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Why Amana Washers Are Popular (and What Can Go Wrong)
Amana washers are known for being affordable, simple, and fairly sturdy. They don’t have flashy touchscreens or app control—but they do get the job done. At least, most of the time. But sometimes, like any appliance, they hit a snag.
So if your Amana washing machine won’t start, spin, or drain, don’t panic. We’re about to walk through the most common issues, what might be causing them, and how you can try fixing things yourself—without grabbing your phone to call for repairs.
1. The Washer Won’t Start
Push the button, hear a click… and nothing? That’s frustrating. Here’s what to check first:
- Power check: Make sure it’s plugged in and the outlet is working. Try another appliance in the same outlet to test.
- Lid switch: If the lid isn’t shut tight, it won’t start. Even worse, if the lid switch is broken, it won’t “know” the lid is closed.
- Child lock: Some models have a lock feature—check the user manual if buttons aren’t responding.
Still nothing? Unplug the washer for five minutes. Then plug it back in to reset the control board. Sometimes that’s all it needs.
2. It Fills Up But Doesn’t Wash
Water comes in, the drum sits full… and that’s it? Could be one of these:
- Faulty lid lock: If the machine thinks the lid isn’t secure, it won’t agitate or spin.
- Broken timer: This tells the washer what to do next. If it’s not sending the signal, it’s stuck.
- Water inlet valve clog: If cold water can’t enter correctly, some cycles might not work.
You can try to run the rinse cycle manually. If it skips again, it’s likely a timer or lid issue.
3. Washer Won’t Spin
When clothes come out soggy, you know something’s off. Here’s what could be happening:
- Lid not locking: Again, a bad switch will block spin mode.
- Drive belt worn out: That rubber belt under the drum might be too loose or broken.
- Motor issue: Rare, but it does happen—especially with older machines.
If the machine hums but the drum doesn’t turn, the belt’s likely the problem. You can check it from the back panel—just unplug first!
4. Stuck Full of Water (Won’t Drain)
Nothing worse than lifting the lid and seeing a tub full of water. Here’s where to look:
- Drain hose: Is it kinked or clogged?
- Drain pump: Might be jammed by a coin or sock fuzz.
- Control board glitch: Again, try that reset—unplug for 5 minutes.
If you hear a humming sound but no draining, it’s likely the pump. Some pumps are easy to access near the bottom front panel.
Time-Out for a Quick Tip…
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5. Noisy Washing Machine
If your washer sounds like a plane taking off, here’s what might be wrong:
- Loose drum: It can bang around during spin mode.
- Worn bearings or belt: These cause screeching or grinding.
- Something stuck in the tub: A coin, key, or button can rattle with every cycle.
Listen carefully. If it’s a high-pitched squeal, it’s likely the belt. If it’s a thunk or bang—check the suspension springs under the drum.
6. Control Panel Doesn’t Respond
Sometimes, the lights flash but nothing works. This could mean:
- Control board freeze: Happens after power surges.
- Bad timer or knob assembly: It’s not sending the right instructions to the washer.
Try a hard reset. If that fails, replacing the control board or dial might be necessary. This is usually a job for a technician unless you’re super handy.
7. Washer Stuck in Lid Lock Mode
This happens a lot with top-loading models. The lid stays locked, and the washer won’t start any new cycles.
Try this:
- Unplug for 5 minutes
- Plug back in and try spinning
- If the lid still won’t unlock, you may need a lid lock switch replacement
Some Amana models let you run a calibration mode using a twist-and-pause dial pattern. Check your manual for that combo.
DIY Fixes That Actually Work
- Clean inlet water screens if filling is slow
- Inspect and straighten drain hoses
- Check door latches for breaks or corrosion
- Run diagnostics if your model supports it
- Replace belts if they squeak or won’t spin
When Should You Call for Help?
If you’ve cleaned the hose, reset the power, and replaced a fuse—but it’s still not working—it might be time to call in a pro. Especially if:
- The drum won’t spin or agitate at all
- You see an error code you can’t clear
- The washer doesn’t drain even with a new hose
- The lid lock is totally unresponsive
Final Tips to Avoid Future Headaches
- Don’t overload your washer—it wears out the motor and belt
- Keep the door open between loads to avoid mold
- Clean the inside once a month (vinegar and baking soda work great)
- Check your pockets—no more coins in the pump!
Need One Last Reminder?
Washing machines can be moody, but your septic system doesn’t have to be. SEPTIFIX keeps it running smooth with zero effort. No smells, no mess, no plumber. Just flush and forget.
Order SEPTIFIX here and keep things flowing where it counts—so your home stays fresh and your laundry routine stays stress-free.