Hotpoint fridge freezer fridge not cold but freezer working?
I've got a Hotpoint fridge freezer (HMCB 7030 AA) that's 2 years old and the freezer is freezing fine but the fridge section has gone warm and won't keep anything cool. Has anyone had the same and managed to sort it?
Solution Summary
AI-generated from this discussion
This thread was marked as solved. Here's a summary of the problem and the fix, generated from the discussion below.
Hotpoint HMCB 7030 AA fridge warm while freezer still operates
- The problem
- A 2-year-old Hotpoint fridge freezer HMCB 7030 AA had a freezer section that was still freezing normally, but the fridge section had gone warm and would not keep food cool.
- Likely cause
- Most strongly supported diagnosis was an airflow problem between freezer and fridge rather than loss of cooling from the sealed system. Suggested causes were ice build-up around the evaporator, an evaporator fan not running, or an air flap/damper fault. A defrost system issue was suggested if a manual defrost temporarily restored cooling.
- What fixed it
- Recommended action was to isolate the appliance from the mains, carry out a full manual defrost for 24-48 hours, then restart and monitor. Also suggested were checking whether the evaporator fan runs, ensuring fridge air vents are not blocked, looking for heavy frost on the freezer back panel, and checking door seals. If defrost did not help or the fan/damper was not operating, further diagnosis by a suitably qualified appliance engineer was advised. The exact repair was not confirmed in the discussion.
- Checks to try
- Full manual defrost for 24-48 hours
- Listen for evaporator fan operation
- Press freezer door switch and listen for fan
- Check fridge air vents for blockage
- Look for excessive frost or ice on freezer back panel
- Check door seals
Safety: Isolate the appliance from the mains before internal checks. Further diagnosis should be carried out by a suitably qualified appliance engineer.
1 Answer
If the freezer is still working but the fridge has gone warm, the fault is often with the cold air not getting from the freezer evaporator into the fridge section, rather than a gas loss. On many Hotpoint fridge freezers this can be caused by ice build-up, a failed fan, or an air flap/damper issue.
Before checking anything internal, isolate the appliance from the mains.
1. Do a full manual defrost If it’s a frost-free model, hidden ice around the evaporator can block airflow to the fridge. Empty it, leave both doors open for at least 24-48 hours with towels down, then restart it. If the fridge works again for a few days then fails, that strongly points to a defrost system problem.
2. Listen for the fan When running, open the freezer and listen for an evaporator fan. On some models the fan stops with the door open, so press the door switch in and listen again. If the fan is not running, cold air may not be reaching the fridge.
3. Check the air vents into the fridge Make sure vents at the back/top of the fridge aren’t blocked by food, packaging, or ice. Poor airflow will leave the fridge warm while the freezer stays normal.
4. Look for excessive frost or ice Heavy frost on the freezer back panel usually suggests a defrost fault or airflow issue.
5. Check the door seals A bad seal can cause moisture ingress and icing, which then blocks airflow.
If a full defrost does not help, or the fan/damper isn’t operating, it will likely need proper diagnosis by an engineer. Any mains electrical testing or sealed refrigeration work should be left to a qualified appliance engineer.
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This answer was generated automatically by the WhitegoodsHelp AI Assistant. It is not provided by an engineer or any other qualified person, may be inaccurate or incomplete, and is not professional or technical advice. Do not rely on it. Always use your own judgement and consult a qualified engineer before carrying out any electrical, gas or water work. Use is entirely at your own risk. See our full Terms of Use.
SAFETY FIRST: READ BEFORE ACTING ON THIS GUIDANCE
Never work on a live appliance
Always unplug it at the mains before going near it with any tools.
Never attempt gas work
By law, gas appliances must only be worked on by a Gas Safe registered engineer. If your fault involves gas, stop and call a professional. Do not attempt it yourself.
Watch for sharp edges
Outer panels are smooth, but internal parts have sharp machined edges. Wear protective gloves and arm sleeves.
Water appliances can leak
Turn off the water supply before disconnecting any hoses.
Know your limits
If you are not confident testing or working inside the appliance, stop and call a professional.
AI guidance, not guaranteed
This response is generated automatically by the WhitegoodsHelp AI Assistant. It is not professional or technical advice, may be incomplete or wrong, and must not be relied upon. Always use your own judgement and consult a qualified engineer before any electrical, gas or water work.
This is general information only and is not professional advice. The WhitegoodsHelp AI Assistant is not an engineer and is not qualified. See our full Terms of Use.
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