Amana Refrigerator: not freezing properly

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

Is your Amana refrigerator not freezing properly? If the freezer isn't reaching temperatures below 0Â°F, you might notice food thawing or uneven cooling. Common causes include a malfunctioning evaporator fan, dirty condenser coils, or issues with the thermostat. Take action to restore proper freezing functionality.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Amana Models

Amana official guidance includes location and installation checks (not too hot/cold environment) and proper door sealing.

Possible Causes

Evaporator fan motor failure or obstructed airflow

How to Identify: Freezer not freezing while refrigerator may still be cold; lack of airflow or fan noise absent when door switch activated. Manual spin of fan blade reveals resistance.

Part: Evaporator fan motor / internal air vents

Condenser fan motor not running properly

How to Identify: Compressor runs but condenser fan doesnâ€™t spin; unit feels hot at back; condenser coils warm.

Part: Condenser fan motor

Dirty condenser coils reducing cooling efficiency

How to Identify: Visible dust/debris, coils warm but inefficient; cleaning improves performance.

Part: Condenser coils

Faulty start relay or start device preventing compressor operation

How to Identify: Compressor fails to start or runs intermittently; clicking noises at compressor.

Part: Start relay / start device

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

How to Identify: Excess frost buildup on evaporator coils visible after panel removal; freezer loses cooling over time.

Part: Defrost heater / defrost timer

Thermostat or thermistor failure leading to improper temperature control

How to Identify: Unit doesnâ€™t call for cooling appropriately; multimeter shows no continuity or anomalous resistance changes.

Part: Thermostat / thermistor

Door gasket seal failure causing warm air influx

How to Identify: Warm spots, frost pattern on edges, dollar bill test shows poor seal; frequent door openings exacerbate warming.

Part: Door gasket / seal

DIY Solutions

Clean Condenser Coils

Easy 20â€“40 minutes

Tools Needed: condenser coil brush or vacuum with brush attachment

Unplug refrigerator.
Access coils (rear/bottom).
Use brush/vacuum to remove dust and debris.
Restore power and monitor temperatures.

⚠️ Safety First: Unplug before cleaning coils.

Clear Air Vents and Reorganize Freezer Items

Easy 10â€“15 minutes

Remove obstruction from air vents inside freezer and fridge.
Ensure items arenâ€™t blocking airflow.
Rearrange contents to allow unobstructed airflow.
Close door and check if cooling improves.

Check and Replace Door Gasket if Faulty

Moderate 30â€“60 minutes

Tools Needed: screwdriver, gasket replacement

Perform dollar bill test around door seal.
If seal weak, remove old gasket.
Install new gasket following manufacturer instructions.
Check for improved sealing and temperature control.

Test and Replace Evaporator Fan Motor

Advanced 1â€“2 hours

Tools Needed: multimeter, screwdrivers

Unplug fridge.
Remove freezer interior panel to access fan.
Check fan spins freely and test with multimeter.
Replace motor if defective.
Reassemble and power on.

⚠️ Safety First: Ensure power is disconnected and follow part-specific instructions.

Professional Repairs

Replace Compressor Start Relay/Device

Estimated Cost: $40 - $120 for parts, $150 - $300 with labor

Replace Defrost System Components

Estimated Cost: $50 - $200 parts, $200 - $400 with labor

Replace Thermostat/Thermistor or Control Board

Estimated Cost: $30 - $300 parts, $150 - $500 with labor

When to Call a Professional

Compressor does not run or starts and stops repeatedly

Visible frost ice buildup persists despite defrost

Diagnostic multimeter testing indicates electrical component failure

Preventive Maintenance

Clean condenser coils: Reduced cooling efficiency due to dust buildup
Frequency: annually or biannually
Inspect door gaskets: Warm air leaks reducing freezer performance
Frequency: monthly
Ensure airflow is unobstructed: Airflow issues leading to improper cooling
Frequency: ongoing

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Amana Refrigerator not freezing properly?

Common causes include evaporator fan failure, dirty condenser coils, and thermostat issues.

How do I fix Amana Refrigerator not freezing properly myself?

Clean condenser coils, clear air vents, and check the door gasket for proper sealing.

How much does it cost to fix not freezing properly?

Professional repair costs range from $150 to $500 depending on the issue.

When should I call a technician for not freezing properly?

If DIY solutions don't resolve the issue, or if you suspect a compressor or defrost system failure.

References & Sources

Amana Freezer not freezing basics Official

Community Analytical Insights

Analysis based on real user discussions from appliance repair communities

Can I Fix This Myself?

75%

DIY Success Rate Difficulty: Either

Common Issues Reported by Users

Dirty condenser coils
Faulty thermostat
Blocked air vents
Damaged door seals
Low refrigerant levels

User Suggested Solutions

Clean the condenser coils. Unplug the refrigerator, locate the coils (usually at the back or beneath), and use a vacuum or brush to remove dust and debris.
Check and replace the thermostat if faulty. Use a multimeter to test the thermostat for continuity; if it fails, replace it with a new one.
Clear any blockages in air vents. Inspect the freezer and refrigerator compartments for ice buildup or obstructions and remove them.
Inspect and replace damaged door seals. Close the door on a piece of paper; if it pulls out easily, the seal may need replacement.
Check refrigerant levels. If low, contact a professional technician to recharge the refrigerant, as this requires specialized tools.