Amana Washer Will Not Spin

Introduction

An Amana washer that won’t spin can be a real headache. It leaves your clothes soaking wet, and you’re stuck manually wringing them out (nobody wants that!). This often happens after washing a particularly heavy load, or seemingly out of nowhere. Addressing this promptly prevents mold growth in your washer and avoids potential damage to your clothing. Fortunately, many spin problems have simple solutions you can try yourself before calling a repair technician. Explore more in our Washing Machine Problems 2 collection.

Common Causes of amana washer will not spin

Several factors can prevent your Amana washer from spinning:

• Overloaded Washer: Too many clothes can prevent the motor from engaging.
• Unbalanced Load: Clothes bunched on one side can throw off the spin cycle.
• Lid Switch Malfunction: If the lid switch isn’t working, the washer won’t spin for safety reasons.
• Clogged Drain Hose: A blockage can prevent water from draining, and the washer won’t spin until it’s empty.
• Drive Belt Issues: A worn or broken drive belt can stop the motor from turning the drum.
• Motor Coupling Problems: The motor coupling connects the motor to the transmission; if it’s broken, the drum won’t spin.
• Faulty Motor: In rare cases, the motor itself may be failing.
• Damaged Pump: The pump is responsible to remove water and can cause the drum not to spin.
• Control Board Issues: A malfunctioning control board can prevent the spin cycle from starting.
• Foreign Object Obstruction: Small items like socks or coins can block the pump or drain.

Symptoms Checklist

Use this checklist to pinpoint your issue:

• Washer fills with water, but the drum doesn’t spin during the spin cycle.
• Washer makes a humming or buzzing noise but doesn’t spin.
• Washer spins very slowly or weakly.
• Washer doesn’t drain water at all.
• Lid lock doesn’t engage or disengage properly.
• Error code is displayed on the washer’s control panel (refer to your owner’s manual for code definitions).
• Burning smell during operation

How to Fix amana washer will not spin Step-by-Step Guide

1. Unplug the Washer: For safety, always unplug the washer from the electrical outlet before starting any troubleshooting.
2. Check for Overloading: Remove some clothes to reduce the load size. A good rule of thumb is to fill the drum about full.
3. Rearrange the Load: Redistribute clothes evenly inside the drum to balance the load.
4. Check the Lid Switch: Open and close the lid firmly. Listen for a click. If there is no click it could be the issue. Some models have a visible switch you can inspect for damage.
5. Inspect the Drain Hose: Disconnect the drain hose from the drainpipe and check for kinks, clogs, or obstructions.
6. Clean the Drain Pump Filter: Locate the drain pump filter (usually at the bottom front of the washer behind a small access panel). Remove the filter and clean out any lint, debris, or small objects.
7. Run a Rinse and Spin Cycle: After checking the basics, run a rinse and spin cycle to see if the washer drains and spins.
8. Check the Drive Belt (Advanced): Only if comfortable Remove the back panel of the washer. Inspect the drive belt for wear, cracks, or breakage. If it’s damaged, it will need to be replaced (a job for a qualified technician if you’re not experienced).
9. Check the Motor Coupling (Advanced): Only if comfortable While the back panel is off, inspect the motor coupling. If it’s broken, it will be visibly damaged.
10. Test the Drain Pump (Advanced): Only if comfortable With the machine unplugged, you can visually inspect the drain pump. Sometimes a small object can be lodged causing a blockage.
11. Check for Error Codes: Consult your owner’s manual for a list of error codes and their corresponding solutions.
12. Reset the Washer: Some washers can be reset by unplugging them for 1-2 minutes, then plugging them back in.

Fix the Issue Without Buying Parts

Before considering replacements, try these free troubleshooting steps:

• Washer Reset: As mentioned above, unplugging the washer for a few minutes can sometimes reset the control board and resolve the issue.
• Cleaning the Washer: Run an empty washer cycle with a washer cleaner or a cup of bleach to remove buildup and potential clogs.
• Inspect for Obvious Obstructions: Carefully examine the drum and drain area for any visible objects that may be blocking the spin cycle.
• Level the Washer: Ensure the washer is level using a bubble level. Uneven footing can cause imbalance and prevent spinning.

When Replacement Might Be Necessary

If you’ve exhausted all troubleshooting steps and the washer still won’t spin, replacement might be necessary. Commonly failing parts include the motor ($100-$300 USD), motor coupling ($20-$50 USD), and control board ($150-$400 USD). Labor costs for repair can range from $100-$200 USD. If the repair cost exceeds half the price of a new washer, consider replacing it.

Safety Warning

• Always unplug the washer before attempting any repairs.
• Avoid touching any electrical components with wet hands.
• Be careful when moving the washer; it can be heavy. Get help if needed.
• If you are not comfortable working with electrical appliances, contact a qualified technician.
• Always disconnect power before inspecting or working on the belt, motor, or pump.

Tools You May Need

• Screwdrivers (Phillips and flathead)
• Pliers
• Adjustable wrench
• Bucket
• Towels
• Bubble level
• Work gloves

FAQ

• Q: Why is my washer making a humming noise but not spinning? A: This could indicate a problem with the motor, motor coupling, or drive belt.
• Q: My washer is full of water and won’t drain or spin. What should I do? A: Check the drain hose for clogs and clean the drain pump filter.
• Q: How do I know if the lid switch is bad? A: The washer won’t start if the lid switch is faulty. Visually inspect it for damage, or use a multimeter to test its continuity (advanced).
• Q: Is it worth repairing an old washer, or should I just replace it? A: If the repair cost is more than half the price of a new washer, replacement is usually the better option.
• Q: How to reset the washer control panel? A: Unplug the washer for at least 1 minute and plug it back to electrical outlet.
• Q: The clothes are soaking wet even after the spin cycle. What’s going on? A: Water is not pumped out because of the pump not working correctly or drain hose obstruction.

Conclusion

Troubleshooting an Amana washer that won’t spin can seem daunting, but by following these steps, you can often diagnose and fix the problem yourself. Remember to prioritize safety and consult your owner’s manual for specific instructions. If you’ve tried everything and the washer still isn’t working, don’t hesitate to call a qualified appliance repair technician. Good luck, and happy washing!. Discover more free resources across our collection library.

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