Sanyo Refridgetor with freezer on top

You have a defrost problem. Locate your defrost timer while the unit is iced up and turn it until you hear a defined click. At this point open the freezer and listen for ice cracking. If Ice starts cracking then it's your defrost timer bad. If ice doesn't crack, then you have a defrost component bad ( heater and Bi-Metal) Ohm out your heating element and replace if there is no continuity. You can usually find defrost timer either under the front of the box, in the fridge around the light or thermostat or sometimes in the back at the bottom. The dial on the timer can only be turned one way with a large flat head. You will hear the difference in the way the clicks sound for the defined click. Good luck.

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If there is no cooling at all on the fridge section but the freezer works then it is confirmed that the compressor and gas pressure is OK. Now shut off the fridge and leave it powered off while you clean and check the evaporator for frost. If frost is seen it is a good indication as the compressor is working with sufficient gas within.
Now after about 6 hours plug in the fridge to start. Observe cooling to happen in about one hour and ice to from under three hours.
Earlier make sure that the thermostat was set to normal mode for freezer and fridge.
However if ice forms in the freezer then observe the fridge for about 24 hours for cooling to continue and the fridge to cut off . If not the auto defrost timer, or the thermostat must be checked. Frost formation without defrosting could block the air flow and so shut the air passage to the fridge. Also the blower fan must work and if this is not working then the fan can be faulty. Also a fault on the control unit is a suspect to non functioning of any one of these components.
If defrost timer works but frost keeps forming check while the compressor shuts if the heaters are working, check continuity of the heaters.
So try this test using a multi-meter on the defrost timer and the thermostat and make your observations so that we come to the solution.

Please check the link below for tips to remove the panels/parts:

http://www.espares.co.uk/advice/fridges-and-freezers/a/2

Hi,

Check out these tips...they can help you figure out what is going wrong withyour refrigerator and why it is not cooling

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heatman101

My mother in law has the same problem. Have you got it sorted yet?

http://www.waptac.org/sp.asp?mc=techaids_refrigerator_energyuse

Looks like between 82-84

Over the past several years my heat alarm would come on, first time I called a PROFESSIONALLY, he told me to unplug for 24HOURS, than start it. The solution worked for two years, just happened again, unplugged it for 24 hours, and it seems fine. My guess it must need to defrost. Good luck!

yes the evap fan in the frezer should be running when the compressor is running[it may not for a minute or so as it starts up.Amana's are good for the connectors at the evap fan motor comming apart.the connectors are white and will look like its together but when you pull it will come apart.i would always cut the connector out and use a wire nut so wont happen again.if any other questions please email thru FixYa and i will be glad to help. God bless ,tom

Check to see if the run-off tube at the back is plugged.

I dont know how old the fridge is - but if it a couple years old check at the back or the fridge - there should be a tube running down the back of the fridge down into the bottom tray. This tube funnels water from the freezer (condensation, or water from the defrost) down onto the tray holding the compressor where it evaporates with help from the heat off the compressor. Sometimes this tube can get plugged up with some scum or mineral deposits, causing the built up water to drain from inside the fridge.

The tube shouldn't be too hard to remove and clean out with some hot water and pipe cleaners. Had the same issue on on a GE fridge last year.
Hope this helps!

most of the time on ge its the defrost heater or defrost sensor in the freezer,that's why its freezing up.you can go to sears .com click on prats put in your modeal number and get yours parts-mike

Check the evaporator fan inside the freezer compartment.