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HomeRepair HelpHotpoint Refrigerator RepairHotpoint Refrigerator freezer is cold but refrigerator is warm Repair
Hotpoint Refrigerator freezer is cold but refrigerator is warm
If your freezer is cold but the refrigerator section is warm, the most likely causes are blocked airflow from frosted-over evaporator coils caused by a failed defrost heater, a dead or obstructed evaporator fan motor, or the refrigerator door not closing fully and letting warm air in. Other common culprits include a faulty temperature control thermostat that is not calling for cooling, a torn or misaligned door gasket, or a stuck damper control that will not admit cold air into the fresh-food compartment. In plain terms, start by checking the evaporator coils for heavy frost, see if the evaporator fan blade spins freely or runs, and make sure shelves and door bins are not preventing the door from sealing. If you see no obvious issues, test the thermostat and damper for operation or replace worn gaskets. If you search RepairClinic.com with your model number you can find the exact replacement defrost heater assembly, evaporator fan motor, thermostat, gasket, or damper assembly you need to fix a fridge not cooling but freezer works, refrigerator warm but freezer cold, or freezer working but fridge not cooling problem.
01 - The Evaporator Coils are Frosted Over
The defrost heater assembly turns on a few times throughout the day to melt away any frost that may have accumulated on the evaporator coils. If the defrost heater assembly is defective, frost will continue to accumulate on the evaporator coils, and the coils will become plugged with frost. If the evaporator coils are frosted over, the airflow through the coils will be restricted, causing the refrigerator not to cool. Check the evaporator coils to determine if they are frosted over. If the evaporator coils are frosted over, test each component of the defrost system.
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02 - Hotpoint Refrigerator Evaporator Fan Motor
The evaporator fan motor draws cold air over the evaporator coils and circulates it throughout the freezer. If the evaporator fan is not working, the freezer or refrigerator will not cool adequately. To determine if the evaporator fan motor is defective, try turning the fan blade by hand. If the fan blade does not turn freely, replace 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..
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03 - Door not closing all the way
Misaligned door bins and shelving, or an excess of food items, may be keeping the door slightly open and prevent the refrigerator from cooling properly. Make sure the shelves and door bins are in the proper locations and avoid overloading the bins and shelves with food items.
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04 - Hotpoint Refrigerator Temperature Control Thermostat
The temperature control thermostat directs voltage to the compressor, evaporator fan motor, and condenser fan motor (if applicable). If the temperature control thermostat is not working properly, it may prevent the refrigerant system from running properly, resulting in the refrigerator compartment not cooling as expected. To determine if the thermostat is defective, rotate the thermostat from the lowest setting to the highest setting and listen for a click. If the thermostat clicks, it is not likely defective. If the thermostat does not click, use a multimeter to test the thermostat for continuity. If the temperature contr...
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 compartment being warm even though the freezer compartment is cold. Inspect the door gasket for any damage and replace with a new one if necessary.
Highly Likely
06 - Hotpoint Refrigerator Damper Control Assembly
The air damper control opens and closes to let the proper amount of cold air into the refrigerator compartment. If the damper does not open properly, it won’t let enough cold air into the refrigerator. Check the damper control to determine if it is broken or stuck closed.
Highly Likely
Frequently Asked Questions
My freezer is cold but the refrigerator compartment is warm — why is that?
How can I tell if the evaporator coils are frosted over and the defrost heater assembly is bad?
How do I test the evaporator fan motor if the freezer or fridge is not cooling properly?
Can a bad door gasket or a misaligned door cause the refrigerator to be warm even though the freezer is cold?
How do I enter my model number or part number on RepairClinic.com to find the correct replacement part?
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