Maytag ATB1504ARQ User manual

15 Cubic Foot
Top Mount
Refrigerators
This Base Manual covers general information
Refer to individual Technical Sheet
for information on specific models
This manual includes, but is
not limited to the following:
Amana
ATB1504ARQ
ATB1504ARW
Maytag
MTB1502ARQ
MTB1502ARW
MTB1504ARQ
MTB1504ARW
Magic Chef
CTB1502ARQ
CTB1502ARW
CTL1502AEW
CTN1502AEW
Service
This manual is to be used by qualified appliance
technicians only. Maytag does not assume any
responsibility for property damage or personal
injury for improper service procedures done by
an unqualified person.
16022675
December 2003

16022675 Rev.0 2 ©2003 Maytag Appliances Company
Important Notices for Servicers and Consumers
Maytag will not be responsible for personal injury or property damage from improper service procedures. 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 information. IT IS THE TECHNICIANS RESPONSIBLITY TO
REVIEW ALL APPROPRIATE SERVICE INFORMATION BEFORE BEGINNING REPAIRS.
!WARNING
To avoid risk of severe personal injury or death, disconnect power before working/servicing on appliance to avoid
electrical shock.
To locate an authorized servicer, please consult your telephone book or the dealer from whom you purchased this
product. For further assistance, please contact:
Customer Service Support Center
CAIR Center
Web Site Telephone Number
WWW.AMANA.COM ............................................... 1-800-843-0304
WWW.JENNAIR.COM ............................................ 1-800-536-6247
WWW.MAYTAG.COM............................................. 1-800-688-9900
CAIR Center in Canada.......................................... 1-800-688-2002
Amana Canada Product .......................................... 1-866-587-2002
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, product or property
damage.
Important Information

©2003 Maytag Appliances Company 3 16022675 Rev.0
ImportantInformation................................................... 2
Model Identification .................................................... 4
ComponentTesting
Compressor ............................................................. 5
ResistanceTest ....................................................... 5
GroundTest ............................................................. 5
OperationTest ......................................................... 5
Capacitor ................................................................. 6
Condenser ............................................................... 6
Overload/ Relay ...................................................... 7
TemperatureControl ................................................. 7
IceMaker................................................................. 7
CondenserMotor ..................................................... 7
EvaporatorFanMotor............................................... 7
RefrigeratorLight Switch .......................................... 8
Drier......................................................................... 8
DefrostTimer ........................................................... 8
Evaporator................................................................ 9
DefrostHeater.......................................................... 9
DefrostThermostat .................................................. 9
ServiceProcedures
ServiceEquipment ................................................. 10
DrierReplacement ................................................. 10
RefrigerantPrecautions ............................................. 11
Line Piercing Valves ............................................... 11
OpenLines ............................................................ 11
Compressor OperationalTest ................................. 11
DehydratingSealed Refrigeration System .............. 12
LeakTesting .......................................................... 12
Restrictions ........................................................... 13
EvacuationandCharging ........................................... 14
Evacuation ............................................................. 14
Charging ................................................................ 15
RefrigerantCharge .................................................... 15
HFC134aServiceInformation .................................... 16
Health,Safety,andHandling .................................. 16
Replacement ServiceCompressor............................ 17
CompressorTestingProcedures ............................ 17
Brazing ..................................................................... 17
RefrigerantFlow ........................................................ 18
Table of Contents
CabinetAirFlow ........................................................ 19
TroubleshootingChart .......................................... 20-22
System Diagnosis
Symptomsof an Overcharge .................................. 23
Symptomsof RefrigerationShortage ...................... 23
Symptoms of a Restriction..................................... 24
Symptoms ofAir in System ................................... 24
Symptomsof Low orHighAmbient ........................ 25
HeatLoad .............................................................. 25
DisassemblyProcedures
DoorRemoval
FreezerDoor .......................................................... 26
FreshFood Door .................................................... 26
RefrigeratorCompartment
LightBulb .............................................................. 26
Light Bulb Socket .................................................. 26
DefrostTimer ......................................................... 27
Light Switch ........................................................... 27
ColdControl ........................................................... 27
FreezerCompartment
FreezerTemperatureControl .................................. 27
EvaporatorCover .................................................... 27
EvaporatorFan,EvaporatorMotor .......................... 27
DefrostTerminator(Thermostat) ............................. 27
DefrostHeater........................................................ 27
EvaporatorRemoval ............................................... 27
BottomofCabinet
FrontRollerAssembly............................................ 28
RearRollerAssembly ............................................ 28
CondensateDrain Pan ........................................... 28
MachineCompartment
CondenserFan&Fan Motor .................................. 28
Compressor ........................................................... 28
Overload/Relay/Capacitor ....................................... 28
CondensateDrainTube.......................................... 28
CondenserRemoval ............................................... 28
AppendixA
IceMakerServiceInstructions ..............................A-1
AppendixB
OwnersManual .....................................................B-1

16022675 Rev.0 4 ©2003 Maytag Appliances Company
Model Identification
TopMountRefrigeratormodelsvaryintrimand
accessories,but all modelshavethesamebasic
construction."OperatingInstructions"and"Service
Instructions" apply to all cabinets unless stated
otherwise.
Forpositiveidentificationsofindividualunits,state
completeserialnumber,model,andtype.This
information is found on the serial plate located on front
upper right hand corner of foodliner or on some
models, exterior back of the outer casing.
An explanation of coding contained in Type position is
shownbelow.
ModelIdentification
A T B 1 5 0 4 A R W
Color
W White
Q Bisque
Energy
R = Regular
E = Energy Model
Feature Package
1 - 3 Good
4 - 6 Better
7 Best
Special Features
0 Brand Base
Capacity
15 Cubic Foot
Configuration
B Provisional
L Left Hand (Non Provisional)
N Right Hand(Non Provisional)
Product
T Top Mount
Brand
A = Amana
M = Maytag
` C = Magic Chef

Component Testing
!WARNING
To avoid risk of electrical shock, personal injury, or death, disconnect electrical power source to unit, unless test
procedures require power to be connected. Discharge capacitor through a resistor before attempting to service.
Ensure all ground wires are connected before certifying unit as repaired and/or operational.
Component Description Test Procedures
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 windings. Overload protection will
open due to 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.
Resistance test
1. Disconnect power to unit.
2. Discharge capacitor by shorting across terminals with a resistor for 1 minute.
NOTE: (Some compressors do not have a run capacitor.)
3. Remove leads from compressor terminals.
4. Set ohmmeter to lowest scale.
5. Check for resistance between
Terminals “S” and “C”, start winding
Terminals “R” and “C”, run winding
If either compressor winding reads open (infinite or very high resistance) or
dead short (0 ohms), replace compressor.
Ground test
1. Disconnect power to refrigerator.
2. Discharge capacitor, if present, by shorting terminals through a resistor.
3. Remove compressor leads and use an ohmmeter set on highest scale.
4. Touch one lead to compressor body (clean point of contact) and other probe
to each compressor terminal.
•If 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.
2. Discharge capacitor by shorting capacitor terminals through a resistor.
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. (Refer to Technical Data 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.
Test configuration
9. Plug test cord into wattmeter to determine start and run wattage and use a
multimeter to check for low voltage, which can also be a cause of a
compressor not starting.
10.With power to multimeter, 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 refrigerant at high
side. After refrigerant 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 recovery, replace faulty
compressor.
C
R
S
Fuses
Capacitor
Compressor
Switch
To AC supply
©2003 Maytag Appliances Company 16022675
5

Component Testing
!WARNING
To avoid risk of electrical shock, personal injury, or death, disconnect electrical power source to unit, unless test
procedures require power to be connected. Discharge capacitor through a resistor before attempting to service.
Ensure all ground wires are connected before certifying unit as repaired and/or operational.
Component Description Test Procedures
Capacitor
Run capacitor connects to relay terminal
3 and L side of line.
Some compressors do not require a run
capacitor; refer to the Technical Data
Sheet for the unit being serviced.
1.Disconnect power to refrigerator.
2.Disconnect the 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).
Condenser Condenser is a long folded tube
construction located in machine
compartment.
Condenser is on high pressure discharge
side of compressor. Condenser function
is to transfer heat absorbed by refrigerant
to ambient.
Higher pressure gas is circulated threw
condenser where, as gas temperature is
reduced, gas condenses into a high
pressure liquid state. Heat transfer takes
place because discharged gas is at a
higher temperature than air that is
passing over condenser. It is very
important that adequate air flow over
condenser is maintained.
Condenser is air cooled by condenser fan
motor. If efficiency of heat transfer from
condenser to surrounding air is impaired,
condensing temperature becomes higher.
High liquid temperature means liquid will
not remove as much heat during boiling
in evaporator as under normal conditions.
This would be indicated by high than
normal head pressures, long run time,
and high wattage. Remove any lint or
other accumulation, that would restrict
normal air movement through condenser.
From the condenser the refrigerant flows
into a post condenser loop which helps
control exterior condensation on flange,
center mullion, and around freezer door.
Refrigerant flows through the drier to the
capillary tube to the evaporator and back
to the compressor through suction line.
Leaks in condenser can usually be detected by using an electronic leak detector
or soap solution. Look for signs of compressor oil when checking for leaks. A
certain amount of compressor oil is circulated with refrigerant.
Leaks in post condenser loop are rare because loop is a one-piece steel tube.
For minute leaks
1. Separate condenser from rest of refrigeration system and pressurize
condenser up to a maximum of 235 PSI with a refrigerant and dry nitrogen
combination.
2. Recheck for leaks.
WARNING
!
To avoid electrical shock which can cause severe personal injury or death,
discharge capacitor through a resistor before handling.
WARNING
!
To avoid severe personal injury or death from sudden eruption of high
pressures gases, observe the following:
Protect against a sudden eruption if high pressures are required for leak
checking.
Do not use high pressure compressed gases in refrigeration systems
without a reliable pressure regulator and pressure relief valve in the
lines.
16022675
©2003 Maytag Appliances Company
6

Component Testing
!WARNING
To avoid risk of electrical shock, personal injury, or death, disconnect electrical power source to unit, unless test
procedures require power to be connected. Discharge capacitor through a resistor before attempting to service.
Ensure all ground wires are connected before certifying unit as repaired and/or operational.
Component Description Test Procedures
Overload / Relay
When voltage is connected and relay is
cool, current passes through relay to start
winding.
After a short time, current heats the
resistor in relay and resistance will raise
blocking current flow through relay.
Start winding remains in the circuit through
run capacitor.
Solid state relay plugs directly on
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.
1. Disconnect power to the refrigerator.
2. Remove relay cover and disconnect leads.
3. Check resistance across terminals 2 and 3 with an ohmmeter:
Normal = 3 to 12 ohms
Shorted = 0 ohms
Open = infinite ohms
Temperature control is a capillary tube
operating a single pole, single throw
switch.
Temperature control controls run cycle
through defrost timer.
Check for proper calibration with thermocouple capillary in air supply well by
recording cut-in and cut-out temperatures at middle setting. Refer to tech sheet
for model being serviced for expected temperatures.
Check control contacts are opening by disconnecting electrical leads to control
and turning control knob to coldest setting. Check for continuity across
terminals.
Altitude Counter in Feet
Feet Above
Sea Level
Turn Screw
Clockwise (Angular
Degrees)
Temperature
control
Altitude Adjustment
When altitude adjustment is required on a
G.E. control, turn altitude adjustment
screw 1/7 turn counter clockwise for each
1,000 feet increase in altitude up to 10,000
feet. One full turn equals 10,000 feet
maximum.
In most cases the need for altitude
adjustments can be avoided by simply
turning temperature control knob to colder
setting.
2,000
4,000
6,000
8,000
10,000
30
81
129
174
216
Ice maker Optional on some models.
See “Ice Maker” section for service
information.
Condenser motor Condenser fan moves cooling air across
condenser coil and compressor body.
Condenser fan motor is in parallel circuit
with compressor.
Check resistance across coil.
Evaporator fan
motor
Evaporator fan moves air across
evaporator coil and through the refrigerator
and freezer compartment.
1. Disconnect power to unit.
2. Disconnect fan motor leads.
3. Check resistance from ground connection solder. Trace to motor frame must
not exceed .05 ohms.
4. Check for the proper operating voltage at the connector to motor with unit in
refrigeration mode and compressor operating.
0
300
270
240
210
180 150
120
90
60
30
330
©2003 Maytag Appliances Company 16022675
7

Component Testing
!WARNING
To avoid risk of electrical shock, personal injury, or death, disconnect electrical power source to unit, unless test
procedures require power to be connected. Discharge capacitor through a resistor before attempting to service.
Ensure all ground wires are connected before certifying unit as repaired and/or operational.
Component Description Test Procedures
Switch, refrigerator
light
Single pole, single throw switch
completes circuit for light when door is
open.
Check resistant across terminals.
Switch arm depressed
“NO” terminals Open
Switch arm up
“NO” terminals Closed
Drier
Drier is placed at post condenser loop
outlet and passes liquefied refrigerant to
capillary.
Desiccant (20) 8 x 12 4AXH - 7 M>S> -
Grams
Drier must be changed every time the system is opened for testing or
compressor replacement.
NOTE: Drier used in R12 sealed system is not interchangeable with
drier used in R134a sealed system.
Before opening refrigeration system, recover HFC134a refrigerant for safe
disposal.
1. Cut drier out of system using the following procedure. Do not unbraze
drier since this will drive moisture into the system.
2. Score capillary tube close to drier and break. Reform inlet tube to drier
allowing enough space for large tube cutter.
3. Cut circumference of drier 1 ¼" below condenser inlet tube joint to
drier.
4. Remove drier.
5. Apply heat trap paste on post condenser tubes to protect grommets
from high heat.
6. Unbraze remaining part of drier. Remove drier from system.
7. Discard drier in safe place. Do not leave drier with customer. If
refrigerator is under warranty, old drier must accompany warranty
claim.
Defrost timer Timer motor operates only when fresh
food control is closed.
After specified amount of actual
operating time, inner cam in timer throws
the contacts from terminal 4, compressor
circuit, to terminal 2, defrost
thermostat/defrost heater circuit.
After specified defrost cycle time, timer
cam resets the circuitry through terminal
4 to compressor.
1. To check timer motor winding, check for continuity between terminals 1 and 3
of timer.
2. Depending on rotating position of the cam, terminal 1 of timer is common to
both terminal 2, the defrost mode, and terminal 4, the compressor mode.
There should never be continuity between terminals 2 and 4.
3. With continuity between terminals 1 and 4, rotate timer knob clockwise until
audible click is heard. When the click is heard, reading between terminals 1
and 4 should be infinite and there should be continuity between terminals 1
and 2.
4. Continuing to rotate time knob until a second click is heard should restore
circuit between terminals 1 and 4.
WARNING
!
To avoid death or severe personal injury, cut drier at correct location.
Cutting drier at incorrect location will allow desiccant beads to scatter. If
spilled, completely clean area of beads.
16022675
©2003 Maytag Appliances Company
8

Component Testing
!WARNING
To avoid risk of electrical shock, personal injury, or death, disconnect electrical power source to unit, unless test
procedures require power to be connected. Discharge capacitor through a resistor before attempting to service.
Ensure all ground wires are connected before certifying unit as repaired and/or operational.
©2003 Maytag Appliances Company 16022675
9
Component Description Test Procedures
Evaporator The low pressure in the evaporator
allows liquid refrigerant exiting the
capillary to expand into a gas.
Expansion cools evaporator tube and fin
temperature to approximately -20°F
transferring heat from freezer section to
refrigerant.
Passing through suction line back to the
compressor, the refrigerant picks up
superheat (a relationship between
pressure and temperature that assures
complete vaporization of liquid
refrigerant) as the result of capillary tube
soldered to suction line.
Refrigerant gas is circulated through the
suction line by compressor, completing
refrigeration cycle.
Test for leaks in evaporator with electronic leak detector or with soap solution.
Compressor oil is circulated with refrigerant; check for oil when checking for
leaks.
For minute leaks
1. Separate evaporator from rest of refrigeration system and pressurize
evaporator up to a maximum of 140 PSI with a refrigerant and dry nitrogen
combination.
2. Recheck for leaks.
Evaporator heater
(defrost)
Activated when defrost thermostat,
defrost timer, and freezer control
complete circuit through heater.
Check resistance across heater.
To check defrost system :
1. Thermocouple defrost thermostat and plug refrigerator into wattmeter.
2. Turn into defrost mode. Wattmeter should read specified watts (according to
Technical Data Sheet).
3. When defrost thermostat reaches specified temperature ±5°F (see Technical
Data Sheet), thermostat should interrupt power to heater.
Thermostat
(defrost)
Thermostat is in a series circuit with
terminal 2 of defrost timer, and defrost
heater. Circuit is complete if evaporator
fan motor operates when cold.
Controls the circuit from freezer
thermostat through defrost terminator to
defrost heater. Opens and breaks circuit
when thermostat senses preset high
temperature.
Test continuity across terminals.
With power off and evaporator coil below freezing, thermostat should show
continuity when checked with ohmmeter. See “Heater, evaporator (defrost)”
section for additional tests.
After defrost thermostat opens, thermostat remains open until end of defrost cycle
and refrigerator starts cooling again. Defrost thermostat senses a preset low
temperature and resets (closes).
WARNING
!
To avoid severe personal injury or death from sudden erruption of
high pressurres gases, observe the following:
•
Protect against a sudden eruption if high pressures are required
for leak checking.
•
Do not use high pressure compressed gases in refrigeration
systems without a reliable pressure regulator and pressure relief
valve in the lines.

16022675 10 ©2003 Maytag Appliances Company
Drier Replacement
Beforeopening refrigeration system, recover
HFC134a refrigerant for safe disposal.
EverytimesealedHFC134asystemisrepaired,drier
filter must be replaced with, part # B2150504.
Cut drier out of system by completing the following
steps. Do not unbraze drier filter. Applying heat to
remove drier will drive moisture into system.
To avoid risk of severe personal injury or death, cut
drier at correct location. Cutting drier at incorrect
location will allow desiccant beads to scatter.
Completely clean area of beads, if spilled.
1. Scorethecircumferenceofthecapillarytubeclose
todrierandbreakatthe score.
2. Reforminlettubetodrierallowingenoughspace
for large tube cutter.
3. Cut circumference of drier at 1-1/4", below
condenser inlet tube joint to drier.
4. Removedrier.
5. Apply heat trap paste on post condenser tubes to
protectthecabinetbottomfromhighheat.
6. Unbrazeremainingpartofdrier.Removedrier
from system.
7. Discard drier in safe place. Do not leave drier with
customer. If refrigerator is under warranty, old
drier must accompany warranty claim.
Service Procedures
Service Equipment
Listed below is equipment needed for proper
servicing of HFC134a systems. Verify equipment is
confirmed by manufacturer as being compatible with
HFC134a and ester oil system.
Equipment must be exclusively used for HFC134a.
Exclusive use of equipment only applies to italic
items.
•Evacuation pump
Check with vacuum pump supplier to verify equipment
is compatible for HFC134a. Robinair, Model 15600
2 stage, 6 cubic feet per minute pump is
recommended.
•Four-way manifold gauge set, with low loss hoses
•Leak detector
•Charging cylinder
•Line piercing saddle valve
(Schroeder valves). Seals must be HFC134a and
ester oil compatible. Line piercing valves may be used
for diagnosis but are not suitable for evacuation or
charging, due to minute holes pierced in tubing. Do
not leave mechanical access valves on system.
Valves eventually will leak. Molecules of HFC134a are
smaller than other refrigerants and will leak where
other refrigerants would not.
•Swagging tools
•Flaring tools
•Tubing cutter
•Flux
•Sil-Fos
•Silver solder
•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°F or lower dew point
•Crimp tool
•Tube bender
•Micron vacuum gauge
•Process tube adaptor kit
•Heat trap paste
•ICI appliance grade HFC134a
To avoid risk of electrical shock, personal injury, or death, disconnect electrical power source to unit, unless test
procedures require power to be connected. Discharge capacitor through a 10,000 ohm resistor before attempting
to service. Ensure all ground wires are connected before certifying unit as repaired and/or operational.
!WARNING
WARNING
!