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Posted on Jan 06, 2009
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Why is my Amana Fridge (Model number SSD522T) not defrosting and fan only works sometimes?

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  • Posted on Jan 06, 2009
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When the refrigerator is running ( cooling mode ) the defrost timer contacts prevents any power from getting to the defrost heater. When the defrost timer turns off the power to the compressor and fan motor(s) the power is then redirected to the defrost system. The defrost timer motor
 
Defrost thermostat:
During a defrost cycle, the defrost heater causes the metal alloy in the switch to warm and as it does it curls back and breaks the circuit. As the metal cools, it makes a closed circuit again. A defective thermostat can prevent the defrost heater from coming on or allow it to overheat which could result in heat damage or fire.
The defrost thermostat is located near the defrost heater and is wired in series. It is usually located at the back of a side by side freezer, behind the freezer back wall of a top freezer or under the floor. It will be necessary to remove obstructions such as the contents of the freezer, freezer shelves, icemaker and the inside rear or bottom panel of the freezer. At room temperature the defrost thermostat is an open circuit ( no continuity ) and when cooled down the defrost thermostat closes the circuit ( has full continuity ) to allow the defrost heater to come on.
 
 
Defrost timers:
The defrost timer is sometimes found behind the front grill of the refrigerator. It may also be found behind a cover plate inside the refrigerator or freezer, in the temperature control console, or behind the refrigerator near the compressor.
The timer is usually held in place with one or more screws. Remove the screws and gently pull the timer out far enough to disconnect the wiring connector.
Locate the timer switch and turn it clockwise until you hear it click. One click and the refrigerator shuts off = defrost mode, second click the compressor and fans come back on = run/cooling mode. 
*Some defrost timers are a constant or continuous run timer, which means when ever the refrigerator is plugged in the defrost timer is powered up and running. Some defrost timers are an accumulative run timer, which means when the refrigerator is off the defrost timer is off and not running, when the refrigerator is running the defrost timer is running. This is also sometimes called a demand defrost. The power for the defrost timer goes through the cold control first on an accumulative defrost system. The timers are often the same but will be wired differently to get the different operations.
 
 
Defrost heater:
Test the heating element for continuity using a multimeter. Set the multimeter to the ohms setting X1. Place a probe on each terminal. The multimeter should display a reading somewhere between zero and infinity. Because of the number of different elements we cannot tell what your reading should be, but we can be certain of what it shouldn't be. If the reading is zero or infinity the heating element is definitely bad and should be replaced. Proper power ( careful!! ) to the heating element ( 110-120 volts AC ) and the defrost heater does not come on = bad defrost heater.
 

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Related Questions:

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1answer

My amana fridge model number Arb1914cw isn't cooling but the freezer is working

ur defrost terminator is bad and is not going into defrost cycle? and this will stop the fan from circulating the cold air. the heat is only suppose to last up to 20-30 minutes then back into defrost mode? if the defrost timer is bad heres a trick u can use that may get u back into defrost mode, locate the defrost timer in ur fridge usually at top center. then under the timer u will see a tiny slot or hole. if u stick a small screw driver into that hole and turn slowly clockwise till u hear it click? i, it will now go into defrost and u should hear the fan and the compressor go off , hope this helps let me knoiw if u have any more questions, lastly I suspect its not ur timer but ur defrost terminator> meaning is will not allow it to go into heat defrost. its easy and relatively inexpensive.
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Fridge and freezer both not cooling

Yes , your fridge can get stuck in defrost mode. If you can locate the thermostat. Sometimes buried behind a panel in the freezer. There's an adjustment screw or trim screw that allows you to advance the timer on the thermostat. Sometimes they stick in the defrost mode. It may happen once and never happen again. If however it does continue you will have to replace that part.
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Amana French Door Fridge - less than 18 mos old. Issue: stops cooling about every 2-3 weeks. Solution has been to empty fridge, unplug, open all doors, put fan in freezer and 'warm down' the...

Since you did not inclde a model number this is a generic response. What your describing is caused by the unit not automatically defrosting.
The parts of the automatic defrost system are:
1. The defrost control / This can be a mechanical clock timer or electronic adaptive defrost control
2. The defrost heater
3. The defrost thermostat or thermistor (depending upon model number)

One of the three has failed. I doubt #3 (thermostat or thermistor) is the problem as it would usually cause the unit to stay in the defrost mode and everything would thaw out.

You can find parts by going to this page:
http://shop.amana.com/product_literature/search.jsp?siteCd=AMA
You must choose servicer and then enter your model number to get the parts manual.

If nothing else... download your parts manual and look up the parts that are replaced on your unit to see if you got a fair shake on your repair. Just net search the part numbers.....

Thanks for choosing FixYa,
Kelly
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Hi there.I have an Amana Side by Side Refridgerator.We are having a problem with the fridge side not cooling enough.The Freezer side is working well.Have you any tips on how to fix it myself ?Cheers.

Check fan which blows cool to fridge compartment is working. Check fridge is defrosted automatically. If not do it manually and check, there will be cooling in fridge compartment. Over frosting will cover up the fan throw behind the freezer. If not auto defrost works, switch off and restart after 5 minutes. Still auto defrost problem, do it manually or replace board.
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Amana ABD2533DEB Bottom Freezer - Fridge not working

Sounds like the circulating fan is either gone or is going bad. This problem is hard to diagnose because sometimes the fan will run but not fast enough to circulate the air through the freezer and refrigerator. I would have your repairman look at this or if you have the know how then you can order the fan and replace it yourself.
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Freezer working but fan not on in fridge - where to locate fan?

May be ice build up - happened with mine. Had to defrost completely (unplug for 24+ hours) then it worked fine on restarting.
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Freezer side blowing all the time and fridge side is warm with no cooling on amana side by side unpluged and defosted with hair dryer and it worked for a couple days then went back warm in fridge side...

You have a defrost issue.
Adaptive defrost control.
Defrost thermostat.
Defrost heater.
These are the only 3 parts involved.
If there was a model number I could be more help.
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If this Amana has digital display at top in fridge more than likely the Jazzboard (control board) has failed. Check for votage at fan if you don't get any or some times if you do the Jazzboard can still have issues controling the evap.fan. I've found the Jazz board to go bad some times. Hit me back let me know. Jazz board is in the control box were the digital numbers light up.
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Refrigerator

It sounds like you found it. Change the defrost timer.
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