Amana Refrigerator: not cooling properly in freezer

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

Is your Amana Refrigerator not cooling properly in the freezer? This issue can result in the freezer failing to reach freezing temperatures, leading to soft or unfrozen food. Common causes include evaporator fan failures, blocked airflow, and issues with the start relay. Understanding these problems can help you restore proper cooling and preserve your food.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Amana Models

  • Check air vents between freezer and refrigerator as per Amana guidance.
  • Some models have showroom/demo mode that disables cooling.

Possible Causes

Evaporator fan motor failure

How to Identify: Freezer runs but cold air is not circulated; fan does not spin when freezer door switch is activated.

Part: Evaporator fan motor

Start relay or start device malfunction

How to Identify: Compressor fails to start or runs intermittently; freezer temperatures rise; burnt smell or lack of compressor noise.

Part: Start relay / start device

Condenser fan motor failure or condenser coil issues

How to Identify: Warm back panel area, dusty coils, fan not spinning, reduced heat dissipation; compressor overheats.

Part: Condenser fan motor / condenser coils

Temperature control thermostat failure

How to Identify: No click when adjusting thermostat; freezer does not respond to setting changes.

Part: Temperature control thermostat

Door gasket leak or seal failure

How to Identify: Air leaks around door; dollar bill test slides out easily; frost build-up around seal.

Part: Freezer door gasket

Blocked or restricted airflow between freezer and evaporator

How to Identify: Items blocking vents; uneven cooling; cold air not reaching all sections.

Part: Air vents / airflow paths

Defrost system failure (heater/thermostat) leading to frost buildup

How to Identify: Excess ice on evaporator coils; periodic ice blockage; reduced airflow.

Part: Defrost heater or thermostat

Sealed system issues (refrigerant leak, restriction)

How to Identify: Minimal frost pattern on evaporator; compressor runs but no cooling; professional diagnosis required.

Part: Sealed refrigerant system

DIY Solutions

Check and clear air vents

Easy 5-15 minutes
  1. Open freezer and refrigerator compartments.
  2. Ensure nothing blocks the air vents between freezer and refrigerator compartments.
  3. Reorganize contents to allow airflow.
  4. Close doors and monitor temperature over next 24 hours.

Inspect and replace door gasket

Moderate 30-60 minutes
Tools Needed: Screwdriver, soapy water
  1. Close freezer door on a dollar bill and attempt to pull out to test seal.
  2. Clean gasket with soapy water to remove dirt.
  3. If seal is damaged, remove old gasket and install new one per model instructions.
  4. Verify improved seal and monitor temperature.

Clean condenser coils

Moderate 30-45 minutes
Tools Needed: Vacuum, coil brush
  1. Unplug refrigerator.
  2. Locate condenser coils (rear or base).
  3. Use brush and vacuum to remove dust/debris.
  4. Plug in and monitor temperature changes.
⚠️ Safety First: Unplug before cleaning.

Professional Repairs

Replace evaporator fan motor

Estimated Cost: $80 - $180

Replace start relay or start device

Estimated Cost: $50 - $120

Replace condenser fan motor

Estimated Cost: $70 - $150

Defrost system component replacement

Estimated Cost: $80 - $200

Sealed system repair (refrigerant leak/compressor)

Estimated Cost: $300 - $800+

When to Call a Professional

If compressor does not run or runs intermittently
If fan motors test failed and require part replacement
If defrost system components need testing/replacement
If sealed system leak or compressor issue suspected

Preventive Maintenance

  • Clean condenser coils: Improves heat dissipation and cooling efficiency
    Frequency: every 6-12 months
  • Inspect door gaskets annually: Cold air leakage and frost buildup
    Frequency: annually

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Amana Refrigerator not cooling properly in freezer?
Common causes include evaporator fan failure, start relay malfunction, and blocked airflow.
How do I fix Amana Refrigerator not cooling properly in freezer myself?
Check air vents, inspect the door gasket, and clean condenser coils to improve cooling.
How much does it cost to fix not cooling properly in freezer?
Professional repair costs range from $50 to over $800 depending on the issue.
When should I call a technician for not cooling properly in freezer?
Call a technician if DIY solutions do not work or if the problem involves sealed system repairs.

References & Sources

Community Analytical Insights

Analysis based on real user discussions from appliance repair communities

Can I Fix This Myself?

70%
DIY Success Rate Difficulty: Either

Common Issues Reported by Users

  • Blocked air vents between the freezer and refrigerator compartments
  • Faulty evaporator fan motor not circulating cold air
  • Dirty condenser coils affecting cooling efficiency

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Check and clear any obstructions from air vents. Ensure that items in the freezer are not blocking airflow. Remove any ice buildup if present.

  2. Inspect the evaporator fan motor. If it is not running, test it for continuity and replace if defective.

  3. Clean the condenser coils using a vacuum or brush. Ensure the refrigerator is unplugged before starting this process.

Analysis based on 1 community discussions
View Sources

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

  1. Freezer not working fully, but refrigerator is.

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