Amana Dryer: not turning off

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

If your Amana dryer is not turning off, it may continue running beyond the selected cycle, regardless of the load's dryness or timer settings. This issue could be caused by a faulty heating element or, less commonly, a malfunctioning door switch. Understanding these causes can help you troubleshoot effectively.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Amana Models

Service data suggests heating element and electronic control board issues are common causes in Amana dryers not shutting off

Possible Causes

Faulty heating element causing improper cycle termination

How to Identify: Dryer runs indefinitely and may not heat properly or advanced automatic cycles never reach dryness threshold

Part: Heating element

Malfunctioning door switch

How to Identify: Dryer may not sense open/close or continues operation even with door issues

Part: Door switch

DIY Solutions

Clean lint filter and venting

Easy 15-30 minutes

Tools Needed: vacuum, dryer vent brush

Remove and clean lint filter thoroughly
Disconnect dryer vent and clean lint from hose and vent exit
Reassemble and test if dryer now shuts off

⚠️ Safety First: Ensure dryer is unplugged before disconnecting vent hose

Clean moisture sensor bars

Easy 10 minutes

Tools Needed: isopropyl alcohol, soft cloth

Unplug dryer power
Locate moisture sensor bars inside drum
Clean bars with alcohol and cloth to remove residue
Reconnect power and test dryer

Power reset of control board

Easy 5 minutes

Unplug dryer or shut off breaker
Wait 2â€“5 minutes to discharge control board
Restore power and test dryer

⚠️ Safety First: Ensure power source is safely off

Professional Repairs

Replace heating element

Estimated Cost: $50-$150

Control board/timer replacement

Estimated Cost: $100-$300

Moisture sensor replacement

Estimated Cost: $20-$80

When to Call a Professional

Dryer continues running after basic cleaning and resets

Resistance testing indicates component failure (heater, sensor, control board)

Timer knob or electronic panel is unresponsive or erratic

Preventive Maintenance

Clean lint filter: Airflow restrictions that can contribute to extended drying cycles
Frequency: after every load
Clean vent system: Airflow restriction and sensor misreadings leading to extended running
Frequency: annually

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Amana Dryer not turning off?

Common causes include a faulty heating element or malfunctioning door switch affecting cycle termination.

How do I fix Amana Dryer not turning off myself?

Try cleaning the lint filter and vent, cleaning moisture sensor bars, or performing a power reset of the control board.

How much does it cost to fix not turning off?

Professional repairs can range from $50-$150 for a heating element to $100-$300 for control board replacement.

When should I call a technician for not turning off?

If DIY solutions donâ€™t resolve the issue or if you suspect a major component failure, it's best to consult a technician.

Community Analytical Insights

Analysis based on real user discussions from appliance repair communities

Can I Fix This Myself?

60%

DIY Success Rate Difficulty: Either

Common Issues Reported by Users

Faulty door switch preventing the dryer from detecting when the door is closed
Malfunctioning timer that fails to signal the dryer to turn off
Defective electronic control board causing continuous operation

User Suggested Solutions

Check and replace the door switch. Unplug the dryer, locate the door switch, and test it with a multimeter. If it’s faulty, replace it with a new one.
Inspect and replace the timer. Access the timer by removing the control panel, check for continuity with a multimeter, and replace if defective.
Examine the electronic control board for visible damage or burnt components. If found, replace the control board after disconnecting power.