Amana Refrigerator: delayed start

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

Is your Amana refrigerator experiencing a delayed start? This common issue may occur after a power interruption, causing the compressor to take longer than expected to begin cooling. Typically, it can take several minutes before the refrigerator resumes normal operation. Understanding the causes and potential solutions can help you address this issue effectively.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Amana Models

  • Amana refrigerators include typical compressor protective behaviors but do not have widely documented brand‑specific 'delayed start' faults; symptom patterns align with general compressor start delay/protection and start relay issues.

Possible Causes

Built‑in compressor start delay feature

How to Identify: Fridge waits a few minutes after power reconnection or after being unplugged before compressor starts; no error codes or abnormal noises.

Part: Control board / compressor circuit timer

Faulty start relay or capacitor causing delayed compressor start

How to Identify: Compressor fails to start promptly, repeated clicking sounds from rear of fridge, fridge remains warm beyond expected delay.

Part: Start relay / start capacitor

Electrical protection (overload/thermal) delaying compressor start

How to Identify: After the compressor runs and stops, there is a brief enforced delay before it can restart; fridge interior warms during this period.

Part: Overload protector / thermal cut‑out

DIY Solutions

Allow for normal built‑in delay after power interruption

Easy 3–10 minutes
  1. After power loss or plug re‑insertion, wait a few minutes for the built‑in compressor start delay to complete.
  2. Avoid immediately checking interior temperature until after delay time has passed.
⚠️ Safety First: No tools needed; ensure power cord is properly connected.

Inspect and clean condenser coils and ensure good ventilation

Moderate 15–30 minutes
Tools Needed: Vacuum with brush attachment or condenser coil brush
  1. Unplug refrigerator.
  2. Locate condenser coils (back or underneath grille) and gently remove dust/debris.
  3. Ensure there is 2–3 inches of clearance around fridge for airflow.
  4. Restore power and observe compressor start behavior.
⚠️ Safety First: Unplug appliance before cleaning coils.

Professional Repairs

Test and replace start relay or start capacitor

Estimated Cost: $40 - $120

Diagnose electrical protection or control board issues

Estimated Cost: $100 - $300+

When to Call a Professional

If compressor does not start after reasonable built‑in delay (e.g., >10 minutes)
If clicking noises from compressor area occur repeatedly
If fridge remains warm beyond expected delay or shows error codes

Preventive Maintenance

  • Clean condenser coils: Overheating that can trigger protective delays
    Frequency: every 6 months
  • Ensure proper ventilation clearance: Overload protective intervention and delayed compressor start
    Frequency: Ongoing

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Amana Refrigerator delayed start?
The delay may be due to the built-in compressor start delay feature or a faulty start relay.
How do I fix Amana Refrigerator delayed start myself?
Wait 3–5 minutes after power interruption, and clean the condenser coils for better airflow.
How much does it cost to fix delayed start?
Professional repairs can range from $40 to $300+, depending on the issue.
When should I call a technician for delayed start?
If the delay persists beyond normal time or if cleaning doesn't help, it's time to call a professional.

References & Sources

Community Analytical Insights

Analysis based on real user discussions from appliance repair communities

Can I Fix This Myself?

75%
DIY Success Rate Difficulty: DIY

Common Issues Reported by Users

  • Power supply issues, such as a tripped circuit breaker or blown fuse
  • Faulty start relay preventing the compressor from initiating
  • Defective temperature control thermostat causing delayed activation

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Check the power supply: Ensure that the refrigerator is plugged in properly and that the circuit breaker is not tripped. If it is, reset it and see if the refrigerator starts.

  2. Inspect and replace the start relay: Unplug the refrigerator, locate the start relay (usually found on the compressor), and test it for continuity. If faulty, replace it with a new one.

  3. Test the temperature control thermostat: Locate the thermostat, check for continuity with a multimeter, and replace it if it’s defective.

Analysis based on 1 community discussions
View Sources

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

  1. Refrigerator delayed start by one hour

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