5 Common Reasons Why Your Amana Dryer Is Not Spinning

One of the most frustrating appliance issues is a dryer that won’t spin. It not only leaves your clothes wet, but it can even create a fire hazard that endangers you and your family. If your Amana dryer is plugged in but is still not spinning properly, there are several components that may cause this. 

You can save frustration, time, and money in the long run by understanding these critical components and how they can cause the spinning mechanism to stop. Here are 5 of the most common reasons why your Amana dryer is not spinning and how to fix it. 

1. The Drive Belt is Broken 

The drive belt wraps securely around the drum and connects to the dryer motor, allowing the drum to turn properly while the dryer is running. If the belt is faulty, old, or broken, the drum won’t be able to spin well. Dryer belts can snap, weaken over time, and slip off the pulleys if your dryer is constantly overloaded. When this occurs, heat will still be produced by the dryer but spinning will not occur. You can test this by hand — try to turn the drum by hand and if it moves too easily the drive belt may be broken. A well-functioning drum will still have some resistance. 

To inspect the drive belt, open the dryer cabinet and check for signs of damage like thinning or noticeable cracks. Replace it by positioning a new belt with the ribs inward around the drum before looping it through and around the idler pulley and motor pulley. Double check the belt has tension and manually spin the drum to check resistance after placing the new belt on.  

2. The Thermal Fuse Has Blown

The thermal fuse stops the dryer from operating in the case of overheating. Overheating can happen when a clogged vent pipe prevents hot air from escaping, which sometimes occurs after you run a particularly long or heavy drying load. If it has blown, the dryer may turn on and the light will work but spinning will not occur.

Simply replacing the thermal fuse without finding the cause of why it has blown, means increasing the chances of it blowing again. If it’s due to a clogged vent pipe, clean the vent pipe thoroughly using a brush with rods or a specialized dryer vent cleaning kit. Regular maintenance will ensure replacing the thermal fuse is not a lost effort.  

3. The Drum Rollers are Worn Out 

Drum rollers facilitate the smooth rotations whenever your dryer spins. While these rollers are designed for durability, regular wear and tear and friction from constant use can wear them out. The number one sign that your Amana Dryer’s drum rollers need to be replaced is the presence of loud noises — usually thumping, squealing or grinding while the dryer is running. The dryer will also spin slower and with much difficulty. This can be checked by hand by turning the drum and identifying if the resistance or noise isn’t as it should be. 

The drum rollers can be accessed at the rear of the dryer drum. Inspect it for damage, by looking out for black streaks or a stiff rolling mechanism. If a replacement is required, you will need to clean and lubricate the shaft before placing a new drum roller on it. The process will require you to move the wiring harness, belt, idler pulley, and motor shaft, so get assistance from an appliance professional if you’re not feeling confident.   

4. The Door Switch or Latch is Broken 

All Amana dryers have a door switch as a safety mechanism to ensure the dryer operates when the door is fully closed. In addition, the door will use a latch for securing it in place. If either of these components are faulty, the dryer will not turn even when the start button is pressed. The door may also feel flimsy, or refuse to shut properly. Unlike many of the other causes on this list, there will be no strange noises or smells. 

To fix this, you will need to get a replacement switch or latch kit specific to your Amana dryer model. You can either use a screwdriver to pull out the old switch or latch and replace it with a new one, or replace the latch temporarily with a zip tie.  

5. The Drive Motor is Broken 

If your Amana dryer is making a humming sound, smells burnt, or starts to run briefly but suddenly stops halfway, the drive motor may be broken. The most common reason is it burning out due to age or general wear and tear.

Replacing the motor is crucial as it powers both the dryer drum and fan, which allows for proper spinning. It’s strongly advised to contact an appliance professional to replace a drive motor as it can be a time-consuming and intensive process. For many homeowners, replacing the whole dryer can be more cost-effective, especially if the dryer is over 8-10 years old. 

How To Prevent Future Dryer Spinning Problems: Key Tips  

Even something as simple as consistently overloading your dryer and not checking or cleaning your clogged vents can lead to spinning failures. Consider regular maintenance and improve your understanding of how your Amana dryer works, as this can prevent future dryer spinning problems. 

• Split a large clothing load into several smaller ones to avoid overloading the dryer. 
• Prioritize regular dryer maintenance: clean the lint filter after every use, check the vents, inspect belts and pulleys periodically, and look out for object obstructions. 
• Keep your dryer level to improve lifespan and keep internal components operating well. All four feet should be on the floor or on a level surface, check this by gently rocking the machine and adjust accordingly. 
• If your dryer is constantly making excessive noise or causing issues, get periodic maintenance done by an appliance professional, which will save you time in the long run.