Amana Washer Troubleshooting Guide

About
Latest Posts

Jalin worked as an HVAC installer for seven years before becoming a freelance writer. Now he uses his experience with troubleshooting and fixing combined with his passion for writing to share his knowledge with the world.

Latest posts by Jalin Coblentz (see all)

Amana Washer Troubleshooting Guide - October 20, 2022
GE Dishwasher Not Draining Troubleshooting Guide - October 13, 2022
GE Dryer Belt Replacement Guide - October 6, 2022

In terms of popularity and renown, Amana is one of the biggest names in the appliance industry. While Amana makes washers, dryers, and other household appliances, they’re better known for their heating and cooling systems. However, if you’re lucky enough to have an Amana washer in your home, there are a few issues you should be on the lookout for.

As with most washers, Amana washing machines are prone to various issues. These include drainage problems, issues with the spin cycle, loud and banging noises, and much more. In most cases, Amana washer issues are mechanical or electrical and easily repairable with a little know-how and hard work.

To get to the bottom of your Amana washer issues, you’ll have to go into troubleshooting mode and perform the necessary repairs. To solve your problem, it’s important to identify the problem, get to its root cause, and repair it to get your washer working again.

Luckily, you’ve come to the right place to do just that. This article will serve as your Amana washer troubleshooting guide and look at all the possible issues an Amana washer can have and how to repair them.

Most Common Amana Washer Issues and How to Repair Them

To make this list easier to read and digest, I’ll break down the various Amana washer problems into sections. I’ll start with issues related to the spin cycle and proceed to what it means if your washing machine is vibrating or shaking violently. Let’s dive in!

First Things First

If your Amana washer is having issues and you’re about to do some detective work, there are a few things to keep in mind.

Make sure that you disconnect the power to the washer and unplug it. There’s a good chance you’ll work with water, and water and electricity don’t mesh well. If you don’t unplug your machine, you run the risk of electrical shock to yourself or causing extra damage to the washing machine.
If you need to disconnect the water hoses, turn the water off first. Next, hold buckets below each hose because there’s always water left over that will drain out of the hoses when you disconnect them.
Pull the drain hose out of the drain behind the washer and empty the extra water into the buckets.
When disassembling the washer, you should start at the top. Literally. Start by removing the top lid of the machine and proceed to the back panel, front panel, and sides.
Next, remove the water inlet valve located inside the washing machine and place it safely aside if necessary.
Have a multimeter handy because you’ll have quite a few electrical components to examine.
Watch out for sharp edges and sides because you’re prone to cut yourself if you’re not careful.
Washing machines are heavy, so make sure you have a helper by your side for any heavy lifting. The last thing you want to do is drop the washing on your toes or throw your back out lifting something too heavy.

Common Spin Cycle Issues

Now that you know the basics, lets’ get into some of the most common Amana washer problems.

Lid Switch Assembly or Door Latch

The lid switch assembly on your Amana washer is a safety measure that prevents the machine from spinning if the lid is open. However, if the lid switch is defective, you can shut the washer lid, but it won’t gauge that fact, and your washer still won’t spin.

The lid assembly is electrical, so you’ll need a multimeter to test it. If the switch has continuity running through it, then this isn’t the source of your problems. However, the lid switch assembly is the first thing you should check because it’s one of the most common reasons for a washer that doesn’t spin.

It’s also possible that there’s a problem with your door latch. As with the lid switch, the door latch is a safety measure that prevents your washer from operating if the door isn’t closed. However, there are times when the door can loosen and partially open, which will cause your washer to stop in a mid-spin cycle. When this happens, there could be an underlying problem that’s causing the door to open, or there might be an issue with the lid switch.

Motor Coupling

The motor coupling is one of the most important and least-known components on your Amana washer. It connects the washing machine’s transmission to the motor and helps your washer during normal operation. However, the motor coupling tends to undergo a ton of stress, wear, and tear throughout your washer’s lifetime.

As a result, it’s usually only a matter of time before the motor coupler breaks or gets damaged and loosens. This is especially common if you tend to overload your washer, which puts extra stress on the motor coupling. Luckily, it’s easy to troubleshoot the motor coupling. If you examine it and it’s broken or damaged, you’ll have to replace it to get your washer working again.

Drive Belt

The drive belt on an Amana washer is usually located on the bottom side of the machine. It plays an integral role in helping with your Amana washer’s clutch and spin cycle. Therefore, your washer won’t make it through a spin cycle when the belt gives out, tears, or frays. You’ll have to replace the drive belt with a new one to get it working again.

Detergent Issues

While there’s no point in using your washing machine if you don’t add laundry detergent to it, detergent can sometimes be the cause of spin cycle problems. For instance, if you use the wrong type of detergent with an Amana washer, the suds will be so thick that they can slow or stop your washer during the spin cycle. For instance, high-efficiency detergent should only get used with washers that it’s compatible with.

It’s also possible to add too much detergent to your washing machine, even if it’s the right kind. Too much detergent over a prolonged period will result in excess suds that can slow or stop your washing machine.

In most cases, your Amana washer will start operating slower than normal before it comes to a complete stop. However, paying attention to your washer and noting any anomalies is important.

Clutch Problems

There are two possible components that can get damaged when it comes to the clutch – the clutch itself and the clutch band kit. The clutch is responsible for connecting the inner tub to the transmission, and the clutch band kit plays an integral role in that job.

You can listen to the clutch and band kit at work when your washer is slowly building speed at the start of the spin cycle. It works similarly to how a steam engine train does. The clutch slowly builds speed that continues to progress until it reaches optimal spinning speed.

Because of the wear and tear that the clutch and band kit undergoes during operation, it can experience problems. Specifically, it tends to wear out over time, resulting in the transmission and inner tub rubbing against one another. When this happens, it will cause your washer to stop in the mid-spin cycle. You’ll have to replace the worn-out clutch and band kit to get your washer working again.

The Washer Is Overloaded

One of the most common and irritating problems with Amana and all other washers is that you overload them. Washing machines have weight limitations and are only meant to handle moderate to large loads of laundry. When you put too much clothing in the washer during a cycle or try to wash blankets or cloth items that are too big, it will put too much stress on the washer.

Overloading your washer is one of the easiest and most detrimental things you can do with the machine. Doing it once or twice isn’t a huge deal. However, overloading the washer repeatedly will eventually damage it and cause issues during the stressful spin cycle.

Issues With the Drain Hose

Modern Amana washing machines won’t operate when there are issues with the drain hose. It’s possible that the hose is loose or too far into the bottom of the washer, both of which will cause an error code that will prevent the spin cycle.

To determine if this is the problem, check the inside of the washer for standing water. If there’s water and the washer fails to enter the spin cycle, your drain hose is probably the issue. You’ll have to adjust the drain hose and possibly perform a reset to get your washer working and spinning again.

What to Do If Your Amana Washer Won’t Start

Obviously, if your washing machine won’t even turn on, you have a serious problem. Here are some of the possible causes and fixes.

The Breaker Gets Flipped

Your washing machine is an electrical appliance, which means it can’t operate without power. Therefore, if it refuses to turn on, the first thing you should check for is a power problem. To do that, you’ll need to locate the circuit breaker box for your home and find the breaker marked as belonging to the washing machine.

If your washer doesn’t have a dedicated breaker, the correct breaker may be marked as “laundry room.” Once you’ve found the right breaker, check it for damage or to see if it has flipped. You’ll have to reset the breaker to get the washer working again. If you’re not certain you have the right breaker, check the washer outlet for electricity when you return to the laundry room.

If the breaker isn’t the issue, it’s also possible that you have a defective electrical cord. While these are rare, they can happen over time or through wear and tear. If that’s the case, you’ll have to replace or repair the electrical cord to get things working again.

Your Washer Is Plugged Into a GFI Outlet

After flipped breakers, GFI outlets are the second most common cause for a washer that won’t turn on. GFI outlets have special protection that keeps them safe from water if they get wet.

They’re like miniature breakers in the form of an outlet because they have built-in switches that flip when the outlet gets exposed to water. GFI outlets are commonly wired into a circuit, which means that if one of the outlets in the circuit gets wet, it will cause the GFI to trip.

When the GFI outlet trips, it will cut power to the outlet in question and any other outlets it’s connected to. If your washer happens to be wired into one of those outlets, it will cease to operate until you reset the GFI outlet and restore power.

The Control Is Locked Or Incorrectly Set

Some of the less common problems that you can have with an Amana washer revolve around the control lock. The control lock is usually in the form of a knob, and it allows you to select different wash options on your machine. If you have the selector knob halfway between two of the options, your washer won’t turn on. You’ll have to adjust the selector knob and change it to the correct setting to start the washer.

The Door Is Unlocked

Most modern Amana washers have a door-locking feature where the door locks so that you can’t open it during operation. It’s a protective feature to keep you and your washing items safe. The door lock also prevents water from leaking out on front-loading Amana washers.

Therefore, when there’s an issue where the washer door doesn’t lock properly, your washer won’t start up. It’s possible that you simply didn’t close the door hard enough. It’s also possible that there’s a mechanical error where the locking mechanism is damaged and doesn’t lock your door when it’s closed. Either way, you’ll have to shut the door properly or repair the locking mechanism to get your washer working again.

Your Washer Has a Delayed Start

Certain Amana washer models are equipped with a delayed start feature. With this feature, your washer might actually be working, but it won’t seem like it for a pre-determined amount of time. When that time is up, the washer will start working just fine. However, if you’re unaware of the delayed start, you might mistake the lack of immediate activity for a busted washer.

Undiagnosed Error Code

If your washer is modern enough, it will have a series of error codes that get triggered when there’s a problem. These error codes can be electrical or mechanical. However, when an error code gets triggered, your washer may fail to turn on until the error code gets resolved. You’ll have to consult your owner’s manual or the internet to determine the error code and how to repair it.

Amana Washer Is Taking Forever To Fill With Water

If your Amana washer isn’t filling with water quickly enough, two things could be the cause.

You Have Low or No Water Pressure

The first and most likely possibility for your water issues is that your home has low water pressure. Depending on where you live, low water pressure is a more prevalent problem than in other areas. Certain municipalities have restrictions on your water pressure, and they place regulators on your water main to restrict water pressure.

If you recently moved into a home and are trying out the washer for the first time, it’s also possible that the person before you put a pressure regulator on the washing machine or water main. You’ll have to locate the regulator and remove it if you want to restore normal water pressure to your washer.

Finally, you should check the water spigots that the water hoses are connected to. It’s possible that they aren’t open the whole way or at all. Give the spigot handles a quick twist to ensure they’re fully open and see if your water pressure problems disappear.

Damaged Water Inlet Valve

Every Amana washer gets constructed with a water inlet valve that serves as a one-way ticket for the water flowing into your washer. This inlet valve is equipped with a screen or filter to keep dirt and debris out of the washer and to clean the water entering it. There are two things that can happen with the water inlet valve resulting in a slowly filling washing machine.

The filter might be so clogged that it’s not letting water through it quickly. You’ll have to remove the screen or filter and clean it to restore water to its normal rate.
The second option is that your water pressure is too low to activate the inlet valve. The valve won’t open unless enough pressure gets applied to it, which means it won’t fill if your water pressure is too low.

My Washer Is Making Loud Noises

Loud noises are inconvenient and annoying when they come from your washing machine. Here are some of the possible causes.

One or More Bearings

Your washing machine has multiple bearings and seals that help it operate properly.

Tub Bearing: The tub bearing is the main bearing that aids your washing machine during normal operation. It keeps the inner tub spinning and operating smoothly and is wrapped around the outer tub.
Rear Drum and Bearing: The rear drum and bearing keep the inner tub spinning smoothly and your washer operating noiselessly. Like the tub bearing, the rear drum bearing can wear out and tear.
Tub Seal and Bearing Kit: Finally, there’s the tub seal and bearing kit, one of the most important seals and bearings on your Amana washer. It keeps water inside the washer where it’s supposed to be and helps keep the inner tub working as it should.

Each of these bearings is instrumental in the operation of your washing machine. Your washer will start making terrible noises when any of them breaks or tears. The gears and tubs will start grinding against one another, resulting in grinding, rattling, banging, and other terrible noises.

Pulley Problems

The drive pulley is what helps your washing machine spin and operate smoothly. Without a working pulley and drive shaft, your washing machine will still operate while making terrible noises. Often, the washer will even shake and vibrate without a working pully drive.

If you suspect the pulley to be the problem, remove and examine it. If you discover that the pulley is broken or defective, you’ll have to replace it to get your washer working smoothly again.

Clutch Or Belt Kit

In addition to helping your washer during the spin cycle, the clutch and clutch belt kit keep your washer operating quietly. You’ll have to examine and replace the clutch kit if you notice problems with it. A surefire sign that you have a defective clutch or clutch kit is if your washer is especially loud during the spin cycle as the washer is exiting the spin cycle.

Other Possibilities

In addition to these issues, the following components that go bad can also result in a loud, annoying washing machine.

Defective transmission
Defective motor coupler
Defective drain pump
Defective water inlet valve

The Washer Won’t Drain

If you notice standing water at the bottom of your washing machine after the end of a cycle, you will likely have a drainage issue. Here are some of the most common causes of such problems.

Drain Pump

Washing machines are forced to drain water upward against gravity. Water sits at the bottom of the washing tub and drains through a hose through the back of the washer. The only way that water can drain against gravity is through the use of a drain pump, which works to push water upward and out of the drain hose.

When this drain pump isn’t working, your washer will go through the motions of doing all the work but won’t be able to drain water at the end. You’ll have to test the pump for continuity and replace it if you discover that it isn’t working correctly.

Clogged Drain Hose

Another common possibility is the drain hose through which water drains is clogged. Clogs can stem from using too much detergent, having a kink in your drain hose, or if you have dirty or coppery water. However, clogged drain hoses are very easy to inspect and repair regardless of the issue.

Simply remove the drain hose from the plumbing drain behind the washer and examine it. You should be able to see a visible clog or kink if that’s the source of your troubles. If that’s the case, you can repair or replace the drain hose to get it working again.

Water Pump Belt

If you have an older Amana washing machine, there’s a chance it has a water belt pump. While newer models have discontinued these components, the older ones still have them. If that’s the case, the belt may have rusted, worn out, or broken down over time. When this happens, you’ll have to replace the water pump belt to get your washer working again.

Lid Switch Assembly or Door Lock Issues

As we discussed earlier, the lid switch assembly and door locks are meant as safety devices to ensure your washer only operates when it’s supposed to.

If the lid switch assembly is damaged or the door lock is having issues, your washer will stop in whatever phase the component malfunctions. If that happens to be before the spin cycle, the bottom of your tub will fill with water, followed by it automatically turning off.

You can check the assembly and door lock with a multimeter. If these components have continuity, they aren’t the source of your troubles. However, if either of them tests negative for continuity, you’ll have to replace them with new parts.

Amana Washer Is Vibrating Or Shaking

Many things can cause an Amana washer to vibrate or shake profusely, but here are the main ones.

Suspension Rods

Just like the suspension system on a car helps to lessen the jolt when you go over a bump, your washer is equipped with suspension rods to ease vibration during operation. If the suspension rods are damaged or become worn out, however, they won’t do their job. The result is that your washer will work the same way your car would if it didn’t have a suspension system.

You’ll have to replace the suspension rod to get your washer working as it should.

Shock Absorbers

Your washer has several shock absorbers that work with the suspension rods to keep your washer working smoothly. As with the suspension rod, your washer will vibrate and move around if one or more of the shock absorbers is worn out or not doing their job.

Counter Balance Or Suspension Springs

The counterbalance and suspension springs also play a vital role in keeping your washing machine stationary during certain cycles of its operation.

Your washer is most likely to move around during the spin cycle and agitation because of the aggressive nature of these cycles. If the counterbalance or suspension springs are busted, your washer is more likely to move around and vibrate.

Leveling Legs

One of the easiest fixes you’ll ever have with a washing machine that’s vibrating or rattling is that the leveling legs aren’t level. Your washer should be equipped with four leveling legs – one at each corner – so that you can have a level operation at all times. The legs can become dislodged or unlevel over time. If this happens, your washer vibrates and gyrates during the spin cycle.

FAQs

Question: How do I reset an Amana washer?

Answer: Resetting your Amana washer is a great remedy for error codes and diagnostic issues. To reset the washer, follow these steps.
• Turn the washer off and unplug it or flip the breaker.
• With the machine turned off, press and hold the “start” or “on” button for 5 seconds.
• Plug the washer back in and restore power.
• Your washing machine should be reset and ready to roll.

Question: Why won’t my Amana washer go past the wash cycle?

Answer: Anytime the washer doesn’t proceed past the wash cycle, it’s likely because of a timer, door lock, or water supply problem.

Question: How do I reset the lid lock on my Amana washer?

Answer: To reset the lid lock on your Amana washer, follow the same steps you would perform a whole-system reset.