15 Common Factors Amana Dryer Stopped Working Mid Cycle

Welcome to our comprehensive guide on the 15 common factors that might cause your Amana dryer to stop working mid-cycle.

We understand how frustrating it can be when such a dependable appliance suddenly let’s you down, especially when you’re in the middle of a busy week.

This guide is designed to help you identify the possible issues and solutions, hopefully saving you time and helping you get your dryer up and running again. Let’s dive in!

Table of Contents

Amana Dryer Stopped Working Mid Cycle

1 . Overheating of the Dryer

Cause

Overheating in an Amana dryer can occur due to various reasons, such as a clogged lint filter, blocked ventilation, or a malfunctioning thermostat.

These issues can cause the dryer to work overtime, leading to an increase in temperature beyond the permissible limit, which can cause the dryer to stop mid-cycle.

Solution

To remedy an overheating issue, start by cleaning the lint filter thoroughly, ensuring no particles are obstructing airflow.

Check the ventilation ducts for any blockages and remove them if found.

If the problem persists, it’s likely due to a faulty thermostat, and professional intervention may be required.

For safety reasons, it is advisable to unplug the dryer until the issue is resolved.

2 . Defective Thermal Fuse

Cause

The thermal fuse is a safety mechanism that stops the flow of electricity to the motor circuit when a dryer overheats.

If your Amana dryer has stopped working mid-cycle, it could be due to a defective thermal fuse.

Overheating can cause the thermal fuse to blow.

Incorrect venting or a clogged vent can cause the dryer to overheat, leading to the blowing of the fuse.

Solution

To resolve this issue, first, unplug the dryer and remove the back panel to access the thermal fuse.

Upon visually inspecting the fuse, if it appears blown, it will need to be replaced.

Remember, it is essential to find the root cause of the overheating to prevent the new fuse from blowing.

Check for clogging or improper venting and rectify it before using the dryer again. If the problem persists, consult with a professional.

3 . Broken Heating Element

Cause

The heating element is a crucial component in a dryer, responsible for generating the heat necessary for the drying process.

If your Amana dryer stopped working mid-cycle, a broken heating element could be the culprit.

This typically occurs due to wear and tear over time, ultimately leading to the element burning out.

Solution

Thankfully, a broken heating element can be replaced, restoring the functionality of your dryer.

This process involves obtaining a replacement heating element specific to your Amana dryer model, disconnecting the dryer from its power source, and carefully removing and replacing the faulty element.

While it’s possible to do this yourself with the right tools and instructions, hiring a professional appliance repair service is highly recommended to ensure safety and accuracy.

4 . Blown Main Circuit Breaker

Cause

A blown main circuit breaker is a common reason why your Amana Dryer might stop mid-cycle.

This can occur when there’s a sudden power surge or if the dryer is overworking, causing the circuit breaker to trip to prevent potential electrical fires.

Solution

To rectify this, locate your home’s electrical panel and find the switch that corresponds to your dryer.

If it’s in the ‘off’ position or in the middle, it has tripped. Flip it to the ‘off’ position first, then to the ‘on’ position.

This will reset the circuit breaker. If your dryer frequently trips the breaker, it may be indicative of a deeper issue, and you should consider calling a professional.

5 . Malfunctioning Timer

Cause

A malfunctioning timer on an Amana dryer can cause the appliance to stop mid-cycle.

This could be due to a variety of reasons such as a faulty connection or the timer’s motor breaking down.

The timer controls the different cycles in your dryer and when it malfunctions, it can prevent the completion of the cycle.

Solution

If the timer is the cause of the problem, it’s best to replace it rather than repair it.

You can order a new timer specifically for your Amana dryer model.

Once acquired, it’s recommended to have a professional technician install it to ensure proper installation and avoid any potential issues.

Always remember to disconnect the dryer from its power source before attempting any repairs.

6 . Faulty Drive Motor

Cause

A faulty drive motor is one of the common reasons an Amana Dryer may stop working mid-cycle.

The motor is responsible for turning the dryer drum and blower wheel.

Over time, the motor can wear out or fail, causing the dryer to stop operating before the cycle is complete.

Solution

The solution to a faulty drive motor is a replacement. Unplug the dryer and access the motor, typically located at the bottom of the machine.

It’s recommended to hire a professional technician to handle this task, as it involves dealing with electrical parts.

Remember to provide the model number of your dryer to ensure a suitable replacement motor is obtained.

7 . Broken Belt Switch

Cause

The broken belt switch in your Amana dryer is a safety feature that prevents the dryer from operating if the belt is not intact.

If the dryer stops mid-cycle, it could be an indication that the belt has snapped or slipped off its track, triggering the switch and halting operation.

Solution

To resolve this issue, you’ll need to inspect the belt. If it’s broken, it will need to be replaced.

If it’s simply slipped off the track, repositioning it correctly should suffice.

However, if you’re not comfortable doing this yourself, or if the problem persists, it’s best to call in a professional for assistance.

8 . Worn Out Drive Belt

Cause

A common reason for an Amana dryer stopping mid-cycle could be a worn-out drive belt.

This belt is crucial as it wraps around the drum, tension pulley, and motor, enabling the drum to spin.

Over time, due to continuous use and friction, the belt might wear out and break, causing the dryer to stop functioning properly.

Solution

Replacing the worn-out drive belt is the most effective solution.

The process involves unplugging the dryer, and removing the front panel and drum to access the drive belt.

After replacing the belt, reassemble the dryer in reverse order.

It is recommended to use a genuine Amana replacement part for durability and reliability.

If you are undetermined about your ability to do this safely or correctly, it’s always best to contact a professional.

9 . Clogged Venting System

Cause

A clogged venting system in an Amana dryer is a common cause for the appliance to stop mid-cycle.

This typically happens when lint, dust, or other debris blocks

the dryer’s venting system. It restricts the flow of air, causing the dryer to overheat and automatically shut down to prevent potential fire hazards.

Solution

The solution to a clogged venting system involves a thorough cleaning of the dryer vent.

This can be done using a vent-cleaning brush or a vacuum cleaner with a long hose attachment.

It’s crucial to disconnect the dryer from the power source before starting the cleaning process.

For more stubborn clogs, professional maintenance may be required.

Regular cleaning of the venting system can prevent such problems from recurring in the future.

10 . Problematic Start Switch

Cause

The start switch, which initiates the dryer’s operation, could be problematic if your Amana dryer stopped working mid-cycle.

The switch could become faulty due to wear and tear over time, preventing the dryer from maintaining its cycle once started.

Solution

A non-invasive way to address a problematic start switch is to test its continuity using a multimeter.

If the start switch lacks continuity, it is defective and needs a replacement.

It’s advisable to consult with a professional appliance repair technician to ensure the replacement is done correctly and safely.

11 . Faulty Door Switch

Cause

A faulty door switch is one key reason why an Amana dryer might stop working mid-cycle.

The door switch signals the dryer to start when the door is securely closed.

If this switch is damaged or malfunctioning, it may not recognize that the door is closed, thus causing the dryer to stop mid-cycle.

Solution

The solution to a faulty door switch is straightforward – replacement. After confirming the switch as the source of the problem, simply purchasing a new door switch and installing it should resolve the issue. Always remember to disconnect the dryer from its power source before beginning any repair to ensure safety.

12 . Incorrect Power Supply

Cause

An Amana dryer stopping mid-cycle can often be attributed to an incorrect or inconsistent power supply.

Dryers typically require a 240V supply and any deviation from this can lead to sub-optimal performance or even cessation of operation.

Electrical issues such as faulty wiring, a tripped breaker, or an unstable connection can disrupt the power supply, causing your dryer to stop mid-cycle.

Solution

To rectify this issue, first check if other devices connected to the same circuit are functioning properly.

If they’re not, it might be an electrical issue affecting your entire home, requiring the attention of a certified electrician.

If only the dryer is affected, inspect the plug and socket for any visible damage or debris. Finally, check your circuit breaker or fuse box.

If the dryer’s circuit is tripped or a fuse is blown, reset the breaker or replace the fuse as necessary.

Always consult with a professional if you’re unsure about performing these checks.

13 . Damaged Control Board

Cause

A common cause for an Amana Dryer stopping mid-cycle could be a damaged control board.

The control board is the brain of your dryer, sending signals to the various components to run cycles properly.

If it’s damaged, it may send incorrect instructions, causing your dryer to stop functioning mid-cycle.

Solution

If the control board is damaged, the most effective solution is to replace it.

This should be done by a professional appliance repair technician to ensure it’s fitted correctly and safely.

This can also prevent any further damage to other components of the dryer.

14 . Worn Drum Roller, Axle, or Bearing

Cause

The drum roller, axle, or bearing in an Amana dryer are critical components that ensure smooth and balanced rotation of the drum during a cycle.

Over time, these parts can wear out due to constant use, leading to a mid-cycle stoppage.

A worn-out drum roller, axle, or bearing is often characterized by a thumping noise or the drum not spinning efficiently.

Solution

The solution to a worn drum roller, axle, or bearing is their replacement. You might need to disassemble your dryer and examine these components for signs of wear and tear.

If they appear worn out, they should be replaced immediately.

It’s recommended to hire a professional appliance repair service for this task, as it involves complex dismantling and reassembling.

Always remember to unplug the dryer before performing any maintenance or repair work.

15 . Malfunctioning Cycling Thermostat

Cause

A cycling thermostat regulates the internal temperature within a dryer by cycling the heat on and off.

If your Amana dryer stopped mid-cycle, a faulty cycling thermostat could be the culprit.

Over time, the thermostat may wear out or become defective, failing to monitor and control the temperature effectively, causing the dryer to stop unexpectedly.

Solution

To resolve this issue, testing the cycling thermostat for continuity with a multimeter is recommended.

Should the thermostat lack continuity, it’s defective and needs replacement.

If you’re unsure about the process, seeking professional help is advised to prevent any additional damage.

Remember, when replacing any parts in your Amana dryer, always ensure to use components authorized by the manufacturer.

Conclusion

In conclusion, an Amana Dryer stopping mid-cycle can be attributed to several factors, including overheating, a faulty door switch, or issues with the timer motor.

For proper diagnosis and repair, it’s best to consult a professional. Regular maintenance and checks can prevent sudden disruptions and prolong the life of your appliance.