A malfunctioning Hotpoint freezer and refrigerator can cause a lot of inconvenience and a potential source of food spoilage and waste. If you find that your Hotpoint freezer and refrigerator are not keeping food at the right temperature, it’s essential to fix the issue as quickly as is possible. It’s good to know that most of the problems that cause freezers and refrigerators to become warm can be resolved with a few simple troubleshooting steps. In this article, we’ll discuss the most frequent causes for warm Hotpoint refrigerators and freezers and provide step-by-step instructions for fixing them. No matter if you’re an expert DIYer or not We’ll help you gain the necessary information to bring your refrigerator and freezer back up to a proper temperature.
Cold Control or Temperature Control
The cold control is a temperature-controlled switch that supplies power to the compressor and fan circuits in the refrigerator. If the compressor or fans operate normally but are not running regularly or for long enough to keep the appropriate temperatures in the fresh food and freezer sections the cold control could be defective or not in calibration. Normal fresh food temperatures are in the 38deg range with the control set to mid-point. Check to ensure that the capillary tubes or sensing bulb isn’t damaged or not in the correct position and also that wire terminals of the capillary tube aren’t broken or corroded.
Unplug the Hotpoint refrigerator prior to beginning opening it, then you can open the Hotpoint refrigerator door and locate the control. It’s located in the control section for fresh foods on the panel, usually in the back of the knob for temperature adjustment.
After removing the control from the appliance, turn the knob to the warmest setting, adjust your multi-meter to the Rx1 setting . connect the probes to the terminals
The test is for continuity. You should see a reading that reads infinity. With the probes still touching to the terminals adjust the controls to higher (colder) and higher settings. If your reading changes to zero, this means that you are experiencing continuity.
If your control fails either of the tests above the control will need to be replaced. replacement Hotpoint cold & temperature control.
Motor for Evaporator Fan
The Hotpoint fan motor for the evaporator is utilized to circulate cold air in the Hotpoint refrigerator while the compressor is on. If the fan is defective and temperatures rise in the freezer section will increase slowly , and temperatures in the fresh food section will rise more rapidly and the compressor will run for longer and more often than it normally does. While the compressor is running, it is also possible to hear the evaporator fan running simultaneously, along with the condenser fans that are close to the compressor.
How do I inspect the Hotpoint refrigerator fan motor:
Disconnect your Hotpoint refrigerator from its power source. Also, take off the cover for the evaporator that is located in the freezer compartment.
The motor shaft should rotate freely with minimal resistance, attempt to turn the shaft manually in order to test for any resistance.
If there is a significant amount of ice on the motor, remove it from your freezer and see what happens. Also, look over the motor for signs of wear and damage.
If it’s not turning easily, or if it is noticeable worn, you’ll need an replacement Hotpoint evaporator motor.
Electronic Control Board
Newer models of Hotpoint refrigerators can be equipped with an electronic control board. The control board is linked to temperature sensors or thermometers. They are used to keep track of temperatures in fresh food and freezer compartments. The control board uses this information to regulate the performance of the compressor motor, fan motors, and defrost system. The control’s electronic component could be the cause for the problem if the temperature is too high. Hotpoint’s electronic controls can be complex and expensive and usually trustworthy, therefore you must first confirm that all the other components such as the compressor, the fans and sensors are operating properly before declaring the control ineffective. Some manufacturers may give specific details that could help in diagnosing a defective control.
How do you check the control board electronic on your Hotpoint refrigerator:
Unplug your fridge before beginning since you’ll be working with electrical components.
Locate and remove the control board’s electronic circuit from your appliance. It’s located inside of the Hotpoint refrigerator. The control box is attached to the top of the refrigerator.
Look over your control panel for indications of damage, like wear, burned connections or an arcing.
If you find any of the above, you’ll require a replacement Hotpoint electronic control board.
Temperature Sensor or Thermistor
In models that use Electronic Control, or an Electronic Control, a thermistor or temperature sensor may be used to monitor fresh food and freezer temperatures. The sensor is tiny and has a capsule-like shape. It is protected by an opaque plastic shield. Temperature will influence the resistance. The control board utilizes this information to switch on the compressor and fan circuits as well as control the damper on some models. Sensors that are damaged or defective may result in the control board being unable to shut off the compressor or fan. This can result in warmer than normal frozen temperatures or fresh food. Individual manufacturers may have specific data available for testing these sensors depending on the model that is involved and also offer a fault code on the electronic control board on some models.
How to check the temperature sensor in refrigerators using a multimeter:
Start by unplugging the Hotpoint refrigerator. Next, remove the back panel , revealing the control board that is on top.
The thermistor(s) will be connected to the main control board. Then, remove the thermistor(s) from the appliance in order to check them.
You’ll need to check your thermometers by placing them, along with the thermometer(s) in the ice bath for 5 minutes before raising the temperature to 32°F.
When you place the probes on terminals and your multimeter set to Rx1 then you should be able to get the reading of 16,600 ohms (+/- 5 percent).
You will need an replacement temperature sensor or thermosistor from Hotpoint if you get an reading that is out of this range.
Defrost Timer
The defrost-timer is an electronic timer. It is controlled by a set of contacts which control both the heater and compressor circuits. The majority of timers activate a defrost cycle every 8-10 hours during compressor run time. This normally occurs about once every two or three days. The timer for defrost will typically terminate the defrost cycle after 20 to 30 minutes . Then the compressor and fan will start over again.
How to test a defrost timer in a refrigerator with a multi-meter:
Disconnect your appliance from the power source and then locate the defrost timer. You can find it in the lower part of the refrigerator’s kickplate or inside the control panel on the Hotpoint refrigerator. It may be located behind the refrigerator’s back wall.
Once you have located it, take the timer for defrost from the appliance so that you can check it.
Use a multimeter on the Rx1 setting and with one probe touching the terminal that is common to all (it must be labeled “3” or “C”) Then, you can connect the opposite lead to one of the three terminals remaining, one at each time. The first pair should show the reading of either zero or close to zero. This is a sign of continuity. The second pair might also result in readings of zero or near zero. The third pair must also be tested and the reading should read infinity.
These readings may not be taken into account by you. You will need a replacement timer for Hotpoint.
Thermostat Defrosting
The Hotpoint defrost thermostat functions as a safety thermostat connected with the defrost heater . It is used to end the defrost procedure when the evaporator has reached certain temperatures, normally being between 38 and 47 degrees Fahrenheit. If the thermostat is inoperable and remains in open circuit the defrost heater is not energized, and no defrosting can occur.
How do you test the thermostat of a refrigerator’s defrost using a multi-meter
Unplug your Hotpoint refrigerator and locate the refrigerator’s thermostat for defrost. For models with a top freezer it could be underneath the floor of the unit or located at the back of the freezer. If you have a side-by-side refrigerator, the defrost thermostat can be found on the back of the freezer side.
When you’ve located it get it out and try it. For testing it, you’ll be required to clear any obstructions, such as the contents of the freezer or freezer shelves, the icemaker components as well as the lower panel.
The multimeter must be set to Rx1. Each probe should be placed on a thermostat wire. If the thermostat is at its lowest, the multi-meter should read zero. If the temperature is warmer (anywhere between forty and 90 degrees Fahrenheit), then this test should produce a reading of infinity.
If your results from the test are not as that are presented, you’ll need an replacement thermostat from Hotpoint.
Defrost Heater
The defrost heating device is the one which melts frost and ice from evaporator coils. It is typically a wire filament enclosed in a glass or aluminum tube. It is possible to include multiple heaters, according to the design of the evaporator.
How do you test a defrost heating element in your refrigerator with a multi-meter
Check that you have removed your appliance from its power source prior to starting.
Locate your defrost heater. It can be located behind the front panel of the freezer area of your Hotpoint refrigerator, or underneath the flooring of the freezer section. Defrost heaters typically are situated underneath the refrigerator’s evaporator coils. You’ll need to get rid of anything that is in your way such as items in the freezer’s contents, shelves for freezers components of the ice maker, the inside rear, back, or bottom panel.
Before you test your heater’s defrostfunction, you need to take it out of the fridge. The defrost heat source is connected via two wires, and the wires are joined by slip-on connectors. Securely grip these connectors and remove them from the terminals. It is possible that you will require the needle-nosed pliers to aid you. Avoid pulling on the wires.
Utilize your multi-meter for testing the heater for continuity. The tester’s leads should be placed at one terminal. This should give you a reading anyplace between zero and infinity.
If you are reading of zero or infinity you will need an replacement Hotpoint defrost heater.
Condenser Fan Motor
Most modern frost-free Hotpoint refrigerators have condenser coils that are fan-cooled. It is usually located close to the compressor located at the bottom rear of the refrigerator. Condenser fans circulate air around the condenser coil to remove heat. If your Hotpoint refrigerator is hotter than normal and the compressor is running at a rapid pace, there could be an issue with the motor of the condenser fan. The condenser fan motor runs simultaneously with the evaporator motor as well as the compressor. The compressor will continue to be running almost continuously even if the fan motor stops spinning.
How to check the condenser motor in a refrigerator:
Start by disconnecting your Hotpoint refrigerator from its power source . Then, remove the panel that opens to the rear to locate the condenser motor. It is typically located on the bottom of the refrigerator.
After you’ve located it, Look for any obstructions or debris that could hinder the fan from being able to move freely. You should also inspect the condenser fan motor for signs of damage or wear..
You will need to purchase a replacement Hotpoint condenser motor in the event that the motor been damaged or worn out.
A Hotpoint freezer or refrigerator which is too hot may lead to costly and frustrating problems. It is easy to resolve the majority of the issues with refrigerators and freezers with warm temperatures through a basic understanding of repair techniques and some troubleshooting. From checking the temperature settings and cleaning the coils, there are many ways to restore proper cooling function for your appliance. You can save money and ensure your food is safe and fresh by following these tips. Remember, if you’re ever uncertain about a repair, it is always best to speak with an expert technician to ensure the task is completed safely and efficiently.