If you are experiencing issues with your Amana refrigerator compressor, you have come to the right place. This article explains possible solutions to the issues.
Table of Contents
How to Replace an Amana Refrigerator Compressor
To replace the compressor of an Amana refrigerator, take the steps below:
Step 1: Store Food Elsewhere
Before anything else, remove every perishable food item from the refrigerator. Find a well-insulated cooler, put ice packs in it, and put the food there. If you have the option of another refrigerator, all the better.
Afterward, disconnect the unit from electric power by unplugging it. It is important to unplug an electrical appliance from power before doing any work on it.
Step 2: Create a Workspace
To do this, move the refrigerator away from the wall or any other surface behind it. Create enough space for you to comfortably work on the compressor.
If you find that you cannot move the refrigerator alone, find someone to help you.
Step 3: Allow Some Cooling Time
Because the refrigerator has been running, the compressor and other metal parts around it will be hot. Therefore, it is important that you wait about 15 minutes so that the hot parts can cool down considerably.
After this time, you can try feeling the back of the unit to see if it is cool enough to work on. If it is, then begin uncoupling the compressor.
Some models have a cover guarding or protecting the compressor while others don’t. If yours has a cover over the compressor, remove it. See if it pulls straight out or has screws holding it in place.
Step 4: Take Photos
Now, it is time to remove the faulty or failed compressor. But you don’t want to just yank wires out. You want to be sure of where each wire goes for reconnection purposes.
Therefore, take clear photos of the connections you see on the compressor. Make sure you get a photo before removing or cutting any wire.
This way, you have a way to correctly retrace your steps when making connections to the new compressor. You see, this fix is quite technical and complicated.
Step 5: Reconnect Wires
Carefully put the new compressor in the right position. Then, begin reconnecting the wires. By now, you should know that some of the connections would require brazing. So, gather your tools and get to work.
Remember the photos you took earlier? Now is the time they come in handy. Get them ready so you know how to accurately reconnect the wires.
Step 6: Top Up Refrigerant
As you know, a new compressor does not come laden with refrigerant. This is the gas that cools the refrigerator. You have to buy it separately from the compressor.
After connecting wires, add the refrigerant. Doing this is a process but there are steps to follow on the refrigerant and on the refrigerator. There are also many resources on how to do this online.
Be sure you get the right type of refrigerant for your refrigerator model.
Step 7: Run a Test
When you are sure every part is in place, put up the cover of the compressor if you removed one earlier. Then, reconnect the refrigerator to electric power and allow it to run for some time.
Is the compressor humming smoothly and in low tones? That is the first indication that you did a good job.
However, wait about 1 hour to see if the refrigerator starts cooling before concluding and moving the unit back into place.
Amana Refrigerator Not Cooling and Compressor Hot – How to Fix
The following are parts to look at if your Amana refrigerator is not cooling and the compressor is hot:
1. Motor of the Condenser Fan
To begin, try turning the blades of the fan. If they are stiff and have a hard time turning, it is a pointer to the fact that the motor may be faulty. This is possibly due to worn bearings.
But this is not conclusive. Debris or dirt can also cause the blades to turn stiffly. So, clean the blades thoroughly, making sure to remove every trace of dirt. Then, try turning them again.
If the stiffness remains, run a continuity test on the motor with a multimeter. If you don’t find continuity, replace the motor.
The fan cools the compressor and the condenser coils. This way, there is no heat transfer from the coils to the refrigerator. However, if the fan motor fails, the coils and compressor would become hot. Consequently, the refrigerator will stop cooling due to the rising temperature.
Here is a video showing how to replace the condenser fan motor…
2. Condenser Coils
Cleaning the coils under the refrigerator makes for a well-performing appliance. If they are dirty, as they tend to be because of their location, you will find that the unit does not cool as it should.
Take a condenser brush, a vacuum cleaner with a hose attachment, or a leaf blower to the coils. Be sure to remove the dust accumulation and debris you see on there.
If there is any leftover dirt, you can try cleaning it with a rag. However, if the coils are too hard to reach, don’t sweat it.
Dirty coils also tend to make the compressor run hot. This is because they don’t work at dissipating the heat from the gas as it passes through them.
When the heat transfers to the refrigerator, the compressor tries to lower the rising temperature. As a result, it runs constantly and becomes hot.
3. Motor of the Evaporator Fan
As with the condenser fan, try turning the blades of the fan with your hand. You will find the fan assembly behind the panel inside the freezer section.
If they show any sign of stiffness, the motor is probably defective. Consider replacing it. But before doing this, listen for any unusually loud noise from the motor. If you hear it, replace the motor.
And if the motor does not show any sign of life, check it for continuity using a multimeter. If there is no continuity, replace the motor.
The fan pulls air over the evaporator coils and spreads it in the refrigerator. If the motor of the fan becomes defective, the fan won’t be able to perform this task. Consequently, the refrigerator will stop cooling.
The rising internal temperature causes the compressor to run harder and more frequently as it tries to reduce the temperature. Hence, it becomes hot.
4. Start Relay and Overload
The relay is usually attached to the compressor. On some newer models, you will find both the relay and the overload on one spot.
Detach the relay and shake it a little. A relay in good working condition won’t make any noise or rattle. But if this one rattles, consider replacing it. The same applies if it smells as if it is burnt.
However, if you are not sure, test it for continuity between its start and run terminals. Use a digital multimeter for this test. If you don’t find continuity and the overload is too hot, replace the components.
The compressor is likely to make clicking sounds, become hot, run intermittently, or not run at all if the relay is bad. And if the compressor does not run smoothly, the refrigerator wouldn’t be able to cool.
5. Thermistor
The resistance of this component should change as long as the temperature in the refrigerator changes. You will see this change as you check it with a multimeter.
If there is no change or no continuity in the thermistor, replace it. Otherwise, the compressor may not have the power it needs to run smoothly.
6. Thermostat
Rotate the temperature control thermostat and take it to the highest temperature point. Wait for a clear clicking sound. If t comes, the component is working fine.
But if it does not come, check it for continuity at different temperature settings. Use a multimeter to run this test. If you don’t find continuity, replace the thermostat.
This component closes contacts and allows power to flow to the cooling system once the temperature in the unit starts to rise.
If it stops working, it won’t close its contacts. As a result, the cooling system won’t work at cooling the refrigerator.
7. Compressor
The compressor may be damaged, causing it to run hot without cooling the refrigerator. Therefore, run a continuity test on it using a multimeter. Remove the relay and place the meter’s probes on the 3 pins.
The resistance reading tells you whether or not the compressor is still in good working condition. Replace it if the reading is wrong or non-existent.
8. Main Control Board
The board, which supplies power to the compressor and other components, may be damaged. However, this is rare. So, check other components first before settling for the board. It is often misdiagnosed so avoid throwing out a perfectly good control board.
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Amana Refrigerator Compressor Not Running – Solutions
The following are possible solutions to the problem of an Amana refrigerator compressor not running:
1. Troubleshoot the Power Supply
Make sure the compressor is getting enough voltage to be able to run. Check the power cord of the refrigerator to determine whether or not it is in good working condition.
If you notice any fraying on the wire or burns on the head, replace it. And if the cord is working fine, check the outlet.
Connect another appliance to it and check for power. If it comes on, the outlet is working. Otherwise, find a qualified electrician and replace the outlet.
Another thing to check is the circuit breaker or the fuses. Something may be damaged there so find out if any of the fuses need replacing.
2. Check the Fan
The condenser fan is usually beside the compressor. Look at it to see if it is working. If it is not, the motor may be faulty.
Disassemble it and run a continuity test on the motor with a multimeter. If there is no continuity, replace the motor.
The heat on the compressor can cause it to stop running. And if the heat rises, it means the condenser fan is no longer working.
3. Inspect the Coils
Take a good look at the condenser coils. If you have never cleaned them, the chances of them being dirty are high.
Clean them using a condenser brush or a hose attached to a vacuum cleaner. When all the dust is gone, sweep the floor around the refrigerator. This way, the dirt on the floor does not easily adhere to the coils again.
The heat that the coils carry goes to the refrigerator and impedes its capacity to cool. As a result, the refrigerator’s internal temperature starts rising.
The compressor puts in extra work to reduce the temperature, thereby overworking itself. Over time, it will burn out and stop running.
4. Test the Start Relay
Run a continuity test on the relay between the run and start terminal points. Use a digital multimeter so that you can get accurate readings.
If there is no continuity, replace the relay. But before this test, shake the relay. If there is a rattle, it is bad. Additionally, if it has a burnt odor, replace it.
The compressor would stop running entirely if the start relay attached to it is defective. This is perhaps the commonest cause of a compressor not running.
5. Check the Compressor
This should not be the first stop when a compressor stops running. It may still have life but is not working because of some other failed component.
But when all else checks out, run a test on it. With a multimeter, run the test on the three electrical pins you will find on its side. Look for an open circuit by checking the resistance on the meter.
If there is a circuit that is open, the compressor is grounded and cannot run. Find a licensed technician to replace it.
Amana Refrigerator Compressor Noise – Quick Fix
A loud or noisy compressor is usually a cause for worry. But more times than not, the compressor is not the noisy component. Therefore, begin with the condenser fan.
If the fan is malfunctioning, the motor tends to make a loud and unusual noise. Check the motor with a multimeter to see if it is still working. And check the blades to be sure nothing is stuck in them, causing the noise.
Now, if the fan and motor are good, then go to the compressor. An overload causes it to make noise. So, check the start relay. If it is burnt, rattling, or has no continuity, replace it.
Be sure there is good airflow around the refrigerator. Most manuals will tell you how to create space and how much space to create around a unit.
However, if you can’t find this information, move the refrigerator to create 2 inches of space at the top and 2 inches at the back. Then, create an inch on both sides of the unit. This helps the condenser coils release heat better and the compressor runs smoothly.
In addition, this space eliminates the problem of the refrigerator moving and hitting the walls around it. The noise you hear may be the sound of the unit lightly bouncing on the walls when it stops running.
There is also the chance the compressor is loose on its holding springs. If the springs are old, they become unable to keep the compressor stable. So when the refrigerator switches cycles, it vibrates on the springs and makes a noise.
Replace the springs if they are loose or old.
Amana Refrigerator Compressor Reset – Steps
To reset an Amana refrigerator compressor, do the following:
Step 1
Unplug the cord of the refrigerator from the outlet. Shutting down the circuit breaker also works if you cannot reach the outlet.
You may hear a whoosh or knock as the unit powers down. This is completely normal so there’s nothing to fear.
Step 2
Give it a few minutes. Then, turn off the freezer and refrigerator temperature controls. On some models, just move the knob to 0; it is the same result. Plug the cord to the outlet in again after doing this.
Step 3
Set the temperature controls to the point that suits you. This will depend on the needs you have but a mid-point setting is always ideal.
Afterward, give the refrigerator about 24 hours to adjust to this new temperature setting.
Recap
Refrigerator compressors can fail. Fortunately, it is no longer a Herculean task to replace a refrigerator compressor.
So if your Amana refrigerator compressor develops issues, you can fix it yourself if you know your way around appliances. But if not, contact Amana immediately and report the issue, especially if you have a warranty on the unit.
There is also the option of independent technicians. Chat with our technicians; no need for an appointment or an in-house call.
Most importantly, disconnect the refrigerator from electric power before commencing repairs. Doing this protects you from accidental electrocution.
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