A dryer that won’t start means you probably have a pile of wet laundry and a lot of questions. Why is my Amana dryer not turning on? The wrong setting or the control lock may be enabled, preventing an immediate start. Use these 5 reasons to determine why your Amana dryer won’t start and the right solution.
Amana Dryer Won’t Start? Try These Troubleshooting Tips
A simple adjustment can usually solve the problem when your Amana dryer won’t start. However, part malfunctions can also dictate the need for a repair. Here’s how to troubleshoot what’s really going on and solve the problem.
1. Dryer Is Not Getting Power
Like all dryers, an Amana dryer won’t start if it doesn’t have sufficient power. Even gas models require electricity to power the control panel and other functions.
These power issues can prevent a dryer from starting:
- Dryer isn’t plugged in: Make sure the dryer is properly plugged in to a functioning outlet.
- Circuit breaker is tripped: Check your home’s circuit breaker or fuse box and make sure breakers and fuses are intact and properly positioned. Electric dryers use 2 fuses or breakers while a gas dryer uses 1. Reset any tripped breakers or replace broken fuses.
- Dryer is plugged in with an extension cord: Avoid using these cords, as they’re unable to safely conduct the electrical voltage a dryer requires. This can result in power shutdowns that cease dryer function.
2. Dryer Door Not Latched Shut
As a safety precaution, a dryer won’t start if the door isn’t completely closed. When the door is properly shut it engages the door latch, signaling the dryer that a cycle can begin. An Amana dryer not starting may have something caught in the door, preventing the latch from engaging. It’s also possible the latch may have broken, stopping the start of a drying cycle.
Check for trapped clothing that may be blocking the latch. If there are no obstructions, and the latch doesn’t make an audible clicking sound when the door closes, it may be broken. Multimeter testing can confirm that the latch is broken with a lack of continuity, in which case it requires replacement.
3. Problem With Dryer Settings
Always check your cycle settings if you feel your dryer doesn’t dry clothes sufficiently or doesn’t have an immediate start. Certain dryer loads may require hotter temperatures or longer drying times. Similarly, the dryer must be set on a Timed Dry or Automatic Dry Cycle to start immediately. If it’s set on the Wrinkle Reduction option the start may be delayed.
When checking your cycle settings, also make sure the Control Lock feature is off. This feature locks all control panel functions to prevent an accidental start. A light above the Control Lock button usually illuminates when the feature is enabled.To disable the Control Lock function, press and hold the Cycle Signal button for 3 seconds.
4. Amana Dryer Thermal Fuse Failure
An Amana dryer thermal fuse will blow if the dryer is in danger of overheating, ceasing all function. A blown fuse can’t be repaired and the dryer won’t resume operation until the fuse is replaced. While the fuse can blow if it’s defective, this may also occur if vent obstructions caused the dryer to overheat. Check your vents and remove any blockages to prevent overheating.
5. Defective Amana Dryer Start Switch
When you press the Start button it signals the Amana dryer start switch to begin your selected drying cycle. However, if the start switch is defective, the dryer won’t receive the signal to begin. If the dryer makes noise that sounds like humming when the Start button is pressed, the start switch probably isn’t at fault. However, if the dryer remains silent, the switch is likely defective and should be replaced by a professional dryer repair service.
The team at Aviv Service Today can help when your Amana dryer won’t start and can handle any other laundry appliance concern. Schedule your fast and reliable repair today!
