What to do when your Hotpoint upright freezer isn't cooling properly
If you hear the compressor running but the freezer doesn't cool, a sealed system problem such as a refrigerant leak or a failed compressor pump may be causing the problem. A service technician will need to fix a sealed system failure because the repair involves the recovery and recharge of the refrigerant.
If the freezer cools but doesn't cool down to 0 degrees, a failed thermistor may be inaccurately detecting freezer temperature or the electronic control board in the freezer may be inaccurately detecting the thermistor signal. Using the freezer's tech sheet as a guide, unplug the freezer and check the resistance of the thermistor using a multimeter. Replace the thermistor if its resistance differs from its expected resistance. If thermistor resistance is okay, check the resistance of the thermistor circuit from the wires that connect the thermistor circuit to the electronic control board. If you measure the same resistance through the wires that connect to the control board as you measured directly at the thermistor, then you'll need to replace the electronic control board because it isn't accurately detecting the thermistor signal. If the thermistor circuit resistance differs from the thermistor resistance, then a wiring failure in the thermistor circuit is interfering with the thermistor signal going to the control board. Find and repair the bad wiring. If your freezer uses a dial control, the cold control thermostat may not be sensing and controlling freezer temperature properly.
Common Hotpoint upright freezer replacement parts
- Control panel. The freezer control panel turns on or off freezer functions such as power, vacation mode and the ice maker.
- Drain hose adapter. The drain hose adapter provides a connector to attach a drain hose to the freezer.
- Thermistor. The thermistor is a temperature sensor within the freezer that sends information to the electronic control board.
- Temperature control thermostat. The temperature control thermostat is mounted in the control housing area and controls the temperature inside the freezer. It turns the compressor on and off as needed to maintain the set temperature in the freezer. The thermostat has a temperature sensor tube that detects the actual temperature in freezer compartment and controls the temperature based on the reading from that sensor.
- Overload/PTC relay. The overload/PTC relay starts the compressor motor. It has 2 components: an overload protector that trips when the compressor motor overheats or locks up, and a relay. The relay manages the start-up of the compressor and keeps the compressor running until the compressor cycles off.
When you need professional freezer repair service, trust your local pros at Sears Appliance Repair to fix your freezer fast. We have fast and reliable freezer repair service available in your neighborhood. Same day and next day repair appointments are available in many areas.