DRS246RBW Amana Fridge not cold with new thermostat

[zerk]

Model Number

DRS246RBW

Brand

Amana

Age

More than 10 years

I have a 22 year old Amana side by side refrigerator. It was getting warm, I could hear starter relay clicking so I replaced. I tapped t-stat and it started running. So I bought one off amazon. Not a direct replacement, long probe.

I also noticed the defrost timer was staying on,and replaced that.

I got freezer and fridge turn to max and was getting around 40 inn fridge. Been trying different placements of probe in freezer.

Finally got freezer down to 10, and fridge in mid to upper 30s. Then t-stats stops. I tap on it too, and it starts. But not 15 degrees, and fridge is 43.

Door between fridge and freezer open
Replaced defrost timer
Tried two freezer thermostats. They have long probe length than original.
I verified t-stat by checking voltage on each side.

I tried probe at very top of freezer. Tried putting in pipe insulation, like was there.


I jumpered t-stat and it kept running. So compressor is good. I work on electrical equipment so I have a fluke and understanding schematics. Thanks for help.
Amana DRS246RBW 2001

 

[zerk]

I am using wifi thermoter to track temp in fridge in freezer.

 

[Jake]

Yes, the OEM temperature control thermostat is No Longer Available from the factory--->Control, Freezer Temp 12351007

That one from Amazon is not working properly. Contact the seller and let them know.

 

[zerk]

I have tried 3 thermo stats off amazon. One of them was working for a bit, but I got freezer and fridge set as low as it will go for that.

 

[Jake]

You need the OEM one, which you can't get anymore.

 

[zerk]

Odd thing is I don't feel air moving from freezer to fridge when blower is running. I just jumpered t-stat took it 3 degrees, and fridge is not getting colder.

 

[zerk]

You need the OEM one, which you can't get anymore.

Sad to junk a fridge for thermostat. I had it working ok with amazon one, until failed after few weeks. Tapped it and started again.

I've thought about putting freezer t-stat in fridge and turning it down. I think that would take a lot of adjusting to set up. This has been going on for 3 months almost, and spring is here.

 

[Jake]

Odd thing is I don't feel air moving from freezer to fridge when blower is running. I just jumpered t-stat took it 3 degrees, and fridge is not getting colder.

The air damper is fully open?

Sad to junk a fridge for thermostat.

I know what you mean, but this refrigerator is 20 years old and its had a good run.

I've thought about putting freezer t-stat in fridge and turning it down. I think that would take a lot of adjusting to set up.

Yes, that would be very difficult to do and probably more frustrating that its worth.

 

[zerk]

Yes damper is fully open. I realize 20 years old. But compressor works great. Jumpered down to zero today. But I also realize if I put to much money into it, it is a 20 year old fridge.

PBJ at work this week. Fridge is in the 40s

 

[zerk]

I can't help but think a pro would tell me I have , t-stat in bad place or I am blocking damper. I just do not feel air flowing between fridge and freezer. Is it how put back the rear panel? Is it a matter of wait and let air move on its own. But I feel nothing, despite damper being open. I have freezer t-stat on switch right now.

 

[Jake]

Is it how put back the rear panel?

Yes, the freezer back panel needs to be fully in place for the cold air to circulate through the air damper properly.

 

[zerk]

I didn't have all the screws in the back panel last few times. Put them all in, and still don't feel air moving. I could see and hear the fan. I can see through the damper and stick my fingers through. Not sure what is going on.

 

[Jake]

That is very odd, this time--->leave the freezer door open and see if cold air flows through the air damper fast.

 

[Jake]

If so, then its likely the air return tunnel is blocked.

 

[zerk]

I can hear the fan, and see it. I tired putting a dollar bill by vent. Granted I never put my hand there before.

In general it seems like less air. Yesterday I had frost by fan. so I put heat gun on it this morning, and left off, but closed over the day. I wonder if something is frozen.

I starting to think getting to the end of this adventure.

 

[zerk]

That is very odd, this time--->leave the freezer door open and see if cold air flows through the air damper fast.

Yes I can feel more air with freezer door open.

But the thermostat is shutting off early too. Which has been the problem the whole time. Running in the 30s now. Is the cold just sitting behind the rear panel and not moving? So t-stat is cold?

 

[zerk]

Pulled out bottom basket. Coil was iced over. Put heat gun on it and melted what I could see. I set defrost timer for 6 hours and 20 minutes. I had it 15 minutes 24 hours. Stock was not adjustable.

 

[zerk]

Was 12 degrees this morning. Should have went through 1 20 minute defrost. But still no air moving with door open. So I put whats left in a cooler and opened door.

What should I have defrost timer timer set to?

 

[Jake]

The defrost timer is automatically set from the factory.

Read post #14 again, I think you missed checking your return air duct.

 

[zerk]

I put in an after market defrost timer that is programmable.
I turned it off this morning. Will pull off bottom panel and hopefully see intake after work.

It was colder this morning in freezer but not fridge