Error Code: DETERGENT LOW Difficulty: Easy
Problem: The detergent level in the bulk dispenser is low and needs to be refilled.
How to Fix DETERGENT LOW Error (Step-by-Step)
- Acknowledge the ‘Detergent Low’ indicator, which means the bulk dispenser needs to be refilled soon.
- Locate and pull out the dispenser drawer, usually found on the front of the machine.
- Identify the compartment for liquid detergent, which is often the largest section.
- Carefully pour High-Efficiency (HE) liquid detergent into the compartment and confirm the error stays cleared during a full test cycle.
- Stop filling when the detergent level reaches the ‘Max’ or ‘Maximum’ fill line marked inside the compartment.
- Gently push the dispenser drawer back in until it is fully closed.
- The washer will now dispense detergent automatically for future cycles.
- Turn the appliance off, wait about 2 minutes, then turn it back on.
What to Check Next on This Amana Washer
Focused repair path: washer fill, drain, spin, lock, pressure, motor, sensor, and control checks. Do not treat a returning fault as a reset-only problem; use the point in the cycle where the fault appears to choose the next check.
- Unplug the washer for one minute, then restart only to confirm whether the same code returns after a clean power cycle.
- Check load balance, detergent level, supply valves, inlet screens, drain hose height, and the drain path before replacing electronic parts.
- Inspect the lid or door lock, strike, harness, and connector if the symptom involves start, lock, or spin behavior.
- Match the timing of the fault to the likely part path: inlet valve, pressure sensor, drain pump, motor, lock assembly, wiring, or control.
Check, inspect, clean, test, measure, remove, reconnect, clear, and replace parts only when the symptom supports that path. If these checks point toward a part, verify the complete Amana model number from the appliance tag before ordering. Similar error wording can use different valves, sensors, pumps, motors, heaters, locks, switches, fans, or control boards depending on the exact model.
Recommended Parts to Check
No exact official OEM part number is listed here because the correct Amana washer part can vary by complete model number. These are targeted part-category searches, not universal fit claims.
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Whirlpool washer drain pumpCommon replacement category: Drain pumpFit note: Exact OEM part number varies by complete Amana washer model number. Confirm compatibility before buying.Why this category can matter: drain, no-spin, or water-removal symptoms after hose and filter checks.
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Whirlpool washer water inlet valveCommon replacement category: Water inlet valveFit note: Exact OEM part number varies by complete Amana washer model number. Confirm compatibility before buying.Why this category can matter: fill, slow-fill, and valve-related symptoms after supply checks.
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Whirlpool washer control boardCommon replacement category: Main control boardFit note: Exact OEM part number varies by complete Amana washer model number. Confirm compatibility before buying.Why this category can matter: repeating control or communication faults after connector checks.
Before ordering: match the part to the complete Amana washer model number on the appliance tag.
Still Not Working?
If the replacement part didn’t fix the issue, you may have a wiring problem or main board failure.
Browse all Amana error codes: Amana Error Codes
When It’s Better to Replace Than Repair
Sometimes replacing an appliance makes more financial sense than putting more money into repairs.
Here are a few signs it may be time to shop for a new one:
For repair parts, verify exact fit with the full washer model number before buying; these links are general replacement-appliance shopping options.
- ✓Appliance over 8-10 years old
- ✓Repair cost over 50% of replacement
- ✓Multiple recent breakdowns
- ✓Major component failure
Recommended Replacement Options
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