Your Amana washer skips a cycle, won’t spin, or just stopped mid-load? It’s not uncommon—and often it’s fixable at home. I’ll walk you through clear steps to diagnose issues like starting problems, no spin, or error codes, with tips from real users who faced the same issues.
🧰 Basics to Know Before Starting
Start by unplugging the washer and turning off the water. Safety first. Then take a breath—this process is like detective work: noticing what’s happening (or not), doing simple tests, and matching symptoms to likely fixes.
1. Washer Won’t Start — What to Check
- Power & Outlet: Make sure it’s plugged into a grounded outlet—not an extension cord. Check the breaker or GFCI. Amana itself recommends this as the first step. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
- Start Button & Control Lock: Hold Start for 3 seconds to engage. If the Control Lock light is on, hold the Control Lock button for 3 seconds to unlock. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
- Door/Lid Not Properly Closed: Some models only fill if the lid locks fully. Open, close firmly, and listen for the latch click. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
- Delay Start Mode: Check if Delay or Pause was accidentally enabled—it delays start by hours. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
2. Washing but Not Agitating or Draining?
Sometimes the unit fills but gets stuck mid-cycle:
- Lid Switch: If tapping or holding Start temporarily awakens the machine, the lid switch may be bad. One user only gained access via diagnostics after manually clearing the pump. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
- Sensing or Pressure Circuitry: Amana’s newer models use over-engineered electronics to sense water level. Faulty sensors or control boards can misinterpret levels and stop cycles. One owner found a bad capacitor on a model just 3 months past warranty. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
- Drive Mechanism or Belt: If you hear humming but nothing happens, a broken gearcase or belt may be the problem. One shared a fix guide to replace gearcases for silent, stuck washers. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
3. Washer Won’t Drain or Spin Out Water
Clothes still soaked? Check the following:
- Clogged drain hose: Remove it and blow air through or straighten it. It may be kneaded or pinched. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}
- Drain pump filter obstruction: Many Amana washers have filters accessible by removing panels. Clean debris or replace pump if necessary. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}
- Excessive suds: Too much detergent means bubbles everywhere—it prevents draining and spinning. Use only HE detergent and follow amounts. :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}
- Unbalanced or overloaded load: Redistribute clothes or wash smaller loads. Uneven loads stop spin cycles. :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}
4. Error Codes & Diagnostic Mode
Many front-load Amana washers show code letters like “LC”, “Sd”, or “F# E#” to indicate specific issues:
- LC / LOC: Control lock active—hold the lock key for three seconds to clear. :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}
- Sd (suds): There are too many suds—detergent excess or slow draining. :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}
- F8E2: Water flow issue—low pressure or inlet hose misconnection. Make sure both hot and cold valves are fully open and hoses not kinked. :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}
- Amana’s board-level reset: Unplug for five minutes, then press Spin Speed and Soil Level simultaneously for six seconds to reset the board. :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}
- Alternate reset: unplug two minutes, then open and close lid six times within 12 seconds. Useful if basic reset fails. :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}
5. Noisy, Shaking or Vibrating Washer
- Uneven or unbalanced tub: Overloading or skewed laundry can make the washer move or knock. Level the feet carefully. :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}
- Worn suspension rods: Push the agitator side to side—if it wobbles, rods may need replacement. One newcomer swapped suspension rods in 15 minutes with cost-effective parts. :contentReference[oaicite:18]{index=18}
- Squeaks during wash: Usually worn belt or clutch kit. One owner heard noise in wash cycle on NTW4516FW3 and fixed it by replacing the belt/splutch kit. :contentReference[oaicite:19]{index=19}
🛠 Troubleshooting Sequence: Quick Start Table
| Symptom | Likely Cause | Quick Fix Option |
|---|---|---|
| Won’t start at all | Power, control lock, door not latched | Plug in firmly, unlock controls, close door securely |
| Fills but won’t agitate | Lid switch or sensing circuit | Hold Start, run diagnostics, replace switch or board |
| Won’t drain or spin | Clogged hose/pump or overload | Clear hose/pump filter, reduce load |
| Error code on panel | See list above | Follow specific troubleshooting path or reset |
| Loud noise or shaking | Suspension or belt/clutch issues | Balance loads, level feet, replace rods or belt |
Real User Experience
“It refused to go past rinse—control board thought it was still filling. Holding Start for 10 seconds let me enter diagnostics. Turned out to be a bad lid switch.” :contentReference[oaicite:20]{index=20}
“After weeks of random hangs, my NTW4519JW needed a capacitor replaced—not the board. Fix cost me $100—but it worked fine ever since.” :contentReference[oaicite:21]{index=21}
“Extreme shake and jump during spin—suspension rods were totally worn. Replaced them myself after community guidance, fixed in 15 minutes.” :contentReference[oaicite:22]{index=22}
📋 Maintenance to Keep it Working Smoothly
- Wash once a month on Clean Washer cycle or hot water with vinegar.
- Check hoses and hookups yearly.
- Don’t overload—spread items evenly.
- Level the machine after moves or flooring changes.
- Reset after power outages or once a month to clear minor glitches.
When It’s Time to Call a Technician
If you’ve followed steps and still can’t start the machine, it fails diagnostics, leaks or refuses to spin, call a pro. Control board, pressure sensor circuits, or mechanical failures like belt/gearbox often require tools, parts, and training. Especially if your washer is just out of warranty—save documentation and notes to support the technician’s diagnosis.
Wrap-Up
Troubleshooting your Amana washer doesn’t need to be a chore. With structured steps and real-world guidance, most problems can be tackled at home safely. Start simple, observe symptoms, and move methodically through diagnostics or corrections.
Need help walking through diagnostics, decoding your specific error codes, or drafting a troubleshooting checklist for your model? I’d be glad to help—just ask!