My amana suddenly quite running... the lights work inside but the compressor isn't running. both the freezer and the fridge are nor working.

next time send the model number and brand name.usually when this happens is the condenser fan motor isn't working.pull the fridge out,remove the bottom back panel and check the fan to see if it's working,if it is check the condenser coil to see if it's filled with lint and dust,it could just need to be cleaned out but if it's that hot most likely the fan isn't running,if you get this tonight check it now,if the fan isn't running you could blow the compressor,the condenser fan blows and keeps the compressor cool enough so it doesn't overheat by moving the hot air and the heat also esscapes through the condenser coil so if that's clogged with dust the machine will run hotter than normal,if the fan isn't running you can stick any window fan back there and blow it onto the compressor to keep it cool until you fix the condenser fan motor,this way you won't loose any food and if the compressor goes it's new fridge time,to much to repair.hope this helps and good luck with your machine.one more thing,i've found the fans not running and by pushing the blade it runs again,if this happens the fan could run and never have a problem or it could stop an hour later but i would change it out no matter what.if it's a G.E. fridge and the motor isn't running,most likely it will be the computer board,i've found 10 machines doing this and the temp. settings turning on and off or the evap fan motor in the freezer runs slow and then fast and the condenser fan isn't running or running slowly,this is why you have to send the brand name and model number.

1. Defrost problem or the fan but as it is an amana it's a defrost terminator and /or heater.
2. You will need to find your defrost timer(pict.3) and advance, turning the cam until you hear the compressor quit.
3. Romove the rear inside panael in fridge.
4. Inspect defrost heater(pict.2) and terminator(pict.3)

One is not working but from experience I would say the first picture, the defrost terminator is not closing.
Good Luck Mastatech

Hello,
the fan in the freezer is supposed to circulate the air through out the entire box both ref/freezer. If you take back wall off the freezer and their is frost build up, the compressor and all associated parts that make it cold are working fine but that fan isn't blowing the air and the fan needs to be replaced.

Gene

Your fridge operates like that: a compressor liquefies freon vapours; this creates heat so the hot liquid goes thru a cooling radiator with a fan on it (these 2 elements are at the rear bottom of the fridge) the freon fluid goes to an evaporator, turns to vapour and absorbs heat in the process, cooling the evaporator; a fan blows air over the evaporator and spreads the cooled air all over the fridge; the vapours return to the compressor.
In the rear of the fridge you should make sure that the radiator is clean and the fan working; inside the fridge you should make sure that the evaporator is not covered in ice and/or dirt and its fan is working. If necessary clean both.
If they are clean , the fans work but the evaporator isn't cold then either the freon circuit has sprung a leak and all the fluid has been lost or the compressor isn't working - to find out which just put your hands on the compressor : if it's hot and vibrates the fluid has been lost, if it doesn't vibrates then the compressor isn't working.
The compressor isn't working because either the thermostat or itself have failed. To find out which the compressor will have to be powered directly from the mains: if it starts then the thermostat must be replaced, if it doesn't the compressor will.
To fix the freon circuit or to replace the compressor a certified professional is mandatory, you must call one.

check the regulator or thermostat for the fridge and set it well.
if it is well set then your compressor is losing compression.

open the freezer door,do you hear the fan blowing around?it sounds like the evap fan motor isn't running and that's why it's cold on the bottom and not the top,you have to repair this fast or you'll loose your food in the fridge,the fan is what blows the cold air from the freezer to the fridge section.

Compressor is going bad.

You have a refrigerant leak. Your coil in the freezer should be frosted. You're looking at 600 dollars minumum for repair.

Is the compressor running. also check to see if the fan next to compressor is running. They should both run at same time..is the compressor fan running and compressor not? Could be the compressor start relay. Next, is there frost buildup on inside back wall of freezer? If so u may have a defrost control out or defrost heater or defrost terminating thermostat out. Greg

If the compressor didn't come on the freezer wouldn't work at all. The problem is in the inside fan on the fridge side.