Amana ADB1400AGB1 Dishwasher Motor – What Part Fixes This Problem?
Need the replacement part? Search your model number at for guaranteed fit and fast free shipping.
Understanding the Problem
Many Amana dishwashers (model ADB1400AGB1) use two small motors in the sump area: the circulation (wash) pump motor that drives the spray arms and the drain pump motor that removes water. When one of these motors fails you can get no water spray, poor cleaning, failure to drain, or unusual noises. Follow these steps to diagnose and fix the motor issue: 1) Tools & Prep - Tools: multimeter, screwdriver set (Philips and Torx depending on fasteners), nut driver, putty knife, bucket, towels, needle-nose pliers, replacement motor/pump assembly (see parts). - Safety: disconnect power at the breaker and turn off water supply. Pull dishwasher out from cabinet enough to access the lower service panel. 2) Observe symptoms and listen - Run a short cycle with the door open and listen for humming, grinding, or no sound when the pump should run. Humming/no rotation often = jam or seized motor. Complete silence on a cycle that should pump usually indicates no power to motor or open windings. 3) Access the sump/motors - Remove lower kick panel and the toe panel screws. Tip: have a towel and bucket ready for any residual water. - If needed, remove the dishwasher's outer door trim and kickplate to access the sump housing and wiring connectors. 4) Check for clogs and jammed impeller - Inspect the sump and impeller area for shards of glass, broken dishes, labels, or foreign objects that can jam the impeller. Remove debris and manually spin impeller (with power off). If it turns freely, proceed to electrical tests. 5) Electrical checks - With power reconnected briefly (or using an assistant and extreme caution), command the dishwasher to a drain or wash cycle and check voltage at the motor harness. You should see line voltage (typically ~120 VAC in the U.S.) when the motor is commanded to run. If voltage is present but motor doesn’t run, the motor is bad. - With power off, use a multimeter to check motor windings for continuity. Typical result: a finite low ohm reading (motor-specific). An open circuit (OL) indicates failed windings. Also check for short to ground by measuring resistance between motor terminals and motor housing/ground—should be very high (no short). 6) Check control and wiring - If no voltage reaches the motor when it should run, check the dishwasher control board/relays, door latch, thermal fuses, and wiring harness for loose connectors, burn marks, or broken wires. 7) Replace the motor/pump assembly (if motor is confirmed bad) - Drain the dishwasher and remove power. Remove lower access panel and disconnect wiring harness at the motor connectors. Place towels and a shallow pan under the sump and remove fill/drain hoses as needed to avoid spills. - Remove mounting screws or clamps holding the motor/pump assembly to the sump. Carefully lower the assembly (some models require rotating the sump housing or releasing snap tabs). - Transfer any required seals, gaskets, or plastic fittings to the new assembly, or install new gaskets included with the replacement part. - Install new assembly, tighten fasteners, reconnect hoses and electrical connectors, re-seat any clamps, and reassemble access panels. 8) Test run - Restore power and water. Run a short cycle and verify that the motor runs, the spray arms rotate, and the dishwasher fills and drains as expected. Check for leaks around the sump area and hoses. Safety note: Always disconnect power at the breaker before opening or touching electrical components. If you are not comfortable working with household electricity or draining/removing the dishwasher, hire a qualified appliance technician.
Common Symptoms
No wash action (spray arms don't spin), poor cleaning, loud humming or grinding during cycle, failure to drain, dishwasher stops mid-cycle, and visible leaks around the sump.
Common Causes
- Seized or jammed impeller due to foreign objects (glass, labels, food debris)
- Burned-out motor windings or internal electrical failure
- Faulty control board or relay not sending power to motor
- Damaged wiring, connectors, or thermal cutouts
- Worn seals or cracked sump causing motor overload/short
Popular Parts That Fix This Problem
These are the most common replacement parts that fix this problem. When you're ready to order, click below to find the right part at ProsourceParts.com — just search by your appliance model number for a guaranteed fit.
Helpful Repair Tip
If the dishwasher hums but the impeller won’t turn, remove debris from the sump and manually spin the impeller—if spinning frees it and the motor then runs normally, the motor was likely seized by debris rather than electrically failed.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I tell whether the circulation motor or the drain pump is bad?
Symptoms differ: if the wash arms never spin and you have water in the tub, the circulation (wash) motor is likely at fault. If the dishwasher finishes with standing water or shows an error for draining, the drain pump is suspect. Listen during the cycle: the wash motor runs during the wash portion and sounds like a higher-volume hum from under the tub, while the drain pump runs near the end and typically sounds shorter and higher-pitched. Use the voltage and continuity checks described above to confirm electrically.
Can I replace just the motor or do I need to replace the whole pump assembly?
Most modern dishwashers use a sealed pump/motor assembly where the motor is integrated into the pump housing; you usually replace the entire assembly. Some models have a serviceable drain pump separate from the circulation assembly. Always buy the assembly specified for your model and replace any gaskets or seals to avoid leaks.
Related How-To Videos
Real DIY Repair Stories
Be the first to share your repair story!
Share Your Repair Story
Your experience helps other homeowners fix their appliances. Tell us how it went!
Can't Fix It Yourself? Find a Local Technician
It's perfectly okay to call a professional. Some repairs require specialized tools, deep teardowns, or dealing with complex systems that are better left to the pros.
Find the Right Part for Your Appliance
Don't guess — search your exact appliance model number at ProsourceParts.com to find the correct OEM compatible replacement part. They offer fast free shipping, guaranteed fit, and thousands of parts in stock.
Your Free Parts Videos
Whether your dishwasher won't drain, your dryer stopped heating, or your fridge isn't cold, we've created simple repair guides for the most common appliance problems homeowners face. Each guide explains what's going wrong, the most likely causes, and which replacement parts fix the issue. When you're ready to order, we link directly to ProsourceParts.com where you can search by model number and get the right part shipped fast.