Restart after year; light goes on nothing happens - no compressor

Hi Bowmunster,
Sounds like it could be a couple of things - the run capacitor could have failed or the compressor has seized - having said that a wire could have burnt off the compressor terminals
Good luck

The purpose of a refrigeration circuit is to move heat from the inside of the cabinet to the outside.

The compressor pumps refrigerant around the circuit and if everything is ok the evaporator is cold and the condenser becomes warm. If the compressor is running but nothing inside or outside is happening either the compressor is defective or the refrigerant has leaked away.

If the condenser is warm or hot but the inside is not cold the defrosting panel might be permanently switched on.

bad gas valve or control board

Here is a wiring diagram of a typical Amana Side by Side Refrigerator. In the top left corner you will see the box saying Harness FZ Door and Door Hinge Click HERE to view. I'm not sure just what model number you have but this diagram will help in giving you an idea of what plug and sections of wiring you and I can assist you in locating your bad connections. Look under the top hinge plastic cover and see if connecting or try pushing the plug assembly together more firmly. If this helps please let me know and please look around your fresh food section door and send me your model number so I can point you to the correct refrigerator wiring diagrams and tech support. Thank You, Sea Breeze

Larger View

Unplug it for 30 minutes to an hour and it should start up again. Problem is your compressor is no good. Get ready for a new fridge in 3-6 months.

I believe what is happening here is a defective start relay and overload. Right now I would pull refrigerator away from the wall and unplug. Next remove the cover over the compressor feel top of the compressor and if it is not possible to keep your hand there from heat tells me the compressor is trying to start. Keep unplugged until replacing the Start Relay Kit below.Most times the compressor that begins to do these symptoms can be fixed by replacing the=>
W10189190 Relay and Overload Kit
These parts can be found by removing the rear cover near floor and then pulling the cover on the side of the compressor. Click Here=> ASD2522WRB02 Unit Parts In that photo is a compressor top left of photo. Number location 13 is the cover of the part I am talking about and location 12 in that photo is the start relay and overload. If you have trouble I will be here to assist you, Thanks Sea Breeze

W10189190 Relay and Overload Kit

I would suggest replaceing the overload/relay w/capacitor .
Pt # 67005560 . This piece , easily plugs onto the side of the compressor . If you replace it now , since it is already burnt , it would save you the trouble of replacing it later , when the compressor will not restart . It will happen again , due to the burning .

You may have a bad relay/overload part number 12555902 runs about $15 but if the compressor is going bad it may not work.If you take the relay/overload off  turn it into your hand and shake it if you it sprinkles out like a pepper shaker go with the OEM part afore mentioned,but if it sounds solid and nothing comes out go with a hard start(SUPCO RC0410 also about $15) it will buy you at least another couple years in which to shop around for a replacement or save the money for a new compressor.You can call Amana to check on the warranty but most only had five years on sealed system.

you may try hard restart by shuting the fridge off and unplugging it from the wall . plug in back in and after 5 min turn it back on . close both doors and wait one hour . check the temp. if the unit still will not respond calll the local woranty amana repairman only. hope this helps you

amana is having some problems with their compressors locking up. if the compressor is manuactured by tecumseh then tthe compressor is mostlikely locked up and will need replacing. good news is your refrig is most likely less than years old and should be in warranty to amana..