[bobma]

Hello. I have a ref that the defrost isn't working. I opened up the back and it was frozen solid and it isn't letting air up to the frig. The fans work. I can find the defrost thermostat but not the timer. Is there atimer and where? And how do I tell what part I need?

Thank

[denman]

Here are your parts
Replacement parts for Amana ARB8057CW REF - BOTTOM MOUNTS | AppliancePartsPros.com

The timer is Item 12 in Section 3.

Just in case you need troubleshooting help, see the following.

If yes.
Manually force a defrost cycle by turning the defrost timer cam (Item 12 in Section 3) till the fans and compressor turn off.
There is usually a hole in the cover to let you do this without taking anything apart.
Now check the defrost heater to see if it is on.
Be careful you do not want to burn your fingers.
If the heater is on then the timer needs replacing, re: it is probably stalling during it's rotation so is never getting into a defrost cycle.

If not on.
Unplug the unit.
Remove the wire for one side of the heating element (Item 15 in Section 4) from the wiring and measure it for continuity, usually around 20 ohms or so.

If the heater is OK
Remove one wire to the defrost thermostat (Item NI in Section 4 at bottom of listing) and measure it, should be 0 ohms when frozen. Note that it opens just above freezing so must be frozen to check it. Also inspect it, if it is bulged at all replace it even if it measures OK.

If both the above are OK then odds are the defrost timer contacts are toast.
Best way to test this is a live test to see if you have 120 volts across the heater/defrost thermostat combo.