Have you ever tossed your clothes into the washing machine, excited to have fresh, clean outfits ready in an hour? But when the wash cycle finishes, you open the lid to find your clothes sitting in murky water, still covered in stains.
If you have or if you are currently experiencing that, you have an agitation problem. The agitator is the main part inside your washer that gets your clothes clean. It moves back and forth to scrub fabric against the walls of the wash tub, forcing out dirt and grime. When this agitating motion stops working correctly, your clothes won’t get washed effectively.
If your Amana washer is failing to agitate, don’t worry – in most cases, the problem can be fixed with a few troubleshooting steps. This article will walk you through the most common reasons an Amana washer won’t agitate and show you how to diagnose and repair the issue.
How To Fix Amana Washer That Won’t Agitate or Spin
If your washer is not agitating, it can sometimes prevent it from spinning as well. So if your washer is agitating and spinning at the same time, here are some common culprits you can troubleshoot to fix the problem:
1. Faulty Lid Switch
The lid switch is an important safety feature in your washer. This switch prevents the washer from agitating or spinning when the lid is open. The last thing you want is for the drum to start turning while your hands are inside!
The lid switch is located right under the main top lid. When you close the lid, there is a small extension that presses on the switch lever and closes the circuit. This signals to the washer that it is safe to begin the wash cycle.
If the lid switch is faulty, your washer will be unable to agitate or spin. You can replace a faulty lid switch via these steps:
- Unplug the washing machine from the power source.
- Remove the top panel of the washer to access the switch wiring.
- Unplug the connections to the faulty lid switch.
- Unscrew and remove the mounting screws to detach the lid switch.
- Install the new lid switch in the same position and remount it securely.
- Reconnect the wiring plugs to the lid switch terminals.
- Replace the top panel and plug the washer back in to test for proper operation.
2. Damaged Drive Belt
The drive belt is a very important component that connects the motor to the washer transmission. It helps transfer the rotational power from the motor to turn the agitator and spin the drum.
Over time, this belt can become worn out or damaged from normal use. Common signs include squeaking noises when the motor is running, a burning rubber smell, and excessive slipping of the belt.
Replacing the drive belt is a straightforward repair. To replace the drive belt, do these:
- Unplug the power cord from the power source.
- Remove the access panel from the bottom or back of the washer.
- Locate the drive belt and examine it for damage or wear.
- To release tension, pivot the motor or move the tensioner pulley.
- Roll the old belt off the pulleys and motor shaft.
- Loop the new drive belt around the pulleys according to the routing diagram.
- Increase tension on the belt by replacing the motor or tensioner pulley.
- Manually turn the drum several times to seat the new belt.
- Replace the access panel and plug in the washer to test.
3. Motor Problems
The motor is the key component providing the mechanical power to your washer. It drives the transmission to agitate your clothes and spin the basket.
Over time, internal parts of the motor can wear out or break. Electrical windings can burn out. This will cause the motor to malfunction and not run when needed.
To diagnose motor problems, first visually inspect it for any cracks or burned windings. Use a multimeter to test the motor windings for continuity. Check the motor wiring and connections. If tests indicate issues, or the motor won’t run at all, it will need to be replaced.
For this repair, the cabinet will need to be taken apart to access the motor mounts.
Disconnect the hoses, wiring, and motor bracket. Install the new motor, reconnect all lines and wires, and test it before reassembling the washer. Programming and calibration may be required after motor replacement.
4. Worn Agitator Dogs/Cogs
In many top-load Amana washers, small plastic cogs (known as agitator dogs) connect the upper and lower sections of the agitator. They allow the agitator to move in separate motions for optimal cleaning.
After years of use, these agitator dogs can become worn and rounded out. You may hear loud clicking or grinding noises when the washer tries agitating. The upper agitator may not move smoothly.
Replacing agitator dogs is not too difficult. Here’s what you need to do:
- Unplug the washing machine and open the lid.
- Remove the cap and bolt from the top of the agitator.
- Lift off the upper portion of the agitator to expose the spline and dogs.
- Unscrew the base to detach the lower agitator portion.
- Remove worn or damaged plastic dogs and replace them with new ones.
- Reassemble the agitator by reversing the steps, making sure the dogs fit freely.
- Reattach the bolt and agitator cap securely.
- Plug in the washer and test the agitation function.
5. Loose Agitator
For effective cleaning, the agitator must be mounted securely inside the washer tub. If the agitator is loose, it can rock and wobble during operation. This prevents it from agitating properly.
To diagnose a loose agitator, grasp the top and try moving it side to side. Any looseness in the mounting can prevent the agitation motion.
To fix this, tighten the mounting bolts from inside the agitator base. Make sure the internal spline fits correctly over the drive shaft. Replace any worn or damaged internal splines.
Note: Proper engagement is crucial for the agitator to agitate normally.
6. Defective Control Board
Within every washing machine lies a hidden brain directing its every move – the control board. This circuit-packed computer chip acts as mission control, overseeing the appliance’s cycles, functions, and diagnostics. When something goes wrong mid-wash, the control board is often the culprit.
This master command unit regulates power to all components, activating the drive motor to agitate and spin. If shorts or electrical damage occurs on the control board, power can be cut off during key cycles. The washer may suddenly become unresponsive.
Diagnosing control board trouble starts with visual inspection for burnt smells or overheating. Ensure all connections are snug. Then use a multimeter to check output signals and voltages from the board. Erratic readings point to a defective board needing replacement.
To install a new control board:
- Unplug the power and open the control panel.
- Label and detach all wiring connectors from the old board.
- Remove the mounting screws and extract the bad board.
- Mount the replacement board securely with screws.
- Carefully reconnect all wiring as labeled.
- Reinstall the control panel and power up the washer.
- Program and calibrate the new control board as needed.
- Run a test cycle to confirm proper operation.
Amana Washer Not Spinning: 11 Ways to Fix It Now
How to Fix Amana Washer That Won’t Agitate But Will Spin
Sometimes, your Amana washer won’t agitate but will still end up spinning. Unlike in the first scenario where it won’t agitate and spin.
If your washer is not agitating but spinning, there are several things you can do to fix the problem. Here are the most common ones:
1. Broken Agitator
If your Amana washer is spinning normally but failing to agitate, the problem is likely a broken agitator. The agitator is responsible for moving the clothes back and forth to scrub out dirt and stains. So if it breaks, the spin cycle can still function but the agitating motion will fail.
To diagnose, open the lid and visually inspect the agitator for any cracks or damage. Look for broken parts or splines. If damage is confirmed, the entire agitator will need to be replaced.
Replacing a faulty agitator is a straightforward fix:
- Unplug the washer and open the lid to access the agitator.
- Remove the top cap and bolt from the agitator.
- Lift off the upper agitator section.
- Use a ratchet to detach the base of the lower agitator.
- Take out any broken parts or pieces.
- Install the new agitator kit per instructions.
- Reassemble the upper and lower sections correctly.
- Replace the bolt and cap tightly to complete the repair.
2. Faulty Transmission
The smooth operation of our washing machines relies on an intricate component known as the transmission. Nestled beneath the tub, this device controls the washer’s alternating motions – switching seamlessly between agitating and spinning. When the transmission develops internal damage, the agitation motion comes to a halt.
Replacing a worn-out transmission restores the smooth transition between agitate and spin. The steps are:
- Unplug the washer and disconnect the hoses and mounts.
- Remove screws/bolts securing the transmission.
- Separate the damaged transmission from the drive shaft.
- Install the new transmission in the exact same position.
- Reconnect the drive shaft, hoses, and mounting hardware securely.
- Restore power and test agitation to confirm repair.
3. Drive Motor Problems
The drive motor powers both the agitation and spin functions using separate windings and mechanisms. If only one side malfunctions, the motor may still be able to spin the tub but not oscillate the agitator.
Use a multi-meter to test the motor windings and connections. Check for any loose wiring. If electric issues are found, motor replacement or professional repair will be needed. Make sure that the new motor is properly calibrated to the washer.
4. Defective Lid Switch or Timer
The lid switch and main control timer are involved in regulating the agitate and spin portions of the wash cycle separately. A malfunction in either component can allow spinning but prevent agitation.
If the washer operates this way, use a multimeter to test the timer and lid switch circuits for continuity. If there are any faulty parts after performing the test, replace them.
5. Worn Motor Coupling
The motor coupler connects the direct drive motor to the washer transmission. Over time, this coupling can become damaged or deteriorated. A worn motor coupling could still allow spinning but may slip and fail to power the agitator properly.
Inspect the rubber coupling for excessive wear or degradation. If the coupling is defective, replacement is necessary.
Note: During installation, ensure that there’s a proper alignment of the drive motor and transmission shafts.
Amana Washer Stuck On Sensing Fill: 5 Easy Ways To Fix It
Conclusion
When an Amana washer doesn’t agitate, the most frequent culprits are the lid switch, drive belt, motor, agitator parts, coupling, and control board. Accurately diagnosing the specific faulty component is crucial before attempting repairs.
While some issues can be DIY fixes, extensive disassembly or complex electrical work may require calling an appliance technician to get your washer agitating properly.
Adrian is an ISCET licensed professional that has completed the National Appliance Service Technician Certification Exam and has the expertise to diagnose and repair any appliance. He is well-versed in the latest technologies and techniques and is always up-to-date on the latest industry standards.
