FIXED Amana NTW4516FW1 top load washer fills up but then just empties out and stops with all lights off but the wash light.....

[discovery222]

Model Number

NTW4516FW1

Brand

Amana

Age

1-5 years

My Amana NTW4516FW top load washer fills up but then just empties out and stops with all lights off but the wash light. Never actually advancing into wash mode, it just shuts down after emptying out without spinning. So it leaves a washer full of soaking wet clothes at the bottom.

Added complete model number

 

[Jake]

Hi,

Your missing a digit after the "W" at the end of your model number, read it from the model number tag located under the lid.

Here's the results I get:
NTW4516FW0
NTW4516FW1
NTW4516FW2
NTW4516FW3

Jake

 

[discovery222]

Model # NTW4516FW1 - When I run the diagnostics I'm getting Error Code F8-E1, which so far hasn't been much help. The hose screens are clean and there's no problem getting water from either hose or any problems with the washer valves.

Again, the washer fills up but then just empties out and stops with all lights off but the wash light sometimes and no lights other times. Never actually advancing into wash mode, it just shuts down after emptying out without spinning. So it leaves a washer full of soaking wet clothes at the bottom.

I've replaced the Control Panel but have the same issues that I had with the original Control Panel. I'm thinking that I need to try replacing the Washer Water-Level Selector Switch (W10414398) and possibly the Whirlpool Cycle Selector Switch (W10414411) next.

 

[Jake]

Time with a stopwatch how long it takes to fill up on COLD ONLY, HOT ONLY, and WARM. On this machines if it does not fill in SIX MINUTES, it will drain and end the cycle.

I have seen this happen many times on service calls, and its always been the water inlet valve that was the problem if the water pressure to the machine is fine.

I'm attaching your tech. data sheet below.

8-1--->NO FILL, LONG FILL--->Fault is displayed when the water level does not change for a period of time OR water is present but main control does not detect the water level changing.
Is water supply connected and turned on?
Low water pressure; fill times longer than six minutes.
Are hose screens plugged?
Check for proper drain hose installation. Is water siphoning out of the drain hose? • Drain hose must not be more than 4.5" (114 mm) into the drain pipe.
Check pressure hose connection from tub to pressure sensor. Is hose pinched, kinked, plugged, or leaking air?
See TEST #2: Valves, page 13

Here's the water inlet valve for your model:
Water Inlet Valve W11210459


Here's the video to replace it, if you need to:

Whirlpool Top Load Washer Replace Water Inlet Valve Part # W10683 | Repair Clinic

This video provides step-by-step repair instructions for replacing the water inlet valve on a Whirlpool washer. Learn more from the experts at Repair Clinic.

www.anrdoezrs.net

Jake

 

[discovery222]

Hi Jake, thank you for all of that information, very helpful. My question now would be this... I have low water pressure at my house so it's always taken about 10 minutes to fill up the washer but that has never been a problem... Until recently apparently... and when it started acting up it was randomly at first but now does it every time, with the exception of a now very rare successful wash cycle. With this information in mind do you still recommend changing the Water Inlet Valve W11210459? Thank you very much for your time and help!

 

[discovery222]

I should add that the pressure hose connection from the tub to the pressure sensor looks good, it's not pinched, kinked, plugged, or cracked.

 

[Jake]

Hi Jake, thank you for all of that information, very helpful. My question now would be this... I have low water pressure at my house so it's always taken about 10 minutes to fill up the washer but that has never been a problem... Until recently apparently... and when it started acting up it was randomly at first but now does it every time, with the exception of a now very rare successful wash cycle. With this information in mind do you still recommend changing the Water Inlet Valve W11210459? Thank you very much for your time and help!

Yes, replace the water inlet valve and that should fix it.

I should add that the pressure hose connection from the tub to the pressure sensor looks good, it's not pinched, kinked, plugged, or cracked.

Good.

Jake

 

[discovery222]

Okay, that's what I'll do. I'll give you an update when the part arrives and we get it installed. Thanks again for your time and expertise!

 

[Jake]

Ok, sounds good.

Jake

 

[discovery222]

Hi Jake, I've changed the Water Inlet Valve W11210459 and the Washer Water-Level Selector Switch (WPW10414398) and neither solved the problem. What would you recommend trying next?

 

[Jake]

You said you have low water pressure to your house, but its worked fine till now, can you increase the water pressure to your house and try it again?

For some reason its taking longer than six minutes to fill now, and before it didn't so your water pressure must have decreased more since this problem started.

Go to the hardware store and buy a water pressure gauge and test your water pressure at the water faucets that go to your washer.

Jake

 

[discovery222]

What should the water pressure PSI be to proper fill the washer? Thanks!

 

[Jake]

At least 30 psi water pressure.

Jake

 

[discovery222]

Hi Jake,

To follow up 3 months later... You were right, it was my water pressure. It has always been low pressure at my house but somehow it got low enough that it caused problems with my washer. I'm a DYI guy and I spent time when I could changing old plumbing lines coming into the house to new parts and new plumbing where it looked like it was needed. I couldn't even tell what did the trick exactly because I cleaned out and change so much over time that I'm not sure where the problem was but I suspect an old check-valve of being clogged up or defective. Now, the washer works great and I have MUCH stronger water pressure than I've ever had before and it's steady, which is new too. I changed a few washer parts it turns out that I didn't need to change but I've got them for spares and it was a logical first step. Overall, I'm much better off than before this whole situation began. I wanted to thank you for all of your help, ideas, suggestions and expertise. I really appreciate it!

 

[Jake]

Excellent @discovery222 glad to hear when you fixed water pressure it solved it.

Thanks for the update!

Jake