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I have an Amana refrig. that is not cooling at all. Freeze fan is working, Defrost heater is not on, Cooling control at max. Overload on motor OK. I keep hearing the PTC relay clicking on and off at random, so I think it is OK??, Compressor top is warm, but tubes out of compressor are not hot or cold. How can I tell if it is the compressor motor, or PTC relay? :confused:
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Rank: Advanced Member
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Joined: 3/10/2009(UTC)
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If the compressor is running, check in the freezer behind the cover on the back wall. observe the frost pattern on the evaporator coils. Light frost everywhere(NORMAL) or a partial pattern of ice(LOW ON FREON) or nothing(LOW FREON OR COMPRESSOR PROBLEM).
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Rank: Advanced Member
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If the ptc relay clicks often, the compressor is NOT running. If it is, you should feal it humming. Order a new ptc relay AP4000197 and make sure you wire in the run capacitor.
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Rank: Member
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Woodchuckie,
no cooling is happening at all. Checked the condensor coil in back and the heater is not on.
Richappy,
I leaning towards PTC relay, beacause I notice when it clicks that it sounds like the compressor turns on, but it just won't stay on, and after less than a minute it clicks again. I put my hand on it, but it is really hard to tell if it is running or not. Suprisingly very quite, and doesn't have a large hum. I montiored the voltage to ground on the overload going to the compressor and it jumps from 110 up to 120+ when PTC clicks, and I notice lights in refrig. get slightly brighter. What are the chances that the run capacitor would go bad too?? I checked with old digital meter and showed continuity.
Are the parts sold by Maytag distributors?? Seems like it is listed as Maytag now and not Amana.
Thanks.
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Rank: Advanced Member
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Very rare these oil filled run capacitors fail. Sounds like the compressor ptc relay is fine, compressor probably has a burnt start winding or varnish buildup. You can order the ptc relay, it might just work, but I doubt it.
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Rank: Member
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So, If you think the PTC relay is OK, and windings are burnt, then you are suggesting that the compressor be replaced? I guess the cost for a new compressor and a technician to replace it (since I have No konwledge of installing compressor, and charging the system) versus the cost of a newer refrigerator, is not worth keeping and reparing. Thanks for the help.
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Rank: Advanced Member
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Joined: 9/10/2007(UTC)
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From the symtoms, I figure a 20% chance a new ptc relay will fix it. A $400-$600 bill to replace compressor, fridg probably not worth that.
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Rank: Member
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Richappy,
Thank you so much for your time and assistance in this troubleshooting exercise. I'm searching for a new Refrigerator. With your many experiences in service, do you have any recommendations on what brand might have the best quality track record and which ones to avoid? Thank you.
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Rank: Advanced Member
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Joined: 9/10/2007(UTC)
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I service GE refrigerators at Penn. State U and find them ok, but do not recomend the side by sides, poor data.
If I where to buy one I would buy a Whirlpool refrigerator at Lowes or best buy, definitely not Sears.
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Rank: Member
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Joined: 7/11/2009(UTC)
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What are your thoughts on Samsung? Been reading acouple of years ago that they had some problems, but have been solved. Lowes and Best Buy recommend them? Thank you.
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