What is the lifespan of an Amana refrigerator?
Most Amana refrigerators, including the Amana BX22S5W-P1196708WW bottom-mount refrigerator, last 10 to 15 years. With consistent maintenance (clean coils, good door seals, correct temperatures), it’s common to reach the upper end of that range before major sealed-system repairs become likely.
What usually determines lifespan
The longest-lasting units are the ones that keep airflow and temperatures stable and reduce compressor run time.
- Condenser coil cleanliness (dirty coils raise heat and workload)
- Door gasket condition (leaks cause long run times and frost issues)
- Ventilation clearance around the cabinet (helps heat rejection)
- Stable power (avoid extension cords and nuisance outages)
- Correct use habits (minimize door-open time, don’t overload warm food)
Maintenance that extends life (high impact)
These steps align with the care guidance in the BX22S5W-P1196708WW documentation.
- Vacuum and brush condenser coils regularly
- Keep door gaskets clean and pliable; replace if torn or hardened
- Keep the freezer reasonably full to stabilize temperatures
- Set controls no colder than necessary for normal food storage
- Maintain about 1 inch of space at the top for ventilation
Common “end-of-life” failure areas
When a refrigerator approaches the end of its typical service life, these areas most often drive the repair decision.
| Area | What you may notice | Typical next step |
|---|---|---|
| Sealed system (compressor, condenser, evaporator, tubing) | Warm temps, long run time, poor cooling | Professional diagnosis; repair vs replace decision |
| Evaporator fan / airflow | Warm fresh food, noisy fan, frost pattern issues | Inspect fan, defrost system, airflow paths |
| Door sealing / alignment | Moisture, frost, temperature swings | Adjust doors, replace gasket |
| Water/ice system (if equipped) | Slow fill, leaks, no ice | Check supply, valve, filter, air in lines |
Why it matters
A refrigerator that runs hotter or longer than it should wears the compressor faster and increases energy use. Simple upkeep (coils, gaskets, ventilation) is the most reliable way to get the full 10 to 15 years.
For model-specific care and operating tips, use the BX22S5W-P1196708WW owner's manual. For parts and model lookups, start with the model parts list and use Sears PartsDirect to search by model number.
Last updated: February 2026
How to reset Amana ice maker sensor?
On the Amana BX22S5W-P1196708WW bottom-mount refrigerator, the ice maker is controlled by the shutoff arm (not a separate “sensor reset” button on most versions). To reset operation, lower the ice maker arm to ON, then power-cycle the refrigerator for 1 minute and allow 24 to 48 hours for ice production to resume.
Quick reset steps (safe and effective)
- Lift the ice maker arm until you feel a definite click (this is OFF).
- Wait 10 seconds.
- Push the arm back down (this is ON).
- Unplug the refrigerator (or switch off the breaker) for 1 minute.
- Restore power and keep the freezer door closed as much as possible.
- Wait 24 to 48 hours for the first full ice harvest after a reset.
What to check if it still will not make ice
Ice makers usually “fail to restart” because a condition is preventing a fill or a freeze, not because the sensor needs resetting.
- Confirm the water supply shut-off valve is fully open.
- Check water pressure; this model’s ice maker needs about 20 to 120 psi.
- Look for kinks in the copper or plastic water line.
- Make sure the ice maker wiring harness is fully seated.
- Verify the freezer is cold enough to make ice (ice production drops fast if temps are too warm).
- If you added an external water filter, check for a clog or incorrect installation.
Helpful timing and expectations
| Situation | What you should expect |
|---|---|
| New install or after reset | First ice in 24 to 48 hours |
| Normal operation | About 7 to 9 harvests per 24 hours (ideal conditions) |
| After restoring water | Discard the first 3 harvests |
Why it matters
The shutoff arm is the ice maker’s built-in “sensor”; if it is up, the ice maker stays off even if the refrigerator is cooling normally. Power-cycling clears minor control glitches and restarts the fill and harvest sequence.
For model-specific operating details and the exact ice maker arm instructions, use the owner's manual. If you need to look up replacement parts by model number, start with the parts list for BX22S5W-P1196708WW or search by model on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
How do I find out what model fridge I have?
For your Amana bottom-mount refrigerator, the model number is printed on the serial plate inside the fresh food (refrigerator) compartment; it’s typically on the upper left corner of the ceiling area. Use that exact model number (for example, BX22S5W-P1196708WW) when looking up parts and the owner's manual.
Where to look for the model and serial plate
Check these common locations first (in this order):
- Inside the fresh food section on the upper left ceiling area (most common for this Amana style)
- On an inside side wall of the refrigerator compartment
- On an inside wall of the freezer compartment
- Behind the lower crisper drawer area (label may be on the liner wall)
- Behind the toe grille or kick plate at the bottom front
What to write down (and why)
We recommend recording the key identifiers exactly as shown on the plate:
- Model number (used to match diagrams and parts lists)
- Serial number (S/N) (helps confirm production series)
- Manufacturing number (sometimes needed to match the correct variation)
- Date of purchase (useful for maintenance and warranty paperwork)
Quick reference table
| Label field | What it’s used for | Example format |
|---|---|---|
| Model number | Finding the correct parts list and manual | BX22S5W-P1196708WW |
| Serial number (S/N) | Identifying the unit’s production run | Letters and numbers |
| Manufacturing number | Matching model variations | Numbers/letters |
Why it matters
Using the exact model number prevents ordering the wrong refrigerator water filter, door gasket, evaporator fan, or ice maker-related parts for your specific Amana configuration.
Ordering tip
Once you have the model number, search it on the parts list for your refrigerator model, or use Sears PartsDirect to search by model number if you’re looking up additional appliances.
Last updated: February 2026
Why is my Amana refrigerator leaking water on the floor?
Water on the floor around your Amana BX22S5W-P1196708WW bottom-mount refrigerator is usually caused by a blocked defrost drain, a mispositioned or cracked drain pan, or a leaking water supply connection for the ice maker or water dispenser. We recommend checking the drain path and water line connections first.
Quick checks that fix most leaks
- Look for ice or debris blocking the defrost drain opening inside the fresh food section.
- Check the drain tube at the back for a clog or kink.
- Inspect the drain pan underneath for cracks, overflow, or being knocked out of position.
- If your refrigerator is connected to water, inspect the copper tubing and fittings for drips.
- Verify the shut-off valve and supply line are not seeping.
- Make sure the refrigerator is level so water flows to the drain correctly.
Water line leaks (ice maker or dispenser models)
Your manual calls out key installation details that directly affect leaking: water pressure should be 20 to 100 PSI, fittings should be tightened securely (not overtightened), and you should recheck for leaks after moving the refrigerator back into place and again after 24 hours. Use the step-by-step water connection guidance in the owner's manual.
Common leak points to inspect
| Leak location | What you typically see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Water valve inlet at rear | Slow drip down the back wall | Tighten the compression nut; reseat tubing |
| Supply line/service loop | Wet floor after pushing unit back | Straighten kink; ensure loop is not rubbing |
| Shut-off valve | Damp cabinet base near valve | Tighten packing nut; replace valve if needed |
Defrost drain and drain pan issues
When the defrost drain clogs, meltwater can overflow into the refrigerator base and end up on the floor. Clearing the drain and flushing it with warm water typically restores normal drainage. For odor and residue that can contribute to clogs, use the cleaning tips in how to get rid of refrigerator puddles.
Why it matters
A small leak can warp flooring, create mold risk, and cause ice buildup that reduces cooling efficiency. Fixing the drain path or a minor water connection seep early prevents repeat puddles and bigger repairs.
Parts help
If you determine a drain pan, water valve, or tubing needs replacement, we recommend looking up your model BX22S5W-P1196708WW on Sears PartsDirect to match the correct replacement part.
Last updated: February 2026
How old is my Amana refrigerator by serial number?
For your Amana BX22S5W-P1196708WW bottom-mount refrigerator, you can determine its age by finding the serial number on the product identification (serial) plate and decoding the date code. The owner's manual explains where to find the serial plate and which numbers to record.
Step 1: Find the serial plate and record the right numbers
The serial plate is located in the fresh food (refrigerator) compartment on this model. We recommend recording all identifiers so you can match parts and decode the date code correctly.
- Look inside the fresh food section for the product identification label
- Write down the model number (BX22S5W-P1196708WW)
- Write down the manufacturing number
- Write down the serial number (S/N)
- Take a clear photo of the label for accuracy
Step 2: Decode the serial number into a build date
Amana serial numbers commonly include a date code that indicates the build time. A common format is:
- First 2 digits: year
- Next 2 digits: week of the year
Quick reference table
| Serial number digits | Meaning | Example result |
|---|---|---|
| 1st and 2nd | Manufacturing year | “09” = 2009 |
| 3rd and 4th | Manufacturing week | “14” = 14th week |
Why it matters
Knowing the manufacturing week and year helps us choose the correct diagrams and compatible replacement parts for BX22S5W-P1196708WW, especially when components change between production runs.
Parts lookup tip
After you decode the date, use the full model number BX22S5W-P1196708WW to find the right parts diagrams and listings; you can also search by model on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026





