Amana Washing Machine: not spinning, excessive drum movement

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

Is your Amana washing machine not spinning and showing excessive drum movement? This issue often results in wet clothes left in the drum after washing. Common causes include an unbalanced load, broken suspension rods, or a faulty lid switch. Understanding these symptoms can help you troubleshoot effectively.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Amana Models

Amana official troubleshooting specifically highlights load balance and leveling for spin issues; use Amanaâ€™s leveling instructions for best results.

Possible Causes

Unbalanced or overloaded load

How to Identify: Drum stops and rocks violently, clothes clumped on one side, issue resolves when load is redistributed.

Part: Drum / load distribution

Broken suspension rods or shock absorbers

How to Identify: Drum moves excessively up/down or side-to-side when spun manually or during wash; rattle noises present.

Part: Suspension rods / dampers

Lid switch or door latch failure

How to Identify: Machine wonâ€™t spin but may agitate; spin only starts when latch ignored or re-seated.

Part: Lid switch / door latch assembly

Drive belt wear or breakage

How to Identify: Motor sounds normal or belt slipping noises, drum doesnâ€™t turn with motor running.

Part: Drive belt

DIY Solutions

Redistribute and reduce laundry load

Easy 5-10 minutes

Open the washer and remove some items to ensure the drum is not overfilled.
Rearrange items to evenly distribute weight around the drum.
Restart the spin cycle to see if the washer balances and spins correctly.

Level the washer

Moderate 10-20 minutes

Tools Needed: wrench or pliers, bubble level

Place a bubble level on top of the washer to check current leveling.
Adjust the leveling feet by turning them clockwise or counterclockwise until the machine is level.
Tighten lock nuts on feet to secure position and test with a spin cycle.

⚠️ Safety First: Ensure the washer is unplugged while adjusting feet.

Professional Repairs

Replace suspension rods or shock absorbers

Estimated Cost: $50 - $150

Replace lid switch or door latch assembly

Estimated Cost: $30 - $120

Drive belt replacement

Estimated Cost: $25 - $100

When to Call a Professional

Drum still moves excessively after load redistribution and leveling

Unusual noises (clanging/grinding) persist during spin

Electrical or mechanical components like suspension, belt, or lid switch need replacement

Preventive Maintenance

Check and level washer: Imbalance and vibration during spin
Frequency: monthly
Avoid overloading drum: Uneven load distribution and spin failure
Frequency: every use

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Amana Washing Machine not spinning, excessive drum movement?

Common causes include an unbalanced or overloaded load, broken suspension rods, or a malfunctioning lid switch.

How do I fix Amana Washing Machine not spinning, excessive drum movement myself?

Redistribute laundry or reduce the load, and level the washer to ensure proper spinning.

How much does it cost to fix not spinning, excessive drum movement?

Professional repair costs range from $25 to $150 depending on the issue.

When should I call a technician for not spinning, excessive drum movement?

If DIY solutions don't resolve the issue or if you suspect broken parts, it's best to call a technician.

References & Sources

Amana Not Spinning Troubleshooting 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

Unbalanced load causing excessive drum movement
Worn or damaged drive belt
Faulty lid switch preventing spin cycle

User Suggested Solutions

Redistribute the load evenly in the drum. Open the lid, adjust the clothes to ensure they are balanced, and then close the lid to restart the spin cycle.
Inspect and replace the drive belt if worn or damaged. Unplug the machine, remove the back panel, check the belt for wear, and replace it if necessary.
Test and replace the lid switch if faulty. Use a multimeter to check for continuity; if there's no continuity, replace the lid switch.