Amana Washing Machine: not spinning or agitating properly

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

If your Amana washing machine is not spinning or agitating properly, it may fill with water but fail to spin during rinse or agitate during wash cycles. This issue can lead to wet clothes and unusual noises, impacting your laundry routine. Several factors, including a faulty lid switch, worn drive belt, or damaged agitator parts, could be causing this malfunction.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Amana Models

  • Amana washers often share drive and lid switch issues common to Whirlpool‑built models; diagnostic mode and error codes may help pinpoint faults. (Appliance Parts Pros)

Possible Causes

Faulty lid switch or lid lock

How to Identify: Washer does not spin or agitate and stops when lid is open; no clicking sound when lid closes. Testing with a multimeter shows no continuity. Common in top‑load Amana models. (Appliance Parts Prosturn(修理诊所

Part: Lid switch assembly

Drive belt worn, loose or broken

How to Identify: No spin/agitate while motor sounds running; visible wear, cracking, or slack in belt when inspecting under access panel.

Part: Drive belt

Agitator assembly or parts worn (dogs/coupling)

How to Identify: Agitator does not move clothes; spins freely by hand or makes grinding noises; agitator not engaging the drive. (Appliance Parts Pros

Part: Agitator dogs or agitator coupling

Motor coupling failure

How to Identify: Motor runs but drum doesn’t turn; coupling shows cracks or wear. (Appliance Parts Pros

Part: Motor coupling

Transmission malfunction

How to Identify: Noise during cycles, drum will not move despite motor running. (Appliance Parts Pros

Part: Transmission assembly

DIY Solutions

Test and Replace Lid Switch

Moderate 20-40 minutes
Tools Needed: Multimeter, Screwdriver
  1. Unplug washer and open access to lid switch.
  2. Use multimeter to test continuity when lid is closed.
  3. If no continuity, remove and replace the lid switch with compatible part.
  4. Reassemble and test washer operation.
⚠️ Safety First: Always disconnect power before accessing electrical components.

Inspect and Replace Drive Belt

Moderate 30-60 minutes
Tools Needed: Screwdriver, Socket set
  1. Unplug washer and access rear/bottom panel.
  2. Locate and inspect drive belt for wear or looseness.
  3. Remove old belt and install new belt matching model specification.
  4. Reassemble panels and test spin/agitate cycle.
⚠️ Safety First: Avoid contact with moving parts; ensure power is off.

Check and Replace Agitator Dogs or Coupling

Advanced 45-90 minutes
Tools Needed: Screwdrivers, Pliers, Multimeter
  1. Disconnect power, remove agitator per model instructions.
  2. Inspect agitator dogs and coupling for wear.
  3. Replace worn components with correct parts.
  4. Reassemble agitator and test washer functionality.
⚠️ Safety First: Properly support agitator assembly to avoid damage.

Professional Repairs

Transmission Repair or Replacement

Estimated Cost: $200 - $500+

Motor or Control Board Replacement

Estimated Cost: $150 - $400+

When to Call a Professional

If internal components like transmission or motor require diagnosis
Persistent issues after replacing lid switch, belt, and agitator parts
Unusual noises or burning smells indicating internal damage

Preventive Maintenance

  • Inspect and clean drain and belt area: Drive belt wear and belt slippage causing spin/agitate failure
    Frequency: annually
  • Check load balance and avoid overloading: Unbalanced loads causing cycle abort and stress on drive components
    Frequency: Each use

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Amana Washing Machine not spinning or agitating properly?
Common causes include a faulty lid switch, worn drive belt, or issues with the agitator assembly.
How do I fix Amana Washing Machine not spinning or agitating properly myself?
You can test and replace the lid switch, inspect the drive belt, or check the agitator dogs for wear.
How much does it cost to fix not spinning or agitating properly?
Professional repairs can range from $200 to $500+ for transmission issues or $150 to $400+ for motor replacements.
When should I call a technician for not spinning or agitating properly?
Consider calling a technician if DIY solutions are beyond your skill level or if the issue persists after basic fixes.

References & Sources

Community Analytical Insights

Analysis based on real user discussions from appliance repair communities

Can I Fix This Myself?

75%
DIY Success Rate Difficulty: DIY

Common Issues Reported by Users

  • Unbalanced load due to uneven distribution of clothes
  • Faulty lid switch preventing the machine from spinning
  • Worn out drive belt causing inadequate agitation and spinning

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Redistribute the load evenly in the drum and try running the spin cycle again.

  2. Inspect the lid switch for damage or malfunction. If faulty, replace the lid switch.

  3. Check the drive belt for wear and tear. If it is worn out, replace the drive belt.

Analysis based on 1 community discussions
View Sources

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

  1. Washing Machine Only Washes and/or Spins When Tilted at 45°

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