David for Model Number DRB2101AW My Amana bottom freezer has been cooling marginally for quite awhile, but now the freezer won't get below 26 degrees. There is no ice produced while the refrigerator compartment stays at about 40 degrees (no matter where the upper control knob is set). All fans are running up-to-speed, the compressor is running constantly with no clicking on and off. I removed the inside-back of the freezer compartment and found some ice (not alot) on the refrigerant line opposite to the one the defrost thermostat is clipped to. I'm not sure if that's normal. Also, I noted the defrost timer seems to work; I can turn the dial and force the system into a defrost cycle (at least it'll turn all fans, compressor, etc., off). I changed out the defrost thermostat, but that didn't help. I'm considering a new temp control part, but have my doubts about that being the issue. Could the unit simply be low on refrigerant? I'm at a loss. Thanks.
Answer Hello David, The ice you noticed in the evaporator area should not form like this. When the system is running normally, the frost will cover the coils almost evenly. When there's an ice ball it points to a loss of freon. Since you have to be freon certified to perform this type of repair legally, it is usually not a financially feasible repair. Be aware also that when a unit has lost freon, it is against the law to "shoot" more in it without finding and correcting the leak. Otherwise it's considered to be the same as releasing freon directly into the atmosphere. Read More... Answered by AppliancePartsPros.com | Wednesday, April 25, 2012