Error Codes
What number should my Amana freezer be set at?
For your Amana BX21TW-P1196515WW bottom-mount refrigerator, set the freezer temperature control to 2. That setting is intended to keep the freezer at or near 0°F (-17.8°C) during normal operation.
Recommended settings and targets
Use these as your baseline, then fine-tune after temperatures stabilize.
- Freezer control: 2 (starting point)
- Freezer temperature target: 0°F
- Allow 24 hours after a change before judging results
- Keep vents inside the freezer clear so air can circulate
- If the freezer is packed full or the room is hot, you may need a slightly colder setting
Quick adjustment guide
Make small changes and recheck later.
| If your freezer is... | Do this | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Above 0°F (too warm) | Turn the control slightly colder | Ice cream firms up; ice production improves |
| Near 0°F (normal) | Leave it at 2 | Best balance of performance and efficiency |
| Below 0°F (too cold) | Turn the control slightly warmer | Less frost risk; fewer frozen items in door bins |
Why it matters
Keeping the freezer near 0°F helps food stay safely frozen, supports steady ice maker performance (if equipped), and reduces frost and temperature swings that can stress the cooling system.
Related DIY help
If you are adjusting temps because cooling seems uneven, these guides help you pinpoint common causes:
- How to fix your evaporator cooling fan
- Diagnosing refrigerator thermistor problems video
- How to use your refrigerator efficiently
Last updated: February 2026
How to clean Amana refrigerator drip pan?
To clean the drip pan on your Amana BX21TW-P1196515WW bottom-mount refrigerator, unplug the refrigerator, access the pan near the bottom (front kick plate or rear service area), empty and wash it with warm soapy water, dry it fully, then reinstall it securely before restoring power.
Before you start (safety and prep)
- Unplug the refrigerator or switch off the breaker.
- Protect floors with towels; drip pans can spill when moved.
- Wear gloves if you see mold or heavy residue.
- Use mild dish soap; avoid harsh chemicals that can damage plastic.
- If the pan is not designed to be removed, clean it in place.
How to clean the drip pan (step-by-step)
- Remove food from the immediate area so you can pull the refrigerator out safely.
- Locate the drip pan:
- Many bottom-mount refrigerators place it behind the front toe grille.
- Others place it at the rear, near the compressor.
- Slide the pan out carefully and keep it level.
- Empty and wash with warm water and dish soap; use a soft brush for buildup.
- Rinse and dry completely to reduce odors and future mold.
- Reinstall the pan so it sits flat and fully seated.
Quick cleaning options (choose what fits the mess)
| Situation | Best approach | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Light film or dust | Soap and warm water | Fastest and safest for plastic pans |
| Sticky residue | Soak 10 to 20 minutes | Use a soft brush, not abrasive pads |
| Odor or mildew | Soap first, then a baking soda rinse | Dry thoroughly before reinstalling |
Why it matters
A dirty drip pan can cause refrigerator odors, attract pests, and contribute to moisture problems around the base of the refrigerator. Keeping it clean helps your Amana refrigerator run cleaner and keeps the kitchen area fresher.
Related DIY help
If you are also dealing with water under the refrigerator, use how to get rid of refrigerator puddles to track down common causes like a clogged defrost drain or a leaking water supply line.
Last updated: February 2026
How much does it cost to replace a compressor in an Amana refrigerator?
For an Amana BX21TW-P1196515WW bottom-mount refrigerator, compressor replacement typically costs about $700 to $1,500 total (parts plus labor). The compressor itself is usually the biggest cost, and the sealed-system labor and refrigerant handling drive the rest.
Typical cost breakdown (what you’re paying for)
- Compressor part: often $250 to $700
- Labor (sealed system): often $350 to $900
- Refrigerant recovery, evacuation, recharge: often $100 to $300
- Filter drier and brazing materials: often $25 to $100
- Service call/diagnostic fee: often $75 to $150 (sometimes applied to the repair)
| Line item | Typical range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Compressor | $250 to $700 | Varies by exact compressor and availability |
| Sealed-system labor | $350 to $900 | Includes cutting/brazing, leak checks, vacuum |
| Refrigerant handling | $100 to $300 | Recovery and recharge are specialized steps |
| Total (common) | $700 to $1,500 | Higher if there’s a leak or restriction |
What can push the price higher
- A refrigerant leak is found and must be repaired
- The system has a restriction (blocked cap tube) or contamination
- The unit needs additional sealed-system parts (like a filter drier)
- The refrigerator is hard to access (tight cabinetry, limited clearance)
Before you replace the compressor: quick checks that can save money
A “not cooling” complaint is often caused by airflow or control issues, not the compressor.
- Confirm the condenser fan runs (if equipped)
- Listen for the evaporator fan in the freezer; no airflow can mimic a bad compressor
- Check for heavy frost on the evaporator cover (defrost problem)
- Make sure the doors seal and the unit is level
If the symptom includes warm temps plus unusual fan behavior, we use the same troubleshooting approach outlined in how to fix your evaporator cooling fan.
Why it matters
A compressor is a sealed-system repair; it’s one of the most expensive refrigerator fixes. Getting the diagnosis right helps you avoid paying for a compressor when the real issue is a fan, defrost system, thermistor, or airflow problem.
Last updated: February 2026
What is the meaning of BX21TW-P1196515WW?
BX21TW-P1196515WW is the full model identifier for an Amana bottom-mount refrigerator. We use this exact model number to match the correct parts diagrams, compatible replacement parts, and repair information for your specific refrigerator configuration.
What the model number tells you
For Amana refrigerators, a model number like BX21TW-P1196515WW is primarily an identification code, not a “definition” like a word. It typically helps distinguish:
- The product line and series (the “BX” prefix)
- The size or design family (often reflected in the middle characters)
- Feature variations (ice maker, dispenser, finish, door style)
- A production or engineering revision (the suffix after the dash)
Why the dash and suffix matter
The portion after the dash (for example, P1196515WW) is commonly used to separate a base model from a specific revision or build. That revision can affect which parts fit, especially for items like:
- Refrigerator door gaskets
- Shelves and drawers
- Evaporator fan components
- Water filter housings and water line fittings
- Ice maker and water inlet valve connections
How to use the model number to get the right help
Use the full model number exactly as printed on the rating label when you:
- Search parts by model
- Compare diagrams for the refrigerator and freezer sections
- Confirm compatibility before ordering
- Look up common repair procedures
Quick reference
| Item | What to use | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | Manufacturer name | Amana |
| Appliance type | Product category | Bottom-mount refrigerator |
| Model number | Full identifier | BX21TW-P1196515WW |
| Revision/build | Suffix after dash | P1196515WW |
Why it matters
Even small differences in an Amana bottom-mount refrigerator revision can change fit and function. Using the complete model number helps prevent ordering the wrong shelf, gasket, or water system part.
For water and filtration-related maintenance that often depends on the exact configuration, use our guide: how to replace the water filter in an Amana refrigerator.
Last updated: February 2026
What causes the Amana refrigerator to stop cooling?
If your Amana BX21TW-P1196515WW bottom-mount refrigerator stops cooling, the most common causes are an airflow problem (evaporator fan not running, frost-clogged evaporator), a sealed-system/compressor issue, or a control problem that is not powering the compressor or fans.
Quick checks we recommend first
- Confirm the refrigerator is getting power and the interior lights work.
- Set fresh food to 37°F and freezer to 0°F, then wait 24 hours.
- Make sure vents inside the compartments are not blocked by food packages.
- Clean the condenser area (dust buildup reduces heat removal).
- Listen for the evaporator fan (freezer) and condenser fan (near compressor) running.
- Check door gaskets for gaps that let warm air in.
Most common causes (and what you will notice)
| Likely cause | Typical symptoms | What to do next |
|---|---|---|
| Evaporator fan problem | Freezer warms, fridge warms, little or no airflow from vents | Inspect for fan noise and airflow; follow how to fix your evaporator cooling fan |
| Heavy frost on evaporator (defrost problem) | Gradual warming over days; freezer back wall may look frosty | Unplug and fully defrost 24 to 48 hours; if it returns, troubleshoot defrost components |
| Dirty condenser coils or failed condenser fan | Poor cooling, compressor runs a lot, cabinet sides may feel hot | Clean coils; verify condenser fan runs when compressor runs |
| Compressor or sealed-system issue | Clicking, humming then stopping, or runs but never cools | Stop DIY testing and have a technician diagnose |
| Control board/thermistor issue | Fans or compressor not running when they should, erratic temps | Check wiring connections; use symptom-based testing steps from our DIY guides |
Why it matters
Cooling depends on two things working together: the refrigeration system making cold, and the fans moving that cold air through the fresh food and freezer sections. A single airflow failure can look like a major cooling failure.
Helpful DIY guides for this symptom
- How to fix your evaporator cooling fan
- Diagnosing refrigerator evaporator fan problems video
- Diagnosing refrigerator thermistor problems video
Last updated: February 2026
