Amana washing machine will not agitate, does spin

[Magic Animal]

My Amana washer is no longer functioning in the agitate cycle of its wash. It will fill properly, and then the timer mechanism makes a clicking noise, which is followed about 10 seconds later by a lower-pitched electrical hum which I'm assuming to be coming from the motor.

The motor itself appears to be in working order, as I can still manually engage the spin cycle, which comes on as usual, drains the tub, etc.

I have two questions:

1) What's causing this problem?
2) If it's the timer, is there any way I can implement a short-term fix (maybe a little jumper switch or something) to turn on the agitate cycle manually until I repair/replace this washer at tax time?

Model DLW-330-RAW

[jumptrout51]

Unplug the washer.
Check the wires to the motor. The brown and red wires are the start wires for the agitate cycle.
Also check the pressure switch with a meter set for continuity.
Terminals 1-2 should read continuity when empty.
Terminals 1-3 should read continuity when full of water.

[Magic Animal]

I am borrowing a multimeter, but I won't have my hands on it until tomorrow sometime. Not sure if this is useful information or not, but the washer DOES seem to "know" when there is an appropriate amount of water. I tested this by filling it, emptying it somewhat in the spin cycle, and then moving it to any other portion of its program. Instead of say, agitating or spinning, it will fill back to the appropriate level.

As for the brown and red wires, could I simply put a toggle switch on these at the wire housing, and then turn it on at the appropriate time in the cycle, and off at the appropriate time? I understand that this would not be the normal way to repair this, but I'm willing to think outside the box to come up with a temporary solution.

[jumptrout51]

While the water level switch is stopping, it may not be sending the signal back to the timer. Therefore the agitation will not start.

The red and brown wires should be checked to make sure there is a good connection. A toggle switch will not help. Of course while down there check all the motor wires for good contact.

[JWWebster]

your pump might be locked up too.

[mukyduck]

I know this is an old thread, but I'm hoping the author will reply. Our Amana washer is experiencing the same symptoms. Were you able to solve your issue, if so, could you please let me know what it was you did.

Thank you.