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Amana Dishwasher Not Working (How to Fix/Reset)

White modern dishwasher

While your dishwasher can save you plenty of time in the kitchen, they are prone to wear out and sometimes break down.

And, when they don’t work, it is sometimes a simple task to get them running smoothly again.

If your Amana dishwasher is not working, check that the door is completely closed and that the lock is fully engaged. Check that the time delay is not set and that the water supply is open and has enough pressure. Press the control lock button to disengage it if it is activated.

If your power was interrupted or the machine was opened, interrupting the cycle, press the start/pause button once to restart the dishwasher.

When the dishwasher fails to turn on, it can also be due to a lack of power. This can be caused by a tripped breaker on the main distribution board or it may be due to a fault in the wiring to the plug supplying power to the dishwasher.

Your dishwasher also has a fuse inside that will blow if the components overheat. This fuse is located behind the control panel in the main controller. You can check this fuse and the power circuit for continuity by testing it with a multimeter.

If the fuse is blown, a spare one is relatively cheap and easy to replace. You’ll need to remove the panel on the inside of the loading door to gain access to the controller.

If the drain is blocked or the pump is damaged or broken, the dishwasher will fail to empty and this can cause the machine to switch off. Check the bottom of your dishwasher to see if the water is being pumped out.

Make sure to clean the filter and replace it securely. You can clean the filter by running it under a tap and using a wire brush or toothbrush to scrub away any dirt and debris. A clean filter will increase the amount of water that is pumped out of the dishwasher and make it more efficient.

Also, check the drain pump impeller that is visible when the drain filter is removed. Often, pieces of crockery or glass can jam the impeller, causing it to stop spinning.

If the filter and drain are clear, then you may have to test the drain pump. To do this, you’ll have to remove the dishwasher from the cabinet and remove the back panel. Then, with the dishwasher resting on its front, remove the pump and test it for continuity. You can also check to see if there is anything lodged in the pump that may cause it to jam.

While drain pumps are designed to last a long time, they do wear out and require replacement on older dishwasher models.

This article and its contents are owned by Ready To DIY and was first published on 07/26/2022.

Amana Dishwasher Not Cleaning Top Rack

White modern dishwasher

It is common for the filters and nozzles to become clogged over time. When the spray arms become clogged, the crockery and cutlery on the top rack often don’t get cleaned.

If the items in the top rack of your Amana dishwasher are not clean, then the spray arm is likely clogged. To get the water flowing properly, you’ll have to remove the arm and then clean out any food or other debris that may be clogging the holes. If it is damaged, replace the arm.

The tiny holes in the top wash arm are prone to clogging, so it is useful to ensure that the arm is regularly inspected for blockages.

You can remove the arm by gripping it firmly and tugging it straight down. When food particles are left on dishes and bowls, they can get lodged inside the spray arm, causing it to clog and reducing the volume of water reaching the dishes.

Use a metal pick or piece of thin wire to push out any debris or dirt that is clogging the holes. Then run the spray arm under hot water to clear out any particles left inside.

Another reason that the dishes on the top rack don’t get cleaned properly is due to the upper spray arm getting snagged on tall objects on the lower tray. Make sure that the items that are too tall for the dishwasher are not forced into the lower tray and rather get cleaned in the sink.

Amana Dishwasher Lights Not Working

Confused woman standing

It’s normal to see your dishwasher light up when you switch it on. When it doesn’t, the problem could be relatively minor or it could be a serious fault.

Here are a few things that you can check to help you discover what the problem may be.

When your Amana dishwasher lights do not work, check that the circuit breaker has not tripped and that the plug is switched on. Move on to checking that the thermal fuse has not blown. If the thermal fuse is blown, you’ll have to open the dishwasher to replace it before the dishwasher turns on.

Once you have ruled out a tripped circuit breaker or a wall socket that is not providing power, the obvious cause of the lights not working is a blown fuse in your dishwasher. To effect a repair, you’ll have to access the PC-board or computer.

Switch the power off at the wall and close the water supply valve or tap.

Depending on the age of your dishwasher, you may have to pull the dishwasher away from the wall or out of its built-in recess. This may require the removal of some panels to allow space to move the dishwasher forward.

The newer models have the “black box” located in the door, behind the switch panel. To gain access, unscrew the torque screws, making sure to note the positions of the longer screws. Once the screws are removed, the panel can be accessed from the front and the controller can be removed.

Use needle nose pliers to depress the tabs holding the controller cover in place. Once the cover is off, use a multimeter to test for continuity of the fused circuit. If there is no digital readout or audible beep to let you know that the circuit is allowing electricity to flow across it, you can be certain that the fuse has blown.

While you can manually reset the fuses, it is best to order a replacement. Remove the fuse by removing the connectors on each terminal and inserting the new fuse. Expect to pay between $20 and $30 for a new fuse.

After replacing the fuse and replacing the cover on the controller, switch on the power to see that the lights have come on. When you’ve confirmed that the power is flowing and the lights are on, you can replace the controller and all the screws holding the door together.

This article and its contents are owned by Ready To DIY and was first published on 07/26/2022.

Amana Dishwasher Buttons Not Working

Pressing the button of the microwave

As with all kitchen appliances and electronically controlled devices, the buttons and display will sometimes just not work for no good reason.

Should your Amana dishwasher buttons not work, you can switch the machine off and wait for a few moments before switching it back on and trying the buttons. If this does not work, while the dishwasher is on, press and hold the start button for 3 to 5 seconds until the display changes.

After the display changes, you can switch the dishwasher off and then on again a few seconds later and the buttons should work fine.

The dishwasher just needs some time to reset, which is why holding the start button down will reset the controller.

Amana Dishwasher Pump Not Working

Confused woman standing

If your dishwasher doesn’t want to work, and there is water pooling at the bottom, then it is likely that your pump is the culprit.

When your Amana dishwasher pump is not working, you need to access the back of the machine to inspect the pump. Switch off the power and water and flip the dishwasher onto its face. Remove the back panel and unscrew the pump to access the impeller. Check that nothing is blocking the pump.

The pump can usually be fixed by removing any debris that may be blocking the impeller. Broken glass or pieces of crockery or cutlery often find their way into the pump and jam it.

If the pump has worn out, you can order a replacement pump and exchange it for the broken one.

Amana Dishwasher Rinse Aid Not Working

White modern dishwasher

A dishwasher has an ingenious little dispenser that releases both the dishwashing chemicals and the rinse aid during a cleaning cycle.

However, if the rinse aid is not working, the fix is surprisingly simple.

If your Amana dishwasher rinse aid is not working, then open the door. With the dishwashing chemical dispenser in the open position, press the release catch under the dispenser and listen for a soft and loud click. You need to leave the dispenser door open after hearing the soft click.

The dispenser has a lever mechanism that is set to first release the dishwashing powder and then, when the button is activated a second time, it allows the rinse aid to come out.

If you have pressed the button between cycles to open the dispenser door, then you may have inadvertently changed the sequence. This will cause the rinse aid to dispense at the wrong time in the dishwashing cycle.

This article and its contents are owned by Ready To DIY and was first published on 07/26/2022.

Amana Dishwasher Lights Not Working

Confused man standing

When the lights on your Amana dishwasher are not working, then you may have to reset the machine to get it to work properly again.

When the lights on an Amana dishwasher are not working, you must reset the dishwasher to get it to work again. To reset the dishwasher, unplug the dishwasher for 1 minute and then plug it in and turn it on. Alternatively, press and hold the power button for 3-5 seconds.

When the lights do not come on, it is normally due to the dishwasher not receiving power. Check the main circuit breaker to see that it has not tripped. If it is fine, check that there is power in the wall socket.

You may find that the fuse in the dishwasher has blown and needs replacing. If the fuse has blown, you can reset the fuse by hitting it on the flat side opposite the terminals, with a hammer.  Naturally, you need to remove the fuse from the dishwasher first before doing this.

To remove the fuse, unscrew the internal door panel to access the controller unit. Push the unit out the front of the door and then remove the plastic cover over the controller. The fuse is located under two power cables.

You can check the fuse continuity with a multimeter to confirm that it is blown. Unclip the terminals from the fuse and remove it from its holder. Replace it with a new one or, alternatively, give it a whack with a hammer to reset it.

Amana Dishwasher Not Finishing Cycle

Confused man standing

It is not unusual for a dishwasher to stop in the middle of a cycle. Here are a few reasons why this happens and what you can do to fix the problem.

Copyright protected content owner: ReadyToDIY.com and was initially posted on July 26, 2022.

The most common reason that the Amana dishwasher does not finish its cycle is due to a problem with the door latch assembly. There are switches inside the door latch that will deactivate the dishwasher should the latch open during a cycle. Check the door catch to see that is secure and not loose.

If the door catch is loose, you can adjust it by tightening the screws that hold it firmly in place. You may have to re-position the latch if it has become loose.

Another reason that the dishwasher may stop mid-cycle is related to the control board.

Confirm that the wiring and connections between the door latch assembly and the control board is secure and in good shape. You can do this by disassembling the door by removing the interior door panel and making a visual inspection of all the wires and connections.

A faulty control board will need to be replaced.

Amana Dishwasher Starts and Stops (Keeps Stopping)

Confused man standing

A dishwasher that starts and stops is usually suffering from a problem with its draining function.

When your Amana dishwasher starts and stops after you set the cycle, it is likely due to the drain not functioning properly. There is usually an air gap fitting that exits on top of your kitchen counter. Remove the cap and check to see if anything is obstructing the center pipe.

You can use a brush or wire to clear any debris.

Replace the cap and check to see if your drain function on the dishwasher works more effectively.

If you find that the water is still not draining from your dishwasher quickly enough, remove the fitting’s lock nut on top of the countertop and push the pipe down into the cabinet.

Place a bucket or bowl under the hose end and remove the clip holding the hose on the air gap pipe. Allow the water to drain out of the pipe and then remove any obstructions in the pipe.

It is a good idea to clean out the filter at the bottom of the dishwasher at the same time. This will prevent a build-up of debris and allow the water to drain out of the machine efficiently.

Amana Dishwasher Keeps Running

Man fixing the dishwasher

It is normal for a dishwasher to run for between 2 and 4 hours, depending on how hot the water is and which washing cycle you select.

If an Amana dishwasher keeps running, then the incoming water temperature may be too low. It may take too long for the water to reach the correct temperature of 120°F (50°C). Have a plumber increase the temperature of your hot water thermostat if it is below this temperature.

You can prevent the dishwasher from having to heat the water as it comes into the machine, by running the hot tap closest to the dishwasher until all the cold water clears from the pipes. It takes about 1 minute for the dishwasher to heat the water by 1°, so having cold water in your dishwasher can delay the cycle by up to an hour and a half to two hours.

Selecting a heated drying cycle or a high heat cleaning cycle will add up to 2 hours to your washing cycle, so read your dishwasher manual to see what your options are and how they will affect the time it takes to complete a cycle.

This article and its contents are owned by Ready To DIY and was first published on 07/26/2022.

How to Reset Amana Dishwasher

Confused man standing

If your Amana dishwasher suddenly stops working, then there are a few ways that you can reset the machine.

To reset your Amana dishwasher, press the dishwasher reset button on the control panel and wait for 2 minutes for the dishwasher to reset. Alternatively, unplug the dishwasher and wait 30 seconds before plugging it in and switching it on. You can also press and hold the start button for 3 seconds.

Often, resetting the dishwasher will fix the problem, and the machine will start working again without any further issues.

Copyright article owner is ReadyToDiy.com for this article. This post was first published on July 26, 2022.

But you may find that the dishwasher does not work even after it has been reset. Low water pressure, a blown fuse, or a faulty controller may cause the dishwasher to stop.

You will then need to investigate each component to discover which one is faulty and requires replacement.

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ReadyToDIY is the owner of this article. This post was published on July 26, 2022.

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