Amana Refrigerator Making Noise — Solved

<p>A Amana refrigerator experiencing making noise is one of the most frequently reported service issues for this brand. Whether you own a newer model or a unit that is several years old, this guide walks you through the brand-specific causes, model-by-model diagnostic differences, and the repair costs you can expect. Amana appliances have unique engineering choices that make generic troubleshooting guides insufficient — this guide focuses on what actually goes wrong in Amana units specifically.</p> <h2>Quick Answer</h2> <p>The most common causes of making noise in Amana refrigerators are: Compressor start relay failure (W10613606); Evaporator fan motor grinding (W10189703); Condenser fan debris.</p> <h2>Affected Amana Models</h2> <p>This issue is most commonly reported on the following Amana refrigerator models:</p> <ul> <li><strong>ART318FFDS (Top Freezer — relay click, fan grind)</strong></li> <li><strong>ASI2575GRS (Side-by-Side — condenser fan ticking)</strong></li> <li><strong>ABB1921BRW (Bottom Freezer — drain pan rattle)</strong></li> <li><strong>ART106TFDS (Compact — defrost timer clicking)</strong></li> </ul> <h2>What Are the Common Causes?</h2> <h3>1. Compressor start relay failure (W10613606)</h3> <p>the click-buzz-click pattern every 2-5 minutes is the signature sound of a failing PTC relay on Whirlpool-platform Amana fridges</p> <p>In our technicians' experience, wear on the primary failure component accounts for the majority of making noise — solved cases on Amana units.</p> <h3>2. Evaporator fan motor grinding (W10189703)</h3> <p>sleeve bearings wear out after 8-12 years, producing a grinding sound that stops when the freezer door opens (door switch cuts the fan)</p> <h3>3. Condenser fan debris</h3> <p>pet hair and dust accumulate around the condenser fan behind the kickplate, producing a rhythmic ticking as the blade catches on debris</p> <h3>4. Mechanical defrost timer clicking</h3> <p>Amana value models use a mechanical defrost timer that produces a faint click every time it cycles; this is normal but can become louder as gears wear</p> <h3>5. Drain pan rattle</h3> <p>the plastic drain pan under the unit can shift out of its mounting clips, rattling against the compressor housing during operation</p> <h2>Step-by-Step Troubleshooting</h2> <p>Before starting any troubleshooting on your Amana refrigerator, disconnect power at the circuit breaker or unplug the unit. For gas appliances, turn off the gas supply valve as well.</p> <ol> <li><strong>Identify your exact model:</strong> Locate the model number on the serial plate (typically inside the door frame, on the rear panel, or under the lid). Amana uses this to determine the exact parts and diagnostic procedures for your unit.</li> <li><strong>Check for error codes:</strong> If your Amana refrigerator has a digital display, note any error codes shown. These codes narrow the diagnosis to a specific component or system.</li> <li><strong>Inspect for compressor start relay failure (w10613606):</strong> Based on the most common failure for this symptom, check this component first.</li> <li><strong>Inspect for evaporator fan motor grinding (w10189703):</strong> Based on the most common failure for this symptom, check this component first.</li> <li><strong>Inspect for condenser fan debris:</strong> Based on the most common failure for this symptom, check this component first.</li> <li><strong>Test appliance operation:</strong> After addressing any obvious issues found during inspection, restore power and run a test cycle. Monitor for the first 10-15 minutes to see if the symptom recurs.</li> </ol> <h2>When Should You Call a Professional?</h2> <p>Contact a certified appliance repair technician if:</p> <ul> <li>The issue persists after basic troubleshooting steps above</li> <li>You notice electrical burning smell, sparking, or any sign of electrical damage</li> <li>The repair requires accessing sealed <a href="https://www.epa.gov/section608" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">refrigerant</a> systems, gas connections, or high-voltage components</li> <li>Your Amana refrigerator is within warranty — professional diagnosis preserves warranty coverage</li> </ul> <p>EasyBear technicians carry Amana OEM parts and model-specific diagnostic tools on every service call, eliminating return visits for parts ordering.</p> <p>Repair costs vary by the specific component that needs replacement. A professional diagnostic visit confirms the exact cost before any work begins.</p> <p>This range covers the most common causes listed above. The lower end represents simpler component replacements that can be completed in a single visit. The higher end involves more complex repairs such as sealed system work, major component replacement, or multiple failing parts. A professional diagnostic visit confirms the exact cost before any work begins.</p> <h2>Frequently Asked Questions</h2> <h3>Why is my Amana refrigerator clicking every few minutes?</h3> <p>A click-buzz-click pattern repeating every 2-5 minutes means the compressor start relay (W10613606) is failing. The relay tries to start the compressor, fails, overloads, resets, and tries again. This is a part that plugs directly onto the compressor terminals. Replace it promptly — repeated failed starts can permanently damage the compressor windings.</p> <h3>Is it normal for an Amana refrigerator to be noisy?</h3> <p>Amana value-line refrigerators use standard components and normal operational sounds include: compressor humming (during cooling cycles), gentle fan noise (evaporator and condenser fans), defrost timer clicking (every few hours), and water dripping during defrost. Abnormal sounds include grinding (fan bearings), repetitive clicking (start relay), and loud buzzing (compressor strain or water valve).</p> <h3>Amana fridge humming loudly — should I be worried?</h3> <p>A loud continuous hum usually means the compressor is laboring, often due to dirty condenser coils or a failing start relay. Clean the condenser coils first (behind the kickplate) — this is the most common cause and costs nothing. If the hum persists after cleaning, check the start relay. A loud hum that suddenly stops followed by clicking indicates the relay is about to fail completely.</p> <p><em>Still having issues with your Amana refrigerator? <a href="/book">Book an EasyBear technician</a> for expert Amana [refrigerator repair](/bay-area/services/refrigerator-repair). Our technicians carry OEM parts and brand-specific diagnostic equipment.</em></p>