The 17 year old refrigerator, freezer runs most of the time and frosts up the coils to the point that the freezer and frig get warm. We defrosted manually, turned on again, it now will turn off randomly but most of the time it is running. Freezer gets to 0 deg and fridge to 20 deg F. I can manually turn it off and then turn it back on and it will stay off for a little while but turns back on again and continues to run. Both sides are set at a low setting 3/7. I have read the posts and see that this information is recommended for one individual with a different model. Should this be the process we follow also?
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Replacement parts for AMANA SZI20MW Ref - SXS/I&W | AppliancePartsPros.com
If the evaporator coils are heavily iced/frosted up, then you probably have a defrost problem.
First remove the evaporator cover in the freezer so you can see the coils.
Not do not let them de-ice.
If yes.
Manually force a defrost cycle by turning the defrost timer cam (Item 28 in Section 7) till the fans and compressor turn off.
Now check the defrost heater to see if it is on.
Be careful you do not want to burn your fingers.
If the heater is on then the timer needs replacing, re: it is probably stalling during it’s rotation so is never getting into a defrost cycle.
If not on.
Unplug the unit.
Remove the wire for one side of the heating element (Item 26 in Section 2) from the wiring and measure it for continuity, usually around 20 ohms or so.
If the heater is OK
Remove one wire to the defrost thermostat (Item 24 in Section 2 ) and measure it, should be 0 ohms when frozen. Note that it opens just above freezing so must be frozen to check it. Also inspect it, if it is bulged at all replace it even if it measures OK.
If both the above are OK then odds are the defrost timer contacts are toast.
Best way to test this is a live test to see if you have 120 volts across the heater/defrost thermostat combo.
Other things to check are:
If the evaporator coils only have frost in one area (usually where the freon enters them) or is very blotchy you may have a low freon problem.
Are the condenser coils under the unit clean?
Is the condenser/compressor fan running?
Is the evaporator fan running?[LEFT][COLOR=#000000]
Read more: http://forum.appliancepartspros.com/refrigerator-freezer-repair/68803-freezer-runs-frequently-not-staying-cold.html#ixzz1NfYtpwMJ
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