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Amana Refrigerator Error Code High Temperature Alarm

Alarm sounds and indicator light shows if freezer or refrigerator temperature has gone above critical level…

Amana codesAmana refrigerator codes

Alarm sounds and indicator light shows if freezer or refrigerator temperature has gone above critical level (-9°C for freezer, +15.5°C for refrigerator) and remained warm for 2 hours.

First step from the service manual

Press Alarm Off pad to turn off alarm; alarm discontinues when proper temperature is reached.

The complete diagnostic procedure includes additional test steps, resistance specifications, wiring diagram references, and component test points.

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What High Temperature Alarm means on a Amana refrigerator

The Amana refrigerator High Temperature Alarm activates when either the freezer compartment rises above -9°C (approximately 16°F) or the fresh food compartment rises above 15.5°C (approximately 60°F), and the elevated temperature condition persists for a continuous period of two hours. The alarm involves both an audible signal and a visual indicator light, alerting the user that food safety thresholds have been breached. This two-hour delay is built into the system intentionally, allowing for brief temperature fluctuations caused by door openings or heavy loading without triggering a false alarm.

The temperature monitoring system relies on thermistors located in each compartment. These sensors relay real-time temperature data to the control board, which continuously compares readings against the preset critical thresholds. If the control board detects a sustained warm condition in either zone, it activates the alarm circuit. The root cause can originate from the sealed refrigeration system, the evaporator fan, the defrost system, door seals, or user behavior, all of which affect the unit's ability to maintain safe temperatures.

Addressing the alarm begins by pressing the Alarm Off pad, which silences the audible alert. However, the alarm indicator light will remain on until the compartment temperatures return to safe operating levels. If temperatures do not recover on their own after the alarm is silenced, a diagnostic process targeting airflow, defrost function, door gasket integrity, and refrigerant charge should be performed to identify the underlying cause.

Source: manufacturer service documentation.

Common causes of High Temperature Alarm

  1. 01

    Door Left Open or Poor Door Seal

    Wiring / connection

    A door left ajar or a worn, cracked gasket allows warm ambient air to continuously enter the compartment, overwhelming the cooling system. Inspect the gasket for tears or gaps and confirm the door closes and latches fully.

  2. 02

    Evaporator Frost Buildup Blocking Airflow

    Part replacement

    Excessive frost accumulation on the evaporator coils restricts airflow into the compartments, causing temperatures to rise even though the compressor is running. This typically points to a failed defrost heater, defrost thermostat, or defrost timer.

  3. 03

    Evaporator Fan Motor Failure

    Part replacement

    The evaporator fan circulates cold air from the evaporator coils into both compartments. If the fan motor fails, cold air cannot be distributed properly, causing temperatures to rise in one or both sections.

  4. 04

    Condenser Coils Dirty or Blocked

    Wiring / connection

    Heavily soiled condenser coils reduce the system's ability to reject heat, forcing the compressor to work harder and reducing overall cooling efficiency. Cleaning the coils with a brush or vacuum is the first corrective step.

  5. 05

    Low Refrigerant Charge or Sealed System Fault

    Part replacement

    A refrigerant leak or compressor failure prevents the system from producing adequate cooling capacity, leading to sustained high temperatures in both compartments. This condition requires a certified technician to diagnose and repair.

See the test procedure for each cause

Frequently asked questions about High Temperature Alarm

What does High Temperature Alarm mean on a Amana refrigerator?
The High Temperature Alarm means the freezer has risen above -9°C or the refrigerator section has risen above 15.5°C, and the elevated temperature has persisted for at least two hours. Both an audible alarm and an indicator light activate to alert you to the condition. It signals that the unit is not maintaining safe food storage temperatures and the cause should be investigated promptly.
How do I fix the High Temperature Alarm on my Amana refrigerator?
Start by pressing the Alarm Off pad to silence the audible alert. Then check for obvious causes such as a door left open, blocked vents, or dirty condenser coils. If the unit returns to proper temperature on its own, the indicator light will turn off. If temperatures do not recover, further diagnosis of the defrost system, evaporator fan, or sealed refrigeration system is needed.
Will resetting the alarm clear the High Temperature Alarm on my Amana refrigerator?
Pressing the Alarm Off pad will silence the alarm sound, but the indicator light will remain on until the compartment actually cools back down to a safe temperature. Resetting the alarm does not fix the underlying cause if there is a mechanical or component failure present. The alarm will reactivate if the temperature rises again after cooling down.
Is my food safe after the High Temperature Alarm on my Amana refrigerator?
Food safety depends on how long temperatures were elevated and how high they reached. Freezer items that have partially thawed should be evaluated carefully, and any items that have fully thawed and remained above safe temperatures for extended periods should be discarded. Refrigerator items exposed to temperatures above 4°C for more than two hours are generally considered at risk according to standard food safety guidelines. When in doubt, discard perishable items to avoid foodborne illness.
How much does it cost to repair an Amana refrigerator showing a High Temperature Alarm?
Repair costs vary widely depending on the root cause. Cleaning condenser coils or adjusting a door gasket can cost very little, while replacing an evaporator fan motor typically ranges from $100 to $250 in parts and labor. A defrost system repair involving a heater or thermostat generally falls in the $150 to $350 range. Sealed system repairs such as refrigerant recharge or compressor replacement are the most expensive, often ranging from $300 to $700 or more.

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