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Noise on the ARTX line is a location problem before it is a parts problem: back of the cabinet, inside the freezer, or under the unit. Eight model numbers carry this family badge, and the matrix on this page is the list. Each location has its own short list, and working the list for the wrong location is the usual reason an owner replaces a part that was never the problem.
What you hear, and where from
- A rattle or buzz from the back of the cabinet — A vibration that rises and falls with the compressor points at the machine compartment rather than anything inside the cabinet.
- A chirp, squeal or grind from inside the freezer — It changes or stops when the freezer door is opened, because the door switch cuts power to the evaporator fan.
- 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 buzz or hum that has become noticeably louder — A compressor on tired mounts transmits into the floor, so the cabinet appears to get louder without the compressor changing at all.
- 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 — Noise plus loss of cooling is a different diagnosis, and treating it as a noise problem wastes the visit.
Causes, most likely first on the ARTX line
- Evaporator fan blade fouling ice or a worn fan bearing — First here because the matrix on this page spans enough models to cross more than one production run — 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. It explains the complaint that the appliance has got louder while working perfectly, which neither fan cause does.
- Compressor or start relay fault — Last: a relay clicking on a cycle of a few minutes with no cooling is distinctive, and a genuinely noisy compressor is rarer than any of the three above.
The check order on these models
- 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 ice behind the bottom basket — A blade ticking against frost and a worn bearing sound alike, and the ice decides which repair you are looking at.
- 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 sits square on all its feet and touches nothing — This explains a noise that has grown rather than one that appeared.
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 ARTX family
Reference| Model number | Family key |
|---|---|
| ARTX2014T*** | amana:refrigerator:artx |
| ARTX2019S*** | amana:refrigerator:artx |
| ARTX2021T*** | amana:refrigerator:artx |
| ARTX2314T*** | amana:refrigerator:artx |
| ARTX2418T* | amana:refrigerator:artx |
| ARTX2419S** | amana:refrigerator:artx |
| ARTX2419S*** | amana:refrigerator:artx |
| ARTX3028P*** | amana:refrigerator:artx |
When to call a technician
The condition is whether the fix is an adjustment or a part. Levelling, clearing debris and locating the sound are owner jobs on these models; replacing a fan motor behind the evaporator, a start relay or a compressor mount is a service call. A click every few minutes with no cooling should be booked the same day rather than watched.
Other faults covered for this family
Lead Appliance Repair Technician · 12 years experience
Experienced technician with 12 years specializing in washing machine and dryer repairs across all major brands.
