Amana Dryer: not turning

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

If your Amana dryer is not turning on, you may experience an unresponsive drum and no action when pressing the Start button. Common culprits include power supply issues, a blown thermal fuse, or faulty switches. Understanding these causes can help you troubleshoot effectively and determine whether a DIY fix or professional repair is needed.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Amana Models

  • Control Lock feature can prevent start; hold Control Lock button to disable
  • Power cord must be correctly installed for some models

Possible Causes

Power supply or control lock preventing startup

How to Identify: No lights or display symptoms; Control Lock indicator lit; dryer completely unresponsive.

Part: Power supply circuit / control lock feature

Blown thermal fuse

How to Identify: Dryer won’t start at all; often related to overheating history; tested with multimeter for continuity.

Part: Thermal fuse

Faulty start switch or door switch

How to Identify: No response when pressing Start; dryer won’t engage unless door fully latched; multimeter fails continuity test.

Part: Start switch / door latch switch

Drive belt broken or slipped

How to Identify: Motor may hum but drum doesn’t turn; belt visible wear or break.

Part: Drive belt

Motor or internal mechanical failure

How to Identify: Humming noises; resistance when rotating drum manually; worn bearings/rollers.

Part: Drive motor / bearings / drum rollers

DIY Solutions

Verify power and control lock

Easy 5-10 minutes
  1. Ensure the dryer is plugged in and circuit breaker is not tripped
  2. If Control Lock is enabled, press and hold the Control Lock button for 3 seconds to disable
  3. Ensure correct cycle selected and press Start firmly for 2–5 seconds
⚠️ Safety First: Do not attempt internal repairs without disconnecting power

Check door latch and switches

Moderate 10-20 minutes
Tools Needed: Screwdriver, multimeter (optional)
  1. Ensure the dryer door fully latches with audible click
  2. Access and inspect door switch for damage
  3. Use multimeter to test continuity on door and start switches
  4. Replace defective switch
⚠️ Safety First: Unplug dryer before opening panels

Inspect and replace thermal fuse

Advanced 30-60 minutes
Tools Needed: Screwdriver, multimeter, replacement thermal fuse
  1. Unplug dryer and access thermal fuse location
  2. Use multimeter to check continuity
  3. If blown, replace with correct part
  4. Reassemble and test dryer
⚠️ Safety First: Ensure model-specific correct fuse rating; unplug power

Replace drive belt

Advanced 60-120 minutes
Tools Needed: Screwdrivers, socket set, replacement belt
  1. Unplug dryer and remove access panels
  2. Inspect belt for breaks or wear
  3. Install new belt around drum and pulleys
  4. Reassemble and test operation
⚠️ Safety First: Follow model-specific belt routing

Professional Repairs

Replace motor or internal drum support parts

Estimated Cost: $150 - $400

Electrical control board repair or replacement

Estimated Cost: $200 - $500

When to Call a Professional

Motor hums loudly but drum doesn’t turn after belt checks
Multimeter tests show complex electrical failures
Internal components wear or broken beyond DIY convenience

Preventive Maintenance

  • Clean lint filter and vent: Overheating that can blow thermal fuse
    Frequency: monthly
  • Inspect belt and rollers: Unexpected belt breakage stopping drum rotation
    Frequency: annually

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Amana Dryer not turning?
Your dryer may not be turning due to power supply issues, a blown thermal fuse, or faulty door/start switches.
How do I fix Amana Dryer not turning myself?
Check the power supply, door latch, and switches. Inspect the thermal fuse and drive belt for damage.
How much does it cost to fix not turning?
Professional repairs for a dryer not turning can range from $150 to $500, depending on the issue.
When should I call a technician for not turning?
If basic troubleshooting doesn't resolve the issue or if the problem involves complex parts like the motor, call a technician.

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

  • Broken belt (1 mentions)
  • Motor pulley issue (1 mentions)
  • Thermal fuse issue (1 mentions)

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Replace broken belt

    Success rate: 33.0%
Analysis based on 3 community discussions
View Sources

Community Discussions

HEATS, DRUM NOT TURNING

Possible broken belt or thermal fuse issue.

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

User Comments (0)

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