Two weeks ago I was given a Amana Side by Side refrigerator. It worked fine but they got a good deal on a new refrigerator and stove. It was stored in his garage and not plugged in. When we got it we cleaned it out underneath and got all the dirt/dust out. It worked for a few days about 10 degrees then started blowing cool air and the temperature in the freezer went to 40 degrees and food started defrosting. Today we took the inside back panel off and there is frost built up on the top by some wires. He opened and closed the door 4 times in 8 seconds to reset defrost timer. The defrost heater is getting hot.

Any suggestions? Do I scrap it and just get new refrigerator?

Hi.

With the evaporator cover in place let the fridge run for 24 hrs. Then open the cover and check if and how the evaporator coils are covered with frost.
Also check if condenser fan is running.

Post the results.

Simon.