Why Your Amana Dryer Start Button Isn’t Working (and How to Fix It)

If your Amana dryer won’t start when you press the start button, it can be incredibly frustrating — especially when laundry piles up and the machine just won’t respond. Thankfully, this problem usually points to a few common electrical or safety components that are easy to check or replace.

In this guide, we’ll walk through the most likely reasons your Amana dryer start button isn’t working and show you how to troubleshoot, test, and fix the issue — whether you’re comfortable with DIY or you need to call a pro.

If your Amana dryer start button is not working, the most common causes include a faulty start switch, defective door switch, blown thermal fuse, or a bad timer or control board. Testing these components with a multimeter can help identify the exact problem.

How an Amana Dryer Start Button Should Work

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When you select your drying cycle and press the start button, it sends power through a small switch behind the control panel to energize the dryer’s motor. Once the motor begins running, the dryer continues the cycle on its own.

If nothing happens — no lights, no motor sound, no movement — then the issue could be the start switch itself or other components that prevent the dryer from beginning a cycle.

Top Reasons the Start Button Won’t Work

Here are the most common causes when your Amana dryer is unresponsive after pressing the start button:

1. Faulty Start Switch

The start button is connected to a start switch behind the control panel that tells the dryer’s motor to begin. Over time, this switch can wear out from repeated use or fail due to a short or loose connector. If you have a newer dryer, check for a factory warranty first.

Symptoms:

No response at all when pressing start
Dryer remains completely silent

Fix:
Replace the start switch. This part isn’t repairable—you’ll need a replacement switch and a basic tool set to access it behind the control panel. Always disconnect the power before repairing an appliance. Replacement switches available for $16 on Amazon. Double check model number and click here.

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Faulty Timer or Control Board

If the start button is fine but the dryer still won’t begin a cycle, the problem may lie in the timer or control board. These components manage the dryer’s functions and move it through each stage of the drying cycle. The timer consists of several electrical switches that power the heating element and blower.

Symptoms:

Button presses seem registered but dryer doesn’t activate
No sound or movement from the motor

Fix:
Test the timer motor for electrical continuity with a multimeter. (Follow instructions in the link). If the timer motor fails, replace either the motor or the entire timer assembly. Amazon carries the timer assembly for most Amana models for around $25. Click here for the part.

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Read: Why Amana Dryer Not Turning ON Or Not Spinning? – Troubleshooting Guide

3. Door Switch Problems

Dryers won’t start unless the door is fully closed and latched. The door switch ensures the dryer does not begin a cycle until the door is securely shut, for safety purposes.

Symptoms:

Start button seems unresponsive
Dryer won’t run even when the door looks closed

Fix:
Check that the door closes properly. The door switch might be misaligned, damaged, or defective. If it appears in tact and the dryer still won’t start, replace the door switch. Replacement switches are around $10 on Amazon. Click here. Always disconnect the power to the dryer first!

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Read: Why Amana Dryer Won’t Start Just Clicks – Troubleshooting Guide

Blown Thermal Fuse

The thermal fuse is another safety mechanism that protects your dryer from overheating. If it blows, the dryer may turn on briefly or not respond at all when you press start.

Symptoms:

No start reaction
Dryer might have overheated previously
Occassionally, the dryer may start, but it won’t produce heat or start a cycle.

Fix:
A blown thermal fuse can’t be repaired — you must replace it with a new one. Always check your dryer’s venting and lint filter too, because airflow problems can cause overheating and fuse failure. Excessive overheating can cause house fires.

Amazon carries replacement fuses for less than $10. Click here.

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Steps to Troubleshoot Your Non-Starting Dryer

Here’s a simple flow to help you pinpoint the problem:

Check power & controls
- Make sure the dryer is plugged in and breakers/fuses aren’t tripped.
- Ensure the control lock (if present) isn’t enabled.
Try holding the start button
- On some models you may need to hold the start button for a few seconds.
Verify the door is fully shut
- Push the door firmly to engage the latch.
Listen for any sound
- Silence usually points to switch or fuse issues.
Test components
- Use a multimeter to test the start switch, timer, and thermal fuse for continuity.

Preventing Future Start Button Problems

Keep the door and switch clean of lint and debris
Avoid moisture on touch controls, which can reduce responsiveness
Don’t overload the dryer, which can stress electrical components

FAQs

Why do I have to hold the start button to get it to work?
Some Amana models require holding the start button for 2–5 seconds to ensure the motor engages.

Can a control lock feature prevent the dryer from starting?
Yes — if control lock is enabled, buttons won’t respond until you disable the feature per the owner’s manual.