Amana Side-by-Side Refrigerator Instruction Guide

Overview

The Side-by-Side Refrigerator is designed for households that want separate refrigerator and freezer compartments arranged vertically, with convenient electronic temperature controls and an external dispenser on equipped models. This guide explains the main controls, temperature adjustment, dispenser lighting, and dispenser lock operation.

Before using the appliance, confirm that it has been installed correctly according to the complete owner’s manual. Read the important safety instructions in that manual before operating the refrigerator.

Specifications

• Product type: Side-by-side refrigerator
• Quick Start Guide model references: W11396839C and W11396851C-SP
• Temperature control: Separate refrigerator and freezer controls
• Refrigerator temperature indicator: Snowflake LED levels from less cold to coldest
• Dispenser lighting: Integrated LED lights
• Dispenser controls: Light On, Light Off, Lock, and Unlock functions
• Guide date: July 2023

Detailed Description

The appliance uses separate controls for the fresh-food compartment and the freezer compartment. This arrangement allows the refrigerator and freezer temperatures to be adjusted independently when storage conditions change.

The refrigerator control uses a Temp Setting button and snowflake indicators. One illuminated snowflake represents the least-cold setting. Additional illuminated snowflakes indicate progressively colder settings, with all indicators illuminated at the coldest level. After the final level, the control cycles back to the first setting.

The freezer control changes the temperature of the freezer compartment. Settings toward the less-cold side raise the freezer temperature, while settings toward the colder side lower it.

The external dispenser includes an automatic light, a continuous-light control, and a lock function. Locking the dispenser disables its controls and lever but does not disconnect refrigerator power or switch off the ice maker.

Safety

• Read the important safety instructions in the owner’s manual before operating the appliance.
• Use the refrigerator only after verifying that installation has been completed according to the owner’s manual.
• Do not assume that a colder control setting will cool the compartments faster.
• Use the dispenser lock to help prevent unintended dispensing by children or pets.
• Remember that the dispenser lock does not turn off the refrigerator, ice maker, or dispenser light.

Setup and Operation

Initial temperature settings

The controls are preset at the factory. After installation, check that both the refrigerator and freezer controls remain at their mid-settings. Allow the appliance to cool for 24 hours before loading food.

Adding food before the refrigerator has cooled completely may affect food quality. The initial settings are generally suitable for normal household use when refrigerated drinks are sufficiently cold and ice cream remains firm.

Adjusting the refrigerator

1. Press the refrigerator Temp Setting button to move through the snowflake levels.
2. Use one illuminated snowflake for the least-cold setting.
3. Select progressively higher snowflake levels for colder refrigerator temperatures.
4. After the coldest level, continue pressing the button to return to the first setting.
5. Wait at least 24 hours before making another adjustment.

Adjusting the freezer

Move the freezer control toward the less-cold side when the freezer is too cold. Move it toward the colder side when the freezer is too warm or produces too little ice. Allow at least 24 hours between changes so the compartment can stabilize.

Temperature adjustment guide

• Refrigerator too cold: Lower the refrigerator setting by one snowflake.
• Refrigerator too warm: Raise the refrigerator setting by one snowflake.
• Freezer too cold: Lower the freezer setting by one snowflake.
• Freezer too warm or producing too little ice: Raise the freezer setting by one snowflake.

Using the dispenser light

The dispenser light turns on automatically when the dispenser is used. To keep it illuminated, press Light On. To return the light to its normal automatic operation, press Light Off.

The dispenser uses integrated LEDs that are not designed to be replaced. If the light does not operate, consult the troubleshooting information in the complete owner’s manual.

Locking the dispenser

1. Press Lock to deactivate the dispenser controls and lever.
2. Press Unlock when dispensing is needed again.

Use the lock during cleaning or whenever accidental dispensing is a concern. To switch off the ice maker itself, use the procedure in the owner’s manual; locking the dispenser does not perform that function.

Troubleshooting

The refrigerator is too cold

Lower the refrigerator temperature by one snowflake, then wait at least 24 hours before evaluating the result.

The refrigerator is too warm

Raise the refrigerator temperature by one snowflake. Allow 24 hours for the new setting to take effect.

The freezer is too cold

Lower the freezer setting by one snowflake and allow the compartment to stabilize before making another change.

The freezer is too warm or produces too little ice

Raise the freezer setting by one snowflake. Wait at least 24 hours before reassessing freezer performance.

The dispenser light does not work

Confirm the dispenser controls are operating and consult the troubleshooting section of the complete owner’s manual. The dispenser lights are integrated LEDs and are not user-replaceable.

The dispenser will not operate

Check whether the dispenser is locked. Press Unlock to restore operation. If the ice maker must be disabled, follow the ice maker instructions in the owner’s manual rather than using the dispenser lock.

Pros & Cons

• Pros: Independent refrigerator and freezer temperature controls.
• Pros: Clear snowflake indicators show the refrigerator’s cooling level.
• Pros: Automatic dispenser lighting improves visibility during use.
• Pros: Dispenser lock helps prevent accidental dispensing.
• Cons: Temperature changes require a full 24-hour stabilization period.
• Cons: The dispenser lock does not switch off the ice maker.
• Cons: Dispenser LEDs cannot be replaced by the user.