Amana Dishwasher: not draining and not turning on

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

If your Amana dishwasher is not draining and not turning on, you may notice water pooling in the tub after cycle attempts. Common issues include a faulty door latch, a clogged drain path, or a malfunctioning drain pump. This guide will help you identify the problem and find solutions to restore your dishwasher's operation.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Amana Models

Some models have built-in error codes and diagnostics to help identify specific faults

Possible Causes

Door latch/door switch failure preventing startup

How to Identify: Dishwasher control panel remains inactive when start pressed; audible click from door latch missing; multimeter shows no continuity at door switch when door is closed

Part: Door latch assembly / door switch

Clogged drain path or drain hose blockage

How to Identify: Standing water in dishwasher sump after cycle; visual inspection of hose shows kinks or debris; standing water remains even after attempted drain cycles

Part: Drain hose / drain filter / garbage disposal connection

Faulty drain pump motor preventing water removal

How to Identify: Pump makes humming or no noise during attempted drain; multimeter shows proper power but pump fails; debris removed but still wonâ€™t drain

Part: Drain pump assembly

DIY Solutions

Check and Clean Drain Filter and Hose

Moderate 20-40 minutes

Tools Needed: screwdriver, bucket, flashlight

Turn off power to dishwasher
Remove bottom rack and locate drain filter
Remove and rinse filter and screen under running water
Check drain hose connection for kinks or debris
Disconnect hose and flush with water if clogged, then reconnect

⚠️ Safety First: Ensure power is disconnected before accessing components

Inspect and Test Door Latch and Switch

Moderate 30-60 minutes

Tools Needed: multimeter, screwdriver

Disconnect power
Open dishwasher door and locate latch/switch assembly
Test continuity of door switch with multimeter while actuating switch
Replace door switch/latch if continuity fails

⚠️ Safety First: Disconnect power before testing electrical components

Reset Control via Power Cycle

Easy 5 minutes

Turn off dishwasher circuit breaker or unplug unit
Wait 60 seconds
Restore power and attempt start cycle

Professional Repairs

Replace Drain Pump Assembly

Estimated Cost: $80 - $200

Replace Main Control Board or Thermal Fuse

Estimated Cost: $150 - $400

Replace Door Latch and Switch Assembly

Estimated Cost: $30 - $100

When to Call a Professional

If there is standing water and internal electrical tests are needed

If multimeter tests indicate pump or control board faults

If internal wiring appears damaged

Preventive Maintenance

Clean drain filter monthly: Drain clogs and water buildup
Frequency: monthly
Inspect drain hose for kinks annually: Drain restriction and standing water
Frequency: annually

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Amana Dishwasher not draining and not turning on?

Common causes include a door latch failure, clogged drain path, or a faulty drain pump.

How do I fix Amana Dishwasher not draining and not turning on myself?

Check and clean the drain filter and hose, inspect the door latch, or reset the control.

How much does it cost to fix not draining and not turning on?

Professional repairs range from $30 to $400 depending on the issue.

When should I call a technician for not draining and not turning on?

Call a technician if DIY solutions don't resolve the issue or if you're uncomfortable with repairs.

References & Sources

Amana Dishwasher Not Starting or Operating Official

Community Analytical Insights

Analysis based on real user discussions from appliance repair communities

Can I Fix This Myself?

75%

DIY Success Rate Difficulty: Either

Common Issues Reported by Users

Power supply issue (tripped circuit breaker or blown fuse)
Faulty door latch or door switch preventing operation
Clogged drain filter or drain hose causing drainage failure

User Suggested Solutions

Check the power supply: Ensure the dishwasher is plugged in, check the circuit breaker for tripped switches, and replace any blown fuses. If using a power strip, try plugging it directly into the wall outlet.
Inspect the door latch and switch: Open and close the door to ensure it latches properly. If the latch is damaged, replace it. Test the door switch with a multimeter to ensure it's functioning.
Clean the drain filter and hose: Remove the filter and clean it under running water. Check the drain hose for clogs or kinks. Reassemble and test the dishwasher.