mypros+
Error code reference

Amana Washer Error Code dL

Open door lock switch with motor running

Amana codesAmana washer codes

Open door lock switch with motor running. Detected door lock switch open during cycle when not expected.

First step from the service manual

Check for loose wire connections. Clear the diagnostic code and recheck; if reoccurs, perform Diagnostic Motor/Machine Control Board test. Check for faulty motor relay on the machine control board.

The complete diagnostic procedure includes additional test steps, resistance specifications, wiring diagram references, and component test points.

MyPros+ Max

Get the full diagnostic procedure for dL.

  • Step-by-step tests with expected resistance, voltage, and continuity values
  • Wiring diagram references and connector pinouts from the OEM service manual
  • Verified part numbers when replacement is required
Get the full procedure

$29/month · Cancel anytime · Or $9.95 3-day pass

What dL means on a Amana washer

The dL error code on an Amana washer indicates that the door lock switch has been detected in an open (unlocked) state while the motor is running during a wash cycle. Under normal operation, the door lock switch should remain closed and confirmed locked throughout any active cycle. When the machine control board receives a signal showing the switch has opened unexpectedly, it triggers the dL fault to protect the user and halt the cycle. This is a safety-critical circuit because an unlocked door during spin could allow the door to open while the drum is rotating at high speed.

The door lock assembly includes a locking mechanism, a switch that confirms the locked position, and wiring that communicates that status back to the machine control board. If any part of that signal chain is interrupted, including a loose connector, a broken wire, or a failing switch, the board interprets the result as an open switch during operation. The motor relay on the machine control board is also a known point of failure in this fault pattern, as a faulty relay can cause incorrect signals related to the lock and run states.

Diagnosis begins with inspecting all wire connections at the door lock assembly and along the harness leading to the machine control board. Connectors should be seated firmly with no signs of corrosion or heat damage. If connections check out, clearing the code and running a cycle to see if the fault returns is the recommended next step. A recurring dL code warrants performing the Diagnostic Motor and Machine Control Board test to isolate whether the fault is in the lock switch assembly itself or the control board's motor relay circuit.

Source: manufacturer service documentation.

Common causes of dL

  1. 01

    Loose or disconnected wiring

    Wiring / connection

    A loose connector or broken wire in the door lock harness is the most frequent cause of the dL code. Inspect all connections at the door lock assembly and trace the harness to the machine control board looking for any unseated or corroded terminals.

  2. 02

    Faulty door lock switch assembly

    Part replacement

    The switch inside the door lock assembly that confirms the locked position can fail, causing it to report an open state even when the door is physically latched. If wiring checks out and the code returns, the lock assembly likely needs replacement.

  3. 03

    Faulty motor relay on the machine control board

    Part replacement

    A defective motor relay on the machine control board can produce incorrect signals that trigger the dL fault. This is identified after wiring and the lock switch have been ruled out using the Diagnostic Motor and Machine Control Board test.

  4. 04

    Door not fully latching

    Wiring / connection

    If the door is not closing completely, the lock switch will never reach its closed position and the machine will detect an open switch when the cycle starts. Check the door strike and latch for wear or obstruction.

  5. 05

    Intermittent wiring fault in the harness

    Wiring / connection

    A wire that passes continuity checks at rest but breaks contact during vibration can cause the dL code to appear only during certain cycle phases. Flex the harness while checking for continuity to identify this type of failure.

See the test procedure for each cause

Frequently asked questions about dL

What does dL mean on a Amana washer?
The dL code means the washer detected its door lock switch in an open position while the motor was running, which is not expected behavior during an active cycle. The washer stops operation as a safety measure to prevent the door from opening while the drum is in motion. The fault points to an issue in the door lock switch, its wiring, or the machine control board's motor relay circuit.
Can I fix the dL error code myself?
In many cases, yes. Start by unplugging the washer and checking all wire connections at the door lock assembly and the control board for loose or corroded terminals, then reseat any that are not fully connected. If the code returns after clearing it, you may need to test the door lock switch for continuity or have the machine control board evaluated, which requires more technical experience and tools.
Is it safe to keep using my washer when the dL code appears?
No, you should not continue using the washer while the dL code is active. The fault indicates the washer cannot confirm the door is securely locked, and running a spin cycle with an unlocked door presents a risk of the door opening while the drum rotates at speed. Address the cause of the fault before resuming use.
Will resetting the washer clear the dL error code?
Clearing the diagnostic code may temporarily remove the dL display, but if the underlying problem is not fixed, the code will return once the cycle reaches the point where the fault is detected again. A reset is useful as a diagnostic step to confirm whether the fault is intermittent or consistent, but it is not a repair on its own.
How much does it cost to repair a dL error code on an Amana washer?
Repair costs depend on which component has failed. Replacing the door lock switch assembly typically runs in the range of $80 to $180 including parts and labor. If the machine control board's motor relay circuit is at fault and the board needs replacement, costs can range from $150 to $350 or more depending on the board and service rates in your area. A simple loose wire connection costs nothing beyond the time to inspect it.

Related Amana washer codes

All Amana washer codes
View all 33 Amana washer codes

78,000+ service manuals · 160,000+ error codes · 55+ brands

Get Started

$29/month · Cancel anytime · Or $9.95 3-day pass