**NOTICE**
Due to the danger and complexity of electronic equipment repair, the following technical tip is intended for professional reference only. Please refer to manufacturer’s recommendations as Encompass does not guarantee the accuracy, reliability or safety of this information.Â
To the non-technical person, freezers seem like complicated units capable of doing something quite extraordinary – lowering temperatures below that of the surrounding. Happily, though, they work on elementary principles. Hotpoint freezer repair usually involves replacing broken or defective parts or doing simple troubleshooting.
This guide will cover the following Hotpoint freezer models and related products from the brand:
HQ9 B1L
HQ9 E1L
H9T 921T KS H
H7T 911T KS H
H7T 911T MX H
H7T 911A KS H AQUA
H7T 911A MX H AQUA
H5T 811I MX H
LAL85 FF1I W WTD.1
HM 7030 E C AA O3.1
DC 85 N1 G
DC 85 N1 W
H3T 811I OX
H3T 811I W
H8 A1E SB UK.1
H8 A1E W UK.1
H8 A1E SB WTD UK.1
FFU4D.1 K
Common Reasons for Hotpoint Freezer to Stop Working Properly
Freezers can stop freezing (or generate readouts that make it appear as though they’ve stopped working), for many reasons, including:
- Dirty condenser coils
- Frosted over coils
- Main control board malfunction
- Defective temperature control thermostat
- Faulty user control board
- Defective compressor unit
- Sealed system leak
- Start relay problems
- Evaporator motor fan issues
Dirty Condenser Coils
Hotpoint makes freezers with both external and internal condenser coils. The interior models shouldn’t require regular cleaning since the shroud of the unit prevents accumulation of dirt and grime. However, exterior types often collect dust, lowering their capacity to dissipate heat and reduce interior temperatures. If freezer coils look dirty, unplug the unit and wipe off any dust with a duster or cloth. If they feel sticky or greasy, use a damp sponge with a decreaser to remove scum.
Frosted Over Evaporator Coils
Sometimes freezer evaporator coils can frost over. This usually occurs when there is a problem with the defroster heater – a device that prevents buildup of frozen water on the surface of coils.
Hook the defroster heater up to a multimeter and check for continuity. The current flow through the unit should be continuous while the freezer unit is switched on. Lack of continuity could indicate problems with electrical connections, fuses, switches and wiring elsewhere in the appliance.
If continuity is an issue, the entire defrost heater unit may need to be replaced.
Main Control Board Malfunction
Main control boards on Hotpoint freezers provide all circuitry required to adjust temperatures and settings. The brand supplies an extensive range of different boards, depending on model.
Mainboard issues can cause a freezer to stop freezing, but such problems are uncommon. If other potential issues have been ruled out, try replacing the mainboard to see if it fixes the problem.
Defective Temperature Control Thermostat
The temperature control thermostat measures temperature inside the freezer to change voltage supplied to the condenser fan motor, evaporator fan motor and compressor. When thermostats malfunction, they can’t assess temperatures accurately and send instructions to the components to chill the freezer to the required level.
If a defective thermostat is suspected, turn it from the lowest setting to the highest. On Hotpoint models, you should hear a click as components in the rest of the appliance kick into action.
If you don’t hear any sound or see the machine responding, take a multimeter and test the thermostat for continuity. If the thermostat doesn’t have continuity, it should be replaced.
Defective Compressor Unit
Compressors are just pumps that circulate refrigerant through the condenser and evaporator coils. When they stop working, heat exchange comes to a halt, and freezers can’t cool down.
Compressors can fail on modern Hotpoint machines, though this is rare. Often, other defective parts are causing the issue. Before replacing or repairing the compressor, check other components such as the evaporator and condenser coils and evaporator fan motor.
If those components appear to be working well, then test the compressor itself by attaching a multimeter to the electrical connector pins on either side. If you detect an open circuit, then the compressor is probably defective and should be replaced. (Please note that only licensed technicians should replace compressors.)
Sealed System Leak
If the unit freezes on the top shelf but nowhere else, there may be a sealed system leak. Replacing a sealed system usually costs more than the freezer unit itself, making repair cost-prohibitive.
Start Relay Problems
The freezer start relay is a device that switches the compressor on and off. When it doesn’t work correctly, it doesn’t supply energy to the compressor in sufficient quantities or at the right time. If the compressor doesn’t work, the freezer won’t cool at all.
If an issue with the start relay is suspected, unplug the freezer from the mains and detach it from the compressor. As with other electrical components described above, use a multimeter to test for continuity between both terminals on the relay. Also, smell the unit; if there’s a burning odor, it needs to be replaced.
Problems With Evaporator Motor Fan
Evaporator motor fans are critical for heat exchange, which makes refrigeration possible. Fans circulate air through the coils in the freezer, removing excess heat.
Most Hotpoint models disengage the evaporator motor fan when the door is opened. If there’s a problem with the fan, try pressing the freezer door microswitch that operates the fan and keep the door open. The freezer should detect a rise in temperature and prompt the fan to start spinning. If it doesn’t respond, you may need to replace it.
Please note that readouts on the user display board may not be accurate if sensors or internal circuits have failed.
Visit Fred’s Appliance Academy to learn more about the training provided in appliance repair.
Special thanks to Fred’s Appliance Academy for this helpful tip!
Runs Constantly
However, if you’ve never used rinse aid and previously dried dishes are coming out wet, you’ll need to investigate other potential reasons.
When attempting to repair, first check the status of the machine via the Scan-to-Connect technology and app. In many cases, the app can use automated diagnostics to provide an error code, saving a lot of time troubleshooting. If this hasn’t helped identify the issue or you’re not using the app, the following are some typical problems: