How to Fix the Evaporator Coil on an Amana Side by Side Fridge

Unplug the fridge to prevent the risk of electrical discharge during the repair. Empty the freezer side of the fridge. The evaporator coils are usually behind a panel on the back of the freezer wall near the bottom of a side-by-side model. Emptying the freezer gives you access to the panel.

Remove any screws that hold the panel in place with a screwdriver. Pull off the panel if you don't see screws because the panel likely snaps into place.

Inspect the evaporator coils, which are located underneath the fan. If they're covered in frost or ice, wait for them to melt. The frost buildup may have caused the problem and the coils might resume normal operation after thawing out.

Plug the fridge back in to observe its behavior for several hours. If the fridge starts working normally, the coils are fine, but you may have a problem in your defroster system that needs diagnosing. If the fridge still doesn't work, the coils might be leaking coolant. Unplug the fridge again.

Check the evaporator coils for any breaks or leaks. Remove any dust from them with a vacuum and a brush. If part of the coil is pitted or corroded, it may be leaking coolant when the fridge is operating.

Sand the area around a coil leak with fine sandpaper to smooth it and remove any debris.

Apply epoxy putty to the coil to seal the potential leak. The putty should go completely around the coil so it connects back with itself to form a tighter seal. Spread the epoxy so the area around the leak is covered as well, and let the repair dry.

Plug the fridge back in and verify the coils are working properly again. Replace the panel and fill the freezer back up with food. If the coils still aren't working, your fridge should be professionally examined.