Amana dishwashers are known for their reliability, but like any appliance, they can occasionally run into problems. An Amana dishwasher can fail to work at different stages in the cycle. This guide covers the most common Amana dishwasher problems, step-by-step troubleshooting tips, and how to reset your dishwasher safely before scheduling a repair.
If your Amana dishwasher won’t turn on, fill with water, drain, or stops mid-cycle, this troubleshooting guide walks you through the most common causes, quick checks, and how to reset your dishwasher before calling for service.
Amana Dishwasher Won’t Turn On
Check the circuit breaker
- A power surge or electrical fault can trip the breaker and cut power to the dishwasher
- Reset it by switching it fully OFF, then back ON
Inspect the wall outlet (if applicable)
- Make sure the plug is pushed all the way into the outlet. Movement under the sink can cause the dishwasher to become partially unplugged, although it looks like it is.
- A faulty outlet may prevent electricity from reaching the dishwasher
- Test the outlet or have a qualified electrician inspect it if needed
Examine the power cord
- Look for visible damage such as cuts, fraying, or burn marks
- Replace the power cord if it’s damaged to restore power and avoid safety risks
Amana Dishwasher Won’t Fill With Water
Check the incoming water supply
- Make sure the water shut-off valve is fully open
- Inspect the water line for kinks, bends, or pinched sections that could restrict water flow. It should be as straight as possible.
That water line connects to the dishwasher’s water inlet valve. If there are no problems with the water line, the valve itself could be faulty, failing to let water into the dishwasher.
Inspect the water inlet valve
- The inlet valve controls how water enters the dishwasher
- A faulty valve may fail to open even when the water supply is fine
- Test the valve for electrical continuity with a
multimeter if available
Amana Dishwasher Stops Mid-Cycle
If your Amana dishwasher stops during a wash cycle, the most likely cause is a faulty door latch. The door latch contains internal switches that tell the dishwasher whether the door is open or closed.
When these switches fail, the dishwasher may think the door has been opened and automatically shut off for safety—even if the door is firmly closed. The only reliable fix is to replace the defective door latch so the dishwasher can properly sense the door position and complete the cycle.
Amana Dishwasher Won’t Drain
Check the drain system
- Inspect the drain pump, which pushes wastewater out of the dishwasher
- Examine the drain hose that carries water to your home’s plumbing
Common causes
- Food debris or foreign objects clogging the drain pump
- Blockages in the drain hose restricting water flow
- Backed-up water remaining inside the dishwasher as a result
How to fix it
Connect with an Appliance Repair Tech
Click here to use the chatbox to speak with one of our technicians.
No in-home service calls. No appointments.
- Remove clogs from the drain hose by disconnecting it and flushing it with water
- Clear minor obstructions from the drain pump if accessible
- Replace the drain pump if it’s severely clogged or jammed, as it cannot always be repaired
Amana Dishwasher Not Cleaning
- Incorrect wash cycle: Using a cycle that’s too light for the soil level can leave dishes dirty; choose a more appropriate or “Sensor” cycle.
- Not enough water: Poor water flow or a faulty water inlet affects cleaning performance; check the water supply and inlet valve.
- Insufficient detergent: Too little detergent won’t break down grease and food particles; follow manufacturer recommendations for the correct amount.
- Dirty or damaged filter: A clogged or worn filter can recirculate dirty water, so clean or replace the filter as needed.
Read: Amana Dishwasher Not Cleaning for more details
Amana Dishwasher Not Drying
Common Reasons Dishes Stay Wet
- Water too cold
- Cold water doesn’t evaporate well, making it hard for the dishwasher to dry dishes.
- Check that the unit is connected to the hot water supply, and if the internal heating element is faulty, replace it.
- Incorrect loading
- Overcrowded racks or poor dish placement prevents air circulation and drying.
- Follow proper loading guidelines so water can shed off items easily.
- Not using rinse aid
- Rinse aid lowers water surface tension so water slides off dishes faster.
- Adding rinse aid improves drying performance.
- Clogged vent or failed vent motor
- A blocked vent or bad vent motor traps moist air inside, leaving dishes wet.
- Clear debris from the vent and replace the vent motor if needed.
Tips & Notes
- Properly heated water and good airflow are key for drying.
- Regular use of rinse aid significantly boosts drying results.
How to Reset an Amana Dishwasher
ou can reset an Amana dishwasher by cycling its power. First, shut off the dishwasher’s power at the circuit breaker. Then, leave the appliance alone for at least a minute. Turning the machine back on will complete the reset process.
Why Your Amana Dishwasher Isn’t Using Rinse Aid
If your dishes are coming out wet or spotted even though you’ve filled the dispenser, your Amana dishwasher likely isn’t releasing its rinse aid. This issue is usually caused by physical clogs or mechanical failures within the dispenser assembly.
1. Detergent and Residue Buildup
Because the dispenser is located on the inner door, it is constantly exposed to splashing water, grease, and detergent. Over time, old detergent can harden around the dispenser door or the rinse aid nozzle, physically blocking the liquid from escaping during the rinse cycle.
- The Fix: Wipe the dispenser area with a damp cloth and warm water. If the buildup is stubborn, use a soft toothbrush to scrub around the hinges and the release nozzle.
2. Damaged Dispenser Cap or Lid
The rinse aid compartment relies on a tight seal. If the cap is cracked or the rubber gasket is worn, the rinse aid may leak out as soon as you close the dishwasher door. By the time the machine reaches the rinse stage, the reservoir is already empty.
- The Fix: Inspect the cap and seal for cracks. If the cap feels loose or visible damage is present, it must be replaced to ensure the liquid stays contained until the proper cycle stage.
3. Broken Dispenser Spring or Trigger
The dispenser uses a small wax motor or solenoid to “trigger” the door to open. If the internal spring is snapped or the plastic hinge is broken, the door will remain shut even when the dishwasher sends the electrical signal to release the aid.
- The Fix: Manually test the door to see if it springs open freely. If it feels jammed or limp, you will likely need to replace the entire dispenser assembly, as individual springs and hinges are rarely sold separately.
4. Failed Main Control Board
The control board is the “brain” that tells the dispenser when to open. If the board has a short circuit or a failed relay specifically for the dispenser function, the rinse aid will never be released.
- The Fix: This should be your last resort. If the dispenser is clean and the mechanics are functional, inspect the control board for burn marks. If damaged, the board will need to be replaced.
What to Do if Amana Dishwasher Buttons Stop Working
If your dishwasher has power but the buttons are unresponsive, follow these troubleshooting steps to identify the cause:
- Check Control Lock or Sleep Mode: These features disable the control panel to prevent accidental changes.
- Control Lock: Press and hold the Lock button for 4 seconds to disable it.
- Sleep Mode: Press Start/Resume or the Control button to wake the dishwasher from standby.
- Perform a Power Reset: Clear minor glitches by disconnecting the dishwasher from power for at least one minute before plugging it back in.
- Inspect for a Faulty Control Panel: Over time, humidity or wear can damage the touch sensors or buttons. If only specific buttons fail to respond, the control panel likely needs replacement.
- Check the Main Control Board: If the entire panel is dead or behaving erratically, the main circuit board may have failed and is no longer processing button signals.
- Unstick Stuck Buttons: Food particles or sticky residue can jam mechanical buttons. Gently clean around the buttons with a damp cloth or soft brush to ensure they move freely.
Amana Dishwasher Making Excessive Noise?
Read this detailed guide on Troubleshooting a Noisy Amana Dishwasher.
Amana Dishwasher Is Leaking or Overflowing?
Read this detailed guide on Troubleshooting a Leaking Amana Dishwasher.
Amana Dishwasher Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Find The Circuit Breaker For My Amana Dishwasher?
The Amana dishwasher’s circuit breaker is located in your home’s main electrical box. That could be in your basement or garage, where all the circuit breakers are grouped together.
How Do I Know If My Dishwasher Drain Pump Is Clogged?
You’ll know the drain pump is clogged when your Amana dishwasher has dirty water it can’t get rid of. Sometimes, the clog will cause the drain pump to make loud noises when it turns on.
How Easy Is It To Fix A Dishwasher?
In most cases, your Amana dishwasher is easy enough to fix by yourself. However, major repairs or those that involve electrical work are always best left to the professionals.
How Do You Test A Dishwasher Fill Valve?
The best way to test a dishwasher fill valve is to use a
One of the first things to check is to make sure the dishwasher is still plugged in under the kitchen sink. Even if it looks plugged in, it might have become loose in the outlet and not making a proper connection. In my kitchen, the extra faucet hose (for the sprayer) has a weight under the sink. This weight continually bumps the dishwasher cord and causes it to become slightly unplugged from the outlet.
