Amana Washing Machine: not working

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

If your Amana washing machine is not working, you may notice it fails to power on or engage in a wash cycle. This issue could manifest as complete silence, no movement, and a lack of display activity, indicating an underlying problem that needs addressing.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Amana Models

  • Amana washers require holding the Start button for up to 3 seconds on some models to initiate a cycle.

Possible Causes

Power supply or electrical connection issue

How to Identify: Machine completely dead with no lights or signs of life; other appliances no longer work in the same outlet.

Part: Power cord / wall outlet / circuit breaker

Door/lid not locked or door latch failure

How to Identify: Machine refuses to start although power is present; closing door doesn’t engage click or light indicator.

Part: Door lock mechanism / lid switch

Control lock or incorrect settings

How to Identify: Control Lock indicator lit or start button must be held; wrong cycle selection prevents start.

Part: Control panel / settings interface

Faulty control board or electronic control failure

How to Identify: Display unresponsive despite proper power, fuse, and outlet; inconsistent response to control buttons.

Part: Electronic control board

Blown line or thermal fuse

How to Identify: No power to control panel at all though outlet and cord are good; continuity test shows broken fuse.

Part: Line fuse / thermal fuse

DIY Solutions

Check and restore power supply

Easy 5-10 minutes
Tools Needed: none
  1. Unplug the washer and plug it into a known working outlet.
  2. Check the household circuit breaker or fuse panel and reset the breaker if tripped.
  3. Test the outlet with another appliance to confirm it has power.
⚠️ Safety First: Make sure hands are dry and machine is unplugged before inspecting cord or outlet.

Ensure door/lid is properly closed and latched

Easy 2-5 minutes
Tools Needed: none
  1. Open and firmly close the door or lid until you hear a secure latch click.
  2. Inspect the latch area for dirt, obstruction, or damage.
  3. Attempt to start the machine again.
⚠️ Safety First: Do not force the door if there is visible damage.

Deactivate control lock and verify settings

Easy 2-5 minutes
Tools Needed: none
  1. Check for a illuminated Control Lock indicator.
  2. Press and hold the Control Lock button for three seconds to deactivate.
  3. Re-select the desired wash cycle ensuring correct alignment.
⚠️ Safety First: Refer to model manual for exact button sequences if not obvious.

Professional Repairs

Replace faulty control board

Estimated Cost: $150 - $350

Replace door latch or lid switch assembly

Estimated Cost: $50 - $120

Replace blown line or thermal fuse

Estimated Cost: $20 - $60

When to Call a Professional

If there is no response after power checks and door latch interventions.
When control board shows signs of damage or buttons remain unresponsive.
If diagnosing internal electrical components (fuse, board) requires tools beyond basic multimeter.

Preventive Maintenance

  • Visually inspect power cord and outlet: Power connection issues that can lead to failure to start
    Frequency: monthly
  • Clean door latch area: Latch failures that prevent cycle start
    Frequency: monthly

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Amana Washing Machine not working?
Common causes include power supply issues, door latch failure, or control board problems.
How do I fix Amana Washing Machine not working myself?
Check the power supply, ensure the door is closed, and deactivate the control lock.
How much does it cost to fix not working?
Professional repairs range from $20 for fuses to $350 for control board replacements.
When should I call a technician for not working?
Consider a technician if DIY fixes fail or if issues persist after basic troubleshooting.

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

  • Faulty lid switch preventing the machine from operating
  • Clogged water inlet filters or hoses restricting water flow
  • Electrical issue such as a blown fuse or tripped breaker

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Check and replace the lid switch if defective. To do this, unplug the machine, locate the lid switch (usually near the hinge), and test it for continuity with a multimeter. If it shows no continuity, replace it with a new one.

  2. Inspect and clean the water inlet filters and hoses. Disconnect the hoses from the back of the machine, check for blockages in the filters, and clean them thoroughly. Ensure that the hoses are not kinked or damaged.

  3. Check the electrical supply. Inspect the circuit breaker or fuse box for any blown fuses or tripped breakers. Reset the breaker or replace the fuse if necessary.

Analysis based on 1 community discussions
View Sources

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

  1. Amana NTW4516FW1 Washing Machine

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