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Hotpoint Refrigerator not cooling

If your Hotpoint refrigerator is not cooling, the most common causes are usually simple and fixable. Start by checking the condenser coils under the cabinet for lint and debris; dirty condenser coils make the compressor work harder and can keep the fridge from cooling. Next verify temperature settings — freezer should be about 0 to 5°F and the refrigerator 34 to 40°F, then give it 24 hours to stabilize. If cleaning and settings don’t help, inspect the condenser fan motor (under the unit) and the evaporator fan motor in the freezer; a failed evaporator fan is a frequent reason the freezer stays cold while the refrigerator does not, so if you have a fridge not cooling but freezer works condition, that fan is a likely culprit. Also check the door gasket for gaps and confirm the unit has steady power at the outlet. If you need replacement parts, enter your model number on RepairClinic.com to find the exact condenser coil brush, fan motor, gasket, or other part that fits your refrigerator.

01 - Condenser Coils are Dirty

As debris builds up on the condenser coils, usually located under the refrigerator, the appliance will become less efficient and will have to cycle on more often to maintain a cool temperature. If the condenser coils are significantly clogged with debris, the compressor may overheat and shut off prematurely, preventing the appliance from cooling at all. The condenser coils should be cleaned every 6 to 12 months by using a soft bristle brush (or a dedicated condenser coil cleaning brush) to wipe off the coils in a circular motion. A vacuum cleaner with a nozzle attachment can also be used for hard-to-reach areas.
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02 - Freezer or refrigerator temperature is set too high

Verify the freezer temperature is set between 0 and 5 degrees Fahrenheit (-18 to -15 Celsius). Verify the refrigerator temperature is set between 34 and 40 degrees Fahrenheit (1 to 5 Celsius). After resetting the temperature wait 24 hours for the temperature to adjust appropriately.
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03 - Hotpoint Refrigerator Condenser Fan Motor

The condenser fan motor draws air though the condenser coils and over the compressor. If the condenser fan motor is not working properly, the refrigerator won’t cool properly. To determine if the fan motor is defective, first check the fan blade for obstructions. Next, try turning the fan motor blade by hand. If the blade does not spin freely, replace the condenser fan motor. If no obstructions are present and the fan blade spins freely, use a multimeter to test the fan motor for continuity. If the condenser fan motor does not have continuity, replace it.
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04 - Hotpoint Refrigerator Evaporator Fan Motor

The evaporator fan motor draws air over the evaporator (cooling) coils and circulates it throughout the refrigerator and freezer compartments. Some refrigerators have more than one evaporator fan motor. On refrigerators with only one evaporator, the evaporator is located in the freezer compartment. If the evaporator fan is not working, it will not circulate the cold air to the refrigerator compartment. If this occurs, the freezer may still get cold, while the refrigerator will not get cold. To determine if the evaporator fan motor is defective, try turning the fan blade by hand. If the fan blade does not turn freely, repla...ce the fan motor. Additionally, if the motor is unusually noisy, replace it. Finally, if the motor does not run at all, use a multimeter to test the motor windings for continuity. If the windings do not have continuity, replace the evaporator fan motor.
Highly Likely

05 - Hotpoint Refrigerator Door Gasket

A refrigerator door gasket should form an airtight seal around the appliance's frame to keep the cold air in and the warm air out. If the door gasket is twisted or torn, gaps can form that will allow warm air in, resulting in the refrigerator not cooling properly. Inspect the door gasket for any damage and replace with a new one if necessary.
Highly Likely

06 - Incoming Power Problem

Ensure plug is tightly pushed into a regular electrical outlet and the outlet is supplying power. Using a ground fault outlet for a refrigerator is not recommended. Confirm that no circuit breakers have tripped or fuses have blown.
Highly Likely

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my refrigerator not cooling?
My freezer is cold but the refrigerator compartment is warm. What could cause that?
Why does my refrigerator run constantly or cycle on more often than usual?
How do I test a condenser or evaporator fan motor?
How do I find my model number and order the correct replacement part on RepairClinic?

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