I have a maytag washer model # mah5500bww serial # a2907048cc that came with a house i just bought . The rubber ring just inside the door has black looking mold on it and sounds like water is in the tub when not in use. Is this normal?

download from here
Maytag MAH5500BWW Neptune Series 27 Front Load Washer Manual

TRY UNPLUGGING IT

This is normal. There is a balance ring filled with water attached to the inner drum. The balance ring is sealed and is not supposed to be empty. When you turn the inner drum by hand, you're hearing the water settling down from the now upper chambers of the balance ring.

Mine was not spinning and shutting off at the 7 minute mark. I took off the door and then the front panel. I reached underneath to the pump. There is a soft black rubber hose going from the tub to the pump. I squeezed it several times and must of unplugged the pump because it worked after that. Zero$ spent.

http://www.applianceaid.com/neptune8.html

just because the door feels secure it does not mnean its ok

there are a few things to check
this lionk should give you a good idea of what to look for

you can try cleaning it with bleach if that dont work replace the rubber ring

Hello,
Try and get the serial number then contact a Maytag agent. The serial number in most cases is a date code.

replace water valve in the washer. Serial number is needed to find the correct part number. It's likely 22003834, but call any parts supplier with model/serial numbers to verify.

Good luck,
Vlad
First Choice Appliance

Sounds like the control board is bad. take the back panel off the control panel and look at the R11 resistor and see if it burnt. If it is replace the control board and the door wax motor (in the locking mechanism)

on your model all wax motor door latch's have to be replaced,go to repair clinic .com and you can order the part or go to ebay,and put in maytag neptune mah5500bww wax motor and it will come up and the guy selling the motors has pictures on how to install,let me know-mike