nd [ spin enable switch ] have done this many times with a piece of plastic about the thickness of a credit card.

 

John L.

 

[dustin92]

I'm now wondering if maybe the door was just out of alignment.. I tried it today and with no modification or input on my part it worked perfectly twice. I'm going tp start cleaning it up and run a few loads through to see where we are at.

 

[dustin92]

Well, still an easy fix but not what I thought! I was thinking the problem was the wax motor or one of the related switches. Turns out to be the out of balance switch... I had tried to wash a load of rags in it and it 100% refused to spin. I tested all the door related switches, and all were fine, and being actuated at the proper time. I then started checking the tub displacement switches, both of those were fine. The out of balance sensor/switch tested as open, even when depressed. Bypassed it, and with an empty drum, it spun just fine. So will be ordering one of those soon! The washer seems to be cleaning up pretty well, aside from a bit of rust around the dispenser opening.

 

[whatsername]

Nice! Sounds like a simple and cost effective fix