5 Common Amana Washer Problems

Are you thinking about getting an Amana washer, but you’re not sure if they’re reliable? Maybe you’ve already got one, and you’re wondering what to expect as it gets older.  This guide will walk you through the five most common problems that are likely to occur with an Amana washer and how they can be fixed. Let’s get started!

This guide refers to all popular models of Amana washers, including:

ALW880QAW

CW2303/P7762131W

CW3303L/P1128412W

CW3303W/P1128405W

CW8202W2/PCW8202W2

DLW330RAW

LTA85AW/PLTA85AW

LTC85AW/PLTC85AW

LW1503/P1110513R

LW2603/P7804714W

LW8203W2

LWA50AW

NAV2330AWW

NAV5800AWW

NFW7200TW10

NFW7200TW11

NFW7300WW00

NTW4500VQ1

NTW4501XQ0

NTW4630YQ0

NTW4650YQ0

1. Leak issues

No one wants a washing machine leak. Pooling water can damage your flooring and lead to expensive repairs, so it’s essential to keep on top of any leak issues. Leaks can happen with all washers, but there are a few ways to prevent them and fix them if they occur. 

Make sure the hoses are all connected properly

A leak will most likely occur at one of the joining points of the hoses. When you’re setting up your Amana washer, ensure that the hoses are all properly connected and that the seals are perfectly intact. When it comes to the drainage hose, make sure it’s well seated into the drain pipe so that no water can escape. 

Ensure the door seals are clean and in good condition

This only applies to front loading machines, but make sure that you keep the door seal clean and free from grime and detergent buildup. A dirty seal is far less effective, and can lead to leaks. 

Wipe your seal regularly with a soft cloth, and if you do notice a leak, make sure the seal is in good condition. If it’s torn or damaged, you can order a replacement seal online. 

Make sure the drain hose is clear

A buildup of lint, dirt particles and loose items like coins and buttons can block your drain hose, which can lead to water spilling out onto the floor. To make sure this doesn’t happen, clear your washing machine’s lint trap regularly to make it less likely that unwanted items will end up in the drainage hose. If your hose is blocked, try removing it from the machine and clearing out the blockage with a long brush or some wire. 

2. Not starting

This can happen with any washing machine—you go to start it, but nothing happens! This is typically due to a power issue and can be very frustrating—particularly if you have a lot of laundry to do! Here’s how to fix the issue:

• First, make sure your Amana washer is plugged in properly. Sometimes a particularly vigorous spin cycle can knock a power plug loose, which will mean the next time you go to use it it won’t start. 
• If it is plugged in, make sure the circuit breaker hasn’t tripped. Sometimes a power surge can lead to the circuit breaker tripping. You can reset it on your circuit board, and this should cause your washer to work again. 
• If these all seem fine, check the actual power outlet. Try plugging in an appliance you know is working. If it doesn’t work at the washer’s power outlet, you’ll need to get an electrician involved because there’s a larger electrical issue at play.

3. Drainage issues

Another common issue with washers is drainage issues. Perhaps your clothes are coming out of the machine wetter than they should be, or perhaps your tub isn’t draining at all. There are a few main causes of this issue:

• Drain hose problems: A kinked or blocked drain hose can lead to your machine not draining. Try unblocking or unkinking the hose to fix this. 
• Pump issue: If your drain pump has a blockage or if the pump itself is damaged, it won’t be able to pump the water out of the tub. Try unblocking the pump; or if it is damaged, dry replacing the pump itself to fix the problem. 
• Faulty lid switch: The lid switch senses that the machine is closed and allows it to spin and drain. If the switch is faulty, your machine may be unable to drain the tub. Try checking if anything is blocking the switch. If the switch is faulty, replace it. 

4. Noisy spin

A few things can cause a noisy spin cycle in an Amana washer. Here are the main causes:

• Worn tub bearing: A worn tub bearing can cause a loud clanking noise when the machine is spinning. This will need to be replaced to fix the issue. 
• Worn out drive belt: Over time, the drive belt that spins the washing machine tub can get worn out and damaged. If this is your problem, the drive belt will need to be replaced. 
• Damaged drive pulley: The drive pulley that operates the drive belt can also wear out over time and cause a noisy spin cycle. You will need to replace the drive pulley to fix the issue. 

5. Washer not agitating

The agitation cycle is what cleans your laundry—it moves the clothes around in the drum and helps to loosen grime and oils. There are a few reasons why your Amana washer might not be agitating, including:

• Broken agitator assembly: The agitator assembly is located in the middle of the washing machine, and contains components that help the agitator rotate. If any of these parts are damaged or worn out, they’ll need replacing. 
• Problem with the drive belt: The drive belt isn’t just responsible for the spin cycle, it’s also essential to the agitation cycle. If it’s worn out, frayed or stretched, it won’t work properly and will need to be replaced.
• Problem with the lid switch: If the lid switch isn’t engaging properly, your washer won’t be able to complete agitation or spin cycles. You can either clean the lid switch so that it engages properly, or replace it if it’s broken.