Amana Dryer: not starting

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

Is your Amana dryer not starting? This common issue often presents with no drum rotation or response when pressing the Start button, even with the door closed and settings seemingly correct. Possible causes include a faulty door latch, a blown thermal fuse, or issues with the control lock. Understanding these factors can help you troubleshoot effectively.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Amana Models

  • Control Lock feature can prevent start; hold Cycle Signal button to unlock on many models

Possible Causes

Door not fully closed or latch not engaging

How to Identify: Dryer will not start at all; door might appear closed but not latched; no click sound on closure.

Part: Door latch/switch

Control Lock enabled or incorrect cycle setting

How to Identify: Controls locked indicator lit; pressing start yields no response despite door closed and power present.

Part: Control panel settings

Blown thermal fuse

How to Identify: Dryer receives power but no start; multimeter shows lack of continuity across fuse; often associated with overheating history.

Part: Thermal fuse

Faulty start switch

How to Identify: No sound or motor activity when pressing start; multimeter shows no continuity on switch.

Part: Start switch

Faulty door switch

How to Identify: Dryer thinks door is open even when closed; no start and possibly other odd behavior.

Part: Door switch

Drive motor failure

How to Identify: Humming or clicking but no drum rotation; motor doesn’t start under load; tested with multimeter.

Part: Drive motor

Control board malfunction

How to Identify: No response to controls, erratic behavior, other component tests good; visual signs of damage.

Part: Control board

DIY Solutions

Check door closure and latch

Easy 5-10 minutes
  1. Open dryer door and inspect for clothes or debris blocking closure
  2. Firmly close until you hear latch click
  3. Try starting dryer
⚠️ Safety First: Ensure dryer off while checking door area

Disable control lock and correct cycle selection

Easy 2 minutes
  1. Check if control lock indicator is on
  2. Press and hold the Control Lock button as per manual to disable
  3. Set correct dry cycle and press Start

Test thermal fuse continuity

Moderate 15-30 minutes
Tools Needed: Multimeter, Screwdriver
  1. Unplug dryer
  2. Access blower housing to locate thermal fuse
  3. Use multimeter to check continuity; replace fuse if open
⚠️ Safety First: Disconnect power before opening panels

Test start switch with multimeter

Moderate 15-30 minutes
Tools Needed: Multimeter, Screwdriver
  1. Unplug dryer
  2. Remove control panel
  3. Test start switch for continuity
  4. Replace switch if no continuity
⚠️ Safety First: Handle electrical components with power off

Professional Repairs

Replace door switch

Estimated Cost: $50 - $120

Replace drive motor

Estimated Cost: $150 - $350

Replace control board

Estimated Cost: $200 - $500

When to Call a Professional

Burning smell or smoke
Repeated tripping of breaker when attempting to start
No success after basic troubleshooting and multimeter testing

Preventive Maintenance

  • Clean lint screen and vent regularly: Overheating that can blow thermal fuse
    Frequency: monthly
  • Check door latch for wear: Latch-related no-start issues
    Frequency: annually

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Amana Dryer not starting?
Common causes include a door not fully closed, control lock enabled, or a blown thermal fuse.
How do I fix Amana Dryer not starting myself?
Check door closure, disable control lock, and test the thermal fuse or start switch.
How much does it cost to fix not starting?
Professional repair costs range from $50 for a door switch to $500 for a control board.
When should I call a technician for not starting?
Consider calling a technician if DIY troubleshooting doesn't resolve the issue or if complex parts need replacement.

References & Sources

Community Analytical Insights

Analysis based on real user discussions from appliance repair communities

Can I Fix This Myself?

50%
DIY Success Rate Difficulty: DIY

Common Issues Reported by Users

  • Thermal Fuse Failure (4 mentions)
  • Faulty Door Switch (2 mentions)

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Replace thermal fuse

    Success rate: 11.0%

  2. Replace faulty door switch

    Success rate: 11.0%
Analysis based on 6 community discussions
View Sources

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

  1. Amana dryer won't turn on after part replacement
  2. Amana Dryer won’t start
  3. Amana Dryer NED5500TQ0 won't start
  4. amana dryer, this little black piece fell out of the drum, n...
  5. help with Amana dryer
  6. old Amana dryer won't start. No drum activity.

Community Discussions

won't start. No drum activity.

Replaced the thermal fuse to fix the issue.

DIY View on Reddit →

dryer won't start

The issue was identified as a faulty door switch, which needs to be replaced.

DIY View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

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