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Most new noises on the AQU line come from one of three moving parts — the evaporator fan, the condenser fan, or the compressor mount — and the compartment the sound comes from usually names the part before anything is opened. The model matrix on this page lists thirteen model numbers under this family badge. A noise that changes when the freezer door is opened is a different fault from one that does not, and that single test does most of the sorting.
What you hear, and where from
- A rattle or buzz from the back of the cabinet — A buzz behind the cabinet that starts and stops in step with the compressor, which places it in the machine compartment.
- A clicking that repeats every few minutes — A compressor start relay dropping out and retrying makes an even, repeating click with no cooling to show for it.
- A knock or thump on start and stop — A single thump as the compressor starts and another as it stops, which is tubing touching the cabinet.
- NEAR MISS — the noise comes with a warm cabinet — Then the noise is secondary and the cooling failure is the page you want; fix the cooling and the noise usually goes with it.
Causes, most likely first on the AQU line
- Evaporator fan blade fouling ice or a worn fan bearing — First here because thirteen model numbers is enough of a span that two units with the same badge can differ in what is fitted — a blade ticking against a frost build-up is the single most common new noise on cabinets of this layout.
- Condenser fan obstructed or bearing worn — Second, and easier to confirm than the first — pull the unit out, look, and the obstruction is usually visible.
- Compressor mounts and cabinet levelling — Third: a hum that has grown without changing pitch is normally transmission through tired mounts or an unlevel cabinet, not a failing motor.
- Compressor or start relay fault — Last, and it is the only one of the four where the noise is a warning rather than a nuisance.
What to check first, second, third
- Open the freezer, hold the door switch closed and listen — A noise that stops with the door and returns with the switch is this fan and nothing else.
- Look for frost on the freezer rear panel — A blade ticking against ice and a worn bearing sound similar; the ice tells you which, and it changes the repair.
- Pull the unit out and watch the condenser fan run — Second location, same class of fault — an obstruction is usually visible before anything is dismantled.
- Check the cabinet is level and not touching the surround — Last, because it explains a noise that has grown rather than one that appeared, and it is an adjustment rather than a repair.
Before any panel comes off
Safety
Unplug the appliance or switch it off at the breaker before working on it; a capacitor can hold a charge after the power is off. Empty the cabinet before you move it, and never break ice off a fan blade with a screwdriver — the tubing immediately behind it punctures easily and takes the sealed system with it.
Models in the AQU family
Reference| Model number | Family key |
|---|---|
| AQU1203TRW | amana:refrigerator:aqu |
| AQU1223BRW | amana:refrigerator:aqu |
| AQU1501TRW* | amana:refrigerator:aqu |
| AQU1525AEW | amana:refrigerator:aqu |
| AQU1613TEW | amana:refrigerator:aqu |
| AQU1613TEW* | amana:refrigerator:aqu |
| AQU1626BEW | amana:refrigerator:aqu |
| AQU1627BRW | amana:refrigerator:aqu |
| AQU1824BRW | amana:refrigerator:aqu |
| AQU1827BRW | amana:refrigerator:aqu |
| AQU2003TRW* | amana:refrigerator:aqu |
| AQU2024BRW | amana:refrigerator:aqu |
| AQU2027BRW | amana:refrigerator:aqu |
When to call a technician
The condition is what the fix turns out to be. An adjustment — levelling, clearing something that fell in, moving the cabinet off a wall — is owner work on these models. A part is not. A repeating click with a warming cabinet should be booked the same day rather than monitored.
Nearest pages of this class
Lead Appliance Repair Technician · 12 years experience
Experienced technician with 12 years specializing in washing machine and dryer repairs across all major brands.
