[mgull]

Over the last month the freezer begins a cycle of intermittent buzzing then clicks off. This happens about every five minutes and the end result is the food in the freezer begins to thaw. Eventually it begins to function properly only to begin the buzzing clicking cycle again.

I've cleaned the coils on the bottom with no success. The compressor, freeze fan and rear fan operate and there doesn't appear to be any frost inside YHWH freezer but I might not be looking in the correct places. The fridge appears to work properly.

The buzzing and click appear to come from the rear of the fridge but I cannot pinpoint it exactly even with the rear panel off.

Any advice is greatly appreciated.

[denman]

Here are your parts
Replacement parts for Amana ARB1917CW REF - BOTTOM MOUNTS | AppliancePartsPros.com

Sounds like a compressor start problem.
Tries to start but cannot for some reason so the overload kick out and then it tries again once it has cooled down some.
Note the fresh food also will not be OK as it gets all it's cooling from the freezer.
Here is a good site on how to check the compressor and it's start device.
How To Fix a Refrigerator - Appliance Repair Guide - ACME HOW TO.com

[mgull]

Is the start device I'm testing the Overload relay or the Run capacitor or both of those that are my model?

Also, my fridge started working and everything is frozen with the clicking BA d buzzing done--for now as this has happened before in which it goes away them comes back. Thanks

[denman]

What is shown as the overload relay (Item 10 in Section 2) is also the PTC start device.
Click on it's picture to get a new page with a Q&A section about it.

The capacitor is hard to test. You can check if it is open or shorted.
The problem is that you cannot check it at operating voltage and they can fail when the voltage is at this higher level. Since the unit does work most of the time I would say that it will check out OK fo open and shorted.
The capacitors are usually pretty good but some do fail.

The PTC is also difficult to do a definitive test. Usually if the compressor checks OK you replace the start device. That is the part that I would replace as it is not too expensive.

Note: There is also the possibility that the compressor has a mechanical problem.

[mgull]

I replaced the PTc start/overload device and the fridge still buzzes and clicks. I also noticed the compressor is very hot when I touched it. Is there anything else to try other an replacing the compressor? Is it worth repairing or purchasing a new one. As always thank you for your prompt reply.

[denman]

Is there anything else to try other an replacing the compressor?
Sounds like you have checked pretty well every thing but someone else may jump in with more ideas. At least I hope someone does.

Did you let the compressor cool down before trying it?


Is it worth repairing or purchasing a new one
Depends what shape it is in and if you like the unit.
It will be and expensive repair so often it makes more sense to put the dollars toward a new unit.
You may want. to get a couple estimates.
If you do be sure the estimate includes everything re: parts, travel etc.
Also what if any warranty is given and what warranty covers

[mgull]

I did let it cool off over night and it will run without the buzz and clicking for half a day then startup again. I've done this off and on for the last 5 days.
Which piece of equipment is actually generating the buzz and click?

If the compressor is bad it looks like the part is over 300 and to install would require an expert so I'd probably just by a new fridge since it is 10 yrs old now.

Is there a brand you recommend that is more reliable than the amana? I've had fridges last over 20 years so surprised this one has problems in 10.

As always thanks for your prompt replies.

[denman]

Which piece of equipment is actually generating the buzz and click?
The buzz is probably the compressor. It is trying to start but cannot. It then overheats and the overload clicks (opens)

Double check if the condenser/compressor fan is on when the compressor is on. They can go intermittent.

If the compressor is bad it looks like the part is over 300 and to install would require an expert so I'd probably just by a new fridge since it is 10 yrs old now.

Is there a brand you recommend that is more reliable than the amana? I've had fridges last over 20 years so surprised this one has problems in 10.
Sorry but I do not do recommendations.
Models change too often.
I do not like GE but that is just because of them blowing control boards and not responding to this properly, at least not in my opinion. Another regular poster does recommend them so it all depends who you talk to.
Try to get one that has at least 5 years warranty on the sealed system.
Many units now only give one year.
Also I am not a big fan of Samsung. They make single and dual evaporator units where you need to replace the entire evaporator if a defrost heater blows. This is just stupid, again just my opinion.

Here is a link which will tell you who makes what.
http://www.appliance411.com/purchase/make.shtml