Amana Dryer: not spinning

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

Is your Amana dryer not spinning? This common issue leaves clothes damp and un-dried. The motor may hum, but the drum fails to turn during the cycle. Understanding the causes can help you troubleshoot effectively.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Amana Models

  • Official Amana documentation focuses first on power and start controls; mechanical failures such as belts are not detailed officially but widely documented in repair communities.

Possible Causes

Drive belt broken, worn, or slipped off

How to Identify: Motor runs/hums but drum doesn’t turn; drum rotates freely by hand if belt is broken or missing.

Part: Drive belt

Faulty idler pulley assembly

How to Identify: Belt loses tension or comes off; unusual squeaks or belt slipping noises.

Part: Idler pulley

Drive motor failure

How to Identify: Motor hums but no rotation; belt intact; may cause thermal fuse trip.

Part: Drive motor

Faulty door switch or start switch

How to Identify: Dryer won’t start or spin unless door is manipulated; no motor or belt sound.

Part: Door switch / start switch

DIY Solutions

Inspect and Replace Drive Belt

Moderate 45-90 minutes
Tools Needed: screwdriver set, socket set
  1. Unplug dryer and pull it away from the wall.
  2. Remove access panels to expose the belt around the drum.
  3. Check belt condition for wear, cracks, or breakage.
  4. If broken, remove old belt and install a new one following belt path around drum, idler, and motor.
  5. Reassemble panels and test dryer.
⚠️ Safety First: Always disconnect power before internal inspection.

Check Drum Rollers and Bearings

Advanced 1-2 hours
Tools Needed: screwdrivers, ratchet set, flashlight
  1. Disconnect power and open dryer cabinet.
  2. Locate and inspect drum rollers for wear or flat spots.
  3. Replace worn rollers and associated bearings.
  4. Reassemble and test drum spin.
⚠️ Safety First: Ensure correct placement of all replaced parts.

Test and Replace Faulty Switches

Moderate 30-60 minutes
Tools Needed: multimeter, screwdrivers
  1. Unplug dryer and access door switch.
  2. Use multimeter to test continuity of door and start switches.
  3. Replace any switch that fails continuity test.
  4. Reassemble and test function.
⚠️ Safety First: Verify correct switch wiring on reassembly.

Professional Repairs

Drive Motor Replacement

Estimated Cost: $150 - $350

Idler Pulley Replacement

Estimated Cost: $50 - $100

When to Call a Professional

Motor humming but drum still doesn’t spin after belt checks
Electrical components like control board or wiring suspected
Uncertain diagnosis after basic belt and switch checks

Preventive Maintenance

  • Inspect belt and rollers: Drum not spinning due to worn mechanical parts
    Frequency: annually
  • Clean lint and vents: Motor overheating and potential thermal fuse issues
    Frequency: monthly/quarterly

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Amana Dryer not spinning?
Common causes include a broken drive belt, faulty idler pulley, or issues with the door or start switch.
How do I fix Amana Dryer not spinning myself?
Check the drive belt for damage, inspect drum rollers, and test door and start switches for continuity.
How much does it cost to fix not spinning?
Professional repairs for a drive motor replacement range from $150 to $350, while idler pulley replacement costs between $50 and $100.
When should I call a technician for not spinning?
If DIY repairs seem too complex or if the problem persists after testing, it's best to consult a professional.

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: DIY

Common Issues Reported by Users

  • Failed motor start windings (2 mentions)
  • Belt issues (2 mentions)

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Replace the motor due to failed start windings.

    Success rate: 40.0%

  2. Check the belt and test the motor.

    Success rate: 20.0%

  3. Remove cloth under the front door causing pressure.

    Success rate: 20.0%
Analysis based on 4 community discussions
View Sources

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

  1. Amana lga20aw dryer won't spin without push start
  2. Amana ned4655ew1 dryer not spinning properly
  3. Amana electric dryer NED7500VW1 won't start drying cycle
  4. Amana Gas Dryer (DLG330RAW) - Drum won't spin

Community Discussions

not spinning properly

Cloth under the front door was causing pressure, resolved by removing it.

DIY View on Reddit →

won't spin without push start

Replace the motor due to failed start windings.

DIY View on Reddit →

won't start drying cycle

Check the belt and test the motor by rolling the tub while holding the door switch.

DIY View on Reddit →

Drum won't spin

Ordered a new motor to resolve the issue.

DIY View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

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