If the Amana NTW4516 lid will not lock, start with the simplest reading of its lights: a flashing Lid Locked light with the lid not closed means the washer will not start or fill, and Amana's Product Help adds three more checks: something blocking the latch (packing or shipping material, or clothing), soil build-up around the lid contact area, and the normal self-test of the lid lock after Start, when you hear a click and the basket turns slightly. The LdL code (lid not locking) points to an item under the lid or detergent build-up at the lock.
Differential
Likely causes of “Amana NTW4516 top-load washer will not start because the door or lid will not lock”, and how to tell them apart
- 1
The lid is not fully closed
What separates it Lid Locked flashes and the washer will not start
How to confirm Close the lid firmly, and make sure that it latches, then press Start
- 2
Something blocking the latch
What separates it There is clothing or shipping material at the lid edge because something is blocking the latch
How to confirm Look at the latch area and clear it
- 3
Soil build-up at the contact area
What separates it LdL shows and the latch looks grimy because soil has built up at the contact area
How to confirm Clean with warm water, mild soap and a soft cloth
- 4
The normal lock self-test
What separates it There is a click and a slight basket turn after Start because this is the normal lock self test
How to confirm Let the self-test finish; the guide also mentions a click and hum at the start of the spin
Before you touch a setting
Record this first — changing settings destroys the evidence
- What the Lid Locked light and display show
- Whether the latch area is clean and clear
- When the lid failed to lock: at start or before the spin
Try in this order
0 of 5 completedClose the lid
ReversibleClose the lid, since the guide says that the washer will not start or fill with the lid open.
Clear the latch
ReversibleClear the latch, by removing packing material or clothing, and looking for an item under the lid.
Clean the contact area
ReversibleClean the contact area, using warm water, mild soap and a soft cloth on the lid contact surface.
Press Start/Stop/Pause/Unlock Lid
ReversibleRestart the cycle; expect a click and a slight basket movement as the lock self-tests.
Watch the display
ReversibleWatch the display, since LdL means that the lid is not locking, so clear the cause and restart.
Model-specific
What is true of this model and not of its siblings
- If the lid is left open
- On the NTW4516 the lid must be closed before the basket fills and for the wash cycle to start. If it is open and filling stops, close it and press Start/Stop/Pause/Unlock Lid to complete the cycle. If the lid is left open for more than 10 minutes the washer cancels the cycle and pumps out the water, and it does not add detergent again when you restart.
- Other models this page answers
- These steps also fit the NFW5800 front-load washer.
Stop boundary
When this stops being a self-service repair
- !If LdL returns with a clean, clear latch, call Amana service
- !If the lid is bent or the hinge loose, stop using the washer
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
Amana's own table of top-load washer codes and resolutions.
Amana's own symptom articles for top-load washers, each.
A dealer listing giving the NTW4516FW's capacity, cabinet size and feature list.
Exact questions
Common questions
What does LdL mean on an Amana top-load washer?+
The lid is not locking; check for an item under the lid and detergent build-up around the lock.
Why does my NTW4516 click at the start of the spin?+
Amana says you may hear a clicking and hum at the start of the spin phase as the lid lock goes through a self-test.
Will it run with the lid open?+
No. The lid must be closed before the basket fills and for the wash to start.
What if the lid is left open?+
If left open for more than 10 minutes the washer cancels the cycle and pumps out the water.
How do I clean the lid latch?+
Use warm water, mild soap and a soft cloth.
When do I call service?+
When LdL returns after the latch is clean and clear.
Can leaking be caused by the hoses?+
Yes, loose hose connections are a common cause, so check that each one is tight and has its washer.
Why does the washer stop and start?+
It may pause to redistribute the load or to change stage, which is normal unless a code shows.