Amana Washer Troubleshooting

Knowing how to troubleshoot your Amana washing machine can save you both time and money. While there are different models of these washers, the following troubleshooting steps should help resolve most issues with these appliances.

Quick Troubleshooting Guide

To troubleshoot your Amana washer:

1. First start by disconnecting power to your appliance. Turn off the water supply as well.
2. Put a bucket under the water hose at the back of your washer. Disconnect the hoses from the washing machine and set the ends in a bucket.
3. Inspect the water inlet ports for clogging. If necessary, clean the screens using a toothbrush to remove the sediment buildup.
4. Remove the top cover of your Amana washing machine. Insert a putty knife between the top and front of your appliance and press in to release the locking tab. Then lift up on the top until the opposite retaining tab is released. Raise the top until it sits on the hinge stops.
5. Using a screwdriver, remove the back panel screws that connect the water inlet valve to the washer. Reach inside the washer cabinet and lift the water inlet valve out.
6. Remove the connectors from the terminal. Then place volt-ohm meter probes on each terminal of the valve. It should read some resistance, if not, you must replace it.
7. Then check the pressure switch located inside the control console.
8. Remove the air hose and the wire connectors from the pressure switch. Using a volt-ohm meter probe, touch two of the three terminals. You should see an infinity reading, if not, then you need to replace the pressure switch.

How to reset an Amana washing machine

To reset an Amana washing machine:

• Press POWER to turn the washer off.
• Then unplug the washer from the power outlet or turn off the circuit breaker to the unit.
• With the power disabled, press and hold the START/PAUSE button for 5 seconds.
• Plug the washer back in, or turn the circuit breaker back on.
• Your Amana washer has now been reset.

Amana washing machine won’t turn on

If your Amana washer doesn’t turn on, there are several possible causes:

1. Problem with the electrical supply

Follow these instructions to troubleshoot the problem:

• Plug power cord into a grounded 3 prong outlet.
• Don’t use an extension cord.
• Check to make sure there is power to outlet.
• Do not plug into a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI).

Check for tripped circuit breaker and reset. Replace any blown fuses

2. Control is locked

If your washer has an electronic touchpad, tap the text to operate. If the control lock light is on, hold the control lock button for 3 seconds to unlock the control.

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3. Control is not set correctly

Make sure the selector knob is completely lined up with a cycle selection before pressing the start button. If the selector knob and cycle are not completely synced up, the cycle will not start.

4. Door is unlocked

The door may look like its closed, but it may not be locked. Try opening and firmly closing the door.

Amana washer not spinning

If your Amana washer is not spinning, it could be because of several possible reasons:

Using cycles with a slower spin speed

Cycles with slower spin speeds remove less water than cycles with fast spin speeds. To troubleshoot the problem:

• Use the recommended cycle/speed spin for your garment.

Tightly packed or unbalanced load

A tightly packed or unbalanced load may not allow the washer to spin correctly, leaving the load wetter than normal. To troubleshoot the problem, follow these instructions:

• Check the cycle guide for load size recommendation for each cycle.
• Avoid washing single items. Balance a single item with a few extra items.

3. Not using HE detergent or using too much HE detergent

Suds from regular detergent or using too much detergent can slow or stop draining or spinning. Use only HE detergent. Always measure and follow manufacturer’s instructions for your load. To remove extra suds;

• Select DRAIN & SPIN with EXTRA RINSE.
• Do not add detergent.

Caught up or stuck items

Small items may have been caught in the pump or stuck between the washer drum and the outer tub. Follow these troubleshooting instructions to resolve the problem:

• Check the drum for any items sticking through the drum holes.
• Empty pockets and use garment bags when washing small items.

Dirty pump filter

In some models the pump filter may be dirty and will have to be cleaned to resolve the problem.

Too many clothes in the Wash & Dry cycle

Only use the Wash & Dry cycle for 2-4 lightly soiled synthetic garments, authentic uniforms, or workout wear.

Amana washer troubleshooting lid locked

The lid lock light will flash if the lid lock has not moved into the lock position, the lock motor cannot be powered or the lid is not closed completely due to interference. Some Amana washer models will lock immediately, while others will not lock until after the wash cycle has started.

To troubleshoot lid locked:

• Check for lock interference with lock striker. The lock striker is the piece on the lid that fits inside the lid lock.
• Check for wash media build-up at or near the lock or lock striker. Use a soft, damp cloth or sponge to wipe away any spills. When cleaning external washer surfaces, use only mild soaps or cleaners.

Amana washer troubleshooting/error codes

Here are the various error codes for Amana washers and what they actually mean:

1. “Sd” or “SUD”

When this error code appears in the display, it means there are excessive suds in the washer. The washer is running a suds reduction routine. To troubleshoot:

• Allow the washer to continue.
• Use only HE (High efficiency) detergent.
• Always follow the detergent manufacturer’s instructions to determine the amount of detergent to use, and base detergent quantity on load size.
• Consider using a different HE detergent.

2. “rL” or F34

If “rL” appears in display, it alerts you to remove load. The error occurs when load is detected in the drum during Clean Washer with afresh cycle.

Try the following troubleshooting steps to clear the error:

• Remove items from your washer drum and restart Clean Washer with affresh cycle.

3. Loc or LC

When loc appears on the display of your washer, it means the control is locked. It is not an error code but just an indication that the control is locked.

To clear;

• Press and hold the control lock key for 3 seconds to unlock.

4. F# E# or F## E##

When this code appears on the display, it is a system error code. To clear the error, follow these troubleshooting steps:

• Touch power button once to clear the code.
• Then touch power again and restart the washer.
• If the code appears again, call for service.
• Unplug your washer for 30 seconds; then plug back in.

5. PF

This error code appears upon recovery from power loss, if power was lost while running a cycle. Follow the troubleshooting steps below to clear the error:

• Touch power button once to clear the code.
• Then touch power again and restart your washer.

6. dET

Detergent cartridge not detected in the dispenser

7. Int

The cycle was paused or cancelled

8. F0 E5 or “ob”

When this code appears, it means that your washer detected an off balance load and that caused the cycle to take longer than usual or the clothes to be more wet than usual. To clear the error:

• Touch POWER once to clear the code.
• Then touch POWER again and restart the washer.

9. F7 E1

Indicates a motor speed sensing error.

10. F8 E2

Indicates there is a problem with the Dispenser system.

11. F9 E1

Indicates that drain times are longer than expected, typically over 8 minutes.

12. “dr” or F5 E4

This error code means the washer door was not opened between cycles. To clear the error, try these troubleshooting steps:

• Open and close the door.
• Touch POWER once to clear the code.
• Then touch POWER again and restart the washer.

13. “Lo” “FL” or F8 E1 or “Lo” “FL” or F08 E01

If these codes appear on the display they signal a water supply error.  To clear the error, you need to check for proper water supply. To troubleshoot, try following these instructions:

• Unit will drain for 8 minutes while door remains locked. Allow the drain cycle to complete, or the error code will not reset.
• When complete, touch POWER button once to clear the code.
• Then touch POWER again and restart the washer.

Also, check for proper inlet hoses. Make sure you use manufacturer’s recommended inlet hoses.

14. F9 followed by E1 or F09 followed by E01

When this code appears, it shows a drain pump system error. It may be as a result of incorrect drain hose installation. It may also be as a result of not using HE detergent or using too much HE detergent.

To clear the error, follow these instructions:

• Check the drain hose for proper installation.
• Check to make sure the drain hose is not kinked, pinched, or blocked.
• Remove any clogs from the drain hose.
• Use drain hose form and securely attach to drainpipe or tub.
• Lower the drain hose if the end is higher than 96” (2.4m) above the floor.
• Ensure the drain hose extends no farther than 4.5” into standpipe.
• Use only HE detergent. Always measure detergent and follow manufacturer’s instructions based on load size and soil level.

15. F5 followed by E2 or F05 followed by E02

When this error code appears in the display, it means the washer door is not locking. To clear the error, follow the instructions below:

• Touch POWER to cancel the cycle.
• Check that the door is closed completely and latching.
• Check for items in the washer drum that may be preventing the door from closing completely.

16. CL or Clean Washer LED flashing at the end of wash cycle

If CL appears on your washer display or, in some models, Clean Washer LED flashes at the end of wash cycle, it means the washer has run 30 wash cycles and is indicating a reminder to run the Clean Washer with affresh cycle.

To clear the code:

• Run Clean Washer with affresh cycle.
• If the Clean Washer with affresh cycle is not turned on, the LED will stop flashing at the end of a wash cyle after running three more regular wash cycles.
• After 30 more wash cycles are completed, the Clean Washer with affresh LED will flash again at the end of a wash cycle as a reminder.

17. Err

This code means an invalid action was performed. The error code will be shown in the following conditions:

• When trying to start a cycle with the door open.
• When trying to choose a different cycle while you are already running one.

No further action is needed to correct this.

Amana washer won’t fill with water

If your Amana washer won’t fill with water, it could be because of the following reasons:

An issue with the water supply

You need to check for proper water supply. To troubleshoot the problem, try these instructions:

• Make sure both the hoses are attached and have water flowing into the inlet valve.
• Make sure both hot and cold water faucets are turned on.
• Check that the inlet valve screens haven’t become clogged.
• Check for any kinks in inlet hoses, which can restrict water flow.

Problem with the electrical supply

Follow these instructions to troubleshoot the problem:

• Plug power cord into a grounded 3 prong outlet.
• Don’t use an extension cord.
• Check to make sure there is power to outlet.
• Do not plug into a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI).
• Check for tripped circuit breaker and reset. Replace any blown fuses.

Washer door is not firmly shut

Make sure your washer door is closed during operation.

Washer is not loaded as recommended

Try these instructions to see if the problem clears:

• Remove several items and rearrange load evenly in the washer drum. Close the door, then touch and hold START/PAUSE.
• Do not add more than one or two additional items after cycle has started to avoid tightly packing or unbalancing.
• Do not add more water to the washer.

Not using HE detergent or using too much HE detergent

Suds from regular detergents can slow or stop the washer. Only use HE detergent. Always measure detergent, following manufacturer’s instructions based on your load requirements.

Washer door not opened between cycles

After any wash cycle is completed, the door must be opened and then closed before a new cycle can begin.

How to bypass the lid lock on my Amana washer

Follow these steps to bypass the lid lock on your Amana washer:

1. Turn off your washer and unplug it. Move it away from the wall slightly.
2. Find the retaining screws and/or tabs that hold the top horizontal panel down. Press the tabs inwards and/or unfasten the retaining screws using a screwdriver. Then lift the top panel.
3. Look for the lid lock switch on the top panel’s underside. Place a magnet between the two so there’s a magnetic connection between the lid lock and the solenoid inside the washer.
4. Put the lid back down and plug your washer back into the electrical outlet.
5. Turn on the washer and lift the lid. If the washer keeps running, the magnet is in the right location. If the washer turns off, you will have to lift the lid again and re-position the magnet.

Amana washer stuck on sensing fill

When the start/stop button is pressed, and the water level knob is set to auto sensing, the washer will fill and start sensing to determine load size and balance. Once sensing is complete, the washer will fill to the appropriate level for the detected load size and then begin the wash phase of the cycle.

If the fill light is on and there is no or little water coming in, check your water supply lines. Both water lines should be completely open (turned on) for the washer to operate correctly.

Sensing and wash phases will be paused by opening the unlocked lid. Close the lid to resume the cycle. If the lid is left open for more than 10 minutes, the washer will cancel they cycle and pump out the water. The lid will lock after the wash phase to begin the initial spinout and remain locked for the remainder of the cycle.

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Amana front load washer error code nd

Error code “nd” means there is an issue with the draining. To solve the problem, try the following troubleshooting instructions:

• Clean the drain valve.
• Make sure there are no blockages.
• Check the drain valves and hoses for proper installation.

Amana washer not draining

If your Amana washer is not draining, it could be because of several possible reasons:

1. Using cycles with a slower spin speed

Cycles with slower spin speeds remove less water than cycles with fast spin speeds. To troubleshoot the problem:

• Use the recommended cycle/speed spin for your garment.

2. Tightly packed or unbalanced load

A tightly packed or unbalanced load may not allow the washer to spin correctly, leaving the load wetter than normal. To troubleshoot the problem, follow these instructions:

• Check the cycle guide for load size recommendation for each cycle.
• Avoid washing single items. Balance a single item with a few extra items.

3. Not using HE (High efficiency) detergent or using too much HE detergent

Suds from regular detergent or using too much detergent can slow or stop draining or spinning. Use only HE detergent. Always measure and follow manufacturer’s instructions for your load. To remove extra suds;

• Select DRAIN & SPIN with EXTRA RINSE.
• Do not add detergent.

4. Caught up or stuck items

Small items may have been caught in the pump or stuck between the washer drum and the outer tub. Follow these troubleshooting instructions to resolve the problem:

• Check the drum for any items sticking through the drum holes.
• Empty pockets and use garment bags when washing small items.

5. Dirty pump filter

In some models the pump filter may be dirty and will have to be cleaned to resolve the problem.

6. Too many clothes in the Wash & Dry cycle

Only use the Wash & Dry cycle for 2-4 lightly soiled synthetic garments,  authentic uniforms, or workout wear.

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