Amana Dryer: not heating

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

Is your Amana dryer running but not heating? This common issue can leave your clothes damp or cold after a cycle. Potential causes include a blown thermal fuse, power supply issues, or for gas models, a gas ignition system failure. Identifying the root cause can help restore your dryer’s heating functionality and ensure your laundry is dry and ready to wear.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Amana Models

  • Amana official troubleshooting highlights checking correct cycle settings like avoiding Air Only mode, which doesn’t produce heat.
  • Amana notes the need for proper 240‑V supply for electric models; incorrect supply will prevent heating.

Possible Causes

Blown thermal fuse (electric and gas dryers)

How to Identify: Dryer tumbles but produces no heat and a continuity test on the thermal fuse shows an open circuit.

Part: Thermal fuse

Power supply issue (electric dryers)

How to Identify: Dryer drum turns, but one heating circuit breaker is tripped or supply voltage is incorrect; check both 240 V breakers.

Part: Electrical circuit breakers / power supply

Gas ignition system failure (gas dryers)

How to Identify: Gas dryer drum turns but no flame; igniter may not glow or gas valve solenoids don’t open; no heat in gas models.

Part: Igniter / gas valve solenoids / flame sensor

DIY Solutions

Test and Replace Thermal Fuse

Moderate 30‑60 minutes
Tools Needed: screwdriver set, multimeter
  1. Unplug the dryer and access the back panel.
  2. Locate the thermal fuse near the blower housing or heater box.
  3. Use a multimeter to check continuity across the fuse.
  4. If open, remove the old fuse and install a compatible replacement.
  5. Reassemble the dryer and test for heat.
⚠️ Safety First: Always unplug before accessing internal components.

Check and Restore Power Supply

Easy 5‑10 minutes
Tools Needed: none or basic tester
  1. Check that dryer is properly plugged in.
  2. Verify both circuit breakers for the dryer in the breaker panel are in ON position.
  3. Check outlet and power cord for damage.
⚠️ Safety First: Do not touch live wiring.

Clean Lint Filter and Vent Hose

Easy 15‑30 minutes
Tools Needed: vacuum or vent cleaning brush
  1. Remove lint from dryer lint trap.
  2. Detach vent hose and clean out lint and debris.
  3. Check through to exterior vent to ensure no blockage.
  4. Reattach hose and secure connections.
⚠️ Safety First: Wear a dust mask and eye protection when cleaning.

Test and Replace Heating Element (Electric Models)

Advanced 45‑90 minutes
Tools Needed: screwdrivers, multimeter, replacement heating element
  1. Unplug dryer and remove back panel.
  2. Locate heating element housing.
  3. Test heating element for continuity; if none, remove and replace.
  4. Reassemble dryer and test heat.
⚠️ Safety First: Ensure correct heating element part.

Professional Repairs

Gas Ignition System Component Replacement

Estimated Cost: $150‑$350

Control Board Diagnosis and Repair/Replacement

Estimated Cost: $200‑$400

When to Call a Professional

If you are uncomfortable testing internal wiring or using a multimeter
When gas ignition components are suspected to be faulty
If heater or control board diagnosis is inconclusive

Preventive Maintenance

  • Clean lint filter: Restricted airflow and potential heating issues
    Frequency: every cycle
  • Inspect and clean vent line: Vent blockages that reduce dryer heating efficiency
    Frequency: annually or as needed

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Amana Dryer not heating?
Common causes include a blown thermal fuse, power supply issues, or gas ignition system failure.
How do I fix Amana Dryer not heating myself?
Check the thermal fuse, restore power supply, clean the lint filter, or test the heating element.
How much does it cost to fix not heating?
Professional repair costs range from $150 to $400 depending on the issue.
When should I call a technician for not heating?
Call a technician if DIY solutions fail or if the problem involves complex components like the gas ignition system.

References & Sources

Community Analytical Insights

Analysis based on real user discussions from appliance repair communities

Can I Fix This Myself?

67%
DIY Success Rate Difficulty: DIY

Common Issues Reported by Users

  • Timer malfunction (5 mentions)
  • Thermal fuse failure (4 mentions)
  • Heating element issue (3 mentions)
  • Gas coils malfunction (1 mentions)

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Replace or repair the timer

    Success rate: 13.0%
  2. Clear lint blockage from the lint trap pipe

    Success rate: 4.0%
  3. Replace the thermal fuse

    Success rate: 4.0%
  4. Replace faulty gas coils

    Success rate: 4.0%

Community Discussions

dryer not heating and not blowing air

Removed a major blockage of dog fur from the lint trap pipe, restoring airflow and functionality.

not heating up

The timer was identified as the problem after checking the power supply.

timer not moving, no heat, flame not staying on

Replace gas valve coils if airflow is good.

will get hot and then stop heating

The issue is likely caused by faulty gas coils.

does not heat when set to dry on low

The issue was identified as the thermocycler in the back after replacing the timer.

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

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