Amana Washer Stuck on Drain Cycle (Troubleshooting Guide)

On this page

Quick answer
Confirm the symptom
Tools and prep
Step-by-step troubleshooting
Common causes table
Parts matching
When to call a pro
FAQ
Related guides

Quick answer

If your Amana washer is stuck on the drain cycle, unplug it for 1 minute to reset the system. If it continues, check the drain pump filter for clogs and ensure the water is fully drained before restarting the cycle.

Confirm the symptom

Washer continuously drains without progressing to next cycle stage
Drain pump motor is running but not moving water
Washer makes gurgling or bubbling sounds during drain cycle

Tools and prep

Screwdriver (Phillips and flathead)
Plumber’s putty or silicone sealant
Bucket for water collection
Work gloves
Flashlight
Unplug washer before starting work

Step-by-step troubleshooting

Unplug the Washer
Do: Turn off the power at the circuit breaker or unplug the washer.
Observe: Washer stops all activity.
Means: Power interruption resets the system.
Next: Wait 1 minute, then plug back in and restart the cycle.
Check Drain Pump Filter
Do: Locate the drain pump filter (usually at the front or bottom of the washer) and remove it using a screwdriver.
Observe: Filter may be clogged with lint, hair, or debris.
Means: Clogged filter prevents proper drainage.
Next: Clean the filter thoroughly and reinstall it.
Inspect Drain Hose
Do: Check the drain hose for kinks, clogs, or improper installation.
Observe: Hose is clear and properly connected.
Means: Blocked or misaligned hose can cause drainage issues.
Next: Straighten or reposition the hose if needed.
Test Drain Pump
Do: Plug the washer back in and run a drain-only cycle to see if the pump works.
Observe: Drain pump runs but no water is drained.
Means: Pump may be faulty or clogged internally.
Next: Inspect the pump for damage or replace it.
Check Water Level Sensor
Do: Access the water level pressure switch and inspect for damage or dirt.
Observe: Switch appears clean and undamaged.
Means: Faulty sensor can cause incorrect water level readings.
Next: Replace the water level sensor if damaged.
Verify Water Supply
Do: Ensure both cold and hot water valves are fully open.
Observe: Water flows freely into the washer.
Means: Restricted water supply can cause drainage problems.
Next: Adjust or repair water valves if necessary.
Run Diagnostic Mode
Do: Consult the user manual for model-specific diagnostic mode instructions and run a test cycle.
Observe: Washer displays error codes or performs self-tests.
Means: Diagnostic mode can identify specific issues.
Next: Address the identified issue based on the diagnostic results.
Inspect for Mechanical Issues
Do: Check for any mechanical obstructions in the drum or pump area.
Observe: No foreign objects or blockages are present.
Means: Obstructions can prevent proper drainage.
Next: Remove any obstructions and restart the cycle.

Common causes

Cause	Likelihood	Difficulty	Part often needed
Clogged Drain Pump Filter Debris and lint block water flow through the pump.	Common	Easy	Drain Pump Filter
Faulty Drain Pump The pump motor or impeller is damaged or worn out.	Common	Medium	Drain Pump
Clogged Drain Hose Lint or debris accumulates in the hose, restricting water flow.	Sometimes	Easy	Drain Hose
Malfunctioning Water Level Sensor The sensor incorrectly signals the washer that water remains.	Sometimes	Medium	Water Level Sensor
Blocked Vent or Air Gap A blocked vent or air gap prevents proper drainage.	Rare	Easy	Vent or Air Gap
Faulty Lid Switch The lid switch prevents the washer from advancing if not properly engaged.	Rare	Medium	Lid Switch
Control Board Issue A malfunctioning control board can cause the washer to get stuck on a cycle.	Rare	Hard	Control Board

Parts matching

Common parts needed for fixing an Amana washer stuck on the drain cycle include:

Drain Pump Filter
Drain Pump
Drain Hose
Water Level Sensor
Vent or Air Gap
Lid Switch
Control Board

Purchase OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts for compatibility and reliability.

When to call a professional

The washer still doesn’t drain after cleaning the filter and hose.
You hear unusual noises from the drain pump but can’t identify the issue.
You suspect a faulty control board or water level sensor but lack the tools to test them.
The problem persists after replacing the drain pump and other accessible parts.
You are unsure about performing electrical or mechanical repairs safely.

FAQ

Why is my Amana washer stuck on the drain cycle?

This can happen due to a clogged drain pump filter, a faulty drain pump, or a malfunctioning water level sensor. Check these components first for the issue.

How do I reset my Amana washer if it's stuck on the drain cycle?

Unplug the washer for 1 minute, then plug it back in. This can often reset the system and resolve minor issues.

Can a clogged drain hose cause the washer to get stuck on the drain cycle?

Yes, a clogged or kinked drain hose can prevent proper drainage, causing the washer to remain on the drain cycle until the issue is resolved.

What should I do if the drain pump is making noise but not draining water?

Check for clogs in the pump and hose. If the pump is damaged, it may need to be replaced by a professional or with a new OEM part.

Is it safe to use chemical drain cleaners on my Amana washer?

No, chemical drain cleaners can damage the washer’s internal components. Use a plunger or a wet/dry vacuum to clear minor clogs instead.