Amana Refrigerator: not cooling in refrigerator section

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

Experiencing issues with your Amana refrigerator not cooling in the refrigerator section? This common problem can leave your food warm while the freezer may still function. Possible causes include a faulty evaporator fan motor, blocked condenser coils, or a malfunctioning damper control assembly. Understanding these issues can help you troubleshoot effectively.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Amana Models

  • Some models have a showroom/demo mode which will light interior lamps but not cool — check and exit demo mode if set.
  • Placement near heat sources or blocked base grille can impact cooling performance.

Possible Causes

Faulty evaporator fan motor

How to Identify: Freezer stays cold but refrigerator section is warm; little or no airflow; fan doesn’t spin when freezer door closed and fan tested manually

Part: Evaporator fan motor

Malfunctioning damper control assembly

How to Identify: Insufficient cold air entering refrigerator from freezer; damper stuck closed or not actuating

Part: Damper control assembly

Dirty or blocked condenser coils

How to Identify: Warm back/bottom of unit, fridge running constantly yet not cooling effectively; coils dusty or covered in debris

Part: Condenser coils

Defective condenser fan motor

How to Identify: Fan won’t run or is noisy; compressor overheats; reduced cooling efficiency

Part: Condenser fan motor

Door gasket seal failure

How to Identify: Visible wear/tears on gasket; cold air escaping; fridge struggles to maintain temperature

Part: Door gasket

Start relay or start capacitor failure

How to Identify: Compressor not starting reliably or clicking; fridge not reaching cold; multimeter continuity test fails

Part: Start relay/capacitor

Automatic defrost system failure leading to ice buildup

How to Identify: Ice buildup on evaporator coils; restricted airflow; freezer cold but fridge warm

Part: Defrost system (heater/thermostat/timer)

DIY Solutions

Clean condenser coils

Easy 30–60 minutes
Tools Needed: vacuum with brush attachment, coil brush
  1. Unplug refrigerator
  2. Locate condenser coils (back or bottom)
  3. Use brush/vacuum to remove dust and debris
  4. Reconnect power and monitor cooling
⚠️ Safety First: Unplug before working near electrical components

Check and adjust damper control and clear airflow pathways

Moderate 15–45 minutes
Tools Needed: screwdriver
  1. Remove items blocking airflow vents between freezer and fridge
  2. Locate damper control assembly cover
  3. Ensure damper moves freely and not stuck
  4. Reassemble and test temperature
⚠️ Safety First: Avoid forcing parts; note screw locations

Inspect and clean door gasket

Easy 10–20 minutes
Tools Needed: warm water, mild detergent, soft cloth
  1. Mix mild detergent with water
  2. Wipe gasket thoroughly removing debris
  3. Close door and check seal with a dollar bill test
  4. Replace gasket if torn

Professional Repairs

Replace evaporator fan motor

Estimated Cost: $50–$150 for part

Replace damper control assembly

Estimated Cost: $80–$200

Replace start relay or capacitor

Estimated Cost: $30–$80

Repair defrost system (heater/thermostat/timer)

Estimated Cost: $100–$300

When to Call a Professional

Evaporator or condenser fan motors fail continuity or make abnormal noises
Damper control assembly broken or inaccessible
Compressor not running or start relay/capacitor suspected
Evidence of refrigerant leak or sealed system failure

Preventive Maintenance

  • Clean condenser coils: Reduced cooling efficiency due to dust buildup
    Frequency: every 6 months
  • Inspect door gasket: Warm air infiltration reducing cooling efficiency
    Frequency: seasonally
  • Ensure proper airflow inside: Airflow obstruction affecting cooling distribution
    Frequency: ongoing

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Amana Refrigerator not cooling in refrigerator section?
Common causes include a faulty evaporator fan motor, malfunctioning damper control assembly, or dirty condenser coils.
How do I fix Amana Refrigerator not cooling in refrigerator section myself?
You can clean the condenser coils, adjust the damper control, and inspect the door gasket for issues.
How much does it cost to fix not cooling in refrigerator section?
Professional repair costs can range from $30 to $300 depending on the specific issue.
When should I call a technician for not cooling in refrigerator section?
Call a technician if DIY solutions don't work, especially for complex issues like fan motor or defrost system failures.

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

  • Dirty condenser coils
  • Faulty thermostat
  • Blocked air vents

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Clean the condenser coils. Unplug the refrigerator, locate the coils (usually at the back or underneath), and use a vacuum or brush to remove dust and debris.

  2. Check and replace the thermostat if necessary. Use a multimeter to test the thermostat for continuity, and replace it if it’s faulty.

  3. Inspect and clear any blockages in the air vents. Ensure that food items are not obstructing the vents inside the refrigerator.

Analysis based on 1 community discussions
View Sources

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

  1. Amana fridge warm, freezer still cold. Replace the thermosta...

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