Hi all,

I have a Maytag Neptune and entered the class action settlement last year due to the repairs I had on the machine. (fortunately it is now working fine, I've had it about 5 years. I also have my Frigidaire 1 - 18 for fun, and if something happens to the Neptune....lol...I won't repair it again, that's for sure.) I finally got my settlement coupon from Maytag this week, it's good for over $300 toward another Maytag product. I would have preferred the cash, but at least I got something. I have no need for any new appliances at this point, but my niece is getting married next year, hope to put it toward a new washer for them. Just hope I can find a Dependable Care model or maybe WhirlTag will have a good model available!

Rich

I have the first generation Neptune MAH3000 its going on 7 years old and I've never had a problem with it! Not even when I let it sit closed for several months while I use my 1950's machines.
It has always cleaned well and the only thing I ever had to replace was the lightbulb.

I love it!

Funny how some machines can go on and on and others from the same assembly line fall apart in months. What did they do between your 4000 and my 3000?

I too have the matching Maytag Neptune Washer/Dryer set purchased in 1997 and have never had any problems either. They wash and dry beautifully. I bought a switch at the 'big box' improvment warehouse, and simply turn the switch off so the light in the washer does not stay on. This way, I can leave the washer door open so it can dry and not build up mildew on the rubber gasket.

I have the MAH 4000 AWW. I just checked the date of purchase, I bought it in June of 99, so it is now about 6 1/2 years old. It washes great and I've never had any mildew problems. My issues were with the control boards and main motor, all of which have been replaced. The coupon that I received was for the first repair, which was for replacing the Machine Board in May of 03. It then worked fine until I had an additional issue last year when the machine started belching smoke....but I complained so much to Maytag that they fixed it all for free. The tech who came could not believe that Maytag agreed to make the repair for free, ended up replacing the other board and the entire motor assembly and told me it would have cost over $600 just for that service call. So, this machine has about $1000 sunk into repair costs, which was more than it's original purchase price! I originally paid $769 at Sears.

It's too bad that Maytag has had these problems, I have owned a total of 3 Maytag washers, 2 dryers, 2 dishwashers and 1 range over the last 30 years, have not had any problems or repairs except with this one appliance. (actually I lied, I replaced 2 belts myself over the years....lol)

Rich

I too have a neptune fl washer and it has had a few repaires but has been fairly trouble free. We ded have a couple of problems at first like the motor not wanting to acchive max.
spin but it was under warrenty and Maytag replaced it free of charge and a few miner things but that was just us getting used to a front loader. So far though it has been trouble free. We purchased them in 1999, so have had them about 5 years, but I would like to buy the new Frigidaire front load washer 3.5 cu ft drum as I feel that Frigidaire will wash better and holds more than our 2.9 Neptune. The reason that I would like to go with Frigidaire is the simple fact that they have a partner that has made front loaders for years and know how to build them that being Westinghouse or White-Westinghouse some of the best washers built in America. Maytag should have consulted with White-Westinghouse befor they made the Neptune front loaders.

I too USED to have the MAH3000 AWW. I purchsed it in 1998 in Tampa Florida, from Sears. The machine was so full of trouble, from a stalled motor, tub bearing, and for some reason a lot of rust in the 1st 6 months, Maytag replaced it with an MAH4000AWW. I did keep the dryer, forget the model but was 3000, and gas. Very nice dryer. I would unplug it to leave the door open so the light would go off. I also dried the gasket and surroundings with a towel after I was done with the machine.

Sold them with that home in 2000, before being transferred to Pensacola. Just recently, the owner of the home knew/knows about my appliances etc. and called me.

Wanted to know if I knew what a particular noise was. He ran it for me to hear while on the phone. Easy guess for me! TUB BEARING again. $200.00 for the parts, $200.00 for labor. He did have it repaired!

Friend down the street liked mine so much, he bought the MAH4000 AWW and the gas dryer. Talked to him yesterday (in Tampa), never a hickup at all. They are perfect machines.

I loved those machines when I first laid eyes on them. Now that time has passed, the whole story with Maytag, and what will end up being, I am in search of another set. LOL!

Steve

Isn't is strange that I posted the other day that I have had NO problems with my Maytag Neptune...and today went to take a load out and they were 'dripping wet'. The machine will not spin, and, it seems the locked light will not illuminate. Maybe something with the locking mechanism. Waiting for the repair call.

Gary

I just bought a house that came with a set of Neptunes (see photo). The washer seems wierd to me. As I am taking clothes out to put into the dryer, if the drum spins, you can hear tons of water inside. Is this normal? Also, why the yucky musty smell if you leave the door shut (do doubt from the water inside but still WHY??)? They are in the breezeway going to the garage and it's not a convenient place to leave the door open.
Any insight for me?

What you hear is a liquid-filled balance ring. It is not residual wash/rinse water, and is not a source of mildew or musty odor. Your machine may have mildew and an odor, but it's not from the water you hear.

Yeah, fate would have it that right after I posted NO PROBLEM what-so-ever with my Maytag Neptune, the circuit board and wax motor had to be replaced today.....$273 for parts, $69 Service call, and $20.52 tax. Total damage today....$362.52. Would you have gone with the repairs(since the machine is in excellent shape), or, junked it and got something else? I have had this washer since August 1997 and really do love it.
The damage has been done now, but just wanted some 'justification' feedbacks.

Happy Pre-Thanksgiving to all~!

Gary

Gary,

Sorry to hear about your expensive repair...and it's too late to get in on the settlement. Well you had to have it fixed, so what else could you do. Maybe you can call Maytag and see if they will do anything for you. I hope it's the last major repair for you. Like you, I have been very happy with my Neptune, unfortunately have been disappointed with the repairs. I think that if I have another problem, that I would not do any further repairs.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Rich

Rich,

I will call Maytag in the morning to see if they can do anything. On a positive note, I posted a while back that my KA Superba DW(KUDS220T4) was having an issue with the pre-wash compartment door not opening or closing. While the repairman was there to fix my Neptune, I asked if he would look at the KA dishwasher........To my surprise, it was a very simple fix. Seems the mechanism was 'gummed up' with detergent. He took off the front panel, cleaned the detergent residue and put it back together. Now my DW is in perfect working condition. Guess that was part of the $300+ repair for the Maytag.


They say things come in threes........Lost my beloved Beijing on Nov 5th, now the Neptune....what could be next??????

Gary

Hi! sikiguya, I would certainly contact a Maytag Service Shop and give them the Model and Serial Number of your Neptune Washer and ask them if they can let you know if that particular Washer had gotten involved with the Retro-Fit Parts, to supposedly help in preventing the Mold/Mildew Smells. If they say it hadn't, I would certainly think and hope that the Maytag Dealer's Service Shop would work with you, after all of the older Units, as with mine that did have that done to them, without costing the Consumer anything "Out-Of-Pocket" it shouldn't cost you anything either.

I would explain that you bought the house, with the Washer and Dryer {if you have the matching dryer} and didn't know due to this situation before, about the Mold/Mildew and the Retro-Fit Repair that Maytag was making at their expense to the Washers for the Consumers.

Good Luck, please let us know what you find out and what Maytag will do to help you with this situation.

Peace and Happy Neptune Washing, Steve
SactoTeddyBear...

Just called Maytag and was told there is NOTHING they could do about my washer problem since it is past the 'claim' date. I told them I was quite disappointed and would be very hesitant about purchasing another 'Maytag' product....got no response....hmmm.
Just emailed Maytag about my displeasure...wonder if I will get a response.
This company should do something to keep their customers...Maybe they don't care!!!!

Gary

hey guys
may i ask everyone a question.apart from the problems these machines have,Are they a good machine when in working order?

i always thort they were nice looking aside from not having a clear window. though i've been told you can bypass the interlock to see it with the door open. i'd love to see that.

theres a laundrette here in the uk where i live,that has commerical neptunes that i've been meaning to try out. but there won't be much entertainment factor. i cant exactly trip their interlocks. think i'd be in trouble lol.


Darren

Darren,

Do you mean the one right by the castle? They have Maytag toploads there too... maybe we should check it out one day? ;-)

Jon

I guess the ol' lonely Maytag repairman ain't so lonelt anymore.

Darren,

In answer to your question, I've been very happy with my Neptune, which has always done a very good job of washing and rinsing clothes. Because I am chemically sensitive, when I use a top loader, I always have to rinse everything twice. With the Neptune, it offers an extra rinse (in addition to the normal 3 rinses), which I always use....and have never had any problems with detergent residue.

I have never had a mildew problem (which seems to be common in the Neptunes) and my washer is located in the basement. We normally do 8 - 12 loads of wash per week, although my 2 kids are now off at college and that number has decreased considerably!

Rich

Hey Rich,
extra rinse, a feature i couldnt live without, jon would agree. we sure aint water conservative. lol. i suppose its a luck of the draw by the sounds of it. as with anything you get good & bad batches...seems there were more bad than good though! have you ever seen the machine operating? or left it to do its thing? i really like the tub design with all those paddles!

jon! we must try out that laundrette near me! d'ya think anyone would notice us modifying door switches etc?:p lol

Darren

Darren,

I have (of course!) bypassed the door switch to watch the machine operating. Not very drastic action with a large load, but with a smaller load, you certainly can get splashed a bit! The machine will not go into spin, however, with the door switch bypassed, so there must be another safety switch that I'm not aware of.

Rich

Since installing the new board on my Maytag Neptune on Monday(along with the wax motor) it seems that my washer takes longer in the rinse portions. Before, it filled and sloshed around a 'couple of times' then drained the water. Now it seems to slosh the water around considerably longer before it drains. Is this normal? Was my washer not working properly since the beginning? I always thought that it did not rinse the clothes long enough before draining the rinse water.

Please advise.

Gary

P.S. Hope everyone had a wonderful day. Snow here this morning in CT...YUK!

I think the new control board has different software because the 2 Neptunes that I have do a fast tumble in the last rinse, supposedly to flush the tub boot. One odd thing it does that puzzles me: if you select extra rinse, it flushes the fabric softener in the 3rd rinse....very strange!!!!

Yes, I just did laundry with Wisk HE.....did not use the extra rinse and there were some suds in the bottom of the tub boot....Never saw that. Perhaps I used too much Wisk.

But, the rinses seem to tumble a lot longer than the original. I would say maybe three tumbles before draining(0ld board), now about 15. Maybe I should alwasy select the extra rinse feature.

Gary

Hi,

I should have mentioned that earlier...when my board was replaced the repair woman told me that the rinse cycles would function differently, as Maytag had made changes to the later models, with a slightly longer rinse time. Actually to me, it seems to be about double the previous tumbling time once the fill completes...not exactly sure though. Also, the fabric softener always dumps into the 3rd rinse, it doesn't matter whether the extra rinse is used or not.

My machine is also much quieter once the motor was replaced, again she told me that Maytag had also changed the motor from the one that was previously used.

Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving!!

Rich

I once upon a time had 2 neptunes. The first was a 3000. It was great for the first year then it decided it didnt want to spin or would spin and just shut off at will. After 6mos of fixing on it Maytag bought it back. I decided to go ahead and get the new 7500. I had no problems with the 7500. It was at this point I learned the value of the heater. I thought the 3000 cleaned good, but when I got the 7500 the difference was stark. I got rid of my 7500 to get the bosch. Being in the appliance field, I often get offers from manufactures to put their product in my home.


Gadgetgary,
Aside from the rinse profiles being different, they also changed the spin profile. You may find the machine doing less fussing with trying to balance the load. This has resulted in a few complaints about vibration in certain flooring situations.



Scott

Scott,

Thanks for the rinse and spin information. Yes, the machine at times 'fussed' trying to get into the spin cycle. I guess I should count my blessings that it took 8 yrs+ to break down, but, I was not able to get any money back from Maytag since it took that long to fail. I am just hoping that the same problem will not appear in the future. Hopefully, Maytag corrected that problem with the new board.

If you had the chance, would you go back to a TL or stay with the FL? And since you are in the 'appliance' business, what brand(s) would you suggest?

Gary

Gadgetgary,


T/L or F/L ? I would stay with a f/l. Im currently using a bosch and have been very happy with it. If I was to recomend a brand, I probably would have to say GE. We get the fewest complaints about their products here latly. If maytag is what you want then I would have to say, go with an atlantis or any of their "herrin" laundry. If you noticed the SAV was short lived. They yanked it off the market before it became their next law suit. Also whirlpool would be another good choice as their products have always been consistantly good. As far as the "high end" brands, its a hit and miss. Some things are ok and other things have to go.

Scott,

Sorry.......'herrin' laundry????

SAV?

My co-worker just replaces a 4 year old KA dishwasher after the motor died and KA would not do anything about it. Her repair person told her to go with a GE Profile, and she likes it better....says it holds more and dries better.


Gary

"Herrin" is the plant where the Magic Chef/Norge style machines are built. NOT the original Maytag "Dependable Care" line, which was built in Newton Iowa. I think the Maytag Atlantis line, which is also Magic Chef inspired are built in Newton Iowa also. They are not a BAD machine per se, but certainly not a Maytag!!!

SAV machines were the hybrid design of the later Amana style washers and the Magic Chef machines. They were built in Searcy, Arkansas, but have ceased production, and now only manufacture dryers. There were alot of center seal water leaks with these machines....very problematic from the start. I'm kinda glad to see them go. Whirlpool has always been my first recommendation, and GE for cooking. I do think GE quality has improved over the last 5 years, but they were pretty bad to begin with. Kitchenaid has been a disappointment as well, even though they are mostly a dressed up Whirlpool product.

Thank you coldspot for chiming in. I guess I should have clarified that a little better. My only reservation about the dependable care laundry other than it doesnt exsist any longer was they had issues with the tub seal in it as well. Back in 97' they went to a new mounting stem with the center seal already attached. The new seal will only last about 3-5 years. At the price they want for the seal and the cost of labor these days most people are putting them to the curb. :(



Scott

John & Scott,

Since you both are in the 'appliance' business, is it your opinion that the appliance(and computer-a friend's DELL only lasting a couple of years) makers are looking for a 3-7 yr life expectancy on their products? Are no products made today to last as they did in yesteryear?
Is it unreasonable to expect any appliance made today to last at least 10 yrs????
Again my question, would I have been better off putting my Maytag Neptune(8 yrs.+) 'to the curb' and starting over? Perhaps in a few years I would be in the same proverbial 'boat' with the next washer as with the Neptune.

Gary

Hi Scott,

I agree with you on the mounting stem & seal kit being "cheapened" on the Maytag washer. I have one in my basement now that is only 4 years old that is leaking like a sieve. I hate to dispose of it, but am afraid to fix and resell it, as it will leak again.

Gary,

I think 8-15 years is a reasonable life expectancy for appliances today; that is Whirlpool appliances. I have seen 15 year old direct drive washers still chugging along. And when thay need service, it is usually a coupling or pump, maybe a timer now & then....easy cheap fixes in comparison to tub seals, bearings and electronic controls. My money is still on Whirlpool. They have a consistently good product line. They are weak in gas ranges, but no other mfg has better overall quality in all product lines.

Because things are changing rapidly, most ppl will pitch something sooner so they can buy the latest and greatest (i.e.) front load washers. The younger folks think they are "new", and don't place much importance on longevity as previous generations have....hence a disposable buy culture.

Does anyone have any insight as to why I have suds appearing in the boot area when the machine is finished? Before the repair, I NEVER noticed any suds there..only water. I thought that I used too much Wisk HE the other nite, and just did a load(with less Wisk HE), opened the door at completion, and there were suds. Did not use the extra rinse in either load, and, did not use it much before the repair.
Anyone have a clue?

Gary

Gary,

I thought the extra rinse time was actually better and promoted less suds than previously.

I generally have had no problems with oversudsing. Again, I only use regular Tide powder, regular Tide powder with Bleach, or regular Tide HE. I have used other detergents from the health food store, but find they do not clean as well. Tide powders do not bother me, but other detergents on the market do. I never use liquids, can't stand the smells, and I think they generally make more suds than powders. IF I use too much detergent for the load, it will lead to more sudsing. I generally do large full loads, and use the recommended amount of detergent. If the loads are small and/or not very dirty, I use less than the recommended amount. Finally, I always use the extra rinse due to my chemical sensitivities.

I did try the Wisk HE one time and thought that it made more suds than Tide. Are you using too much detergent? Are the clothes very dirty? If they are not that dirty and/or a smaller size load, you may need to cut the amount you are using.

Let me know if this helps.

Rich

Rich, try bypassing the door switch using a spoon to push the plastic lock down until it clicks and then hold the white button down w/ your finger and it’ll operate as if the door is closed (fast spin and all).

John, I think you’re right about some Neptunes having different software, as mine always dispenses the fabric softener in the last rinse (3rd normally or 4th if extra rinse or stain cycle is selected).

Gary, on the 7500, the rinse time is increased when the stain cycle is selected and the washer automatically gives an extra rinse. Which Neptune do you have? (i.e. MAH7500AWW) Also, did you always use Wisk HE? If not, try using what you have used in the past and see if there are suds left in the boot.

I’ve been very happy with my Neptune 7500 and I did not participate in the suit. I seldom wash with cold water and I always leave the door open until the dryer finishes. Mine is almost 5 and I’ve never replaced the light bulb.

Jeff

Jeff,

I purchased my Maytag Neptune back in August of 1997(when they first came out). The model# is MAH3000AWW. I actually have a brochure about it asking to put one in reserve when they first were being introduced.
I will try another load with another detergent, but, as I stated before, I NEVER had suds in the boot before the board was replaced. Sometimes, I did not use the HE liquid either, just regular liquid detergent(All, Dynamo, Gain) and just used less.

Gary, I’m not sure what’s causing the suds in your boot, but I think the long rinse sounds like the rinse I get when I select the stain treat option. I don’t think your 3000 has a stain treat option, but it sounds like the new control board defaults to that rinse. Have you done another load with the detergent you normally use?

Jeff

My Neptune mah4000 is making a new noise a clicking or knocking sound when changing directions and spinning. Although, it only does it when loaded. Is this the tub bearing? I replaced the belt and motor isolaters and the squawk stopped but click or knock is still there.

Jerry

I HAVE NEPTUNE WASHER AND DRYER PURCHASED IN 98 NOISEY PIECE OF CRAP BOTH UNITS . ALSO OWN GE WASHER&DRYER PURCHASED IN 84 USED AT AUTO REPAIR SHOP WORKS LIKE NEW STILL. BUT THEY DONT LOOK AS GOOD AS MY NEPTUE. NEXT TIME ILL BUY A CHEAPER MODEL AND AT LEAST THEN I COULD JUST THROUGH THEM OUT

Bought a Neptune Nightmare in 2000, worked great since we had a lack of water because we have a well. For a few months have been getting more suds left in the machine, and now know why! The control board and wax motor were on their way out! Now it doesn't spin at all! Husband plans to hot wire it to try and bypass the thing. (Found info on how to on line!) What's the worst that can happen, burn it up the rest of the way! At $400 quoted for a repair, I'll try this then if it's a boat anchor just buy a new GE Front loader for a few hundred more than the repair would be!! I too called Maytag who refuse to work with us. Am I the only one who didn't get the notice on the class action suit? I didn't have a clue there was a problem till mine shit the bed! Maytag tried to say I must of chucked it as junk mail! That's bull!! They are bull! And I'll never buy a maytag again! email me direct if you have anything to share natalie@seeAroostook.com!

Husband successfully hot wired the machine using directions from the internet! Make sure the machine is unplugged. He put a jumper between pins 1(purple) and 6(yellow) of CONN3. This shorts out the door lock spin enable switch and will allow it to complete the cycle. Now take off the front plate of the machine by opening door, remove 2 screws left and right, and pull off front plate. Now top will pop up. Remove the two wires on the right sensor and connect together with a piece of wire and tape each joining. Before putting everything back together, check and see if the drum spins up to a whistle. It should work! The lock light still will not come on, but the machine will finish a cycle. The only thing to remember after that is that the door is NOT locked and could open! So keep an eye on the machine!