Amana freezer and refrigerator issues can cause major inconveniences and may even lead to food spoilage. It is imperative to correct the issue as soon as you notice that your Amana freezer or refrigerator stops maintaining food at the right temperature. The majority of the issues that cause refrigerators and freezers to become too hot are easily solved with a few simple troubleshooting procedures. In this post, we’ll look at the most frequently cited causes of warmer Amana refrigerators and freezers and provide step-by-step instructions to resolve the problem. We can assist you in getting your freezer and refrigerator back at the right temperature regardless of whether you’re an expert DIYer or novice.
Control of the thermostat or Cold Control
The cold control is a temperature-controlled switch that supplies power to the compressor and fan circuits in the refrigerator. The control’s cold setting could be inaccurate or defective if the fans and compressors aren’t functioning correctly. The usual fresh food temperature should be 38 degrees Fahrenheit and the control is set to the mid-point. Check that the capillary tube or sensing bulb is not damaged or out of position and also that wire terminals aren’t broken or corroded.
Before starting, unplug the plug of your Amana refrigerator. After that, you should go through the Amana refrigerator’s doors and find the control. It is located in the fresh foods section control panel, typically behind the knob for temperature adjustment.
Once you’ve removed the control from the appliance, turn the knob to the warmest setting. change your multimeter to the Rx1 setting . make sure that the probes are positioned to the terminals
The probes are tested for continuity. It should be a reading of infinity. Set the control to higher (colder) and higher settings, while the probes are still in contact with the terminals. If the reading fluctuates to zero, it means that you have continuity.
If your control fails any of the tests above it will require a replacement Amana cold & temperature control.
Motor for Evaporator Fan
If the compressor is turned on it is the Amana fan motor circulates cool air through the refrigerator. The fan could fail, and temperatures in both the fresh food and freezer sections may rise slowly. In the event of this, the compressor will be more frequently and for longer than normal. The compressor should be operating whenever you hear the fan in the evaporator and condenser fans.
How do I inspect the Amana refrigerator’s motor:
Disconnect your Amana refrigerator from the power source . Then take off the cover for the evaporator fan that is located in the freezer compartment.
Motor shaft must move freely without resistance. To determine if it is resisting you must turn the shaft manually.
If there is a significant amount of ice on the motor, defrost your freezer to see what happens. You must also examine the motor for any signs of damage or wear.
You’ll require a replacement motor for the Amana fan if you are unable to turn it, or noticeably wears on it.
Electronic Control Board
Certain models that are more recent in Amana refrigerators can be equipped with an electronic control board. Thermistors , also known as temperature sensors, are linked to the control board and used to keep track of temperatures in the fresh food and freezer compartments. This information is used by the control board to control fan motors, compressors, and the defrost system. The electronic control may be at fault for the problem if the temperature is too high. The Amana electronic controls are costly, complex and, in most cases, reliable. Before you criticize the control, ensure that the fans, compressors as well as sensors are operating correctly. Manufacturers might have specific data to help you identify the problem with the control.
How to test the control board electronic on your Amana refrigerator
Before you start, unplug your fridge before starting. You’ll be working using electrical parts.
Locate and remove the electronic control board from your appliance. It’s in the Amana refrigerator, which is inside the control box. It is usually located at the top or side of the refrigerator.
Check your control board to see if there are any indications of damage such as burnt, wear connections, or the arcing.
If you discover one of these you’ll need to replacement Amana electronic control board.
Thermistor or Temperature Sensor
A thermistor, also known as a temperature sensor, is used in models that have the feature of an Electronic Control to monitor the temperatures of fresh food items and frozen food. This sensor is small and capsule-like in appearance. It is protected by the shield of plastic. The temperature can affect the resistance. The control board uses this information to activate the compressor and fan circuits as well as manage the damper control on certain models. A sensor that is damaged or defective can cause the control board to fail to turn off the compressor or fans. This can lead to warmer than normal fresh food and freezer temperatures. The individual manufacturers might provide specific data to test the sensors dependent on the model being tested, and may also provide an error code to the electronic control board for some models.
How to test a refrigerator temperature sensor or thermistor by using a multi-meter:
Begin by disconnecting the Amana refrigerator. Next, you need to remove the back panel to reveal the main control board.
The main control board will have the thermistor(s). To test the thermistor(s) then remove it from the appliance.
It is recommended to check your thermometers by placing them, along with the thermometer(s), in the ice bath for 5 minutes in order to raise the temperature to 32°F.
If you connect the probes to the terminals, and the multi-meter set to Rx1 then you should be able to get a reading of 16,600 ohms (+/- 5 percent).
If you receive a reading that is not within this range, you’ll need an replacement temperature sensor from Amana or thermosistor.
Defrost Timer
The defrost timer is an electronic timer which operates a series of contacts. These control the compressor circuit as well as the defrost heater circuit. The timer triggers the defrost cycle about every 8-10 hours. It usually happens once every two or three days. The defrost timer will normally stop the defrost cycle at 20 to 30 minutes . Then the compressor and fans will start again.
How do you test the timer for refrigerator defrost by using a multimeter
Connect your appliance to the power source. Locate the timer for defrost. You can find it under the lower kickplate of the refrigerator or on the control panel on the Amana refrigerator. It could also be behind the back wall of the refrigerator.
When you find it, you can remove the timer for defrost from the appliance so that you can test it.
Utilize a multimeter equipped with the Rx1 setting. One probe should contact the common terminal. (It should be labeled with either “3” or”C”). The other probe is to be connected to the remaining three terminals, one at a time. The first pair will result in an indication of zero or near zero. This is a sign of continuity. The second pair may also produce a reading of zero or close to zero. A third terminal should result in a reading of zero.
If you don’t receive these readings, then you require an replacement timer from Amana.
Thermostat Defrosting
The Amana defrost thermostat is an safety thermostat that runs in series with the heater for defrost and is used to end the defrost sequence when the evaporator reaches certain temperatures, normally set at between 38 and 47 deg Fahrenheit. If the thermostat is damaged or remains in an open circuit the defrost heater will not be energized.
How do you test a thermostat for defrost in a fridge using a multi-meter
Unplug your Amana refrigerator and locate your refrigerator’s thermostat for defrost. In freezer-on-top models, it may be located beneath the floor of the refrigerator, or it could be found at the back of the freezer. If you have a side-by-side refrigerator, the thermostat for defrost is located at the rear of the freezer’s side.
Once you’ve located it, take it out and test it. You must remove any objects that may be within your reach, including the contents of the freezer, shelves for freezers as well as icemaker components, and the interior rear, back or bottom panels.
Make sure your multi-meter is set to the Rx1 setting. Each probe should be positioned on the thermostat wire. If the thermostat is cold, the multi-meter will read zero. If the temperature falls between 40 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit the multi-meter should show infinity.
If your results from the test are not as listed here, you’ll need a replacement thermostat from Amana.
Defrost Heater
The defrost heater is the device that melts frost and freezing from evaporator coils. It’s typically a wire filament that is enclosed within an aluminum or glass tube. There may be more than one heater based on the form of the evaporator.
How do I test the refrigerator’s defrost heating element with an multimeter:
Make sure you’ve disconnected your appliance from the power source before beginning.
Locate your defrost heater. It is located behind the freezer section in your Amana refrigerator or on the floor. Defrost heaters typically are situated underneath the refrigerator’s evaporator coils. You’ll need to get rid of any objects that are in your way such as the contents of the freezer, shelves for freezers as well as icemaker components, and the rear, inside or bottom panel.
Before you are able to test the heater’s defrost feature, you’ll need to remove it out of your refrigerator. Two wires join to a defrost heater. They are joined with slip-on connectors. Hold the connectors with a sturdy grip and take them from the terminals. To assist you, you may need to employ a pair or needle-nosed scissors. Be careful not to pull on the wires.
Your multi-meter can be used to verify the integrity of the heater. Place the tester’s leads at one terminal. This should result in a reading anywhere in between zero and infinity.
You will need an replacement Amana heater when you have an reading that is below zero.
Condenser Fan Motor
Most modern frost-free Amana refrigerators come with condenser coils cooled by fans. This is typically located close to the compressor on the bottom of the refrigerator. To reduce heat, the condenser fans moves air through the coil. If your Amana refrigerator is heating up more than usual and the compressor is running in a continuous manner, then you may have an issue with the motor for the condenser. The compressor and evaporator motor operate simultaneously. If the fan motor isn’t moving at all, the condenser won’t be able to remove the heat, and the compressor will run almost continuously
How to inspect the condenser fan motor in your refrigerator:
Begin by unplugging your Amana refrigerator from its source of power and then remove the panel that opens to the rear to locate the condenser fan motor. It’s usually located in the lower rear of the appliance.
After you’ve located it, check for obstructions or objects that may hinder the fan from free movement. You must also examine the motor for any signs of wear or damage..
If the fan motor has become worn or seized it is time to get a Amana replacement condenser fan motor.
A Amana freezer or refrigerator which is too hot may lead to costly and frustrating issues. It is easy to resolve the majority of the issues associated with warm freezers and refrigerators by learning the basics of repair and a bit of troubleshooting. There are several steps you can take to bring back cooling to your appliance, from checking temperature settings , to cleaning the coils. By following the suggestions and procedures outlined in this article, it is possible to save money on repairs, and make sure that your food remains fresh and safe. Always remember, if unsure about a repair, it is always best to speak with an experienced technician to ensure your task is done correctly and effectively.