How To Reset An Amana Dishwasher

Has your Amana Dishwasher suddenly stopped working? Are you unsure how to go about troubleshooting it? If so, you've come to the right place. We have looked into how to reset this dishwasher and we will go over it with you.

There are typically three ways that you can reset an Amana Dishwasher. They consist of the following:

1. You can press the reset button on the dishwasher and wait 2 minutes for the unit to reset itself. The button is typically located on the control panel. Afterward, try initiating a new cycle.
2. You can unplug the power cord from the electrical socket and plug it back in after about 30 seconds.
3. You can flip off the switch at the circuit breaker and switch it back on after about 40 seconds. This will give the dishwasher time to reset.

There are various reasons why you may need to reset your Amana dishwasher. The most common reasons are that the dishwasher has stopped working or it's experiencing a failure with a vital internal component. Continue reading to learn more about how to troubleshoot various issues with Amana dishwashers and other dishwasher brands.

Why would a dishwasher suddenly stop working?

A dishwasher may stop working if the wash cycle is interrupted. It can also stop if there is a faulty part within the unit. But let's look at the most common reasons.

Pump and motor malfunctions

If the pump or motor and the dishwasher become faulty, the unit may stop mid-cycle. Over time, these parts can simply fail due to everyday wear and tear. This is especially true for dishwashers that are over 10 years old.

However, before replacing the part, it's best to look at the warranty, as most dishwasher pumps are covered under warranty.

If you hear any loud noise or notice any leaking from the dishwasher, this may be a sign that the motor has failed. A new motor can cost anywhere from $89 to over $120.

Water source issues

Any dishwasher will need adequate water pressure to perform. Sometimes there can be a disconnection in the water inlet valve, causing the cycle to stop mid-way.

If the water is backed up, has low pressure, or has been shut off due to an outage, the dishwasher may stop immediately.

The only way to check for this is to remove the dishwasher from the wall and check the water line and valve. If the valve is rusted, clogged, or broken, it'll need to be replaced.

The selector switch is malfunctioning

The selector switch is responsible for initiating and selecting the cycle that you want to place the dishwasher on.

Over time the selector switch can become permanently depressed or defective. As a result, the dishwasher may not start or it may become stuck between settings.

If you notice that two cycles are selected at once or the dishwasher suddenly becomes stuck more often, chances are that the selector is the culprit.

The selector switch panel can be replaced easily and typically costs anywhere from $40 to $75 depending on the brand and model of the dishwasher.

The door latch has become loose

Sometimes a faulty door latch can become loose during the middle of a wash cycle. If this happens, the unit will automatically stop the cycle to prevent water from escaping through the door.

If this happens, you may hear a beep and see an error code on the control panel, signaling that the unit is experiencing an issue.

If the latch is broken it may be loose or swinging freely. And if this is the case, you'll need to replace it before you can operate the unit again. In some cases, however, the latch switch that provides the power to the unit's controls will become faulty.

And if this happens, the dishwasher may not receive the power it needs for the wash cycle to continue and will automatically shut off. You can test the switch using a multimeter. If it displays no continuity, it'll need to be replaced.

The timer is broken

The issue could also be with the dishwasher's timer. The timer is located on the electronic board. If it malfunctions, the various components of the dishwasher such as the heating circuit, drain pump, and water inlet valve won't receive the power that they need to function.

As a result, the unit may stop mid-cycle. To see if this is the source of the issue, turn off the unit and check the timer for continuity using a multimeter.

Find this multimeter on Amazon.

The motor start relay isn't working

Another part that you'll want to check is the motor starter relay. Usually, if this is the culprit, the dishwasher will not turn on at all. However, it can also cause the unit to stop mid-cycle.

The motor relay can wear out over time and when it does, it'll simply need to be replaced—it can't be repaired. You can also check its continuity using a multimeter.

The thermal fuse has blown out

The thermal fuse protects the electrical components and the motor. Though the thermostat controls the actual temperature of the water during wash cycles, the fuse prevents the dishwasher from burning out due to high temperatures.

As a result, it will cut power to the dishwasher so that the components don't become damaged. However, the fuse can blow out over time. And when it does, it'll need to be replaced.

However, if you notice that your thermal fuse keeps blowing out, note that it's likely due to an issue with the loose or burned electrical wiring, overheated water in the unit, or a faulty temperature sensor.

How do you test if a dishwasher is working?

The most common components to test are the heating element and thermal fuse. These can be tested using a multimeter. Their exact location will vary by dishwasher brand and model. However, here is a general overview of how to test them.

Heating Element

The heating element is a thin circular tube located at the bottom of your dishwasher. It can be uncovered or covered with a thin metal plate. Make sure to turn off the power to the unit before accessing it.

The heating element will have two terminals attached by wiring. You'll need to move the dishwasher's kick plate panel and unscrew anywhere from two to four screws.

Apply the prongs on the multimeter to the terminals on the wire to check for continuity. Be sure to only grab the connectors on the wires to test the terminal—do not grab the wires themselves.

Thermal Fuse

Turn off the power to the dishwasher before attempting to access the thermal fuse. Next, open the door and remove the screws to the control panel. Then, close the door, but don't close the latch.

Next, slide the control panel down and disconnect the long ribbon wire attaching it to the dishwasher. Then set the control panel to the side. Locate the thermal fuse, which is typically connected to the side of the control panel by a small clip.

There will be two connectors on the terminals that you can test with the multimeter. Place the probe onto the connectors to check for continuity.

Why is there water in the bottom of my Amana dishwasher?

If you have standing water in the bottom of your dishwasher, it's likely that there is a drainage issue with the unit. The best thing to do is to first power off the unit and then open it up. Be ready with towels to soak up the water and place them on the floor to avoid damaging the floor.

Next, check the filter, drainage hose, garbage disposal, air gap, and water line to see if they are clogged or otherwise obstructed. These are usually the most common culprits when it comes to drainage issues.

How long should an Amana dishwasher last?

Your average dishwasher will last anywhere from 7 to 12 years depending on the make and model. Overall, Amana dishwashers will last for about ten years. However, they come with a 1-year warranty that can be extended to 5 or 10 years.

Is it worth fixing a dishwasher?

It depends. It's best to consider the cost of the repair, the age of the dishwasher, and the warranty before deciding if the repair is worth it.

For example, if the dishwasher is old and no longer under warranty, a $350 repair may not be worth it. In this case, simply purchasing a new unit may be money better spent.

Wrapping Things Up

We hope this post helped you understand how to reset an Amana Dishwasher and how to troubleshoot other common dishwasher issues. Remember, if you're looking to save money, it's always best to do a bit of troubleshooting before reaching out to a contractor.

Before you go, please be sure to check out our other posts:

Can A Dishwasher Be Next To The Stove?

Can’t Open Dishwasher Door—What To Do?