[dato]

Hi,

I followed the "locate your model number" guide, but still can't find the model number for my Amana side-by-side refrigerator.

Here's the symptoms:
1. Compressor seems to be running hours non-stop. When it does stop, it stops for only 20-30 minutes and then it resumes.
2. Both the freezer and the fresh-food fridge cool things just fine.
3. No ice buildup in the freezer. No condensation in the fridge.
4. The cooling controls for both compartments are set at 5, on a scale from 1 to 7.
5. The defrost timer is located behind the toe-plate, and is a tin box with an orange screw. I used a screw driver to turn the screw clockwise a bit. The compressor stops. But it comes back up in 20-30 minutes.

What could be wrong with my fridge? Or what can I do to diagnose the problem? Thanks.

[richappy]

Make sure the condenser coils are clean and condenser motor running,and the freezer coils have no heavy frost. Measure the stabilized freezer temperature and post, should be below 10 degrees, if not, you have a bad compressor/ refrigerant leak.

[dato]

Hi Richappy,

Thanks for your reply.
1. Condensor coils: I removed the toe-plate and cleaned the coils behind it as much as I could (it's never been cleaned before, I suppose) last week. And it doesn't seem to help at all.
2. Condensor motor: Could you tell me where it's located? How can I check if it's running?
3. Freezer coils: I don't see any exposed coils in my freezer. I do see some slits on the back wall. Do I need to take remove the back wall to see them?
4. Freezer temperature: Yes, I will get the thermometer and post back.

Thanks again, and sorry for the newbie questions.

[richappy]

You need to remove the freezer back panel to check the coils. The condenser motor and fan cool the compressor and condensing coils, just check near the compressor.

[elk666]

hello, last weekend i bought a used amana refrigerator (2 years old) and i have the exact same problem
fridge is idle for 30 min then turns on for 15-20 minutes and the cycle starts again and again...
i will have a look at what richappy suggested...
dato did you finally fix the problem...?

i will come back and update once i have looked at the possibilities...
thanks