Amana Freezer: not cooling

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

Is your Amana freezer not cooling properly? If the interior temperature is too warm, causing food to thaw, you're likely dealing with a common issue. This can stem from a faulty evaporator fan motor, dirty condenser coils, or a malfunctioning thermostat. Don't let your food spoil; understanding the causes can help you address the problem effectively.

Urgency: High

Important Tips for Amana Models

  • Amana documentation notes blocked airflow between freezer and refrigerator vents can reduce cooling; allow proper airflow and check vent blocking.
  • Some Amana models include ‘Showroom’ mode which disables cooling; ensure this mode is off. (Product Help | Amana

Possible Causes

Faulty evaporator fan motor

How to Identify: Fan does not run when freezer door switch is activated; no cold air circulation inside freezer.

Part: Evaporator fan motor

Dirty condenser coils

How to Identify: Visible dust/debris accumulation on coils; compressor runs but poor cooling.

Part: Condenser coils

Faulty thermostat or temperature control

How to Identify: Incorrect temperature readings; no click at adjustment; freezer won’t trigger compressor reliably.

Part: Temperature control thermostat/thermistor

Start relay or overload relay failure

How to Identify: Compressor doesn’t start or hums repeatedly; possible clicking sounds.

Part: Start relay/overload relay on compressor

Door gasket leak

How to Identify: Cold air escapes; paper test shows weak seal.

Part: Door gasket/seal

Defrost system failure causing frost buildup

How to Identify: Excessive frost on evaporator coils; restricted airflow.

Part: Defrost heater/defrost thermostat

Sealed system problem (refrigerant leak or restriction)

How to Identify: Light frost in frost pattern test; compressor and fans running without cooling.

Part: Refrigerant lines/sealed system

DIY Solutions

Clean condenser coils

Moderate 30–45 minutes
Tools Needed: vacuum with brush attachment, coil cleaning brush
  1. Unplug freezer and move away from wall
  2. Locate and clean condenser coils of dust/debris
  3. Vacuum and brush coils until clean
  4. Plug freezer back in and monitor cooling
⚠️ Safety First: Unplug appliance before cleaning

Test and replace evaporator fan motor

Advanced 1–2 hours
Tools Needed: screwdriver set, multimeter, replacement fan motor
  1. Unplug freezer
  2. Remove interior panels to access evaporator fan
  3. Activate door switch and test fan with multimeter
  4. Replace fan if faulty and reassemble
⚠️ Safety First: Ensure power is disconnected; sharp edges inside freezer

Check and adjust thermostat settings

Easy 5–10 minutes
  1. Locate thermostat control inside freezer
  2. Turn to colder setting if incorrectly set
  3. Wait 24 hours to observe temperature change

Inspect and replace door gasket

Moderate 45–60 minutes
Tools Needed: screwdriver or gasket removal tool, replacement gasket
  1. Check seal with paper test
  2. Remove old gasket carefully
  3. Clean surface and install new gasket
  4. Test seal integrity

Manual defrost to remove frost build-up

Easy 2–4 hours
Tools Needed: towels, hairdryer (optional)
  1. Unplug freezer
  2. Remove food
  3. Allow ice to melt naturally or use hairdryer safely
  4. Dry interior and restart freezer
⚠️ Safety First: Do not use sharp tools to chip ice

Professional Repairs

Sealed system repair (refrigerant leak or restriction)

Estimated Cost: $300–$800+

Replace start/overload relay

Estimated Cost: $50–$150

Replace temperature control board

Estimated Cost: $150–$300

When to Call a Professional

Unusual noises from compressor or sealed system suspected
Visible refrigerant leak signs or oil residue
Compressor does not run despite correct power

Preventive Maintenance

  • Clean condenser coils: Poor heat dissipation and cooling inefficiency
    Frequency: every 6–12 months
  • Check door seal condition: Cold air leaks and frost buildup
    Frequency: every 3–6 months
  • Ensure vents are unobstructed: Airflow restriction and uneven cooling
    Frequency: ongoing

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Amana Freezer not cooling?
Your Amana freezer may not be cooling due to a faulty evaporator fan, dirty condenser coils, or a malfunctioning thermostat.
How do I fix Amana Freezer not cooling myself?
You can clean the condenser coils, test the evaporator fan motor, or check the thermostat settings as DIY solutions.
How much does it cost to fix not cooling?
Professional repair costs can range from $50–$150 for minor fixes to $300–$800+ for sealed system repairs.
When should I call a technician for not cooling?
If DIY solutions don't resolve the issue or if you suspect a refrigerant leak, it's time to call a technician.

References & Sources

Community Analytical Insights

Analysis based on real user discussions from appliance repair communities

Common Issues Reported by Users

  • Compressor failure (1 mentions)
  • Cooling system issues (1 mentions)
  • Run capacitor failure (1 mentions)
  • Defrost thermostat malfunction (1 mentions)
  • Fan issues (1 mentions)

User Suggested Solutions

Analysis based on 2 community discussions
View Sources

Data compiled from real discussions on r/appliancerepair and r/Appliances:

  1. Freezer can't keep ice cream solid. What's my path forward?
  2. Repairing and old af freezer (Amana Stor-Mor)? Am I just a d...

User Comments (0)

Share your experience or solution below.

Be the first to comment!