Amana Washing Machine: not progressing to spin cycle

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

If your Amana washing machine is not progressing to the spin cycle, it may leave your clothes wet after the wash and drain phases. While the cycle reaches the spin stage, no action occurs, potentially due to an unbalanced load, drainage issues, or motor problems. Understanding the causes can help you troubleshoot effectively.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Amana Models

  • Amana machines may remember last cycle spin settings; low/no spin selected previously can persist.

Possible Causes

Unbalanced load triggering protective stop

How to Identify: Load is uneven (e.g., single heavy item or heavy on one side, washer stops or delays spin, often without error codes.

Part: Load distribution and imbalance sensors

Drainage problem preventing spin initiation

How to Identify: Water remains in drum at spin phase; drain hose kinked or clogged; pump blocked.

Part: Drain hose/pump

Motor coupling or motor failure

How to Identify: Motor hums but drum doesn’t turn; broken coupling pieces; more advanced diagnosis needed.

Part: Motor coupling/motor

Control board or electronic fault

How to Identify: No spin with no other clear mechanical causes; error codes display; visible board damage possible.

Part: Control board

DIY Solutions

Redistribute Load Evenly

Easy 5–10 minutes
  1. Stop washer mid-cycle and open lid.
  2. Evenly spread clothes in drum; remove heavy single items if necessary.
  3. Restart on spin to test if spin initiates.

Check and Replace Lid Switch

Moderate 20–40 minutes
Tools Needed: Screwdriver, Multimeter
  1. Unplug washer and open access to lid switch area.
  2. Depress lid and check switch continuity with multimeter.
  3. If no continuity, remove and replace switch assembly.
  4. Reassemble and test spin cycle.
⚠️ Safety First: Unplug before servicing

Clear Drain Hose and Pump Filter

Moderate 30–60 minutes
Tools Needed: Bucket, Screwdriver, Pliers
  1. Unplug washer and place bucket below drain access.
  2. Disconnect and inspect drain hose for kinks/obstructions.
  3. Check and clear pump filter if accessible.
  4. Reconnect and test cycle.
⚠️ Safety First: Be ready for water spillage

Inspect and Replace Drive Belt

Advanced 60–90 minutes
Tools Needed: Socket set, Screwdrivers
  1. Unplug washer and access rear panel.
  2. Inspect belt condition and tension.
  3. Remove and replace belt if broken or loose.
  4. Reassemble and test washer on spin cycle.
⚠️ Safety First: Ensure power is disconnected

Professional Repairs

Motor Coupling or Motor Replacement

Estimated Cost: $100–$300

Control Board Repair/Replacement

Estimated Cost: $150–$400

When to Call a Professional

If no spin after basic DIY but motor hums or unusual noises
Visible electrical issues or error codes not resolved by reset
Parts such as motor or control board suspected

Preventive Maintenance

  • Clean drain hose and filter: Drainage clogs that block spin cycle
    Frequency: annually
  • Check belt wear: Drive failure that stops spin
    Frequency: annually
  • Distribute loads evenly: Imbalance causing spin abort
    Frequency: every use

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Amana Washing Machine not progressing to spin cycle?
Common causes include an unbalanced load, drainage problems, or a faulty motor coupling.
How do I fix Amana Washing Machine not progressing to spin cycle myself?
Redistribute the load, check the lid switch, clear the drain hose, or inspect the drive belt.
How much does it cost to fix not progressing to spin cycle?
Professional repairs can range from $100 to $400 depending on the issue.
When should I call a technician for not progressing to spin cycle?
Consider calling a technician if DIY solutions don't resolve the issue or if there's a suspected motor or control board failure.

References & Sources

Community Analytical Insights

Analysis based on real user discussions from appliance repair communities

Can I Fix This Myself?

70%
DIY Success Rate Difficulty: Either

Common Issues Reported by Users

  • Water level sensor malfunction preventing communication with the control board
  • Faulty door latch switch not allowing the machine to proceed to the spin cycle
  • Clogged drain pump or hose causing the machine to drain but not spin

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Inspect and test the water level sensor. If defective, replace it. Ensure connections to the control board are secure.

  2. Check the door latch switch for proper operation. If it is faulty, replace it to ensure the machine can proceed to the spin cycle.

  3. Examine the drain pump and hoses for clogs. Clear any obstructions and ensure the pump is functioning correctly.

Analysis based on 1 community discussions
View Sources

Data compiled from real discussions on r/appliancerepair and r/Appliances:

  1. Amana washer fills, won't progress to spin cycle, then drain...

Community Discussions

fills, won't progress to spin cycle, then drains

Water level sensor not communicating with control board; potential warranty repair.

Pro needed View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

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