What this means on these models
An Amana AZB that has become loud is usually transmitting rather than failing. The matrix on this page is the definitive list for this family: two model numbers. Levelling, a stray object against a fan blade and a blade catching ice account for most of it, and only one item on the ranked list below is actually urgent.
The noises worth acting on
- 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 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.
- Gurgling, popping or a running-water sound — These are normal on every cabinet of this type and they get louder in a quiet room rather than in a failing appliance.
- NEAR MISS — the noise comes with a warm cabinet — Noise together with a warm cabinet makes the cooling fault primary, and this page is not the one to work from.
What it usually is, in order
- Cabinet levelling and floor contact — First here, because the matrix on this page covers only a handful of closely related models and the cheapest explanation for "it got louder" is that the appliance moved, not that a part failed.
- Condenser fan obstruction — Second, and visible with the unit pulled out — no panel off, no tools.
- Evaporator fan bearing or ice contact — Third: it needs the freezer opened and the door switch held in, which is why it sits behind the two checks that need neither.
- Compressor or start device — Last: least likely of the four and the only one where continuing to run the appliance is a bad idea.
What to check first, second, third
- Check the cabinet is level and standing on all its feet — A unit that has been moved is the commonest reason an appliance suddenly sounds worse.
- Make sure nothing touches the sides, the back or the top — A cabinet resting against a wall turns a normal hum into a resonance that fills the room.
- Pull the unit out and watch the condenser fan — With the cabinet itself cleared, the next candidate is the fan that runs in the open compartment.
- Open the freezer and hold the door switch in — Open the freezer and hold the door switch in last, because this is the check that turns into a repair if it confirms.
Safety first
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 AZB family
Reference| Model number | Family key |
|---|---|
| AZB33X18D* | amana:refrigerator:azb |
| AZB33X20D* | amana:refrigerator:azb |
When to call a technician
Book a technician once you have located the noise and it turns out to be behind the freezer rear panel or in the sealed system. Normal gurgling, popping and expansion noise needs nothing. On the AZB line the practical line is the panel: in front of it is inspection, behind it is a repair.
Nearest pages of this class
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