Clearing a Clogged Washer Drain?

I have a Maytag 2000 Performance series. First of all, avoid this machine at all costs. It is nothing but trouble. I will never ever buy a Maytag ever again. Again, this machine has become clogged. I'm tired of paying a repair man to remove the front panel and pull a sock out of the drain. I would like to do this myself, but I cannot readily access the screws in which to do this. Any ideas? This is a stacked unit, and the dryer is attached on top of the washer. The repair man has removed the front panel before, seemingly without difficulty.

While I'm at it, where on this good green earth can I find a repair/service manual for this? Surely someone has posted one online.

By Lori S.