Expertises: Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC), HVAC control system, Air conditioning, Humidiers, Dehumidifiers
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The self-diagnosing feature is a key pillar in the troubleshooting process of the Amana air conditioner. Pinpointing issues with the AC unit is convenient and simple with the error codes that the feature displays.
The unfortunate reality of electrical appliances is that sooner or later, they will stop functioning as intended.
There will be times when issues crop up with your Amana air conditioner, and when that happens, you may want them resolved as soon as possible. That said, the most common issues with air conditioning can be DIY resolved.
Here’s my guide to troubleshooting Amana air conditioners, so it continues to serve you well for the foreseeable future.
Fixing Common Problems With Amana ACs
There are a few quick checks that you can perform before moving on to the more complex fixes. Of course, if the problem is minor, there is no need to take the Amana air conditioner unit apart. Let’s look at these issues, find out the root cause, and try to fix them.
1. The AC Won’t Turn On
The Amana air conditioner not turning on is a common problem that many device owners face at least once. Some of the most common reasons for the AC not turning on are:
- Issues with the compressor
- Incorrectly set thermostat
- Tripped circuit breaker
- Power cord issues
- Power outlet issues
- Clogged air filter
- Clogged condenser and fan
- Wiring issues
If your Amana air conditioner stops working, try performing the following checks to see if they mend the issue at hand.
A. Check The Thermostat
There’s a chance that the thermostat is set improperly, which can be fixed once you switch the fan or energy settings. Hit the smart cool’ or the ‘high’, ‘medium’, or ‘low’ buttons when turning your air conditioner unit on. You can also try changing the temperature while doing so.
B. Power Flow Checks
If your AC is plugged into an extension cord, you may want to disconnect it and plug it directly into an outlet. There is a chance that the extension cord disturbs the power flow, particularly if the cord can’t provide enough voltage.
C. Check Circuit Breaker
Consider looking at your circuit breaker for a tripped fuse, which can shut off power to certain outlets in the event of a power surge. You can either reset the tripped fuse or, if it can’t be mended, outright replace it.
2. The Amana Air Conditioner Turns On Without Cooling Properly
Sometimes, your Amana air conditioner will turn on, but won’t run at all. This can occur due to the following:
- The air filter is clogged
- Compressor malfunction
- Mismatched AC size
- Capacitor issues
To get your Amana air conditioner to start blowing cool air again, try the following fixes.
A. Use An AC Size Chart
Your air conditioner is assigned a BTU rating that determines the size of the room it can work on effectively. The larger the room, the higher the BTU rating requirement is and thus, the higher the AC capacity needs to be.
If your air conditioner is undersized, consider replacing it with an appliance of the correct capacity. A few points worth remembering are as follows:
- Kitchen ACs need a higher capacity, which requires you to increase the BTU by 4000
- Increase the BTU by 600 for each person if there are more than two in a room
- Heavily shaded rooms cut down the BTU requirement by a tenth and vice versa
B. Clear Air Filters
You can clear out or replace your dirty air filters by accessing them from the AC unit. Remove the panel to find the filters near the air duct and take them out.
Tip
It’s worth noting that many brands, including Amana and Trane, design their air conditioner filters to be reusable. Meaning that you can reattach the existing air filter after cleaning them. Once you’ve removed debris and water from the air filter, insert them back in and replace the access panel.
C. Replace The Capacitor
It may be difficult to repair an AC capacitor on your own, which is why you may want to consider contacting a certified technician. Alternatively, you could have the faulty capacitor outright replaced if they can’t be fixed at all.
3. The Amana AC Repeatedly Turns On And Off
Your AC may keep turning on and off intermittently, which is a sign that it is going through a short-cycling phase. There are a few reasons for this, as listed below:
- Poor airflow
- Badly placed thermostat
- Oversized AC unit
- Electrical issues
- Refrigerant leaks
Here’s how you can fix these issues:
A. Resolve Poor Airflow
Poor airflow is generally caused by dirty outdoor units or air filters, cleaning which should mend the problem. You can consider performing maintenance on these units once a month as well to prevent any issues from cropping up in the future.
B. Reposition The Thermostat
The thermostat should be placed in a central location, away from air vents, windows, and direct sunlight. These locations are a hotspot for the thermostat to misjudge the room conditions and stop working, and relocating it should fix the issue. Be sure to place the electric battery in the thermostat correctly.
C. Electrical Issues
Improper wiring can cause electrical interference, which may lead to the AC unit turning off and on repeatedly. This requires the attention of a professional technician, and if the issues persist for a while, you shouldn’t delay.
D. Refrigerant Leaks
Leaking refrigerant can freeze the evaporator coils and cause problems for the AC unit. This can lead to the unit turning on and off over and over again, keeping it from running smoothly.
Leaks are something that must be handled by a professional as well, so you should stay your hand and contact a technician at once.
4. Amana Air Conditioner Blows Hot Air
If an air conditioner unit is blowing warm air, it can become problematic, particularly during the summer. Proper cold airflow is a critical part of the functionality of an AC, after all.
Here’s what could be causing this issue:
- Low power
- Improperly set thermostat
- Poor airflow
- Clogged ductwork and condensate line
- Refrigerant leaks
- Component failure
You can fix these issues by doing the following.
A. Clear Out Condensate Line Or Ductwork
Try to clear out the condensate line and ductwork of the central AC to the best of your abilities if you see dirt blocking them. In the event that you are not being able to do so, consider contacting an electrician for the same.
B. Replace The Failed Component
Failed components may need to be repaired or replaced, depending on the damage they face. Of course, this is a task handled better by a certified technician who can help you determine the extent of the damage.
5. Amana AC Fan Won’t Start
An AC may as well not work if its fan doesn’t start. It’s one of the more common issues that the device may face, which can arise due to the following:
- Faulty fan motor
- Damaged or malfunctioning blower motor
- Bad relay board
- Faulty main control board
These issues can generally not be DIY-fixed, and you’ll likely need to replace them completely.
Self-Diagnosing The Air Conditioner
When your Amana central air conditioner runs into an issue, the microcomputer inside the system can make use of the self-diagnosis function that can potentially fix it.
Amana air conditioners typically have a temperature number on its screen, which is replaced by a double dash symbol (--) during self-diagnosis. Another sign of self-diagnosis is the green light on the bottom left side of the touchpad.
To turn the self-diagnosis system of the Amana Corporation air conditioner on, follow the steps listed below:
- Hold down the “Up” and “Down” buttons on your AC simultaneously
- Press the “Cool” button twice while holding the two buttons down
- Allow the display to update for a few seconds
In addition to the screen changes mentioned earlier, the display will show a red dot flickering in its corner. Once the diagnosis is complete, the dashes will be replaced by an error code, tipping you off to the root cause of your AC problems.
Resolving Errors In The Amana AC
Error codes pinpoint the core problem with the AC, letting you know if you can DIY-fix them or need a professional for it. There are four main types of errors with Amana air conditioners: refrigeration, system mode, failure, and airflow.
1. Refrigeration Errors
Refrigeration error codes have the letter “C” as their prefix, with numbers denoting the type of problem with the refrigeration unit.
Error codes C1, C3, and C4 indicate that the coils of the air conditioning system have begun to freeze, necessitating a manual reset. When faced with these error codes, you should stop using the AC unit altogether, as it may damage the compressor.
Additionally, you may want to inspect the air filter, clean it and keep an eye out for fan or blower issues as well. And lastly, check for refrigerant levels before approaching fixes.
Error code C6 denotes inadequate performance on the part of the system, meaning that your cooling system is in poor shape. This requires the eye of a trained professional, as the unit requires a thorough inspection of its components before any further steps are taken.
2. System Mode Errors
System mode errors indicate problems with the framework of your Amana air conditioner. These are typically resolved by adjusting the AC settings or position.
There is no common naming theme to system mode errors, and you will likely require the help of a handbook when they crop up. The following is a brief guide on some of these errors:
- FP stands for “Freeze Protection”, requiring the surrounding temperature to be 45 F
- oP/nP error alerts you to an open door or window, requiring you to close it
- HP is an error that alerts you to the possibility of the AC overheating
- Eo means that the service board of the AC has an incorrect format
- LS stands for “Load Shedding”, indicating that the compressor is off
3. Errors Denoting Failures
These are straightforward: they show that a particular part isn’t working properly. You’ll need to replace the specified part if any of the following errors show up.
Much like refrigeration errors, some failure errors have the letter “F” as their prefix, with numbers 1 through 6 denoting a particular component. Let’s look at what they mean:
- F1 indicates a faulty thermostat and that the indoor thermistor is receiving high ratings
- F2 denotes a non-functional thermostat
- F3 is an indication of the indoor thermistor being faulty while the thermostat works fine
- F4 indicates that the indoor unit isn’t working properly
- F6 is an indication of the indoor unit working outside normal operating tolerance.
4. Airflow Alerts
Airflow errors indicate issues with the airflow, and the codes denote the exact problem with the AC unit’s ability to run well. There are four main types of airflow alerts, as discussed below.
Firstly, the L6 code indicates that the Amana AC unit can’t continue to run normally. This can be due to clogged air filters, which need to be cleaned for the code to go away.
Next, the LC code denotes that the condenser fans are facing severe problems and that the outdoor thermistor is facing issues caused by excessive heat. You will need to clean the condenser coils for this. Consider using a vacuum cleaner to reach faraway areas.
The C2 code is an indication that your AC unit can’t sufficiently cool the room it is in, requiring you to check the AC thoroughly. You may need to scan the unit, check its seal and clear the filter to fix the issue.
Lastly, C5 occurs when there is an obstruction causing issues with the airflow, resulting in overheated outdoor coils. All you need to do is remove these obstructions for the unit to function normally.
Amana ACs are fairly simple to reset, taking just a few minutes to reset fully. Follow the steps listed below to reset your Amana Air Conditioner manually: If you’ve followed these steps correctly, you will see a red light flash next to the “off” button. This is an indication of a successful Amana AC reset. After performing the reset process of the Amana air conditioner, it will take up to 30 minutes for the unit to be operational again. During this time, the internal circuitry of your air conditioner is in the process of resetting, which is why it remains inoperational for the duration. No, preventing the outdoor unit of your Amana AC from collecting dust or debris is nearly impossible. The first instinct anyone would have as the solution to this problem is to cover the outdoor unit. But doing so will impede the airflow necessary for it to work, eventually leading to system damage. Reactive measures like cleaning twice a year or after a dust storm are the only optimal ways of keeping your outdoor unit dust-free. As per the manufacturer’s instructions, you should have a professional perform preventive maintenance for your Amana air conditioner every 6 months. They will check every aspect of your air conditioner, including ductwork, outdoor unit, compressor, coils, and refrigerant lines. If any issues crop up, the professional will recommend the required solution for them. You can ensure that the Amana AC continues to serve you well by performing the following preventive measures:Amana AC Troubleshooting FAQs
How can I manually reset an Amana AC?
How long does it take for an Amana AC to reset fully?Can I prevent dust and debris from accumulating in the outdoor unit?How frequently should I perform maintenance on my Amana AC?How do I ensure that my Amana AC continues to work at optimal condition?
Conclusion
Troubleshooting an Amana AC is no difficult task, taking a few minutes at most to diagnose the problem. While correcting these issues isn’t always in your hands, more often than not, you will be able to do so.
The self-diagnosing feature plays a key role in the troubleshooting process, so be sure to turn it on when the AC malfunctions. With the codes that the feature displays, you will not have to run several tests and reach a conclusion based on trial and error.
And that just about sums up all you need to know about troubleshooting an Amana air conditioner. Remember to contact a professional when faced with an issue that is too complex to fix alone, particularly if the unit is covered by warranty!
