How to Troubleshoot a Hotpoint Refrigerator at Home

Press the “Colder” key pad next to “Adjust Temperature” on the external temperature controls. This turns the appliance on and starts to cool if the Hotpoint refrigerator does not seem to be working. Both controls must be turned past “1” for the unit to operate.

Replace or reset the circuit breaker or fuse if the entire refrigerator has lost power after plugging the power cord in completely to a grounded 3-prong outlet.

Close the doors and leave them shut if the motor is operating for long periods of time or frost appears on frozen food, which is common during warm weather or when hot food is added to the freezer or refrigerator. Lower the temperature if desired and allow 24 hours for the appliance to cool.

Touch the “Colder” key pad to set the refrigerator or freezer to a cooler setting if the appliance seems too warm. Reduce the door openings and clean the door gasket to wipe away debris that might obstruct a proper seal. Apply some petroleum jelly to the gasket if it is sticking or bends. Push items away from the door inside the refrigerator.

Slide the ice maker power switch to “On” if the automatic ice maker does not seem to be working. Note that the ice maker may take up to 24 hours to start working after the refrigerator is first installed, and the ice maker will shut off if the ice bin is already full. Remove some of the ice cubes from the bin if you want new ice to be produced.

Replace the water filter in the refrigerator compartment if the water or ice tastes bad, the ice cubes are small or the water begins to spurt when water is dispensed. Flush the system once the filter is changed by dispensing water for three or four minutes to move water through the lines, clearing out any sediment or debris.

Empty the ice bin and wash it well, then rinse, if the ice cubes develop a taste or odor. Use the ice maker frequently and keep all food items closed or wrapped, since odors can transfer into the ice bin. Clean out the refrigerator if the compartment develops an odor, using baking soda and water. Wrap food items tightly to prevent odor transfer.

Discard ice clumps that are irregular in size if cubes are getting stuck in the dispenser chute. Use the ice maker more often and clean away any ice cubes stuck to the ice maker feeler arm.

Check for ice cubes stuck in the chute if water is leaking on the kitchen floor. Poke through the chute with a utensil. Empty the water tray under the dispenser.

Hold “Lock” for three seconds if the control panel is not working and ice water won’t dispense to release the child lock feature.