Umair Gaines
If your electric Amana dryer is not working, there are several things you can try before calling a professional. First, check if the dryer is heating up. If it is not, there could be an issue with the solenoid coil, the high-limit thermostat, the thermal fuse, or the heating element. If the igniter glows and goes out without igniting the gas, the gas valve solenoid or coils may be defective and need to be replaced. If the dryer is heating but drying times are longer than usual, there may be a vent issue or restricted airflow. This could be caused by a blocked lint screen, residue build-up from fabric softener, or debris in the exhaust hood and attached venting. If the dryer is still not heating, you may need to consult a professional technician to diagnose and repair the issue.
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What You'll Learn
Check the power supply and electrical connections
If your electric Amana dryer is malfunctioning, there are a few things you can do to troubleshoot and potentially fix the issue. Firstly, check if your dryer is receiving power and properly connected. Electric dryers require a 240-volt power supply, so ensure your electrical supply meets this requirement. If you are unsure, consult a qualified electrician.
Next, check the power cord installation. Refer to your dryer's installation instructions for guidance on proper installation. Ensure the terminal screws are tight at the dryer, and always unplug the dryer before checking the terminal screws. If the power cord is correctly installed and the terminal screws are tight, but the dryer still isn't functioning, move on to the next step.
Inspect the dryer's heating element for signs of damage or wear. Over time, the heating element can burn out or become damaged, preventing the dryer from operating correctly. You can test the heating element with a multimeter to check for continuity. If the element is defective, it will need to be replaced.
Additionally, a blown thermal fuse could be preventing your dryer from heating up. The thermal fuse is a safety device designed to protect the dryer from overheating. It is usually located near the heating elements, and you can test it with a multimeter to check for continuity. If the fuse is blown, it will need to be replaced.
If your dryer is heating but is taking longer than usual to dry clothes, the likely cause is a vent issue or restricted airflow. Check the lint screen and vent for any blockages, as lint build-up can increase drying time. Additionally, ensure the exhaust hood and venting are clear of any debris, such as animal nests. Regular cleaning of the venting is essential for maintaining optimal airflow and dryer performance.
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Replace the heating element
If your Amana dryer is not heating up, you can follow the steps below to replace the heating element.
Firstly, you should check that the power supply to your dryer is working correctly. Electric dryers require a 240-volt power supply to operate. You can test the incoming power with a multimeter. If the dryer is not receiving the correct voltage, reset the circuit breaker.
Next, you should inspect the heating element for signs of damage. The heating element heats the air before it enters the dryer drum, so it is critical to the heating process. Over time, the heating element can burn out or become damaged. If the heating element is defective, it will need to be replaced. You can test it with a multimeter to ensure it has continuity. If the element is defective, it will often have a break in the coil.
Before replacing the heating element, you should also check the thermal fuse. The thermal fuse should be checked before replacing the heating element, as a blown thermal fuse is the most common cause of dryer heating issues.
If you have an electric dryer, you can skip the next step. However, if you have a gas dryer, you should check the gas valve solenoid coils. If the igniter glows but then shuts off without igniting the flame, one or more of the solenoids have likely failed. You should replace all of the gas valve solenoids as they usually come in a set.
Finally, locate your dryer's model number, typically found on a label inside the door frame or on the back of the unit, and use it to search for compatible OEM heating elements. OEM heating elements are specifically designed for Amana dryers, ensuring a perfect fit and reliable performance.
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Clean the lint screen and vent
To clean the lint screen of your electric Amana dryer, first locate the screen. The lint screen is usually found either on top of the dryer or in the door opening. Once located, pull the lint screen straight up and press the tab down to open it. Roll the lint off the screen with your fingers. Do not rinse or wash the screen to remove lint, as wet lint is hard to remove. Close the lint screen and push it firmly back into place.
Laundry detergent and fabric softener residue can build up on the lint screen. To remove residue buildup, wet both sides of the lint screen with hot water. Then, wet a nylon brush with hot water and liquid detergent and scrub the lint screen. Rinse the screen with hot water and dry it thoroughly with a clean towel. Reinstall the screen in the dryer.
You should clean your lint screen after every use. If you use fabric softener regularly, your lint screen may have residue buildup that is not visible, so it is recommended to clean the screen occasionally for better drying performance. You can also use a vacuum to gently remove any lint accumulated outside the lint screen.
In addition to cleaning the lint screen, it is important to clean the vent. Venting from the dryer to the home's exterior should be as straight and short as possible, as increased length and elbows can reduce airflow and encourage lint buildup. Clean the vent every one to two years or as needed when dry performance has decreased. Amana offers a dryer vent testing kit that can help you assess the performance of your dryer vent system.
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Test the thermal fuse
If your Amana dryer is not heating up, it may be due to a blown thermal fuse. The thermal fuse is a safety feature that prevents the dryer from overheating. If the dryer gets too hot, the thermal fuse will blow, causing the dryer to stop heating. A blown thermal fuse cannot be repaired and must be replaced.
To test the thermal fuse, you will need to disconnect the power to the dryer. The next step is to locate the thermal fuse. The thermal fuse is located at the rear of the dryer, either on the blower housing or close to the heating element casing. Once you have located the thermal fuse, you can test it for continuity with a multimeter. If the multimeter shows that the fuse has no continuity, it has blown and needs to be replaced.
If the thermal fuse has blown, it is important to identify the cause to prevent it from happening again. A common cause of a blown thermal fuse is lint buildup, which restricts airflow and causes the dryer to overheat. Therefore, it is crucial to thoroughly clean out the vent and lint filter before installing a new thermal fuse.
Additionally, the exhaust vent should be checked for clogging, as a blocked vent can also cause the thermal fuse to blow. It is recommended to clean the vent once a year, especially if it is longer than 15 feet.
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Replace the gas valve solenoids
If your Amana dryer is not heating up properly, it could be due to a faulty gas valve solenoid. To determine if this is the case, check whether the igniter glows briefly and then shuts off without igniting the flame. If this happens, it is likely that one or more of the solenoids has failed and needs to be replaced.
Gas valve solenoids usually come in a set of two or more, and it is recommended to replace the entire set to prevent other solenoid coils from failing in the future. These coils are responsible for opening the gas valve ports, allowing gas into the burner assembly. A defective solenoid will prevent the dryer from heating.
Before attempting any repairs, be sure to disconnect the gas supply to the dryer. Once the gas is off, you can access and replace the gas valve solenoid coils. These coils can be purchased from appliance stores or online. Refer to your dryer's manual or seek advice from a qualified technician if you are unsure about the replacement procedure.
After replacing the gas valve solenoids, reconnect the gas supply and test the dryer to see if it is now heating correctly. If the issue persists, there may be another cause, such as a faulty high-limit thermostat or a problem with the incoming power supply.
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Frequently asked questions
A likely cause could be a blown thermal fuse. You can test this by locating the thermal fuse, usually near the heating elements, and using a multimeter to check for continuity. If there is no continuity, the fuse will need replacing.
A multimeter can be used to test for continuity. If the fuse has continuity, it has a continuous electrical path through it. If it has blown, there will be no continuity, meaning the electrical path is broken.
The likely cause is a vent issue or restricted airflow. Check for debris in the venting and clear it if necessary. Also, check the lint screen for lint or residue build-up and clean it.
If the igniter glows but does not ignite the gas, the gas valve solenoid is likely defective and will need to be replaced.
Electric dryers require a 240-volt power supply to operate correctly. Check if your power supply is sufficient and if the power cord is properly installed.
