The “Sensing Fill” light indicates that your Amana washer is automatically sensing the size of the load, so it knows how much water to let into the machine. If water doesn’t start flowing, something is wrong with your washer that must be fixed. However, there is no need to get alarmed; the issue is not uncommon and often has straightforward solutions that you can apply yourself.

This guide will delve into why your Amana washer gets stuck on the “Sensing Fill” stage and provide practical steps to diagnose and resolve the problem effectively. By following these troubleshooting steps, you can potentially save time and money while getting your washer back working again.

This guide covers all major Amana washer models, including:

ALW480DAW

ALW880QAW

CW2303/P7762131W

CW3303L/P1128412W

CW3303W/P1128405W

CW8202W2/PCW8202W2

DLW330RAW

LTA85AW/PLTA85AW

LTC85AW/PLTC85AW

LW8203W2

LWA50AW

NAV2330AWW

NAV5800AWW

NFW7200TW10

NFW7200TW11

NFW7300WW00

NTW4500VQ1

NTW4501XQ0

NTW4516FW3

NTW4630YQ0

NTW4650YQ0

Step 1 – Check the Water Supply

The best place to start is to ensure the water supply works correctly. When the water supply line can’t supply water to your washer, it will get stuck in the “Sensing Fill” stage.

How to fix:

• Ensure the water valves are turned on correctly. If not, turn them on.
• Check each water line for blockages, kinks, and leaks.
• If blocked, unblock the water line. If damaged, repair or replace them.
• Once inspected and/or repaired, check if your washer starts to work correctly again. If not, advance to the next step.

Step 2 – Ensure Your Washer Isn’t Overloaded 

The next step is ensuring your laundry load isn’t overloaded in the drum. When overloaded, your washer may be unable to move to the next cycle stage.

How to fix: 

• Open the washer door (if possible).
• Remove some items if the washer is overloaded.
• Close the washer door.
• Check if your washer starts operating again correctly. If not, advance to the next step.

Step 3 – Reset Your Washer

The next step is to reset your Amana washer. Sometimes, a simple reset of the washer will make it work again. Resetting your Amana washer is as simple as unplugging it, pressing the start/pause button for 5 seconds, and then plugging it back in. If it’s still in the “Sensing Fill” stage, advance to the next step.

Step 4 – Check the Water Inlet Valve 

If the first three steps don’t solve the problem, you will need to check some of the components with a multimeter, and if damaged, replace them. If you’re not experienced working with electronics, you must call a technician to come and inspect your washer.

The first component to check is the water inlet valve. The valve opens to ensure the correct volume of water enters your washer. If defective, water will be blocked from entering your washer and might get stuck on the “Sensing Fill” stage of the cycle.

How to fix:

• Locate the water inlet valve.
• Once located, disconnect the valve and test it for continuity using a multimeter. 
• If the test indicates a lack of continuity, the valve is likely defective and must be replaced. Conversely, if the test shows continuity, proceed by reattaching the valve and advancing to the next step.
• Once replaced, check if the issue has been resolved. If not, advance to the next step.

Step 5 – Check the Lid Switch

The lid switch ensures the lid stays firmly closed during the wash cycle. If defective, your Amana washer won’t operate correctly and might become stuck on the “Sensing Fill” cycle.

How to fix:

• Locate the lid switch.
• Once located, disconnect the lid switch (check your user manual if you require help).
• Once disconnected, test the lid switch for continuity using a multimeter. 
• If the test indicates a lack of continuity, the switch is likely defective and must be replaced. Conversely, if the test shows continuity, reattach the switch and advance to the next step.
• Once replaced, check if the issue has been resolved. If not, advance to the next step.

Stage 6 – Check the Water-Level Switch

Most modern Amana washing machines will have a water-level sensor that, as the name suggests, monitors the water level so your washing machine gets the correct volume of water. If it stops working as designed, it will prevent water from entering the washer, which can make the appliance get stuck in the “Sensing Fill” stage.

How to fix:

• Locate the water-level switch.
• Once located, the next action involves disconnecting the switch and testing it for continuity using a multimeter. 
• If the test indicates a lack of continuity, the switch is likely defective and must be replaced. Conversely, if the test shows continuity, reattach the switch and advance to the next step.
• Once replaced, check if the issue has been resolved. If not, advance to the next step.

Step 7 – Check the Fill Sensor

The fill sensor detects water entering the washer drum in your Amana washing machine. If defective, your washer might become stuck on “Sensing Fill” due to no or too much water entering the machine.

How to fix:

• Locate the fill sensor.
• Once located, the next action involves disconnecting the sensor and testing it for continuity using a multimeter. 
• If the test indicates a lack of continuity, the fill sensor is likely defective and must be replaced. Conversely, if the test shows continuity, proceed by reattaching the sensor and advancing to the next step.
• Once replaced, check if the issue has been resolved. If not, advance to the next step.

Step 8 – Run a Diagnostic Test

If you still haven’t found and fixed the cause of the problem, the final step is to put your Amana washer into diagnostic mode to discover what is wrong with your appliance. If it finds an error, a code indicates the specific issue. To find the exact instructions for a diagnostic test for your specific model, consult your user manual. You should also consider getting a technician to come and inspect your washer to see if they can fix it.