Amana Dryer: not igniting

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

Is your Amana dryer tumbling but not igniting? This common issue often occurs at the start of the cycle when the gas burner or electric heating element fails to produce heat. Learn about potential causes like a faulty igniter, airflow blockage, or defective thermostats, and find effective solutions to restore your dryer’s functionality.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Amana Models

  • Amana gas dryers use multiple gas valve solenoids; if one fails, replace all together per manufacturer guidance

Possible Causes

Faulty igniter

How to Identify: Look through service peephole during a heat cycle — igniter should glow; if no glow and no gas ignition, igniter likely failed

Part: Igniter assembly

Defective flame sensor

How to Identify: No flame detected despite igniter function; continuity test fails at room temp; dryer won’t sustain ignition

Part: Flame sensor

Airflow/ventilation blockage

How to Identify: Long drying times, overheating, or shutdowns; lint buildup visible; affects heat generation and may cause protective fuses to blow

Part: Vent system (lint trap/duct)

Faulty thermostat or high-limit thermostat

How to Identify: No heating or intermittent heating; continuity tests used to diagnose; requires panel access

Part: Thermostat/high-limit thermostat

Control board or electrical issue

How to Identify: Diagnostics show power not correctly supplied to heating components; requires advanced testing

Part: Control board/power components

DIY Solutions

Test and Replace Igniter (Gas models)

Moderate 30–60 minutes
Tools Needed: multimeter, screwdrivers, replacement igniter
  1. Unplug dryer and shut off gas supply
  2. Remove access panels to locate igniter assembly
  3. Use multimeter to test continuity of igniter
  4. If no continuity or visible damage, remove and replace igniter
  5. Reassemble and test heat cycle
⚠️ Safety First: Always disconnect power and gas before opening dryer

Check and Replace Gas Valve Solenoid Coils (Gas models)

Advanced 60–90 minutes
Tools Needed: multimeter, socket set, replacement solenoid kit
  1. Unplug and shut off gas
  2. Access burner assembly and test solenoid coils for continuity
  3. If one fails, replace entire set of coils
  4. Reassemble and test
⚠️ Safety First: Check for gas leaks after reassembly using soapy water

Test and Replace Thermal Fuse

Moderate 30–60 minutes
Tools Needed: multimeter, screwdriver, replacement thermal fuse
  1. Unplug dryer
  2. Locate thermal fuse (blower housing/heat source area)
  3. Test with multimeter for continuity
  4. Replace fuse if open
  5. Check venting before replacing to avoid repeat failure
⚠️ Safety First: Do not bypass thermal fuse as safety device

Clear Vent and Lint Trap

Easy 15–30 minutes
Tools Needed: vacuum/brush
  1. Remove lint trap and clear lint
  2. Disconnect vent hose and clear obstructions
  3. Ensure vent runs to outside and is clear
  4. Reconnect and test dryer

Test and Replace Thermostat/High Limit Thermostat

Moderate 30–60 minutes
Tools Needed: multimeter, screwdriver, replacement thermostat
  1. Disconnect power
  2. Locate thermostat(s) near heating element
  3. Test for continuity; replace if open
  4. Reassemble and verify operation

Professional Repairs

Control Board Diagnosis and Replacement

Estimated Cost: $150–$400

Gas Line or Internal Safety Component Repair

Estimated Cost: $200–$500

When to Call a Professional

Gas smell or suspected gas leak
Unable to identify cause after testing primary components
Complex electrical control faults

Preventive Maintenance

  • Clean lint trap: Airflow restriction and overheating
    Frequency: After every load
  • Inspect and clean dryer vent and ductwork: Blockages that contribute to thermal fuse blow and heating issues
    Frequency: Every 3–6 months

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Amana Dryer not igniting?
The top causes include a faulty igniter, defective flame sensor, airflow blockage, or issues with the thermostat.
How do I fix Amana Dryer not igniting myself?
You can test and replace the igniter, clear the vent, or check the thermal fuse for continuity.
How much does it cost to fix not igniting?
Professional repairs for not igniting can cost between $150 and $500 depending on the issue.
When should I call a technician for not igniting?
Call a technician if DIY solutions don’t work or if you suspect a complex issue like a control board failure.

References & Sources

Community Analytical Insights

Analysis based on real user discussions from appliance repair communities

Can I Fix This Myself?

75%
DIY Success Rate Difficulty: Either

Common Issues Reported by Users

  • Faulty igniter
  • Clogged gas line
  • Defective flame sensor

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Inspect and replace the igniter if it is faulty. To do this, disconnect the dryer from power, remove the front panel, locate the igniter, and test it for continuity. If it shows no continuity, replace it with a new one.

  2. Check the gas line for clogs. Ensure that the gas supply is turned on and inspect the line for any blockages. If necessary, clean or replace the gas line.

  3. Test and replace the flame sensor if defective. Disconnect the dryer, locate the flame sensor near the burner assembly, and test it for continuity. Replace it if it does not have continuity.

Analysis based on 1 community discussions
View Sources

Data compiled from real discussions on r/appliancerepair and r/Appliances:

  1. Amana Dryer bad gas ignition solenoid coils

Community Discussions

gas rod begins to glow steady but never ignites a flame

Replace the igniter

DIY View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

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