What to Do When Your Amana Washer is Stuck on Sensing Fill

Ever found yourself staring at your Amana washer, only to realize it’s stuck on “Sensing Fill” and won’t move to the next cycle? If you’re like most people, you’re probably scratching your head wondering what’s going wrong. Don’t worry—you’re not alone. This is a pretty common issue with washers, and the good news is that it’s usually something simple to fix!

In this blog post, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know, from the reasons this might happen to the easy steps you can take to solve it. We’ll even dive into some pro tips that’ll make your washer last longer and keep it in tip-top shape. Ready? Let’s get started!

Understanding the Sensing Fill Issue

If you’ve been using your Amana washer for a while, you’re probably familiar with the “Sensing Fill” stage. This is when the washer is figuring out how much water to add based on the size of the load and fabric type. The washer does this by detecting the weight of the clothes in the drum and adjusts the water level accordingly. Sounds pretty smart, right? But sometimes, instead of moving to the next step of the cycle, the washer can get stuck here. So why does this happen, and what can you do to get it back on track?

Common Reasons Why Your Washer Gets Stuck on Sensing Fill

When your washer is stuck on sensing fill, it can be frustrating because you have no idea what’s causing it. But don’t stress! There are a few common reasons behind this issue. Let’s take a look at what might be going wrong:

1. Clogged or Blocked Water Inlet Valve

A water inlet valve is responsible for bringing water into your washer. If this valve is clogged with mineral deposits, dirt, or debris, it can prevent water from entering the machine properly. This might cause your washer to remain stuck on “Sensing Fill” because it’s not getting the right amount of water. Even if the valve appears open, it’s possible that it’s partially blocked and preventing a smooth flow.

2. Faulty Pressure Switch

Your washer uses a pressure switch to measure the water level in the drum. If the pressure switch is faulty or clogged with dirt or debris, it may not be able to properly sense the water level. As a result, the washer gets stuck in the sensing phase because it’s not receiving accurate information. This is another common culprit when dealing with this issue.

3. Broken Door Lock or Lid Switch

If your washer’s door lock or lid switch isn’t working, the machine won’t proceed with the wash cycle. These components are designed to prevent the washer from operating with the door open, but if they’re malfunctioning, your washer may get stuck in “Sensing Fill” because it doesn’t believe the door is secure. This can be an easy fix, but you’ll need to make sure the lock or switch is properly aligned or replaced.

4. Drainage Issues

Another reason your washer might get stuck on sensing fill is if it’s having trouble draining the water. If there’s a clog in the drain hose or pump, the washer may not be able to detect that the drum is empty and may stay in the sensing phase. This is often accompanied by a delay in the washing cycle or a failure to transition to other stages.

5. Malfunctioning Control Board

The control board is the brain of your washer—it controls all the functions and tells the machine what to do next. If this part is faulty, your washer may get stuck on a cycle like sensing fill. While this is less common than some of the other issues listed, it’s still a possibility.

Now that you know what could be causing the problem, let’s dive into what you can do to fix it!

Step-by-Step Guide to Fixing Your Amana Washer Stuck on Sensing Fill

When your Amana washer gets stuck on “Sensing Fill,” the solution is usually straightforward, especially if you know where to look. Let’s go through some easy-to-follow steps to help get your washer back on track.

Step 1: Check the Water Inlet Valve

Start by inspecting the water inlet valve. This part is usually located at the back of the washer, near the water hoses. The inlet valve should have a filter screen that can easily get clogged with dirt or mineral buildup over time. Here’s what you can do:

Turn off the water supply to your washer and disconnect the hoses.
Examine the inlet valve and see if there are any signs of debris or mineral buildup.
Clean the valve and filters carefully using a small brush or cloth to remove any blockages.

Reconnect the hoses and turn the water supply back on to see if the issue is resolved.

If this doesn’t fix the problem, you may need to replace the valve altogether, but try cleaning it first—it could be all that’s needed!

Step 2: Inspect the Pressure Switch

Next, you’ll want to check the pressure switch, which controls how much water goes into the drum based on the load size. If the pressure switch is faulty or clogged, it can cause the washer to get stuck on “Sensing Fill.” Here’s what to do:

Unplug your washer to avoid electrical shock.
Locate the pressure switch, which is often found near the top of the washer’s drum.
Remove the switch and inspect it for damage or debris.

If the switch appears to be clogged, clean it thoroughly.
If it looks damaged, you’ll need to replace the pressure switch.

Once you’ve done that, plug the washer back in and test the cycle to see if it’s working properly.

Step 3: Examine the Door Lock and Lid Switch

A malfunctioning door lock or lid switch is another common reason your washer might stay stuck on the sensing phase. These components prevent the washer from running with the door open, but if they’re broken or misaligned, they can cause issues. Here’s how to inspect them:

Check the door lock to make sure it’s properly engaging. If it’s loose or not aligning correctly, that could be the issue.
Test the lid switch by pressing it and listening for a click. If you don’t hear the click, it might be defective.

Replace the door lock or lid switch if necessary.

If the washer thinks the door isn’t secure, it will stay stuck on “Sensing Fill” and won’t proceed with the cycle.

Step 4: Check for Drainage Problems

Drainage issues can also cause the washer to get stuck on “Sensing Fill.” If the washer can’t drain properly, it will not move past the sensing stage. Here’s how to check for drainage problems:

Inspect the drain hose for kinks or clogs.
Check the drain pump for any obstructions.
Clean the drain filter (if applicable) and make sure the water is draining freely.

If the drainage system is working fine, move on to the next step. But if you notice any clogs, take care of them before continuing.

Step 5: Reset the Washer

After you’ve checked and cleaned the components, it’s time to reset the washer. Sometimes, simply restarting the machine can fix minor glitches. Here’s how to do it:

Unplug the washer from the power outlet.

Wait for about 5 minutes before plugging it back in.
Turn the washer back on and try starting a new cycle.

This can help reset the washer’s control board and clear any errors that might have caused the issue.

Step 6: Call a Professional

If none of the above steps work and your washer is still stuck on “Sensing Fill,” it may be time to call a professional technician. A faulty control board, serious electrical issue, or another internal malfunction could be to blame. A professional will be able to diagnose and repair the problem more thoroughly.

Pro Tips for Preventing Future Problems with Your Amana Washer

Now that you’ve fixed the issue, let’s talk about how to prevent it from happening again. Here are a few tips to help keep your washer running smoothly:

1. Regularly Clean the Water Inlet Valve and Filter

Over time, mineral deposits and dirt can clog the water inlet valve. Regularly cleaning the filter screens can help prevent this and ensure smooth water flow.

2. Don’t Overload the Washer

Overloading your washer can cause it to become unbalanced and prevent the water from filling correctly. Stick to the recommended load size for the best results.

3. Maintain Proper Drainage

Be sure to check the drainage system occasionally to make sure there are no blockages. This can help avoid drainage issues and prevent the washer from getting stuck on sensing fill.

4. Use High-Efficiency Detergents

High-efficiency detergents help prevent excessive suds buildup, which can interfere with the washer’s ability to sense water levels correctly. Using the right detergent can keep your washer running smoothly.

5. Perform Regular Maintenance

Give your washer a check-up every few months. Clean the filters, check the hoses, and inspect the drum to ensure everything is functioning properly.

I hope this guide helps you understand why your Amana washer may get stuck on “Sensing Fill” and how to fix it. By following these simple steps, you can save time, money, and frustration. If the problem persists, don’t hesitate to call a professional. Happy washing!

Are These Questions on Your Mind?

Is it normal for the washer to stay on sensing fill for a long time?

Sometimes, it can take a few minutes for the washer to properly sense the load and adjust the water level. However, if it’s staying stuck for an extended period, there may be an issue.

Can I fix the pressure switch myself?

Yes, if you’re comfortable with basic appliance repair, you can clean or replace the pressure switch. Make sure to unplug the washer before working on it.