Amana refrigerator fan not working

Common reasons your Amana refrigerator fan is not working

The most common reasons your Amana refrigerator fan is not working are a defective electronic control board, damaged evaporator or a locked compressor.

  • 64%

    64% of the time it's the Electronic Control Board

  • 12%

    12% of the time it's the Evaporator

  • 11%

    11% of the time it's the Compressor

  • 13%

    13% of the time it's the Something else

Schedule your refrigerator repair now!

We can help! Our service technicians have repaired over 20,000 Amana refrigerators. We can fix yours no matter where you bought it.

Call(646) 440-2692 or schedule online now.
Chat

Most common repairs needed to fix an Amana refrigerator

Electronic Control Board Replacement

A defective electronic control board can lead to various failures in a refrigerator, including a lack of power or cooling and water leaking. This is because the board serves as the brain of the refrigerator, controlling crucial operations such as regulating internal temperatures, running fans, managing defrost cycles, overseeing the ice maker, and controlling dispenser functions. If the electronic control board malfunctions, it can disrupt communication between many different components, including automatic doors if equipped. A failing board may cause a chattering or clicking noise from the refrigerator and may emit a burning odor. Due to the potential impact on multiple components, it is advisable to have a Sears Home Services professional conduct diagnostic tests on the board to confirm if replacement is necessary.

Evaporator Replacement

A damaged refrigerator evaporator causes a decrease in overall cooling performance, leading to elevated temperatures in both the refrigerator and freezer compartments. These higher temperatures can result in food spoilage and less effective preservation of frozen items. Frost or ice buildup on the evaporator coils may hinder their ability to absorb heat efficiently. Excessive condensation inside the refrigerator can lead to leaks. Additionally, a damaged evaporator may cause unusual noises, such as hissing or gurgling sounds, during the refrigeration cycle.

Compressor Replacement

A locked refrigerator compressor can exhibit several symptoms indicative of a malfunction. The most noticeable sign is a lack of cooling in the refrigerator compartment, leading to elevated temperatures and the potential for food spoilage. The freezer may also fail to maintain the desired freezing temperatures, resulting in no ice production from the ice maker or dispenser. Additionally, you'll observe that the compressor is unusually silent or fails to produce its typical humming sound during operation. In some cases, the compressor may attempt to start but fail, resulting in repeated clicking noises. The inability of the compressor to circulate refrigerant properly can affect the defrosting process, leading to ice buildup in the freezer. Furthermore, a faulty compressor could send a sudden influx of melting frost to the drain line, causing it to back up, preventing adequate draining, and potentially causing water leaks.

Why is my Amana refrigerator not blowing air?

refrigerator-evaporator-fan-part-image

Troubleshooting Evaporator Fan Problems in a Refrigerator

The evaporator fan in your refrigerator pushes air through the evaporator fins in the freezer and then throughout the freezer and refrigerator compartments to distribute cold air in the fridge.

When your refrigerator isn’t cooling well and the evaporator fan isn’t running or blowing cool air like it should, you might need to replace that fan.

There are several other problems that can prevent the evaporator fan from running in your fridge.

To figure out what’s going on and fix the fan failure, follow the troubleshooting tips in this video:

Typically the evaporator should run when the compressor is running.

If the evaporator fan doesn't run, then you could have a defective control board, but the problem could also be a bad evaporator fan or a break in the wiring.

Check the wiring first. Unplug the refrigerator and check the wires that run from the control board to the evaporator fan. Repair the wiring if it’s damaged.

Check the continuity of wiring between the control board and the evaporator fan. Replace any bad wiring.

Examine the evaporator fan motor, circuit board and blade for damage. Replace the fan if it’s damaged.

Here’s a video that shows how to replace the evaporator fan:

If you’re unable to find the cause of the evaporator fan failure or you’re not completely confident that you can replace the evaporator fan on your own, schedule refrigerator repair service and we’ll fix the fridge for you.

refrigerator-condenser-fan-part

Fixing a Broken Condenser Fan in Your Refrigerator

The condenser fan motor blows air across the condenser coils to remove heat from the hot refrigerant coming out of the compressor. The cooled refrigerant then moves into the evaporator.

If the condenser fan motor doesn't run when activated, the air in the refrigerator becomes too warm.

When the condenser fan motor is getting power but isn't working, replace it by following the steps in this safe DIY video:

If you’re unsure whether the condenser fan is bad or you need to have a service technician replace the condenser fan, schedule refrigerator repair service.

What to expect when you experience an Amana refrigerator fan not working issue

How is the fan not working problem fixed?

Correcting most fan not working problems usually involves replacing the electronic control board, evaporator or compressor. However, there are many potential causes, so a thorough diagnosis is key to fixing the problem. An accurate diagnosis is essential to understanding how much the repair will be.

Sears Home Services recommendations for a refrigerator fan that is not working

When the refrigerator fan is not working it can be for many reasons. To avoid replacing unneeded parts we recommend having a Sears Home Services professional perform diagnostic tests to identify the root cause of the problem. Our technicians are experienced at diagnosing all types of refrigerator failures.

What to look out for with a refrigerator fan not working diagnosis

Diagnosing modern appliances without proper knowledge and training can be difficult. Without using proper diagnostic techniques, fixing your refrigerator problem will only be achieved through changing parts on a hunch. Appliances, especially in the last 10 years, have become extremely advanced, and many models have electronic parts that are difficult to test. DIY repairs on the latest appliance models are becoming increasingly difficult.

What our customers say about us

With more than 1.3 Million 5 Star Reviews, you don't have to take our word for it

Jake is a great person.

He did a great job, the problem is with the refrigerator.

User Profile

Nancy V, Meridian, ID

Great job

Robert did a great job and was kind and courteous. He cleaned up everything. I would highly recommend using him.

User Profile

Karen K, Mount Laurel, NJ

Service appointment

Joe was very professional and knowledgeable technician who quickly found and fixed the problem. I would recommend for service again

User Profile

Tim R, Schaghticoke, NY

Frequently Asked Questions

Why won’t the fan in my Amana refrigerator run?
A faulty evaporator fan motor, blocked fan blades, or wiring issues can stop the fan from spinning. Check for ice buildup that may block the blades.
How can I inspect the evaporator fan motor?
Unplug the refrigerator, remove the freezer back panel, and visually check the fan for obstructions. Test the motor’s continuity with a multimeter.
Does a defrost problem affect the fan?
Yes. Excessive frost can accumulate around the evaporator, restricting the fan’s movement. Ensure the defrost cycle functions properly.
When should I call a professional for an Amana refrigerator fan issue?
If clearing ice buildup and testing the motor doesn’t restore function, the control board or defrost system may be at fault. A qualified technician can pinpoint the exact cause.

Repair Refrigerator Resources

Banner image of ice maker kit IM116000 for installation article.

Learn how to install refrigerator ice maker kit IM116000 on a compatible top-freezer refrigerator.

Banner image for blog article "Why is my Samsung Fridge not Cooling but the Freezer Works?"

Find out why your Samsung fridge is not cooling but the freezer section works. Get expert troubleshooting tips to fix the problem.

Banner image for blog article "Why the Fridge is not Cold but the Freezer Is,"

Find out why the fridge is not cool but the freezer is and learn how to troubleshoot the common problems that cause this failure.

Banner image for blog article "Why is my Refrigerator Working but the Freezer is not Freezing?"

Find out what to do when the freezer is not freezing but the fridge works fine. Fix the problem fast with our expert DIY troubleshooting tips.

Glossary Terms

A dual ice maker is a feature in some refrigerators that includes two separate ice makers: one in the fridge compartment and another in the freezer section. This setup doubles the appliance's ice-making capacity.

A French-door refrigerator features two doors that open side-by-side on the top section for the refrigerator compartment, with a bottom freezer drawer, combining style, efficiency, and easy access to both refrigerated and frozen goods.

Refrigerant is a chemical compound used in HVAC systems and refrigerators to absorb heat from the environment by cycling through states of evaporation and condensation, enabling the cooling process through its cycle of evaporation and condensation.

R-12 refrigerant, also known as Freon-12, is a chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) compound that was once widely used in air conditioning systems, refrigerators, and aerosol propellants before its phase-out due to environmental concerns.

Amana refrigerator fan not working? Discover quick fixes & expert solutions!