Amana Washer Ofb — What It Means & How to Fix It
An out-of-balance load — Ofb appears when your washer is rebalancing an uneven load before it can spin.
What this code means
Ofb tells you the washer detected an unbalanced load and is running a load-balance correction, possibly pausing with a flashing dial. Fixing it is mostly about loading: spread wet items loosely and evenly around the washplate, balance a single heavy item like a rug with a few towels, and avoid overstuffing. Amana also recommends the Bulky/Sheets Deep Water Wash cycle for oversized items such as comforters.
Ofb appears in Amana's official top-load HE error-code table; the shared Whirlpool-family platform treats out-of-balance faults the same way. No parts are indicated by this code.
Most likely causes
| Cause | How likely | DIY-fixable? |
|---|---|---|
| Washing one heavy item alone (rug, jacket, comforter) | Very common | Yes — add balance items |
| Items tangled in one dense clump | Common | Yes — redistribute the load |
| Washer overloaded or underloaded | Common | Yes — adjust load size |
| Washer not level or floor uneven | Occasional | Yes — adjust leveling legs |
What you can try yourself
- Allow the washer to finish any rebalance phase it started on its own.
- If it stops, open the lid, spread the load loosely and evenly, close it, and press START/PAUSE.
- Balance a single large item with a few towels so the load is roughly even around the washplate.
- For oversized items like comforters, select the Bulky/Sheets Deep Water Wash cycle.
- If Ofb happens often, check that the washer is level — rock it corner to corner and adjust the legs as needed.
Seeing the symptom rather than the code? Washer shaking or not spinning: checks that apply across brands.
When to call a technician
- The washer shakes violently or bangs during spin.
- The load won't rebalance after several tries — stop and have the suspension checked.
Typical professional repair cost: $0 for the fix; $150–$300 if frequent Ofb with heavy shaking points to suspension parts
Frequently asked questions
Is Ofb a sign the washer is breaking down?
Usually not — it's the washer telling you the load is uneven. Redistribute the clothes and it should spin fine. If it returns with a balanced load, call for service.
Can I just press START again?
Yes — after redistributing the load, close the lid and press START/PAUSE. Even out the clothes first or Ofb will just come back.
Sources checked
Error meanings can vary by model. This guide was checked against the documentation above; use the manual for the model number on your own appliance when it differs.
Related Amana codes
- Amana Washer PF Your Amana washer lost power mid-cycle — PF is the machine telling you the wash was interrupted, not that something broke.
- Amana Washer Sud Too many suds — the Sud message means the washer added extra rinse to break down foam before it can spin.
- Amana Washer LdL Lid won't lock — LdL appears when the washer can't latch the lid, often because something is blocking it or the latch is gummed up.
- Amana Washer LdU The lid won't unlock — LdU tells you the washer can't release the lid, often because something is sitting on top of it.
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