Amana V Series User manual

This Base Manual covers all
"V" series SxS Refrigerators
with foam-in-place doors.
Refer to individual Technical Sheet
for information on specific models.
Service
This manual is to be used by qualified appliance
technicians only. Amana does not assume any
responsibility for property damage or personal
injury for improper service procedures done by an
unqualified person. RS1300004
Revision 1
September 2001
“V” Series
Side-by-Side Refrigerators
with Foam-in-Place Doors

RS1300004 Rev. 1 2
Pride and workmanship go into every product to provide our customers with quality products. It is possible, however,
that during its lifetime a product may require service. Products should be serviced only by a qualified service
technician who is familiar with the safety procedures required in the repair and who is equipped with the proper tools,
parts, testing instruments and the appropriate service manual. REVIEW ALL SERVICE INFORMATION IN THE
APPROPRIATE SERVICE MANUAL BEFORE BEGINNING REPAIRS.
Important Notices for Consumers and Servicers
!
WARNING
To avoid risk of serious injury or death, repairs should not be attempted by an unauthorized personal, dangerous
conditions (such as exposure to electrical shock) may result.
CAUTION !
Amana will not be responsible for any injury or property damage from improper service procedures. If performing
service on your own product, assume responsibility for any personal injury or property damage which may result.
To locate an authorized servicer, please consult your telephone book or the dealer from whom you purchased this
product. For further assistance, please contact:
CONSUMER AFFAIRS DEPT. OR 1-319-622-5511
AMANA APPLIANCES, INC. CALL and ask for
AMANA, IOWA 52204 Consumer Affairs
If outside the United States contact:
AMANA
ATTN: CONSUMER AFFAIRS DEPT
AMANA, IOWA 52204, USA
Telephone: [phone]
Facsimile: [phone]
TELEX: 4330076 AMANA
CABLE: "AMANA", AMANA, IOWA, USA
Recognize Safety Symbols, Words, and Labels
DANGER !
DANGER - Immediate hazards which WILL result in severe personal injury or death.
WARNING !
WARNING - Hazards or unsafe practices which COULD result in severe personal injury or death.
CAUTION !
CAUTION - Hazards or unsafe practices which COULD result in minor personal injury or product or property
damage.
Important Information

3RS1300004 Rev. 1
Table of Contents
Amana • 2800 220thTrail • PO Box 8901 • Amana, Iowa • 52204 • Printed in the U.S.A.
Important Information ..................................................2
Product Design
Refrigeration System ...............................................5
Temperature Controls
Electromechanical ...............................................5
Electronic............................................................5
Defrost Controls
Electromechanical ...............................................5
Electronic............................................................5
Other Features
Deli DrawerTM .............................................................................................................. 5
Beverage Chiller ...................................................5
Component Testing ....................................................6
Troubleshooting Procedure
Troubleshooting Chart:
Refrigerator Symptoms Related to Problems ........ 12
Troubleshooting Chart:
Sealed-System Conditions .................................. 15
System Diagnosis
Symptoms of Overcharge.................................... 16
Symptoms of Refrigerant Shortage ...................... 16
Symptoms of Restriction .................................... 16
Symptoms of Air in System ................................ 17
Symptoms Due to Improper Ambient
Temperature .................................................... 17
Heavy Heat Load................................................ 17
Service Procedures
Service Equipment ................................................ 18
Line Piercing Valves (Schroeder valves)................... 18
Open Lines ........................................................... 18
Brazing ................................................................ 18
HFC134a Service Information ................................. 19
Health, Safety, and Handling .................................. 19
Sealed-System Service ......................................... 20
Restrictions .......................................................... 20
Evacuation ........................................................... 21
Charging .............................................................. 22
Drier Replacement ................................................ 22
Replacement Service Compressor .......................... 23
Testing Replacement Compressor .......................... 23
Condensation Test ................................................ 24
Refrigerant Flow 23/26 cu. ft................................... 25
Refrigerant Flow 21 cu. ft. ...................................... 26
Air Flow 23/26 cu. ft. ............................................. 27
Air Flow 21 cu. ft................................................... 28
Disassembly
Refrigerator Door ................................................... 29
Remove Refrigerator Door (electronic unit) ............... 29
Remove Refrigerator Door (electromechanical unit)... 29
Disassemble Refrigerator Door (electronic controls).. 30
Disassemble Refrigerator Door
(electromechanical controls) ............................... 30
Remove Freezer Door (dispenser) ........................... 31
Remove Freezer Door (nondispensing) .................... 31
Disassemble Freezer Door (decorator) .................... 32
Disassemble Freezer Door (nondecorator) ............... 32
Disassemble Ice 'n' WaterTM Cavity ......................... 32
Refrigerator Cabinet ............................................... 34
Upper Refrigerator Light ......................................... 34
Temp-AssureTM Control Unit (electronic) .................. 34
Temp-AssureTM Control Unit (electromechanical) ...... 34
Water Filter and Tubing ......................................... 36
Water Tank and Tubing .......................................... 38
Freezer Cabinet .................................................... 39
Freezer Light/Auger Motor Interlock Switch ............. 39
Freezer Light Bulb & Light Socket .......................... 39
Auger Motor ......................................................... 39
Icemaker .............................................................. 39
Evaporator Disassembly
Thermistor (electronic only)................................. 40
Evaporator Cover ................................................ 40
Evaporator Fan .................................................. 40
Defrost Terminator (thermostat) ........................... 40
Defrost Heater ................................................... 41
Evaporator Coil .................................................. 41
Toe Grille.............................................................. 42
Defrost Timer (21 cu. ft.) ........................................ 42
Defrost Timer (23/26 cu. ft.).................................... 42
Lower Door Hinges ................................................ 42
Front Rollers ......................................................... 43
Rear Rollers ......................................................... 43
Drain Pan (21 cu. ft.) ............................................. 44
Drain Pan (23/26 cu. ft.)......................................... 44
High-Voltage Box (21 cu. ft. only) ........................... 44
High-Voltage Board (electronic only) ....................... 44
Power Switch (electronic only) ............................... 44
Machine Compartment
Primary Water Valve (before filter) ........................ 44
Secondary Water Valve (after filter) ...................... 44
Machine Tray ..................................................... 45
Drain Pan (23 & 26 cu. ft.) .................................. 45
Condenser Fan (21 cu. ft.) .................................. 45
Condenser Fan (23/26 cu. ft.).............................. 46
Compressor Run Capacitor ................................. 46
Overload & Relay ............................................... 47
Compressor....................................................... 47
Drier ................................................................. 47
Condenser......................................................... 47
Drain Tube......................................................... 47

RS1300004 Rev. 1 4
Appendix A
Electronic Controls
Keyboard Pad Functions ...................................A-2
ENTRY tone .....................................................A-2
COMMAND ACCEPTED tone ............................A-2
..................................................................A-2
FREEZER TEMP pad ........................................A-2
REFRIG TEMP pad ...........................................A-2
WARMER pad ..................................................A-2
COLDER pad....................................................A-2
FAST FREEZE pad ...........................................A-3
MAX COOL pad ................................................A-3
ALARM OFF pad ..............................................A-3
DISPLAY OFF pad ............................................A-3
Program Mode ..................................................A-3
VACATION pad .................................................A-3
Alarms .............................................................A-3
DOOR OPEN Alarm ..........................................A-3
HIGH TEMP Alarm ............................................A-3
Thermistor alarm ...............................................A-3
CLEAN COIL Light ............................................A-3
Temperature Control Operation ..............................A-4
Damper Control....................................................A-4
Adaptive Defrost Operation....................................A-4
Program Mode .....................................................A-5
EEPROM Update in Control Memory .....................A-5
Program Mode A Functions ..................................A-5
Program Mode B Functions ..................................A-5
Electronic Testing ................................................A-6
Electronic Control Board (High-Voltage Board) ........A-7
High-Voltage Board Component Location................A-7
Resistance Checks made at High-Voltage Board ....A-7
Refrigeration and Defrost Component Checks
at High-Voltage Board........................................A-8
Cycles of Operation..............................................A-9
Table of Contents Appendix B
Icemaker
Operation .........................................................B-2
Specifications ...................................................B-2
Test Procedures ................................................B-3
Disassembly ....................................................B-3
Water Fill Adjustment ........................................B-5
Wiring Diagram .................................................B-6
Icemaker Troubleshooting Chart .........................B-7
Ice and Water Systems
Ice 'n' WaterTM Electronic Dispenser ...................B-9
Ice 'n' WaterTM Troubleshooting Charts ..............B-10
Redundant Heater Wiring .................................B-12
All Ice & Water Systems .................................B-13
Appendix C
Installation Instructions
Unpacking Unit .................................................C-2
Refrigerator Door (Electronic) .............................C-2
Refrigerator Door (Nonelectronic) ........................C-3
Freezer Door (Dispenser) ...................................C-3
Freezer Door (No Dispenser) ..............................C-4
Moving Unit ......................................................C-4
Water Supply ...................................................C-5
Final Steps .......................................................C-5

5RS1300004 Rev. 1
Product Design Defrost Controls
Electromechanical
After every 8 hours of compressor run time, a defrost
timer activates the radiant electric defrost heater that is
suspended from the evaporator. After 33 minutes of
defrost time, the timer restores power to the
compressor.
A defrost terminator (thermostat) is wired in series with
the defrost heater and evaporator fan motor. The
terminator opens the defrost circuit when the
temperature of the evaporator reaches a preset high
temperature. When the defrost thermostat opens, it
remains open until the end of the defrost cycle. When
the cooling cycle starts, the terminator senses a preset
low temperature in the evaporator chamber and closes.
The defrost heater is suspended across the bottom of
the evaporator coil so it warms the defrost drain as it
defrosts the evaporator. Defrost water is caught in the
trough under the evaporator coil and flows through a
drain hole and drain tubing, into the drain pan under the
cabinet. Heated air circulated by condenser fan over
drain pan evaporates water.
Electronic
See “Electronic Controls”.
Other Features
Deli DrawerTM
The Deli DrawerTM is a drawer that is mounted in an
extra-cold sleeve within the fresh-food compartment. A
control on the inner wall of the fresh-food compartment
allows freezer air to circulate inside the sleeve, keeping
temperature in the drawer up to 5°F colder than the
fresh-food compartment.
NOTE: Vinyl boot directs freezer air from inlet port to
deli drawer sleeve. Boot must be in place and in
good condition if deli drawer is to work properly.
Beverage Chiller
A control on the left, inner wall of the fresh food
compartment allows freezer air to circulate into
beverage chiller, keeping temperature inside the chiller
up to 4°F colder than the fresh food compartment.
NOTE: Fresh food compartment temperature can be
affected by cold air in beverage chiller and deli
drawer. Refrigerator temperature control may
need adjustment after temperature of deli
drawer or beverage chiller is set.
Refrigeration System
A compressor forces hot refrigerant vapor into a fan
cooled condenser made of aluminum tubing and wire.
Air circulated across the condenser cools and
condenses hot vapor into high-pressure liquid (See
Refrigerant Flow Diagram).
From the condenser, liquid refrigerant passes through a
molecular-sieve drier and into a capillary tube. The small
inside diameter of the capillary offers resistance to
refrigerant flow. The resistance increases pressure on
liquid in the capillary and causes relatively lower
pressure inside the evaporator. The difference in
pressure improves evaporation.
Also inside the capillary, temperature of the liquid
refrigerant is reduced because the capillary is routed
through a heat exchanger. In the heat exchanger, hot
refrigerant in the capillary is cooled by refrigerant vapor
of relatively low temperature that flows through the
suction line. The length of the capillary and heat
exchanger are carefully designed for each system.
The evaporator coil is made of aluminum tubing and
sheet metal. The capillary enters the evaporator at top
rear. Refrigerant in the form of liquid and gas flows
through the coil and into the suction line.
The evaporator coil is inside the back wall of the freezer
compartment. There an evaporator fan circulates air
from the freezer and fresh-food compartments, through
the evaporator coil and out, again, into the freezer and
fresh-food compartments.
The large surface area of the evaporator coil facilitates
heat absorption from both fresh-food and freezer
compartments. Temperature of the evaporator at the
end of the cooling cycle varies from -13° to -26°F.
Temperature Controls
Electromechanical
Freezer compartment temperature is regulated by
means of an air-sensing thermostat located at top rear
of the fresh-food compartment. The thermostat senses
freezer compartment temperature by means of a control
capillary that is routed from the thermostat, through a
well, and into the freezer compartment. The thermostat
control should be set to maintain freezer temperature
between 0° and +2°F.
Fresh-food compartment temperature is also
thermostatically controlled. In this case, an air-sensing
thermostat regulates a damper which controls the
amount of cold air that flows into the refrigerator from
the freezer. Fresh-food compartment temperature
should be kept between 38° and 40°F.
Electronic
See “Electronic Controls”.

Component Testing
!WARNING
To avoid risk of electrical shock, severe personal injury or death; disconnect power to unit before servicing,
unless testing requires power. Discharge capacitor through a 10,000 ohm resistor before handling.
RS1300004 Rev. 1 6
Component Description Test Procedure
Capacitor
Run capacitor connects to relay terminal 3
and L side of line.
Auger motor capacitor is in series with auger
motor. Auger motor capacitor does not have
identified terminals and can be wired without
regard to polarity.
1. Disconnect power to refrigerator.
2. Remove capacitor cover and disconnect capacitor wires.
3. Discharge capacitor by shorting across terminals with a resistor for 1
minute.
4. Check resistance across capacitor terminals with ohmmeter set on
“X1K” scale.
• Good — needle swings to 0 ohms and slowly moves back to infinity.
• Open — needle does not move. Replace capacitor.
• Shorted — needle moves to zero and stays. Replace capacitor.
• High resistance leak — needle jumps toward 0 and then moves
back to constant high resistance (not infinity).
Capillary tube Capillary is sized in diameter and length to
feed proper amount of refrigerant to
evaporator.
Capillary is soldered to suction line to transfer
heat from capillary and add additional
superheat to gas refrigerant in compressor
suction line.
Capillary discharges into evaporator.
Restricted or clogged capillary tube must be replaced with tube of same
inner diameter and length.
Follow all procedures for evacuation and charging of sealed system and for
safe handling of refrigerant.
Timer, defrost
Timer motor operates only when freezer
temperature control is closed. After specified
amount of actual compressor run time, cam in
timer throws the contacts from terminal 4
(compressor circuit) to terminal 2 (defrost
terminator and defrost heater).
After 33 minutes of defrost time, timer cam
restores power to terminal 4 (compressor).
1. To check timer-motor winding, look for continuity between terminals 1
and 3 of timer.
2. Depending on position of cam, timer terminal 1 is common to terminal
2, (defrost mode) or terminal 4 (compressor mode). There must be no
continuity between terminals 2 and 4.
3. With continuity between terminals 1 and 4, rotate timer knob clockwise
until audible click is heard. When click is heard, reading between
terminals 1 and 4 should be infinite and there should be continuity
between terminals 1 and 2.
4. Rotate timer knob until second click is heard. This should restore circuit
between terminals 1 and 4.
Valve, water Controls water flow to icemaker and cavity. Check resistance across coil windings.
Damper Control
Damper control balances cold-air delivery
between refrigerator and freezer
compartments.
In non-electronic units, integral capillary
activates damper control to close or open
door, regulating airflow from freezer
compartment into fresh-food compartment.
In electronic units, temperature control and
thermistor together determine if damper-
control heater switch is open or closed.
Damper controls on non-electronic units have
no electrical connections.
Subject capillary to appropriate temperature (see tech sheet for model being
serviced). Damper door should close to within ¼” (6 mm) of completely shut.
Non-electronic units: If altitude adjustment is required, turn altitude
adjustment screw 1/8 turn clockwise for each 1,000 feet (305 meters)
increase in altitude above sea-level.

Component Testing
!WARNING
To avoid risk of electrical shock, severe personal injury or death; disconnect power to unit before servicing,
unless testing requires power. Discharge capacitor through a 10,000 ohm resistor before handling.
7 RS1300004 Rev. 1
Control, freezer
temperature
(Non-electronic
units)
F
reezer temperature control is a capillary tub
e
operating a single-pole, single-throw switch. Check control calibration with thermocouple capillary correctly located in air- supply well. Perform check by recording cut-in and cut-out temperatures wit
h
control in middle setting (tech sheet for model being serviced has correct
cut-in/cut-out temperatures).
Check operation of control contacts by disconnecting electrical leads to
control. Then turn control knob to coldest setting and check for continuity
across terminals.
Altitude Adjustment:
In most cases altitude adjustment can be avoided by turning temperature
control to a colder setting. When altitude adjustment is required, turn
adjustment screw 1/7-turn clockwise for each 1,000 feet (305 M) above sea
level, up to 10,000 feet (3050 M).
Condenser Condenser is tube-and-wire construction and
is located in compressor compartment, on
high-pressure side of compressor. Condenser
transfers heat from refrigerant to atmosphere.
Hot, high-pressure gas is routed to condenser
where, as gas becomes relatively cooler, it
condenses into high-pressure liquid. Heat
transfer takes place because refrigerant gas
i
s warmer than air blown across condenser b
y
the condenser fan.
Proper airflow over condenser is important. If
efficiency of heat transfer from condenser to
atmosphere is impaired, temperature of liquid
refrigerant grows higher. Hotter liquid
refrigerant, when it boils in the evaporator,
absorbs less heat than relatively cooler
refrigerant.
Higher than normal head pressures, long run
times, and high energy use together indicate
a dirty condenser. Normal airflow across a
condenser prevents such problems. Remove
lint, dust and other debris from condenser
whenever you service a refrigerator.
From the condenser, refrigerant flows into a
post-condenser loop. Then it moves through
drier and evaporator and back to the
compressor through the suction line. The loop
controls condensation on flange, center
mullion, and around freezer door.
Leaks in condenser can usually be detected by using an electronic leak
detector or soap solution.
B
ecause a small amount of compressor oil always circulates with refrigeran
t,
the presence of oil on condenser also indicates a leak.
Leaks in post-condenser loop are rare because loop is a one-piece copper
tube.
For minute leaks:
1. Separate condenser from rest of refrigeration system and pressurize
condenser up to a maximum of 16 bars (235 PSI) with a refrigerant and
dry-nitrogen mixture.
2. Recheck for leaks and/or watch for pressure drop.
WARNING
!
To avoid risk of severe personal injury or death, observe the following
statements:
1. If high pressures are required for leak checking, protect against
sudden eruptions.
2. Do not use high pressure gases in refrigeration systems without a
reliable pressure regulator and pressure relief valve in the lines.

Component Testing
!WARNING
To avoid risk of electrical shock, severe personal injury or death; disconnect power to unit before servicing,
unless testing requires power. Discharge capacitor through a 10,000 ohm resistor before handling.
RS1300004 Rev. 1 8
Drier Drier is located in machine compartment at
outlet of post-condenser loop. It removes
moisture from liquid refrigerant while passing
refrigerant to capillary.
Drier must be replaced when system is opened for any reason. Before
opening system, recover refrigerant for safe disposal.
Do not debraze drier. Applying heat to remove drier drives moisture out of
drier into system. Cut drier out of system using the following procedure:
1. Score capillary tube close to drier and break.
2. Reform tubes so you have space in which to use a large tubing cutter
on the drier.
3. Cut circumference of drier 1-1/4” (3 cm) below point at which
condenser inlet tube joins drier. Remove drier, leaving only its top
brazed to tubing.
WARNING
!
To avoid risk of severe personal injury or death; cut drier at correct
location. Cutting drier in wrong place allows desiccant beads to
scatter, creating a fall hazard. Clean up beads if spilled.
4. Apply heat-trap paste on post-condenser tubes above drier to protect
grommets from high heat.
5. Debraze remaining part of drier and remove it from system.
6. Discard drier in safe place. Do not leave drier with customer.
7. If unit is in warranty, old drier accompanies warranty claim.
Evaporator Inner volume of evaporator allows liquid
refrigerant to expand into refrigerant gas.
Expansion cools evaporator,
transferring heat from freezer to refrigerant.
Passing through heat exchanger on its way to
compressor, refrigerant gas picks up
superheat from liquid refrigerant. Exchange
assures complete vaporization of liquid
refrigerant inside evaporator.
Compressor pulls refrigerant gas through
suction line to complete cycle.
Use electronic leak detector or solution of soap and water to check for leaks
from evaporator. Presence of oil on evaporator also indicates a leak
because some compressor oil always circulates with refrigerant.
For minute leaks:
1. Separate evaporator from rest of system and pressurize condenser up
to a maximum of 10 bars (140 PSI) with a refrigerant and dry nitrogen
combination.
2. Recheck for leaks and/or watch for pressure drop.
Heater, cavity Applied to back of ice and water cavity to
prevent condensation on face of cavity. Some models have spare heater foamed in place at factory. See tech sheet for model being serviced.
Check resistance across heater (for resistance values see tech sheet for
model being serviced).
Heater, evaporator
(defrost)
A
ctivated when defrost thermostat or adaptiv
e
defrost control completes circuit through the
heater.
Check resistance across heater.
To check defrost system:
1. Thermocouple defrost thermostat and plug refrigerator into wattmeter.
2. Force unit into defrost mode (see “Electronic Testing”). Wattmeter
should read according to tech sheet.
3. When thermostat reaches specified temperature (see tech sheet), it
should interrupt power to heater.
Motor, auger
Located behind ice bucket. Drives helix auger
and cube crusher.
PSC (Permanent Split Capacitor) motor
requiring a run capacitor.
Controlled by ice-actuator switch in series
with freezer-door auger-interlock switch and
cube/crushed ice switch.
Internal overload trips after about 90 seconds
of continuous run. Resets in about 3 minutes.
Disconnect power, check windings with ohmmeter and verify ground.
Crushed/Cube Dispensing Models:
With unit at room temperature, check resistance between wire leads
(see tech sheet for your model).
Cube Dispensing Models:
With unit at room temperature, check resistance between wire leads
(see tech sheet for your model).

Component Testing
!WARNING
To avoid risk of electrical shock, severe personal injury or death; disconnect power to unit before servicing,
unless testing requires power. Discharge capacitor through a 10,000 ohm resistor before handling.
9 RS1300004 Rev. 1
Motor, condenser
Condenser fan moves cooling air across
condenser coil and compressor body.
Condenser-fan motor wired parallel with
compressor.
Check resistance across winding (for resistance value see tech sheet for
model being serviced).
Motor, evaporator
fan Evaporator motor moves air across evaporator coil and throughout refrigerator.
Evaporator fan is wired in series with
temperature control, defrost terminator, and
defrost heater.
1. Disconnect power to unit.
2. Disconnect fan motor leads.
3. Check resistance from earth connection solder. Trace to motor frame
must not exceed .05 ohms.
4. Check for voltage at connector to motor with terminator and
temperature control closed.
Overload Overload is a temperature and current
sensing device.
Overload opens when high current or high
compressor temperature is sensed.
If overload opens, reset can require up to two
hours, depending on ambient temperature,
ventilation, and heat of compressor.
Relay (See PTC Relay)
1. Disconnect power to the refrigerator.
2. Remove relay cover and pull relay off compressor. Pull overload
protector off compressor common terminal.
3. With ohmmeter, check resistance between male terminal and female
receptacle of compressor common terminal. At room temperature,
overload protector should have less than 1 ohm resistance. An open
overload protector will have infinite resistance.
Relay, PTC
When voltage is connected and relay is cool,
current passes through relay to start winding.
After a short time, current heats resistor in
relay. Resistance rises, blocking current flow
through relay. Start winding remains in circuit
through run capacitor.
Relay plugs directly onto compressor START
and RUN terminals. Relay terminals 2 and 3
are connected within relay. Run capacitor is
connected to relay terminal 3. L2 side of 120
VAC power is connected to relay terminal 2.
With power off, check resistance across terminals 2 and 3:
Normal = 3 to 12 ohms
Shorted = 0 ohms
Open = Infinity
Switch, keyboard Semiconductor switch for control panel
keyboard. SWITCH SCHEMATIC
S10
S9
S8
S7
S6
S5
S4
S3
S2
S1
136
PIN NO.
7485
PERIMETER STATIC GUARD
Switch, SPDT
icemaker interlock
Interrupts connection to auger motor and
icemaker when freezer door opens. Turns
freezer light on when door opens.
In series with auger motor, freezer light and
cube/crushed switch.
Check resistance across terminals.
Continuity across terminals 1 and 2 – light
Continuity across terminals 1 and 3 – auger motor
Switch Functions Pin Nos.
Enable Key S1 1, 3 & 4
Freezer Temp S2 1, 3 & 6
Refrig Temp S3 1, 3 & 7
Warmer S4 1, 6 & 7
Colder S5 1, 4 & 6
Vacation S6 1, 4 & 7
Max Cool S7 1, 7 & 8
Fast Freeze S8 1, 4 & 5
Alarm Off S9 1, 4 & 8
Display Off S10 1, 5 & 8

Component Testing
!WARNING
To avoid risk of electrical shock, severe personal injury or death; disconnect power to unit before servicing,
unless testing requires power. Discharge capacitor through a 10,000 ohm resistor before handling.
RS1300004 Rev. 1 10
Switch,
crushed/cubed
Selects between cubed or crushed ice
features. Check resistance across terminals.
Switch left
Middle terminal to left terminal 0 ohms
Middle terminal to right terminal Infinity
Switch right
Middle terminal to right terminal 0 ohms
Middle terminal to left terminal Infinity
Switch, refrigerator
light, freezer light,
refrigerator fan
Completes circuit to allow indicated function.
See tech sheet and wiring diagram for
individual switch.
Check resistance across terminals.
Switch arm down:
“NC” terminals closed
“NO” terminals open
Switch arm up:
“NC” terminals open
“NO” terminals closed
Switch, power
SPDT
Electronic models only. Disconnects high-
voltage board from power when off (open).
Unit ships with switch ON.
Check resistance across terminals.
Switch OFF Infinity (open)
Switch ON 0 ohms (short)
Switch,
photosensitive
In series with cavity light switch and cavity
light. Senses light. Disables cavity light during
bright-light conditions.
Switch must not generate line conducted
noise or radiate inference more than three
feet on the AM, FM, VHF, or USH Frequency
bands.
1. To check light sensor with cavity light switch on, cover light sensor eye.
Cavity lamp should light at 50% illumination.
2. If lamp fails to light, activate water or ice-dispenser switch. Lamp should
shine at full power and water or ice should be dispensed.
3. If light works with dispenser switch, disconnect power and replace
photosensitive switch.
4. If lamp does not illuminate, disconnect power and check cavity lamp and
socket.
Thermistor
Electronic units only. Senses temperatures in
refrigerator and freezer compartments. Check resistance across terminals. See tech sheet for resistance at specific temperatures.
Thermostat
(Defrost
Terminator)
Clipped to top of evaporator coil. Wired in
series with freezer temperature control,
defrost heater and evaporator-fan motor.
Circuit is complete if evaporator-fan motor
operates when cold.
Controls circuit from freezer temperature
control, through evaporator fan to defrost
heater. Opens and breaks circuit when
terminator senses preset high temperature.
After terminator opens, it remains open until
defrost cycle ends. When evaporator cools to
preset low temperature, terminator closes
again.
Test continuity across terminals.
Volts ..............................................
Watts.............................................
Current ..........................................
Resistance across terminals
Above 48° ±5°F............................
Below 15°±7°F ...........................
Between 48° ±5°F and 15° ±7°F ..
With power off and evaporator below
freezing, thermostat should show
continuity when checked with
ohmmeter. See “Heater, evaporator
(defrost)” entry for additional tests.
120/240 VAC
1000 watts
10/5 amps
Open
Closed
Will stay in current state (open or
closed) until either 48° ±6°F or 15° ±8°F
is reached.
Icemaker See Appendix B for information.

Component Testing
!WARNING
To avoid risk of electrical shock, severe personal injury or death; disconnect power to unit before servicing,
unless testing requires power. Discharge capacitor through a 10,000 ohm resistor before handling.
11 RS1300004 Rev. 1
Compressor
When compressor electrical circuit is
energized, the start winding current causes
relay to heat. After an amount of starting time,
the start winding circuit turns off. The relay
will switch off the start winding circuit even
though compressor has not started (for
example, when attempting to restart after
momentary power interruption).
With “open” relay, compressor will not start
because there is little or no current to start
w
indings. Overload protection will open due t
o
high locked rotor run winding current.
With “shorted” relay or capacitor, compressor
will start and overload protector will quickly
open due to high current of combined run and
start windings.
With open or weak capacitor, compressor will
start and run, as normal but will consume
more energy.
C
R
S
Fuses
Capacitor
Compressor
Switch
To AC supply
Resistance test
1. Disconnect power to unit.
2. Discharge capacitor by wiring it across a resistor for 1 minute.
3. Remove leads from compressor terminals.
4. Set ohmmeter to lowest scale.
5. Check for resistance between
Terminals “S” and “C”
Terminals “R” and “C”
If either compressor winding reads open (infinite or very high
resistance) or dead short (0 ohms), replace compressor.
Grounding test
1. Disconnect power to refrigerator.
2. Discharge capacitor by wiring it across a resistor for 1 minute.
3. Remove compressor leads and use an ohmmeter set on highest scale.
4. Touch one lead to compressor body (clean point of contact) and the
other probe to each compressor terminal.
If a reading is obtained, compressor is grounded and must be replaced.
Operation test
If voltage, capacitor, overload, and motor winding tests do not show cause
for failure, perform the following test:
1. Disconnect power to refrigerator using power switch.
2. Discharge capacitor by wiring it across a resistor for 1 minute.
3. Remove leads from compressor terminals.
4. Wire a test cord to power switch.
5. Place time delayed fuse with UL rating equal to amp rating of motor in
test cord socket. (See individual Technical Sheet).
6. Remove overload and relay.
7. Connect start, common and run leads of test cord on appropriate
terminals of compressor.
8. Attach capacitor leads of test cord together. If capacitor is used, attach
capacitor lead to a known good capacitor of same capacity.
9. Plug test cord into volt-watt meter to determine start and run wattage a
s
well as check for low voltage, which can also be a source of trouble.
10. With power to voltmeter, press start cord switch and release.
• If compressor motor starts and draws normal wattage, compressor is
okay and trouble is in capacitor, relay/overload, freezer temperature
control, or elsewhere in system.
• If compressor does not start when direct wired, recover system at
high side. After system is recovered, repeat compressor direct wire
test. If compressor runs after recovery but would not run when direct
wired before recover, a restriction in sealed system is indicated.
If compressor does not run when wired direct after recover, replace
compressor.

RS1300004 Rev. 1 12
Troubleshooting Procedure
!WARNING
To avoid risk of electrical shock severe personal injury or death; disconnect power to unit before servicing, unless
testing requires power. Discharge capacitor through a 10,000 ohm resistor before handling. Wires removed during
disassembly must be placed on the correct terminals to ensure proper grounding and polarization.
Troubleshooting Chart: Refrigerator Symptoms Related to Problems
Symptom Possible Causes Corrective Action
No power to unit. Check for power at outlet. Check fuse
box or circuit breaker for blown fuse or
tripped breaker. Replace or reset.
Power switch either off or faulty. Check switch at high-voltage board
(electronic models only).
Faulty service cord. Check with test light at unit. If no circuit
when current is present at outlet,
replace or repair.
Low voltage. Check input voltage for proper level.
Take appropriate action to correct
voltage supply problem.
Faulty freezer temperature control. Make sure all connections are tight and
solid. Jumper across control. If unit
runs, replace control.
Faulty timer. Check with test light. Replace if
necessary.
Faulty high-voltage board or
compressor/condenser-fan relay
(electronic models only) or defrost
timer (non-electronic models).
Check board, relay, or timer. Replace if
necessary.
Faulty compressor. Check compressor motor windings for
open/short. Perform compressor direct
wiring test. Replace if necessary.
Unit does not run.
Faulty overload or relay. Check overload for continuity.
NOTE: Ensure compressor and
overload are below trip
temperature before testing.
Check relay resistance across terminals
2 and 3 (consult tech sheet for
correct value).
Replace if necessary.
Excessive door opening. Consumer education.
Shelves overloaded. Consumer education.
Hot food placed in cabinet. Consumer education.
Refrigerator temperature control set
too warm. Adjust control to colder setting.
Poor door seal. Level cabinet. Adjust hinges. Replace
door gasket if necessary.
Refrigerator airflow restricted or
stopped. Check damper operation; replace damper if faulty. Check temp-control;
adjust or replace as required. Check
evaporator fan; replace if necessary.
Interior light stays on. Check switch. Replace if necessary, or
adjust door for proper switch
engagement.
Faulty evaporator fan. Check fan switch, fan and wiring.
Replace if necessary.
Refrigerator section
too warm.
Faulty compressor. Replace compressor.

13 RS1300004 Rev. 1
Troubleshooting Procedure
!WARNING
To avoid risk of electrical shock severe personal injury or death; disconnect power to unit before servicing, unless
testing requires power. Discharge capacitor through a 10,000 ohm resistor before handling. Wires removed during
disassembly must be placed on the correct terminals to ensure proper grounding and polarization.
Symptom Possible Causes Corrective Action
Refrigerator temperature control set
too cold. Adjust as needed.Refrigerator section too cold. Refrigerator airflow not properly
adjusted. Adjust beverage chiller and chiller fresh temperature controls. Make sure deli
boot seals against air-supply orifice.
Temperature controls set too warm. Adjust as needed.
Poor door seals. Level cabinet; adjust hinges. Replace
door gasket(s) if necessary.
Dirty condenser or obstructed grille. Clean.
Faulty temperature controls. Check; replace if necessary.
Defrost malfunction. Check evaporator for heavy frost.
Freezer and refrigerator
sections too warm.
Refrigerant shortage or flow
restriction. Check for leak or restriction. Repair, evacuate, and recharge system.
Temperature control set too cold. Adjust.Freezer section too
cold. Faulty freezer temperature control. Test control. Replace if necessary.
Temperature control set too cold. Adjust.
Faulty temperature control. Test. Replace if defective.
Dirty condenser or obstructed grille. Clean.
Poor door seal. Level cabinet; adjust hinges. Replace
door gasket(s) if necessary.
Interior light stays on. Check switch. Make sure door activates
switch. Adjust, replace as necessary.
Faulty condenser fan or evaporator
fan. Check fan switch, fan and wiring. Replace if necessary.
Refrigerant shortage or flow
restriction. Check for leak or restriction. Repair, evacuate, and recharge system.
Refrigerant overcharge. Check for overcharge. Evacuate and
recharge system.
Unit runs continuously.
Air in system. Check for low-side air leak. Repair,
evacuate, and recharge system.
Unit runs continuously.
Temperature normal or
warm.
Ice on evaporator. See “Ice on Evaporator.”
Unit runs continuously.
Temperature too cold
or too warm.
Faulty defrost timer. Faulty cold
control. Faulty defrost terminator.
Faulty high-voltage board
(electronic units).
Check timer, cold control, terminator
and/or high-voltage board. Replace
faulty components.

RS1300004 Rev. 1 14
Troubleshooting Procedure
!WARNING
To avoid risk of electrical shock severe personal injury or death; disconnect power to unit before servicing, unless
testing requires power. Discharge capacitor through a 10,000 ohm resistor before handling. Wires removed during
disassembly must be placed on the correct terminals to ensure proper grounding and polarization.
Symptom Possible Causes Corrective Action
Loose flooring or floor not firm. Repair floor or brace floor.
Cabinet not level. Level cabinet.
Tubing in contact with cabinet, other
tubing or other metal. Adjust tubing.
Drain pan vibrating. Adjust drain pan.
Fan hits another component. Ensure fan is properly aligned,
associated hardware is tight and not
worn. Tighten or replace as necessary.
Fan motor bearings worn. Check fan motor for loss of lubricant
and worn bearings. Replace if
necessary.
Compressor grommets worn or
missing. Mounting hardware loose
or missing.
Replace grommets. Tighten hardware
as required.
Noisy operation.
Free or loose parts cause noise
during operation. Inspect unit for parts that may have worked loose. Check for loose or
missing screws. Replace, repair as
necessary.
Defrost thermostat faulty. Check thermostat. Replace if
necessary.
Evaporator fan faulty. Check. Replace if necessary.
Defrost heater remains open. Check defrost heater continuity.
Replace if faulty.
Defrost timer faulty. Check timer. Replace if necessary.
Frost or ice on
evaporator.
Open wire or connector. Check wiring and connectors. Repair as
necessary.
Loose wire or thermostat
connections. Check wiring and connections. Repair as necessary.
Supply voltage out of spec. Check input voltage. Correct supply
problems.
Overload protector open. Check overload protector for continuity.
If open, replace overload.
NOTE: Ensure overload and
compressor are below trip
temperature before testing.
Faulty compressor motor capacitor. Check capacitor for open/short.
Replace if necessary.
NOTE: Discharge capacitor before
handling.
Restricted condenser air flow. Check condenser and grille for dirt.
Clean as required.
Unit starts and stops
frequently (cycles on
and off).
Refrigerant shortage or restriction. Check for leak or restriction. Repair,
evacuate, and recharge system.

15 RS1300004 Rev. 1
Troubleshooting Procedure
!WARNING
To avoid risk of electrical shock severe personal injury or death; disconnect power to unit before servicing, unless
testing requires power. Discharge capacitor through a 10,000 ohm resistor before handling. Wires removed during
disassembly must be placed on the correct terminals to ensure proper grounding and polarization.
Variation from Normal
Condition Suction Press Head Press T1
Inlet Temp T2 Outlet Temp T3 Suction Temp Wattage
Refrigerant
Overcharge Increase Increase Warmer Warmer Colder Increase
Refrigerant
Shortage Decrease Decrease or Increase Colder Warmer Warmer Decrease
Partial
Restriction Decrease Decrease or Increase Colder Warmer Warmer Decrease
Air
in System Near Normal Increase Warmer Warmer Warmer Increase
Low Ambient
Installation Decrease Decrease Colder Warmer Warmer Decrease
High
Ambient
Installation Increase Increase Warmer Warmer Warmer Increase
Additional
Heat Load Increase Increase Warmer Warmer Warmer Increase
Inefficient
Compressor Increase Normal or Decrease Warmer or Colder Warmer Warmer Decrease
TroubleshootingChart:Sealed-SystemConditions

RS1300004 Rev. 1 16
Troubleshooting Procedure
!WARNING
To avoid risk of electrical shock severe personal injury or death; disconnect power to unit before servicing, unless
testing requires power. Discharge capacitor through a 10,000 ohm resistor before handling. Wires removed during
disassembly must be placed on the correct terminals to ensure proper grounding and polarization.
System Diagnosis
Symptoms of Overcharge:
a. Above normal freezer temperatures
b. Longer than normal or continuous run
c. Freezing in refrigerator
d. Above normal suction and head pressures
e. Above normal wattage
f. Evaporator inlet and outlet abnormally warm
g. Suction tube temperature below ambient
NOTE: Always check for separated heat exchanger
when suction temperature is below
ambient.Other problems can also mimic the
symptoms of an overcharge. Defrost system
failure is one example: If the evaporator does
not defrost at regular intervals, refrigerant will
“flood out” and cause frost or sweat on the
suction line. Instead of purging refrigerant from
the system, the cause of the problem should be
corrected. Running the freezer colder than
necessary (temperatures of 0 to +2°F are
considered normal) causes similar symptoms to
appear. So does any condition that makes the
compressor run continuously or prevents the
evaporator fan from running.
Symptoms of Refrigerant Shortage
a. Rising food temperature in both compartments
b. Long or continuous run time
c. Evaporator starvation – only partial frosting on
evaporator rather than even frosting of entire coil
d. Appearance of oil on outer surface of any sealed-
system component
e. Below normal wattage
f. Compressor hot to the touch
g. Condenser at or near ambient temperature;
capillary tube warmer than normal
h. Evaporator hisses
i. High-side leak causes both gauges to read lower
than normal. Gauges will read progressively lower
as charge is reduced. Suction gauge will probably
show a vacuum.
j. Low-side leak causes suction gauge to show a
vacuum. Head pressure gauge reads higher than
normal and probably reads progressively higher
as air drawn in at the leak is compressed and
accumulates in high side of system.
NOTE: The first sign of refrigerant shortage that users
typically notice is warm temperatures in the
refrigerator. Because frozen meat and
vegetables do not thaw immediately, customers
do not associate the problem with the freezer
and instead are upset because milk and other
beverages are not cold enough.
In some models (especially those with forced-air
meatkeepers) refrigerant shortage may at first
cause some freezing in the food compartment
due to additional compressor run time. Leaks
always get worse, however. The freezing soon
stops because temperatures continue to rise as
the refrigerant charge is diminished.
With a shortage of refrigerant, the capillary line
will not have a full column of liquid. A distinct
hissing sound from the evaporator is one result.
The hissing should not be mistaken for the
sound of refrigerant boiling normally.
Symptoms of Restriction
A restriction reduces the rate of refrigerant flow and
consequently reduces the rate of heat transfer.
Complete restrictions may be caused by moisture, solid
contaminants in the system or a poorly soldered joint.
Moisture freezes at the evaporator end of the capillary
tube. Solid contaminants collect in the drier-filter.
Wattage is reduce because the compressor is not
circulating the normal amount of refrigerant.
No cooling takes place when a total restriction exists
because refrigerant cannot circulate. Where a partial
restriction exists, refrigeration (cooling) occurs on the
low-pressure side of the restriction. For that reason, you
should physically feel along the refrigeration lines
whenever a partial restriction is suspected.
Most restrictions occur at the drier-filter or at either end
of the capillary tube. Any kinked refrigerant line will
cause a restriction, so the entire system should be
visually checked.
If the restriction is not total, there will be a temperature
difference at the point of restriction. The low-pressure
side will be cooler. In many cases, frost and/or
condensation will be present. When the unit is turned
off, the system requires an abnormally long time (10
minutes is “normal”) to equalize.
A slight restriction gives the same symptoms as a
refrigerant shortage: lower-than-normal suction
pressure, head pressure and wattage readings, and
warmer food temperatures.

17 RS1300004 Rev. 1
Troubleshooting Procedure
!WARNING
To avoid risk of electrical shock severe personal injury or death; disconnect power to unit before servicing, unless
testing requires power. Discharge capacitor through a 10,000 ohm resistor before handling. Wires removed during
disassembly must be placed on the correct terminals to ensure proper grounding and polarization.
NOTE: If a total restriction occurs on the discharge side
of the compressor, head-pressure and wattage
readings may be higher than normal – but only
while the compressor pumps the low side out
and the restriction resides between the
compressor and the first half of the condenser.
To diagnose for a restriction versus a refrigerant
shortage, first discharge the system. Then replace the
drier-filter, evacuate, and recharge with the specified
quantity of the correct refrigerant.
If, after doing so, the unit performs normally, three
possibilities exist: 1) refrigerant loss; 2) partially
restricted drier-filter; 3) moisture in system.
If, after doing so, the symptoms do not change, you may
have a restricted capillary, condenser or possibly a
kinked line. You must find the restriction and correct it.
What about gauge readings? If the restriction is on the
low side, suction pressure will probably be in vacuum
and head pressure will be near normal. If the restriction
is on the high side, suction pressure, again, will probably
be in vacuum. Head pressure will be higher than normal
– but only during the pump-out period, as noted above.
In any case it takes longer than normal (10 minutes) for
pressures to equalize after the compressor stops.
Symptoms of Air in System
The presence of air in a sealed system causes
inefficient cooling. Longer-than-normal compressor run
times result. Where enough air is present, the
compressor runs continuously and the system doesn’t
cool at all. Head pressure readings are abnormally high
because air does not mix with refrigerant but
nevertheless takes up space inside the system.
One way to determine if air is in the system is to read
the head pressure gauge when the unit is shut down
and evaporator and condenser are at the same
temperature. When these conditions have been
achieved, take the temperature of the condenser outlet
tube. Condenser-outlet temperature should be within 3°
or 4°F of what the Pressure-Temperature Relation
(PTR) chart shows for the given idle head pressure. If
the condenser-outlet temperature is substantially lower
than the PTR chart says it ought to be, air is present in
the system.
When air in the system is suspected, a thorough leak-
check is necessary. The leak, if it exists, must be
identified and properly sealed. Once the leak has been
sealed, the system must be discharged; the drier must
be replaced; the system must be evacuated and then
recharged with a correct amount of the specified
refrigerant.
Do not attempt to save time by merely purging air from
the system. Should you do so, you will have an
inefficient, incorrectly charged unit that will soon give
more trouble.
Symptoms Due to Improper Ambient Temperature
Lower ambient air temperature reduces the condensing
temperature and therefore reduces the temperature of
liquid entering the evaporator. The increase in
refrigeration effect due to operation in a low ambient
results in decreased power consumption and run time.
Lower ambients also reduce cabinet heat leak, a fact
partially responsible for reduced power consumption and
run time.
An increase in refrigeration effect cannot be expected
below a certain minimum ambient temperature. That
minimum temperature varies with the type and design of
the product. Generally, ambient temperatures cannot be
lower than 55°F without reducing operational efficiency.
Refrigerators installed in ambients below 55°F do not
perform as well because pressures within the system
are generally reduced and unbalanced. This means that
lower head pressures force less refrigerant through the
capillary, resulting in symptoms like those produced by a
refrigerant shortage. The lower the ambient
temperature, the more pronounced these symptoms
become. At a point where ambient temperature is lower
than the cut-in of the temperature control, the
compressor won’t run. Defrost drain taps freeze up
where ambient temperatures are below 32°F.
Conversely, the higher the ambient temperature, the
higher system head pressure must be in order to raise
high-side refrigerant temperature above that of the
ambient, condensing medium. In other words: head
pressures must rise as the ambient temperature rises.
Where ambient temperatures are too high, operating
efficiency is again reduced.
Heavy Heat Load
Increased heat loads result when an abnormally large
supply of foods is laid in, as is typical after the weekly
shopping. Other factors contributing to an increased
heat load include excessive door openings, poor door
sealing, failure of an interior light to shut off, etc.
An increase in heat absorbed by refrigerant in the
evaporator affects the temperature and pressure of gas
returning to the compressor. Compartment
temperatures, power consumption, discharge and
suction pressures are all affected by heat load.
Pressures will be higher than normal under a heavy heat
load.

Service Procedures
RS1300004 Rev. 1 18
Service Equipment
Bulleted below are items needed for proper service of
HFC134a systems. Before attempting service of
HFC134a systems, make sure that all equipment you
intend to use is certified by the manufacturer to be
compatible with HFC134a and ester oil systems.
NOTE: Items shown in italics must be used exclusively
with HFC134a systems.
•Evacuation pump
Check with vacuum pump supplier to verify equipment
is compatible for HFC134a. Robinair, Model 15600, 2
stage, 170 litres (6 cubic feet) per minute pump is
recommended.
•Four-way manifold gauge set, with low-loss hoses
•Leak detector
•Charging cylinder
•Refrigerant scale
•Line piercing saddle valve (Schroeder valve)
•Swagging tools
•Flaring tools
•Tubing cutter
•Flux
•Sil-Fos
•Silver solder
•Heat-trap paste
•Oil for swagging and flaring
Use only part #R0157532
•Copper tubing
Use only part #R0174075 and #R0174076
•Dry nitrogen
99.5% minimum purity, with -40°C (-40°F) or lower
dew point.
•Crimp tool
•Tubing bender
•Micron vacuum gauge
•Process tube adaptor kit
•ICI appliance-grade HFC134a
!WARNING
To avoid risk of electrical shock, severe personal injury or death; disconnect power to unit before servicing, unless
testing requires power. Discharge capacitor through a 10,000 ohm resistor before handling. Wires removed during
disassembly must be placed on the correct terminals to ensure proper grounding and polarization.
Line Piercing Valves (Schroeder valves)
Seals must be HFC134a and ester-oil compatible. Line
piercing valves can be used for diagnosis but are not
suitable for evacuation or charging because they poke
holes in tubing. Do not leave access valves on system
because they leak. HFC134a molecules are smaller
than other refrigerant molecules, so 134a will leak where
other refrigerants would not.
Open Lines
During any procedure on sealed system, never leave
lines open to atmosphere. Open lines allow water vapor
to enter system, making proper evacuation more
difficult.
Brazing
CAUTION!
To avoid risk of personal injury or property damage,
protect yourself and the unit from heat when brazing.
•Protect yourself by wearing goggles, gloves and other
personal protective equipment.
•Protect components by using heat-trap paste, heat
sinks and other means to isolate heat.
•Satisfactory results require cleanliness, experience,
and use of proper materials and equipment.
•Connections to be brazed must be properly sized, free
of rough edges, and clean.
Acceptable Brazing Materials:
•Copper-to-copper: SIL-FOS (alloy of 15 percent
silver, 80 percent copper, and 5 percent
phosphorous). Use without flux. Recommended
brazing temperature is approximately 760°C (1400°F).
NOTE: Do not use SIL-FOS for copper-to-steel joints.
•Copper-to-steel: SILVER SOLDER (alloy of 30
percent silver, 38 percent copper, 32 percent zinc).
Use with fluoride based flux. Recommended brazing
temperature is approximately 649°C (1200°F).
•Steel-to-steel: SILVER SOLDER (see copper-to-
steel).
•Brass-to-copper: SILVER SOLDER (see copper-to-
steel).
•Brass-to-steel: SILVER SOLDER (see copper-to-
steel).

19 RS1300004 Rev. 1
Service Procedures
!WARNING
To avoid risk of electrical shock, severe personal injury or death; disconnect power to unit before servicing, unless
testing requires power. Discharge capacitor through a 10,000 ohm resistor before handling. Wires removed during
disassembly must be placed on the correct terminals to ensure proper grounding and polarization.
HFC134a Service Information
HFC134a refrigerant is an alternative to CFC12
refrigerant. HFC134a has an ozone depletion potential
(ODP) factor of 0.0 and a global warming potential
(GWP) factor of 0.27. HFC134a has acceptable toxicity
levels and is not flammable.
Health, Safety, & Handling CFC12 HFC134a
Allowable exposure limit 1,000 ppm Same
Vapor exposure to skin No effect Same
Liquid exposure to skin Can cause frostbite Same
Vapor exposure to eye Very slight eye
irritant Same
Liquid exposure to eye Can cause frostbite Same
Above minimum exposure
limit Can cause Asphyxiation,
Tachycardia, and
Cardia Arrhythmias
Same
Safety and handling Wear appropriate
skin and eye
protection. Use
with adequate
ventilation.
Same
Spill management Remove or
extinguish ignition
or combustion
sources. Evacuate
or ventilate area.
Same
Fire explosion hazards May decompose if
in contact with
flames and heating
elements.
Container may
explode if heated
due to resultant
pressure rise.
Produces toxic
byproducts when
burned.
Same
Disposal procedures Recycle or reclaim. Same
Table 1
Properties/Characteristics CFC12 HFC134a
Ozone Depletion Potential 1.0 0.0
Global Warming Potential 3.2 0.27
Molecular weight 121 102
Boiling point at 1 atmosphere -22°F (-30°C) -15°F (-26°C)
Vapor pressure at 77°F (25°C) 80 psig 82psig
Liquid density at 77°F (25°C) 82 lb/ft375 lb/ft3
Flammability No No
High-side system operating
Pressure at 65°F (18°C) HFC134a approximately 3 psig higher than CFC12
Low-side system operating
Pressure at 65°F (18°C) HFC134a approximately 2 psig lower than CFC12
Table 2
Health, Safety, and Handling
Health, safety and handling considerations for HFC134A
are virtually no different than those for CFC12 (See
Table 1). Still, HFC134a is not interchangeable with
CFC12. Significant differences between HFC134a and
CFC12 exist (See Table 2) and must be considered
when servicing refrigeration systems.
Service Precautions
•Allow no trace of other refrigerants in HFC134a
systems. Chlorinated molecules in other refrigerants
(such as CFC12) plug the capillary.
•Ester oil is used in HFC134a systems. Do not use
mineral oil. HFC134a and mineral oil do not mix. If
mineral oil is used with HFC134a, lubricant will not
return to compressor and compressor will fail as a
result. If significant amount of oil is lost from
compressor, do not add oil but replace it instead.
•Take every care to keep moisture out of HFC134a
system. Never leave compressor or system open to
atmosphere for more than 10 minutes. Moisture in
HFC134a system reacts with compressor oil and
generates acid.
•Ester oil in HFC134a systems is so receptive to
moisture that by the time poor system performance is
detected, oil is saturated with moisture.
•HFC-134a compatible copper tubing, Amana part No.
R0174075 (1/4” O.D x 18” length) and part No.
R0174076 (5/16” O.D. x 24” length), must be used
when replacement tubing is required.
•To avoid system contamination, Towerdraw E610
evaporating oil (Amana part No. R0157532) must be
used when flaring, swaging or cutting refrigeration
tubing.
•CFC12 has high tolerance for system processing
materials such as drawing compounds, rust inhibitors
and cleaning compounds. HFC134a has none. Such
materials are not soluble in HFC134a. When washed
from system surfaces by ester oils, they accumulate
and plug capillary tube.
•Always replace compressor when performing low-side
leak repair.
•Always replace drier filter with service drier filter, part
No. B2150504. Never use any other drier.
NOTE: Before attempting removal of drier, read “Drier”
procedure in this manual.
•HFC134a compatible copper tubing, part #R0174075
and part #R0174076 must be used when replacing
tubing.
•Avoid system contamination by using Towerdraw E610
evaporating oil, part # R0157532, when flaring,
swagging, or cutting refrigeration tubing.

Service Procedures
RS1300004 Rev. 1 20
!WARNING
To avoid risk of electrical shock, severe personal injury or death; disconnect power to unit before servicing, unless
testing requires power. Discharge capacitor through a 10,000 ohm resistor before handling. Wires removed during
disassembly must be placed on the correct terminals to ensure proper grounding and polarization.
Sealed-System Service
Expelling the Charge
When diagnosis is complete and a need to open the
sealed system is positively identified, safe capture and
disposal of the refrigerant becomes the first operation.
NOTE: According to federal law, effective July 1, 1992,
it is the responsibility of the service technician to
capture refrigerant for safe disposal.
Dehydration
When moisture gets into a sealed refrigeration system,
heat from compressor and motor causes the moisture to
react chemically with refrigerant and oil. Hydrochloric
and hydrofluoric acids are formed by the process. The
acids break down insulation on motor windings and
corrode compressor working parts.
Compressor failure can be one result. In addition,
sludge (a residue of the chemical reaction) coats all
surfaces inside the sealed system. Eventually, sludge
buildup restricts refrigerant flow through the capillary
tube and ruins system performance.
To prevent component damage and preserve system
performance, sealed systems contaminated with
moisture must be thoroughly dehydrated. Proper system
dehydration entails three steps:
a. Test for leaks and restrictions, and repair as
necessary.
b. Evacuate the system.
c. Charge the system.
Leaks
It is important to check sealed system for refrigerant
leaks. Undetected leaks can lead to repeated service
calls and eventually result in system contamination,
restrictions, and premature compressor failure.
DANGER
!
To avoid risk of severe personal injury or death
caused by explosion. Never use oxygen or acetylene
to pressure test or clean out a refrigeration sysem.
Free oxygen explodes on contact with oil. Acteylene
will explode spontaneously when put under pressure.
Leak-testing Charged Systems
Refrigerant leaks are best detected with halide or
electronic leak detectors. Proceed as follows:
1. Stop the operation (turn refrigerator off).
2. Disconnect unit from power.
3. Hold leak detector’s refrigerant “sniffer” as close to
system tubing as possible while you check all piping,
joints, and fittings.
4. Use soap suds to check areas leak detector cannot
reach or reliably test.
Leak-testing Systems with No Charge
1. Connect cylinder of nitrogen, through gauge
manifold, to process tube of compressor and liquid
line strainer.
2. Open valves on nitrogen cylinder and gauge
manifold. Allow pressure to build within sealed
system.
3. Check for leaks using soap suds.
If a leak is detected in tubing, replace the tubing. If a
leak is detected in either coil, replace the faulty coil.
If a leak is detected in a brazed joint, do not to attempt
to repair by applying more braze. Instead, the joint must
be debrazed and disassembled, cleaned, reassembled
and rebrazed. Capture refrigerant charge (if system is
charged) before starting your repair.
Restrictions
Symptoms
Restrictions in sealed systems most often occur at the
capillary tube or filter drier but can exist anywhere on
liquid side of system.
Restrictions reduce refrigerant flow and rate of heat
removal. Wattage drops because the compressor is not
circulating a normal amount of refrigerant.
Common causes of total restrictions are moisture,
poorly soldered joints, and solid contaminants. Moisture
freezes at the evaporator end of the capillary tube. Solid
contaminants collect in the filter drier.
If restriction is on the low side, suction pressure will be
in a vacuum and head pressure will be near normal.
If restriction is on the high side, suction pressure will be
in a vacuum and head pressure will be higher than
normal during the pump-out cycle.
Refrigeration occurs on the low-pressure side of a
partial restriction. There will be a temperature difference
at the point of restriction. Frost and/or condensation will
be present in most cases at the point of restriction. Also,
the system requires more time to equalize.