10 replies to this topic

[dmcnally]

Salutations,

Have an Amana bottom freezer refrigerator, model # ABB2227DEB.
It is about 7 years old.
It started buzzing and the compressor would intermittently not start.

Completely cleaned the coils and replaced the relay/overload starter switch that is attached to the compressor. I noticed the compressor was extremely hot. I raised the back wheels to allow better air flow and pulled the frig out from the wall a couple extra inches

After letting the compressor completely cool down I plugged it back in and it ran fine for a couple of days and then started buzzing again and the compressor displayed the same symptoms as before.

Not really being in a position to replace the frig right now, we have been periodically shutting off the unit for an hour or so and then turning it back on. This worked for a couple of months, however when it was running it seemed to be running too much. Currently, no matter what we do, it keeps on buzzing and the compressor will not run long enough to provide the proper cooling.

I have run through the diagnostic tests outlined in the technical spec sheet I found under the frig, and the results don’t seem to indicate anything wrong, but I am no expert

We finally called in a professional (one recommended from Amana’s website) and he is recommending a new compressor for about $400. He didn’t seem interested in running any of the diagnostic tests, which puzzled me.
Can you recommend anything? I have been tempted to replace the computer control board for about $100 but this would just be a shot in the dark and I don’t have $100 to throw away.

Thanks in advance for any help,

Dave

[RegUS_PatOff]

Is the Condenser Fan (near the Compressor) running ?
May need to see the frost pattern of the Evaporator Coils inside the Freezer.
(pictures) ?

[Scottthewolf]

It's the compressor, without a doubt. These units were trouble prone with bad compressors. No need to run a diagnostic test, a true professional knows what to look for. I've seen hundreds of these.

Now that Whirlpool bought Amana and Maytag out, it is safe to buy a similar refrigerator that you have now under any of these brands:

Amana
Kitchen Aid
Maytag
Whirlpool

Whirlpool has corrected the problem and has changed compressor vendors.

[certified tech group 51]

ditto with Scotthewolf.........If the windings of the compressor tested good and the finances are not all there. This is the time you install a 3-N-1 Supco RCO810..........the mechanical parts are failing .......... there will be a few 'yeas' or 'nay's on the use of the 3-N-1 hard start unit..........

[Scottthewolf]

the 3 N 1 will only buy you a few weeks until the compressor fails completely, basically it gives you time to shop for a new refrigerator.

[RegUS_PatOff]

... there will be a few 'yeas' or 'nay's on the use of the 3-N-1 hard start unit..........

I don't know for sure, but I'm guessing the life of a Compressor using a "3-n-1" is dependent on how "bad" the Compressor is.
I don't think a 3-n-1 is actually detrimental to a "good" Compressor.
"My Compressor died soon after using a 3-n-1" ...< Compressor was bad anyhow ...

[DurhamAppliance]

I think I am coming around to your line of reasoning Reg. I've used a 3 n 1 several times on compressors that had a pin broken to where a standard relay would not attach properly. Otherwise compressors were fine. One of the fridges belongs to my dad. I keep waiting for them to burn out. Three years and counting.

Edited by DurhamAppliance, 21 October 2011 - 04:32 AM.

[dmcnally]

Thanks to all for the helpful replies.

I don't know if the windings are bad on the compressor, but since the pro said it was bad and you guys seem to concur, and the 3 n 1 will only postpone the inevitable, I think I'll go ahead and have the compressor replaced, as that seems to be the consenus and also cheaper than replacing the unit.

I'll post an update after the repair.

Best Regards,

Dave

[dmcnally]

Hello,

Here is the post repair post.

Had a new compressor installed a week ago and the fridge is running fine. The repair was $500.
It took exactly 2 hours.

The compressor was $338 , labor was $162

To buy a comparable replacement fridge would have been $1300+

The compressor installed was an upgrade from the OEM. The oem part (although still available) is no longer
recommended by AMANA due to known issues. The newer compressor costs $100 more than
the oem.

Hoping to get 7 - 10 years more out of it.

Thanks again for all your advice.

Dave

[certified tech group 51]

Very good labor price, 2 hours Had to be someone who new what they were doing... ...my best time was 3 hours... from start to check in hand......... Out in this neck of the woods , It's $250 for me to drag all of the equipment up and down stairs , long drive ways...I have yet to go to a service call where I open the van doors and step into the kitchen/ refer location.................

[DurhamAppliance]

Sounds to me like your repair guy is a keeper.