Skip to Content

Hotpoint Refrigerator Not Cooling or Working? (Fixed)

When the appliance fails to operate its main function, it can be frustrating to the owner. However, it does not always mean the replacement of the appliance. Sometimes, the issue can be fixed with some easy tricks and tools.

Hotpoint refrigerators may sometimes stop cooling or stop working altogether. Instead of re-purchasing, you should first diagnose the underlying problem.

Hotpoint refrigerator not cooling or working

Most of the cases, the condenser inside the refrigerator fails due to dirt or debris. The condenser fan motor or condenser coils are prone to damage. the evaporator fan motor is another reason for failing. Thermistors and thermostats are also devices that can cause the refrigerator not to cool.

The device that controls cooling and temperature can be damaged by any outer source or inner cause.

First, the diagnosing should determine what part is the culprit behind not cooling or working. Let’s see what can be the reasons for which the Hotpoint refrigerator not cooling or working.

Thermistor:

The first step of troubleshooting is checking the thermistor. It is the direct device controlling the temperature of the refrigerator.

The sensor makes sure the refrigerator controls the temperature and doesn’t exceed the limit. But due to faulty wire, overheating, over-cooling, big hit, leaking, or external cause the thermistor can damage itself.

Condenser coil:

To function properly, the refrigerator generates heat and via the condenser coil, the heat is ventilated. Since the coil is exposed beside the compressor, it tends to drag dirt and debris toward it.

When the dirt stuck is in excess amounts, the heat produced can’t get access to ventilate. This results in overheating and not cooling.

Condenser Fan Motor:

A condenser fan motor is used to keep the condenser coil cool and stop the coils from overheating. Hotpoint refrigerator uses this device for cooling down the condenser coil.

However, if for any reason, the motor fails to operate, the condenser coil fails to cool down, which ultimately fails to cool down the refrigerator. Also, when the bearing of the motor deteriorates, the fans stop working.

Start Relay:

The start relay provides high voltage to the compressor so that it can initiate its operation. When this device fails, the compressor does not receive the energy to start itself.

So, the refrigerator fails to cool itself. It is the most common cause of refrigerators not working or cooling.

The start relay has coils inside which can burn out due to overheating or debris. The contacts inside the relay can also be corroded, resulting in high temperatures.

Temperature Control Thermostat:

Temperature Control Thermostat is the device that controls both compressor and the motor fan.

It is located beneath the compressor, at the bottom of the refrigerator. If the thermostat is not functioning, the fridge will not cool down to the scheduled temperature.

You can test the continuity of power flow over the Temperature Control Thermostat with a help of a multimeter. This device wears out over years and ultimately fails to function.

How do you know if your Hotpoint refrigerator compressor is bad?

Compressor is the most integral and also often damaging device of a refrigerator. You will know when the compressor goes bad by the noise level, heat check, frequency of compressor ticking.

Compressor operates to control and cool down the temperature. It can go bad for any external or internal reason.

If the coil fails to function, you can know that it has impacted the compressor. It will not cool down like it used to, eventually will stop cooling down totally. The fan fails to cool down the coils. When that happens, the compressor usually gives out a crackling, screeching noise.

High voltage surge is the main external cause for which the compressor goes bad. When the compressor goes bad, it generally overheats.

The start relay ticks without rhythm and is more frequent than ever. When the compressor is making buzzing or humming noise, you will know it has gone bad.

How much does it cost to replace a Hotpoint refrigerator compressor?

The cost to replace a Hotpoint refrigerator compressor can go from $100 up to $550. Compressor makes the refrigerator a cooling device, without which the refrigerator will be a shelf.

When the compressor fails to operate its main work, you can say the refrigerator is gone and turned into a storage box.

The cost of replacing the compressor is so high, that some people prefer to replace the whole refrigerator. But since Hotpoint refrigerator costs a bulky amount, replacing them totally instead of a compressor doesn’t seem like a practical solution when you have a warranty.  

The cost varies from factor to factor. The types of compressors are the most important. You should not settle for reconditioned but purchase the new one compatible with the device.

The size also determines the price. The bigger the costlier. If the Hotpoint company provides a free service, you can save labor costs.

How to fix a Hotpoint refrigerator that is not cooling or working?

When you can successfully diagnose the underlying cause for the Hotpoint refrigerator not cooling down or working, the fixing part becomes easy.

Most of the time, the faulty device needs a replacement or cleaning, which can be easily handled. If the issue is serious, you should consult a professional. Let’s see the easy fixes can be done when the refrigerator is not functioning.

Thermistor:

First, check the function ability with a multimeter. Turn off the switch and unscrew the panels. With a multimeter, check whether the power flow is within the range or not. If not, the thermistor should be replaced.

Condenser coil:

All you need to do is clean the coils with a help of a vacuum. When the clogged dirt and debris are cleaned up, the coil will restart to function properly. Ensure the coil is cooled down before cleaning up.

Condenser Fan Motor:

If the reason for the fan motor to stop functioning is dirt or lack of grease, it is easily fixable. But if the fan motor is damaged, you need to replace it. You have to unscrew the holder and take the fan motor out for it.

Start Relay:

The only viable solution is to replace the faulty start relay. Make sure the new relay matches the old one since it varies from model to model.

Temperature Control Thermostat:

First, you need to check its function with a multimeter. Then check the wiring. Even if the problem is not solved, you simply have to replace.

How do you reset a Hotpoint refrigerator that is not cooling?

When you see that the Refrigerator is not cooling, first you need to do is reset the device. Not always, the problem should be on parts, sometimes the internal programming can be jammed. In that case, you should know how to reset it, before suspecting any damage.

Let’s see how you can reset your Hotpoint refrigerator that is not cooling or working_

Locate the control knob:

Control knobs’ placement depends on model to model. Some models place them inside the fridge or freezer. While others have it over the freezer door. You should consult with the seller about the location.

Turn off the control knob:

Once you have located them, you have to turn them off. Turn the control knobs to zero. If your model doesn’t have zero, turn off to the lowest setting of the device.

Unplug the device:

The device should be unplugged manually so the power doesn’t run through while checking. If the socket is not reachable, you can turn them off from the main line.

Check the power indicator button:

Wait until the power indicator button goes off. It shows that there is no power residue on the device, and it will not shock you.

Wait for 15 minutes:

The fridge will take time to reset. And immediately plugging in and out may damage the compressor due to excess power surge.

Then the compressor will cause thermal overload, which will lead to the deterioration of your refrigerator. So, wait for 15 minutes before plugging in.

Final Thoughts

Most of the time, the underlying reason for your Hotpoint refrigerator not cooling or working is very trivial and minor. So don’t get alert and try to diagnose the cause by yourself. Check the thermistor, condenser fan, coil, thermometer, and compressor to ensure they are functioning or not.