Hotpoint freezer FFA97G temperature dropping but was working ok

[raf300]

Hotpoint Fridge Freezer FFA97G we had for over 15 years. Been rock solid reliable till now

The other morning I found the defrost alarm going off which I never heard before. I noticed temperature warming and fridge freezer not being cold.
I took everything out and had a look behind the label in the freezer section where the fan and coils are. All looked ok except the drain hole was iced over.
I left appliance on and the freezer which got cold so the coils and compressor must be working but the fridge didn’t get cold.
I assumed the fan was not working, then the fan kicked in that evening.

The fridge freezer worked for 2 days then the same thing happened again. Temp dropping and fan not kicking in.

Any ideas what could the issue could be or what I could test?

 

[Fred Blogs]

It's old, it's broken. Buy a new one.

 

[Harry Bloomfield]

Any ideas what could the issue could be or what I could test?

Try a really through defrost - everything removed, turned off, then wait until all of the ice has melted out of it. Once back on, check the defrost cycle (heater) is working.

 

[raf300]

It's old, it's broken. Buy a new one.

That is the plan, but I thought if it was a cheap simple fix like a relay or switch. Could be worth saving and keep using.

 

[raf300]

Try a really through defrost - everything removed, turned off, then wait until all of the ice has melted out of it. Once back on, check the defrost cycle (heater) is working.

Thanks, will try this and see what happens.

 

[JohnD]

The blockage is usually in the ducts behind the back panel, so you can't see it, you have to leave the doors open until the dripping has stopped, both into the drain dish round the back, and into the cabinet

 

[raf300]

Did the full defrost, only a little bit of water on the drip pan.
I cleaned the drip pan, checked the drain plug. All was ok.
Gave it another go today and unfortunately fan not kicking in and freezer not getting cold enoug now.

Time to go fridge freezer shopping.