Have an older (1999ish maybe?) Hotpoint CTX21DABRRWW top freezer-fridge that has been out in the garage (well insulated) as a backup/beverage fridge.
Just noticed that the freezer is slightly cool but nothing freezes, the fridge is not very cool at all and the sides of the unit are hot to touch especially on the edges where the doors seal with the unit.
Took the back panel off and cleaned dust, debris, etc. from underneath and from around condensor. Condensor fan seems to be working good. Condensor is hot to touch.
Any ideas or should I junk it? I did move it slightly a couple of nights ago and did noticed a rattle sound for a bit (shook it a bit and it quit). Also, my 3 year old had left the door crack open on the fridge a couple of times in the last week but could not say for how long. Thanks
You did not say how dirty it was underneath. That or no condenser fan is the most common cause of a hot frame.
You have to determine if the compressor is running? You can usually hear it but should also be able to feel it vibrating.
Is it cycling as it used to or running continuously?
If cycling it may be a main thermostat problem.
If continuous remove the cover in the freezer so you can inspect the evaporator coils.
If there is just frost in one area usually where the freon enters the coils, you have a sealed system problem and it is not worth fixing. Be sure that it has run for several hours, if you do this shortly after a defrost cycle you could end up with a bad diagnosis.
If they are heavily iced/frosted over then you have a defrost problem.
You did not say how dirty it was underneath. That or no condenser fan is the most common cause of a hot frame.
You have to determine if the compressor is running? You can usually hear it but should also be able to feel it vibrating.
Is it cycling as it used to or running continuously?
If cycling it may be a main thermostat problem.
If continuous remove the cover in the freezer so you can inspect the evaporator coils.
If there is just frost in one area usually where the freon enters the coils, you have a sealed system problem and it is not worth fixing. Be sure that it has run for several hours, if you do this shortly after a defrost cycle you could end up with a bad diagnosis.
If they are heavily iced/frosted over then you have a defrost problem.[/quote]
The fridge is no long hot to touch on sides but is only cooling down to 44-52 degrees.
You have to do more troubleshooting as per my earlier post.
Sounds like the compressor is running continuously so you have to take a look at the evaporator coils.
I am going to the cottage for a few days so will not be available.
When the forum is busy if other regular posters see that the post is being answered they do not have the time to check the post. So If you require help when I am gone you may want to start a new post with a blurb about what you have done so far and a link to your original post.