Amana washer troubleshooting

Amana is one of the trademarks of the Maytag firm. For the first time the make let everyone hear about itself in the 1936.
Currently the vast amount of names of household appliances capable to make life easier in accordance with the firm motto is produced under the make of Amana. The creation of Amana washer troubleshooting system is the extension of its history.
The Amana washer troubleshooting system contains the error codes based on which specialists will reveal malfunction in time to remove it.
Amana Basic washer troubleshooting
Amana Home Laundry washer troubleshooting
Amana Tandem washer troubleshooting

Amana Basic washer troubleshooting

The range of household appliances produced by the American brand Amana includes several hundreds of washing machines. If your Amana Basic washer is broken, and you are not quite sure what’s wrong with it, refer to the table below. It is an easy-to-use and reliable guide for DIY washer troubleshooting.

ProblemPossibleCause solution
Gear sounds or a low humNormal mechanical sounds in commercial-quality washerNormal operation.
Loose objects, such as coins or pins, in tub or pumpStop washer and check tub. Remove loose objects. If noise continues after washer is restarted, objects may be in pump: call your authorized servicer.
Belt buckles, metal fasteners hitting wash tubClose zippers, buttons, and fasteners. Clothing with buckles must be turned inside out.
Squealing sound or hot rubber odorOverloaded wash tubDo not overload washer. Stop washer and reduce size of load.
Thumping soundHeavy wash loads; unbalanced loadsUsually normal, but unbalanced loads should be redistributed. Stop washer and rearrange load.
Vibrating noiseWasher not resting firmly on floorMake sure floor is strong enough for washer. Adjust leveling legs so washer rests firmly on floor.
Wash load distributed unevenly in tubStop washer and rearrange load.
Shipping plug not removed during installation
Water splashing or slapping noiseSpray rinseNormal operation. Washer sprays water inside tub while running at high speed during rinse and spin
Whistling or whirling noiseDrum spinning without clothsNormal operation. Holes in the tub can cause this sound
Washer does not startElectrical power cord may not be plugged in, or connection may be looseMake sure plug from power cord fits tightly into wall outlet.
Fuse blown, circuit breaker tripped, or power outage occurredReplace fuse or reset circuit breaker. Do NOT increase fuse capacity. Call qualified electrician to correct circuit overload problem. Call local utility company to correct power outage.
Water supply faucets not turned on Turn on water supply faucets.
Timer knob/cycle selector set incorrectlyMove indicator slightly clockwise. Pull out on timer knob.
Motor overheatedInternal overload protector automatically stops motor in event of overload. Protector resets in approximately 3 minutes and motor automatically restarts. If overload protector stops motor again, quit using washer and call service technician.
Do not overload washer. Largest dry load level should not be higher than bottom of fabric softener dispenser or top of agitator.
Washer won’t spinLid partially openClose lid completely.
Residue left in tubHeavily soiled itemsWipe tub with non-abrasive household cleaner and rinse. Before washing, shake or brush excess dirt and sand from items.
Wash load too wet after spinOverloaded wash tubDo not overload washer.
Unbalanced loadRearrange load to allow proper spin.
Kinked drain hoseStraighten drain hose.
Water enters slowly or does not enter washerInadequate main water supplyCheck water pressure at another faucet in house. Wait for water supply and pressure to increase.
Water supply faucets partly closed Fully open hot and cold water supply faucets.
Water being used elsewhere in houseWater pressure must be at least 20 psi (138 kPa). Avoid running water elsewhere when washer is filling.
Clogged water inlet filtersDisconnect water fill hoses from faucet. Clean and reposition screen filters. Reconnect water fill hoses.
Kinked water inlet hosesStraighten hoses.
Water level does not cover clothesIncorrect water level/load size selection Select higher water level/load size. Add water by turning selector to RESET and back to larger load size.
Overloaded wash tubDo not overload washer. Largest dry load level should not be higher than bottom of fabric softener dispenser or top of agitator.
Warm or hot water not hot enoughWater heater temperature set too low; water heater too far from washerYou may need to raise the temperature on your water heater. Check your water heater manufacturer’s recommendations, as well as local codes for assistance.
Hot water being used elsewhere in houseAvoid using hot water elsewhere before or during washer use, or there may not be enough hot water for proper cleaning. If problem continues, enlarge capacity of hot water system, or use for only one application at a time
Water drains slowly or does not drainDrain hose kinked or cloggedClean and straighten drain hose.
Water leaksLoose fill hose connectionsCheck and tighten all hose/faucet connections. Install rubber sealing washers provided.
Clogged drain pipesUnclog drain pipes. Call plumber if necessary.
Changed water levels during fillAlways use RESET on water level switch when changing water level. Do not hold switch at RESET; return switch to desired load size.
OversudsingUse less detergent.
Incorrect wash and rinse temperaturesHot and cold water hoses connected to wrong supply faucetsCheck hose connections. Connect hot water hose to hot water faucet; connect cold water hose to cold water faucet.
Water enters washer, but tub does not fillIncorrect standpipe height for drain hoseRecommended standpipe height is 36” (91.44 cm); for low standpipes, install Siphon Break Kit (part #562P3).

Amana Home Laundry washer troubleshooting

A typical Amana Home Laundry washer is a top-loading automatic washing machine. Its optional features include a bleach dispenser, a fabric softener dispenser, and an agitator cap. Load sizes may vary from small and medium to large and extra-large (optional).

ProblemCauseSolution
Gray or Dingy Clothes
Insufficient DetergentAdd more detergent to washtub before loading clothes.
Mild detergents are not suitable for average soil.
Improper SortingWash whites separately. Separate light from heavily soiled items. Clothes can pick up soil from dirty wash water.
Nonphosphate Detergent and Hard Water
Follow package directions. Soften water if possible.
Water Not Hot EnoughWhite clothes will stay whiter with hot wash water.
Increase temperature.
Overcrowding WasherClothes must circulate freely through the water for best results.
Yellowed Clothes
Unremoved SoilSkin soil is hard to remove. Check hem edge of sheets and pillowcases, bottom end of t-shirts, etc. If this portion is w'hite and center is yellow, the fabric contains unremoved soil. Use sufficient detergent and a hot wash.
Chlorine bleach may be needed.
Clothes Stained From Iron in the Water
To test if an iron stain, use a rust remover on a portion of the garment. Follow bottle directions for larger items.
Older ClothesSome white fabrics turn yellow with age and cannot be whitened.
Clothes Tearing or Damage
Improper Use of Chlorine Bleach
No correction for bleach damaged clothes. Always measure and dilute bleach.
Overcrowding or OverloadingMake sure all items can move freely during agitation.
Insufficient PrecareFasten all hooks and zippers. Mend tears. Remove objects from pockets.
Excessive LintImproper SortingFabrics w'hich shed lint cannot be washed with fabrics that receive lint.
Insufficient Detergent / Non-phosphate Detergent
Use enough detergent so lint remains suspended in water and flushed out.
Mixing Fabric TypesKnits and Permanent Press attract lint. Wash these only with similar items. Use fabric softener in rinse water.

Amana Tandem washer troubleshooting

The Amana Tandem series includes front-loading automatic washing machines. Typically there is a choice of five washing programs and one more program that is intended for cleaning the washer itself. Depending on the type of fabric you may choose one of the three temperatures available.

ProblemSolution
Is the washer level?The washer must be level. The four feet should be properly installed, and the nuts should be tightened against the washer cabinet.
All four feet of the washer must be in firm contact with the floor. If the washer is on a pedestal, the washer must be secured to the pedestal and all four pedestal feet must be in firm contact with the floor
Did you empty pockets?You may be hearing items that are caught under the door seal or basket. Check under the door seal and remove items.
Washer making a different noise?As with any new product, you will hear sounds that you are not accustomed to. You may hear various sounds when the door is locked or unlocked, and during the washing, rinsing, or spinning process. Between changes in wash actions, there will be momentary pauses. You will hear water spraying and splashing during the wash and rinse cycles. These new sounds and pauses are part of normal washer operation.
Is washer installed on a sturdy and solid floor?Noise and vibration may be reduced by placing a piece of 3/4" (19 mm) plywood underneath your washer. The plywood may extend underneath both washer and dryer to keep them at equal heights.
Is the washer gurgling or humming?As water is drained from the washer, you may hear air being pulled through the pump. This happens during the end of draining. It is normal.
Are you washing items with metal snaps, buckles, or zippers?You may hear metal items touching the washer drum. This is normal.
Were the 4 shipping bolts in the back of the machine removed?
Was the door opened during “Add Garment”? Water can drip off the inside of the door, when the door is opened after the start of a cycle.
Is HE detergent being used?The non-High Efficiency detergents can cause oversudsing which can leak from the rear of the washer.
Are the fill hose gaskets properly seated? Check both ends of each hose.
Is the drain hose properly installed? The drain hose should be secured to the drainpipe or laundry tub.
Is the sink or drain clogged?Sink and drainpipe must be able to carry away 17 gal. (64 L) of water per minute. If the sink or drain is clogged or slow, water can back up out of drainpipe or sink. Check household plumbing (laundry tubs, faucets, drainpipe, water pipes) for leaks.
Did you follow the manufacturer’s directions when adding detergent and fabric softener to the dispensers?Measure detergent and fabric softener. Slowly pour into the dispensers. Wipe up all spills. Dilute fabric softener in the fabric softener dispenser
Did you put powdered or liquid color-safe bleach into the liquid chlorine bleach dispenser (on some models)?Add powdered or liquid color-safe bleach directly to the washer basket. Do not use the chlorine bleach dispenser for color-safe bleach.
Is the fabric softener dispenser clogged?Clean the fabric softener dispenser.
Are the laundry products in the correct dispenser compartment?Add the correct amounts of detergent, fabric softener, or liquid chlorine bleach to the correct compartments. Add powdered or liquid color-safe bleach to the Main Wash compartment.
Is there water in the dispenser at the end of the cycle? A small amount of water will remain in the dispenser compartment. This is normal.
Are you using AFFRESH® washer cleaner on a regular basis?AFFRESH® washer cleaner removes and avoids odor-causing residue in all High Efficiency washers. For washers where odor is present, use 3 tablets instead of 1 tablet. After the CLEAN WASHER with AFFRESH™ cycle is complete, wipe away residue if necessary
Are you using HE detergent? Use of non-HE detergent can cause a film residue which can result in odor
Did you leave the door open after use?This washer has a tight seal to avoid water leaks. To avoid odors leave the door open to allow the washer to dry between uses.
Did all of the water drain out of the washer during the spin?Select DRAIN & SPIN to remove any water remaining in the washer. The washer door will unlock at the end of the drain.
Is the door locked and is the “Add Garment” light on?Press START/PAUSE once. The door will unlock.
Is the power cord plugged into a grounded 3 prong outlet? Plug power cord into a grounded 3 prong outlet.
Are you using an extension cord?Do not use an extension cord.
Has a household fuse blown, or has a circuit breaker tripped?Check that the washer is plugged into a working outlet, and check for blown fuses. Replace the fuse, or reset the circuit breaker. If the problem continues, call an electrician.
Is your voltage low?Check electrical source or call electrician.
Is the washer door firmly shut? The door must be closed during operation.
Has a cycle been selected, but START/PAUSE has not been selected and held for 3 seconds?Press and hold START/PAUSE, for 3 seconds.
Was the door open after completion of last cycle?The door must be opened and closed again to start a new cycle.
Is the door locked?If door is locked, run a drain cycle and drain the washer
Are the touch pad controls locked?Hold for 3 seconds the button to lock/unlock controls.
Are the touch pad buttons not responding?Press POWER on the touch-pad twice. Check the touch-pad/ LED assembly by selecting different cycles and changing the options available to confirm the touch-pad/LED assembly is responding.
Does the washer shut down the same time in the same wash cycle repeatedly?Unplug washer or disconnect power. Wait 5 minutes. Plug in washer or reconnect power. Run another cycle.
Is the washer level?Check that the washer is level.
Has the drawer dispensed detergent?Check that the dispenser drawer is not clogged with detergent.
Are both the hot and cold water faucets turned on?Check water hose connections to the washer. Check for plugged screen in water source. Check the water supply and the water valve.
Low water pressure at home?Check if the home has low water pressure, open the water faucets.
Are both the hot and cold water faucets turned on?Verify hot and cold valve at the water faucets are fully open.
Is the water inlet hose kinked? Straighten the hoses. Check water hose connections to the washer and make sure water supply hoses are not obstructed. Check for plugged screen.
Are the water inlet valve screens clogged? Turn off the water and remove inlet hoses from the washer. Remove any accumulated film or particles. Reinstall hoses, turn on water, and check for leaks.
Are you using HE detergent?HE detergent is a low sudsing detergent. This is normal and will not affect cleaning performance.
Low water?This washer uses very little water to provide good cleaning results. You will see little or no water splashing in this washer. This is normal.
Is the washer in a normal pause in the cycle?The washer pauses for about 2 minutes during certain cycles. Allow the cycle to continue. Some cycles feature periods of tumbling and soak.
Is the washer overloaded?Wash smaller loads.
Are the hot and cold water inlet hoses reversed?
Are you washing many loads?As your frequency of loads washed increases, the water temperature may decrease for hot and warm temperatures. This is normal.
Low water?This washer uses very little water to provide good cleaning results. You will see little or no water splashing in this washer. This is normal.
Are you using HE detergent?HE detergent is a low sudsing detergent. This is normal and will not affect cleaning performance.
Is the top of drain hose lower than 30" (760 mm) on washer?The top of the drain hose must be at least 30" (760 mm) above the floor. Check that the washer is level. Check if the valve is blocked open. If the valve is blocked open, uncontrolled filling will occur.
Does the drain extend into the drain pipe more than (114 mm)?Use the drain form to extend the drain hose the proper length into the drain pipe.
¦ Does the drain hose fit too tightly in the standpipe, or is it taped to the standpipe?The drain hose should be loose yet fit securely. Do not seal the drain hose with tape. The hose needs an air gap.
Is the drain hose clogged, or the end of the drain hose
more than (2.4 m) above the floor?
Does the drain hose fit too tightly in the standpipe, or is it taped to the standpipe?The drain hose should be loose yet fit securely. Do not seal the drain hose with tape. The hose needs an air gap.
Excessive suds?When excessive suds are detected, a special suds routine automatically starts. Cycle will complete once extra suds are removed. This will occur more frequently when a non-HE detergent is used.
Is the load balanced?A single or bulky item may cause imbalance. Add more items or redistribute the load.
Is the drum empty?Rotate drum by hand to check for any binding of the spin basket. Check for clothing stuck between spin basket and outer tub. Move open end drum up and down while holding outer tub steady and check for looseness (more than 1/4" of movement).
Is the load balanced?A single or bulky item may cause imbalance. Add more items or redistribute the load.
Excessive suds?When excessive suds are detected, a special suds routine automatically starts. This routine will add time to the original cycle.
Did the load cause imbalance?When an imbalance occurs, an imbalance routine will start to redistribute the load. This extends the cycle.
Are you washing a single item or bulky load?Spin time is added if an unbalanced load is detected. The washer will attempt to redistribute the load with additional tumbling.
Did you wash a large load in a delicate cycle?When using the Delicate wash cycle you should use small loads. This ensures a gentle wash for your garments without increasing cycle times.
Did you use the right cycle for the load being washed?Select a cycle with a higher spin speed.
Did you wash a single item or bulky items or have you overloaded the washer?A single item, bulky items, or overloading may cause imbalance. Add items or try to evenly distribute your wet laundry in the drum, and start a Rinse & Spin and Drain & Spin cycle. If the laundry is still wet, take half of the load out of the washer and try again.
Did you use HE detergent?Suds during rinse and spin cycles can reduce spin speed. Use HE detergent.
Did you add detergent to the dispenser?For best results, add detergent to the detergent compartment. Do not add detergent to the washer drum.
Did you sort properly?Sort lint givers (towels, chenille) from lint takers (corduroy, synthetics). Transfer of dye can occur when mixing whites and colors in a load. Sort dark clothes from whites and lights.
Did you overload the washer?Do not overload the washer. The washer can be fully loaded, but not tightly packed. The wash load must be balanced. Lint can be trapped in the load if overloaded.
Did you use enough HE detergent?Follow manufacturer’s recommendations for the type of load you are washing. For best performance, use only High Efficiency detergent. Use enough HE detergent to remove soil and hold it in suspension.
Do you have hard water?Use more detergent for washing heavy soils in cold or hard water.
Is your water colder than 60°F (15.6°C)?Wash water colder than 60°F (15.6°C) may not completely dissolve the detergent. Use hot or warm washes if safe for the fabric load. Make sure your hot water system is adequate to provide a hot water wash.
Are you using a low speed wash cycle?Powdered detergents may not dissolve well in a slow-speed cycle. For best results, use liquid detergent for slow-speed cycles such as Delicate.
Did you unload the washer promptly?To avoid transfer of dye, unload the washer as soon as it stops.
Did you use a fabric softener dispensing ball?Dispensing balls will not operate correctly with this washer. Add liquid fabric softener to the fabric softener compartment.
Did you use powdered detergent in a low-speed cycle?Consider using liquid detergent.
Did you unload the washer promptly?Unload the washer as soon as it stops.
Did you use the right cycle for the load being washed?Use the Delicate cycle with a low spin speed to reduce wrinkling.
Did you overload the washer?The wash load must be balanced and not overloaded. Loads should tumble freely during washing.
Was the wash water warm enough to relax wrinkles?If safe for load, use warm or hot wash water.
Are the hot and cold water hoses reversed?Check that the hot and cold water hoses are connected to the right faucets. A hot rinse followed by spin will cause wrinkling.