Amana Washing machine

[Handset King]

Here's an interesting one for any Amana washing machine specialists. I have a 4 year old single belt model (# ALW780QAW) washing machine. I noticed that soap was sticking to the tub (stainless). After checking it out, I found out that during the wash cycle, it wasn't agitating. Opened the access door and saw the motor and belt were running, but no tub movement. However, it does go to the end of the cycle and drains the water.

Then on rinse, the tub fills but the motor doesn't run but the timer counts down. At the end of what should be the rinse cycle, the motor kicks on and drains the tub.

Seeing as the motor is running and spinning the tub during the drain cycles, the transmission must be good. Could it be the timer? Any suggestions would help.

Dave

[kjpro]

Look at the agitator, it might be worn to the point it doesn't move anymore.

Then, again it might be something else. (can't see it) :-)

[jeff]

Hi,

Was the motor dead during the wash mode?

During the spin?

So the motor does run during the spin mode.....but not in the agitation mode.....right?

Yes that is possible, bad motor, burnt wire could prevent the motor from running in the agitation mode but still work in the spin mode. The water level control is also responsable for stopping the filling water and re-directing the power to the timer to start the agitation, if the timer is moving in the agitation mode the water level control may be ok.

The mechanical timer appears to be a plastic one....no way to inspect the timer contacts on this style :(

(13 cycle) motor assembly with pulley, 2 speed

Amana also uses a "P"# or "Man"# alone with the model# for ID.

Motor should be a forward/reversing style.....runs in one direction for agitation and runs in the other direction for spin/pump outs.

jeff. Appliance Repair Aid

[jeff]

Hi,

**During the wash cycle, the motor and belt are moving, just no agitation of the tub.**

The tub shouldn't move but the agitator should...with the motor and belt going but no agitation taking place possible ground out agitator drive block or bad gearbox.

is the agitator drive block.

**The weird part is that during rinse, the tub fills, but the motor doesn't run. Once the timer is done for the rinse cycle, the motor kicks on and the tub drains.**

-Almost- sounds like 2 problems....motor is running but no wash agitation in that mode, motor is not running at all in the rince agitation mode :(

jeff. Appliance Repair Aid

[Handset King]

To All (espically Jeff):

I didn't clearly state some things in my email. During the wash cycle, the motor and belt are moving, just no agitation of the tub. Also, all of the timer functions seem to be working (wash cycle the tub fills to proper lever and let's it drain, same for rinse). The weird part is that during rinse, the tub fills, but the motor doesn't run. Once the timer is done for the rinse cycle, the motor kicks on and the tub drains. Jeff, this is just opposite of what you said.

One thing I will check for is that the motor is running in both directions, as you pointed out. If it doesn't run in one direction, does that mean it's shot? Another reply said the agitator might be worn. I don't think that explains why the motor doesn't run during the rinse cycle. I will check to make sure that it runs opposite between wash and pump out.

PS: My model uses the P#: PALW7800QAW.