If you're an Amana fridge owner, you know how important it is to have a properly functioning fridge to keep your food fresh and healthy. However, a common issue that Amana fridge owners may face is when the fridge stops cooling. This can be a frustrating problem to deal with, but fortunately, there are ways to troubleshoot and fix the issue. In this article, we'll provide you with step-by-step instructions on how to troubleshoot an Amana fridge not cooling and offer some tips to prevent future issues.
Causes
Here is a list of the most common causes of an Amana fridge not cooling. These are:
- Dirty Condenser Coils: If the condenser coils at the back of your fridge are clogged with dust and debris, they won't be able to release heat efficiently. This can cause your fridge to overheat and stop cooling.
- Faulty Evaporator Fan Motor: The evaporator fan motor is responsible for circulating cold air throughout the fridge. If it's not working correctly, the fridge won't cool properly.
- Defective Thermostat: The thermostat is responsible for regulating the temperature inside the fridge. If it's faulty, it can cause the fridge to stop cooling or over-cool.
- Broken Start Relay: The start relay is responsible for supplying power to the compressor. If it's not working correctly, the compressor won't start, and the fridge won't cool.
- Damaged Compressor: The compressor is the heart of the fridge's cooling system. If it's damaged or not working correctly, the fridge won't cool.
- Low Refrigerant: Refrigerant is responsible for cooling the air inside the fridge. If there's a leak or the refrigerant level is low, the fridge won't cool properly.
- Blocked Air Vents: If the air vents inside the fridge are blocked with food or other items, the cold air won't circulate properly, and the fridge won't cool correctly.
These are some of the most common causes of an Amana fridge not cooling. If you're experiencing any issues with your fridge, it's always best to consult with a qualified appliance engineer to diagnose the problem and provide a solution.
Error codes
The table below lists the error codes, their descriptions, and the possible causes:
| Error Code |
Description |
Possible Causes |
| F or E0 |
Freezer Sensor Fault |
Defective freezer sensor, wiring issues, control board failure |
| F or E1 |
Refrigerator Sensor Fault |
Defective refrigerator sensor, wiring issues, control board failure |
| F or E2 |
Communication Error |
Defective control board, wiring issues |
| F or E3 |
Defrost Thermostat Fault |
Defective defrost thermostat, wiring issues, control board failure |
| F or E4 |
Defrost Heater Fault |
Defective defrost heater, wiring issues, control board failure |
| F or E5 |
Defrost Sensor Fault |
Defective defrost sensor, wiring issues, control board failure |
| F or E6 |
Cooling Fan Motor Fault |
Defective cooling fan motor, wiring issues, control board failure |
| F or E7 |
Defective Compressor |
Defective compressor, wiring issues, control board failure |
| F or E8 |
Ice Maker Sensor Fault |
Defective ice maker sensor, wiring issues, control board failure |
| F or E9 |
Damper Control Error |
Defective damper control, wiring issues, control board failure |
| F or EA |
Ice Maker Motor Error |
Defective ice maker motor, wiring issues, control board failure |
| F or EB |
Ice Maker Switch Error |
Defective ice maker switch, wiring issues, control board failure |
| F or EC |
Ice Maker Lost Position |
Defective ice maker, wiring issues, control board failure |
| F or ED |
Ice Maker Control Error |
Defective ice maker, wiring issues, control board failure |
If your Amana fridge is displaying an error code, it's important to consult the user manual or contact a qualified appliance engineer to properly diagnose the problem and provide a solution. The causes listed in the table above are general possibilities and may not be the exact cause of the error code in your specific fridge.
Step-by-step instruction
Here's a step-by-step guide on troubleshooting an Amana fridge that's not cooling:
- Check the Power Supply: Make sure that your fridge is plugged in and the power supply is working properly. Check the outlet with a multimeter to ensure it's providing power.
- Check the Temperature Settings: Verify that the temperature settings on the fridge are set correctly. The recommended temperature for the fridge is between 37-40°F and the freezer is between 0-5°F. If the temperature is set too high or low, it can affect the fridge's cooling.
- Check the Door Seals: Make sure the door seals are clean and tight. Loose or dirty door seals can allow warm air into the fridge, causing it to work harder to cool down.
- Check the Condenser Coils: The condenser coils at the back of your fridge are responsible for releasing heat. If they're dirty or clogged with debris, they won't be able to release heat efficiently. Clean the coils with a soft brush or vacuum cleaner to remove any dirt and debris.
- Check the Evaporator Fan Motor: The evaporator fan motor circulates cold air throughout the fridge. If it's not working correctly, the fridge won't cool properly. Check the fan blades for any blockages or damage and replace the motor if necessary.
- Check the Thermostat: The thermostat regulates the temperature inside the fridge. If it's faulty, it can cause the fridge to stop cooling or over-cool. Test the thermostat with a multimeter and replace it if it's not functioning correctly.
- Check the Start Relay: The start relay supplies power to the compressor. If it's not working correctly, the compressor won't start, and the fridge won't cool. Test the start relay with a multimeter and replace it if necessary.
- Check the Compressor: The compressor is the heart of the fridge's cooling system. If it's damaged or not working correctly, the fridge won't cool. Test the compressor with a multimeter and replace it if necessary.
- Check the Refrigerant: The refrigerant is responsible for cooling the air inside the fridge. If there's a leak or the refrigerant level is low, the fridge won't cool properly. Consult with a qualified appliance engineer to test and replace the refrigerant if needed.
- Contact a Professional: If you've gone through the troubleshooting steps above and the fridge still isn't cooling, it's time to call a professional appliance engineer to diagnose the issue and provide a solution.
I hope this guide helps you troubleshoot and fix any issues you may be experiencing with your Amana fridge not cooling. If you're not confident in performing any of the above steps, it's always best to contact a qualified appliance engineer for assistance.
If nothing helped
If you have tried all the troubleshooting steps listed above and your Amana fridge still isn't cooling, here are a few alternative solutions to consider:
-
Check the warranty: If your fridge is still under warranty, contact Amana customer support or the store where you purchased the fridge to see if they can provide assistance.
- Contact a professional repair service: If you're not comfortable troubleshooting the fridge on your own, or if the issue is beyond your skillset, consider contacting a professional appliance repair service. They can diagnose the issue and provide you with a solution to get your fridge working again.
- Consider replacing the fridge: If your Amana fridge is old and has had multiple issues in the past, it may be time to consider replacing it with a new one. Investing in a new fridge can save you time and money in the long run.
- Check for local recycling programs: If you do decide to replace your fridge, be sure to check for local recycling programs that can dispose of your old fridge in an environmentally friendly way.
Overall, troubleshooting a fridge that's not cooling can be a complex and challenging process, and it's always best to seek assistance from a qualified professional if you're unsure about how to proceed.
Tips
Here are some tips to help you avoid Amana fridge issues in the future:
- Keep the fridge clean: Regularly clean the fridge, including the door seals, shelves, and drawers. This helps prevent bacteria growth and ensures that the fridge is running efficiently.
- Maintain the temperature: Keep the fridge temperature at the recommended level of between 37-40°F and the freezer temperature between 0-5°F. This helps prevent the fridge from overworking, which can lead to issues.
- Avoid overloading the fridge: Overloading the fridge can obstruct the air vents and cause the fridge to work harder to maintain the correct temperature. Be sure to store food in a way that allows for proper airflow.
- Don't leave the door open: Leaving the fridge door open for an extended period can cause warm air to enter the fridge and force it to work harder. Be sure to close the door properly after use.
- Check the condenser coils regularly: The condenser coils at the back of the fridge can get dirty and obstructed with debris, causing the fridge to overwork. Check and clean the coils regularly to ensure they're working efficiently.
- Be careful when moving the fridge: When moving the fridge, be careful not to damage any of the internal components or the refrigerant lines. This can lead to issues in the future.
- Check the warranty: If your fridge is still under warranty, be sure to read and follow the manufacturer's instructions to ensure that it remains valid.
By following these tips, you can help prevent Amana fridge issues in the future and ensure that your fridge is working efficiently for years to come.
FAQ
Why is my Amana fridge not cooling?
There can be various reasons why an Amana fridge may not be cooling, including a malfunctioning thermostat, a faulty compressor, a clogged air vent, or a refrigerant leak.
What temperature should an Amana fridge be set at?
The recommended temperature range for an Amana fridge is between 37-40°F, while the recommended temperature for the freezer is between 0-5°F.
How often should I clean my Amana fridge?
It is recommended to clean your Amana fridge at least once a month, or more frequently if necessary.
Can I fix an Amana fridge that is not cooling on my own?
It depends on the specific issue causing the fridge not to cool. Some issues, such as a clogged air vent or dirty condenser coils, can be fixed by cleaning them yourself. However, other issues, such as a faulty compressor or refrigerant leak, may require professional assistance.
How can I prevent my Amana fridge from not cooling in the future?
You can prevent future issues with your Amana fridge by maintaining the recommended temperature, avoiding overloading the fridge, keeping the fridge clean, and checking the condenser coils regularly.
How long does an Amana fridge last?
The lifespan of an Amana fridge can vary depending on factors such as usage, maintenance, and the specific model. On average, an Amana fridge can last between 10-15 years with proper care and maintenance.
Conclusion
Having an Amana fridge that's not cooling can be a frustrating issue to deal with, but with the right knowledge and troubleshooting steps, it can be fixed. By following our step-by-step instructions and tips to prevent future issues, you can ensure that your Amana fridge is working efficiently and keeping your food fresh for years to come. Remember to keep the fridge clean, maintain the temperature, and check the condenser coils regularly to prevent future issues. If all else fails, don't hesitate to contact a professional repair service to assist you.
