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Amana washer codes can sometimes be challenging to understand. So, if you’re scratching your head trying to figure out what the E3 error code means, don’t worry! We’ll explain everything you need to know.
The code E3 error on an Amana washer means that the motor is experiencing a motor failure due to over current. That means the washer is trying to drive the motor but can’t sense any movement coming from it. The most likely causes are a failed motor, faulty control board, or problematic Hall Effect Sensor.
In the following sections, you’ll discover more about each of the likely causes behind the E3 error code and what you can do to resolve the matter.
What The Code E3 Means On An Amana Washer
When you see the E3 error code on your Amana washing machine, that means the appliance is experiencing a motor failure due to over current. The washer is trying to drive the motor, but it’s not sensing any movement from it.
As a result of this problem, the machine will not be able to begin the wash program you’ve selected, even though the drum has already filled with water.
Possible Causes And Solutions
The most likely causes triggering the E3 error code on your Amana washer are a failed motor, a faulty control board, or a problematic hall sensor.
In this section, we’ll take a closer look at what these components do, how they fail, and what you can do to fix them.
Motor Failure Due To Over Current
What it is: The motor is responsible for turning your washing machine drum. Doing so will help to agitate the contents of the drum (i.e. the laundry, water, and detergent) to release any dirt and impurities to be drained away.
The washer motor can turn both ways, and it will do so several times throughout the wash program. But, more importantly, it will also turn at high rates of speed, especially during spin cycles.
How it fails: A washing machine motor failure can happen for several reasons. For example, if the washer has been in use for many years, it’s very likely that the motor has simply worn out and can’t turn anymore.
Besides that, the motor is also prone to motor burnout, especially due to a buildup of dust and dirt inside the motor itself.
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Lastly, there’s also a likelihood that the motor has suffered an electrical failure and will not turn even though the washer is supplying it with the electricity needed to work.
How to fix it: The solution to this problem is to replace the motor entirely. Firstly, you’ll need to remove the washer’s side panel to access the motor connected to the drum.
Next, unthread the screws or bolts that are holding the motor mounted in place. That will allow you to free the motor and then remove the electrical connectors attached to it.
Once that’s done, you can mount the new motor in its place and replace the electrical connectors the same way as before.
Read: 5 Ways To Fix Washing Machine That Won’t Spin
Faulty Control Board
What it is: The control board is like the brain of your Amana washer. It’s a printed circuit board with plenty of tiny electrical components on it, each responsible for powering and controlling a different function of your washer.
For that reason, the control board also has plenty of electrical connectors leading to the washer’s various components.
How it fails: Control boards can fail due to electrical faults (like short circuits and electrical surges) or exposure to excess heat and moisture. Depending on which of the board’s components are damaged, a different function or feature of the washer will be affected.
In the case of the E3 error code, the components affected are likely responsible for powering and controlling the motor.
How to fix it: Unfortunately, it’s not practical to try and repair the control board. Instead, a complete replacement is required. Firstly, refer to your user manual to know where the control board is located on your Amana washer model.
From there, you’ll know which panel to open to gain access to the board. It’s always an excellent idea to take a photo of the board and its electrical connectors as a reference later.
Next, remove all the wires attached to the board and unthread the mounting screws. Finally, remove the board and mount the new one in its place.
Lastly, use your reference photo and reconnect all the electrical wires the same way as before.
Problematic Hall Sensor
What it is: The Hall Effect Sensor (often called the Hall Sensor) is responsible for monitoring how your washer motor turns. The sensor works by sensing how fast the motor turns and sending signals back to the main control board.
From there, the washer will know how fast the motor is turning and adjust the power as needed depending on the wash program’s current stage.
How it fails: The Hall Sensor on your washer can fail due to corrosion, excess wear, and physical damage. When any of those problems occur, the Hall Sensor will not be able to detect whether or not the washer motor is turning, let alone how fast it’s doing so.
How to fix it: Problematic Hall Sensors must be replaced. You’ll find this component attached to the back of your washer motor. So, as the repair process described earlier, you must first remove the washer’s side panel to gain access to where the motor is located.
From there, you’ll be able to locate and identify the Hall Effect Sensor. Then, unthread any screws keeping it attached to the motor and disconnect its electrical wiring.
Next, mount the new Hall Sensor in place and reconnect the wiring the exact way it was with the old sensor.
How To Clear The code E3 Error?
You can clear the E3 error code by resolving the root cause following the troubleshooting steps described above. Once you’ve done that, you won’t have to worry about the E3 error code persisting or coming back anytime soon.
With the root cause addressed, the code will not appear anymore. However, you can also perform a reset of your washer to clear the code if necessary.
How To Reset An Amana Washer ?
The process to reset your Amana washer is very straightforward, and the procedure is referred to as ‘power cycling’. In simpler terms, that means turning the machine off and then back on again after a short period.
By resetting your Amana washer, you’ll clear the E3 error code and any others that might be saved on your washer.
To cycle the power and reset your Amana washer, follow these steps:
- Firstly, disconnect the Amana washer entirely from its power source. That means, instead of putting it on Standby, you must remove the plug from the wall socket or shut off the dedicated circuit breaker at your home’s main electrical box.
- Next, leave the machine alone for 1 minute. During this time, any electrical charge retained by the washer will dissipate naturally. In doing so, the washer’s memory will clear itself.
- Lastly, reconnect the washer to its power source. Your Amana washer has been reset, so you can now turn it on and use it like normal.
How To Test An Amana Washer After Fixing It ?
After fixing it, the most effective way to test your Amana washer is to run a complete wash program from start to finish. That way, you’ll be able to see if all of the washer’s functions are working as they should.
In the case of the E3 error code, you must pay attention to the drum turning. When the motor turns the drum without any problems, that means the issue has been entirely resolved.
How To Enter Diagnostic Mode On An Amana Washer ?
You can enter the diagnostic or ‘test mode’ on your washer for a more thorough test.
You can do so by turning the cycle selector knob following a particular sequence. To do so, follow these steps:
- Turn the knob clockwise (right) three times. Between each time, wait a ½ second.
- After that, turn the knob counter-clockwise (left) once and wait another ½ second.
- Next, turn the knob clockwise (right) again and wait a ½ second.
- At this point, you can turn the knob in either direction. Do so until you see the “Wash, Rinse, and Done” has turned on.
- Finally, press the Start button to begin the test mode.
