Amana Dryer Overheating: Troubleshooting Guide for... | appliancefaults.com

Technical Background:

The Amana dryer uses an electronic control board (MCU) to regulate the drying cycle and temperature. The MCU monitors temperature sensors (thermistors) and thermostats to control the heating element. Voltage paths through the thermostats and element are crucial for proper operation. If a thermostat fails closed or the element shorts, excessive heat can result.

Symptoms:

The Amana dryer is producing excessive heat, clothes are scorching or shrinking, and the dryer cabinet is too hot to touch. The drying cycle may be abnormally short, or the dryer might shut off prematurely.

Possible Causes:

Blocked exhaust vent
Faulty cycling thermostat
Defective high-limit thermostat
Shorted heating element
Malfunctioning electronic control board (MCU)

Solution:

1

Disconnect power to the dryer at the breaker panel. Ensure the breaker is OFF using a non-contact voltage tester.
2

Inspect the dryer vent hose and exhaust duct for blockages. Clear any lint buildup or obstructions.
3

Locate the cycling thermostat on the blower housing. Using a multimeter, test for continuity. A reading of 0 ohms indicates continuity. Replace if open.
4

Locate the high-limit thermostat on the heater housing. Test for continuity. Replace if open.
5

Disconnect the wires to the heating element. Test the element windings for continuity using a multimeter. Also, test for shorts to the dryer chassis (ground). High resistance or a short indicates a faulty element. Replace if necessary.
6

If thermostats and heating element test good, the electronic control board (MCU) may be faulty. This is a complex repair, consider licensed technician assistance. Check for any burned components or loose connections on the board.
7

After repairs, reconnect power and test the dryer operation.

Safety Warning:

Disconnect power to the dryer before performing any repairs. Use proper Lock-Out/Tag-Out (LOTO) procedures. The dryer operates on 240V AC, which can cause serious injury or death.

Prevention:

Clean the lint filter after every load. Inspect and clean the exhaust vent annually to prevent lint buildup. Ensure proper airflow around the dryer.

Expert Tip:

Many Amana dryers have a diagnostic mode accessible by pressing specific buttons in sequence (refer to the service manual). This can display error codes that pinpoint the faulty component. Search online for the specific sequence for your dryer model. This may help you narrow the problem down.

Frequently Asked Questions

•What is the proper ohm reading for a good heating element?

A good heating element typically reads between 8 and 12 ohms. An open circuit indicates a broken element, and a reading close to zero ohms or a short to ground indicates a shorted element.

•How do I access the thermostats in my Amana dryer?

First, unplug the dryer. Typically, you'll need to remove the rear access panel or the front panel (depending on the model) to access the thermostats. Refer to your dryer's service manual or online repair videos for specific instructions.

•My dryer vent is clear, but the dryer is still overheating. What should I check next?

Double-check the continuity of both the cycling and high-limit thermostats. Also, verify that the thermistor (if equipped) is functioning correctly; a faulty thermistor can send incorrect temperature readings to the control board, leading to overheating. If all components appear to be functioning correctly, consider a faulty control board (MCU). Be sure all connections are tight before condemning the MCU.

Amana Dryer Overheating: Troubleshooting Guide for Excessive Heat

Technical Background:

Symptoms:

Possible Causes:

Solution:

Safety Warning:

Prevention:

Expert Tip:

Frequently Asked Questions

•What is the proper ohm reading for a good heating element?

•How do I access the thermostats in my Amana dryer?

•My dryer vent is clear, but the dryer is still overheating. What should I check next?

Related questions

Technical Background:

Symptoms:

Possible Causes:

Solution:

Safety Warning:

Prevention:

Expert Tip: