The Virtual Repairman's Appliance Help

Yotraj

I've got an Amana Refridgerator model SDI25B-L and it makes cold...ie...the evaporator is frosting up and the lower freezer will freeze...BUT the main cabinet and the upper freezer won't get cold. Upon taking the back cover off in the lower freezer compartment, I found the evaporator and above it a fan which is supposed to circulatre the cold to the other parts of the fridge. I read somewhere (I can't find the webpage now) that there was a "code" of turning off the "light switch" 3 times to restart the fridge when it was in defrost cycle (This is probably wrong but the light switch 3 times I remember right anyway). Upon trying this with the light switch in the lower freezer door, the circulating motor started. I walked away and rechecked about 5 minutes later and it had stopped and nothing but the lower freezer was cold. I have looked everywhere in and on the fridge for a wiring schemattic and it is just gone. Any ideas at this point would be greatly appreciated! AND a wiring schematic or an address where I can get one might be great too! Thanks! I await your reply! John

Virtual Repairman · Posted: Fri Jan 28, 2005 6:47 pm Post subject: Amana fridge

If the freezer coil was frosted up, you should unplug the unit and use your OHM meter to check the defrost thermostat. This is a small disc mounted on the top of the evaporator coil which not only controls the defrost temperature, but also assures the fan circuit is complete when it closes. Amana is unique in this design now, and this particuar part is a weak point. If it shows no continuity, replace it.

(Forget about that freezer light stuff, its only for certain models)

We show the thermostat in stock for $14.99 if you indeed need one, and you can call our Parts line at 800-507-4040 and ask for part number C8736601.

Yotraj · Posted: Fri Jan 28, 2005 8:18 pm Post subject:

I just checked it...it was cold and HAS continuity...

Virtual Repairman · Posted: Fri Jan 28, 2005 9:34 pm Post subject: Amana fridge

Did you say the entire evaporator was frosted over, or simply that the fan was not working in the first place? I gather that the fan now works?

It must come on when the door is shut and the defrost terminator is closed, or else the evaporator can freeze up a bit. If this happens there will be loss of cooling especially in the fresh food section.

Please be as explicit as possible so I can see what you are seeing here.

Yotraj · Posted: Fri Jan 28, 2005 9:42 pm Post subject:

At this moment, the refridgerator has been plugged in for about an hour. The evaporater is frosted about 1/2 solid for about the top 1/3 of it. And less towards the bottom but still well frosted. I closed the light switch by hand and used a flashlight to see if the circulation fan was running....it is not. You must remember I have the sheet metal that normally covers the evaporator off (in case that makes a difference).

Yotraj · Posted: Fri Jan 28, 2005 10:21 pm Post subject:

And I am also wondering, can I take the defrost limiting switch out of the circuit by simply bypassing it and seeing if the fan will work then? It may be that the switch will pass current from a voltmeter through it but not have a good enough connection to let 120 through it? Maybe?

Virtual Repairman · Posted: Sat Jan 29, 2005 5:06 am Post subject: Amana fridge

You can try bypassing the thermostat, but if there is only 6 volts, I doubt it will turn. If you pull the fridge out and look on the back wall, there is a wiring schematic which will show you all the correct circuits.

The defrost timer is also back there, down near the condenser coil, and you can check it as well.

Guest · Posted: Sat Jan 29, 2005 1:24 pm Post subject:

I have to backtrack here a little...before when I measured voltage going to the circulating motor I didn't disconnect the leads. NOW...I've jumped the leads to the thermoswitch, disconnected the leads to the motor and checked those voltages which ARE 120V. I reconnected the motor leads. I've located the Defrost Timer...it's actually in the bottom, FRONT, Left side of the fridge. I've turned the white dial and the fridge has cycled off and back on. Still the circulating motor does not run. With voltage going to it (the circulating motor), my next question is wether or not it's turned on by some kind of circuit board device. There are 3 wires going to it, 2 black (the line voltage wires) and an orange with Black strip. This orange/Black wire appears to be going to a circuit board but it's very hard to tell without tearing out the ice maker (as it's located behind it). Wow, a wiring diagram would be great here. Anywhere I can find one on the net that you know of?

Virtual Repairman · Posted: Sat Jan 29, 2005 2:49 pm Post subject: Amana fridge

If there is 120 volts to the 2 fan wires, then replace the fan. Do not concern yourself with the terminal board behind the panel, it is merely a junction block were wires are plugged. Be sure to reconnect the defrost terminator! That fan motor is a C8891605 and we have plenty in stock for $34.99 at the 800 number. Remember, the defrost thermostat must cool down below 38 degrees while attached to the evaporator tubing for the fan motor to run. The neutral side of the fan motor runs thru the defrost thermostat on this model. The diagram is pasted on back of the unit.

As far as wiring diagrams, you might try Amana.com to see if they have anything they can fax you on this old model.