Amana Washer Not Spinning: How to Fix It

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Fred's Appliance
June 6, 2022
Washer Repair

There is nothing worse than your Amana dryer not spinning; it can not only ruin your day, but it might indicate a bigger issue that needs attention. 

There are multiple reasons your Amana washer is not spinning, but the most common is a worn-out drive belt. If your washer is a top-loader, the next most likely cause is a defective lid switch.  

For a front-load washer, a defective door lock is another reason the washer is not spinning. 

We have compiled an easy guide on what to do if your Amana washer stops spinning and how to fix it. 

This guide applies to the majority of Amana washers, including the following:

ALW480DAW

ALW880QAW

CW2303/P7762131W

CW3303L/P1128412W

CW3303W/P1128405W

CW8202W2/PCW8202W2

DLW330RAW

LTA85AW/PLTA85AW

LTC85AW/PLTC85AW

LW8203W2

LWA50AW

NAV2330AWW

NV5800AWW

NFW7200TW10

NFW7200TW11

NW7300WW00

NTW4500VQ1

NTW4501XQ0

NTW4516FW3

NTW4630YQ0

NTW4650YQ0

Top-loaders

Check the lid switch  

The Amana washer’s lid switch is a safety feature designed to stop the washer from spinning when the lid is open. The lid switch on most Amana top-load washers is located in the upper left corner of the top of the washer, right underneath the control panel. 

You will need to lift up the control panel by removing the screws at the back to access the lid switch.

Once you have located the lid switch, it will need to be tested for continuity using a multimeter. You can do this by disconnecting the wiring harness and testing the switch. You are looking for a reading of 0.1 ohms. Depending on the type of multimeter you have, your reading may vary slightly, which is okay. 

Now you should test it again with the lid open. The multimeter should show a reading of 1. This is because the lid switch does not have a completed circuit and is, therefore, working as it should (shutting off the washer when the lid is open).

If there is no continuity when the lid is closed (a reading of around 1 when your multimeter is set to ohms), the lid switch is faulty and needs to be replaced.

You should also perform a visual inspection of the lid switch. If you find any visible damage at all, you should also replace the switch as soon as possible. 

Front-loads

Check the door lock switch

Like a top-load washer’s lid switch, a front-load washer has a door lock switch that acts as a safety mechanism ensuring the washer won’t spin when the door is open. If the door lock is faulty or damaged in any way, it may be stopping the washer from spinning. 

The door lock is a sensitive piece and can fail both mechanically and electrically. If the door lock has failed mechanically, generally, you will be able to see it. When the door latch is not latching properly or if there is damage, it will need fixing or replacing. 

As you won’t be able to see an electrical fault, you will need to test it. Start by removing the door lock and testing it for continuity using a multimeter. If the door lock does not have continuity, it will need to be replaced to fix the washer.

Worn out drive belt

If your Amana washer is not spinning, the most common cause is a worn-out or broken drive belt. Thankfully, replacing it is a repair that do-it-yourself enthusiasts can have a crack at. Don’t forget that there is also no shame in calling your local repair team if you prefer to have it reliably fixed asap. 

To troubleshoot a worn-out or broken drive belt, you will need to reach in and try to turn the drum by hand. If it spins easily, then you can be sure there is an issue down there. 

If you have a front-load washer, the belt is located behind the tub. You will need to remove the back panel of the washer to access it. With top-load washers, the belt is located at the base of the washer. You will need to put the washer on its back to access the belt.

Follow these simple steps to replace your Amana washer drive belt.

  1. To begin, unplug the appliance from its power source.
  2. Remove the relevant panels in order to access the drive belt.
  3. Next, you will need to release the tension on the old belt if it has not broken. 
  4. Detach the belt from the idler pulley and motor drive pulley. Gently side the belt out. 
  5. Slip the new belt over the drum and make sure that the grooved side of the belt is facing inward to grip the drum when it’s moving.
  6. Loop the belt on the idler pulley and drive the pulley.
  7. Once it is on, start to slowly rotate the drum by hand. This will help to align the new belt.
  8. Reinstall all panels and reconnect your washer to the power source. 

One way to preempt a broken drive belt in your Amana washer is by paying attention to when it needs replacing. When your washer starts taking longer to finish washing its load, it is usually a good indicator it is time for a new belt. The belt itself is like a large rubber band that wraps around two devices on the drum. 

While your Amana washer should be a reliable, long-lasting appliance, sometimes things go wrong. If you are ever unsure what the problem is, it is best to call a qualified technician. They will be able to provide fast expert help and hopefully get you up and running again ASAP.

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