How can I fix my Hotpoint Fridge Freezer, model no FF187M.

The fridge is not cooling as much as it normally does?

Ailsa McFarlane, May 2008

Hi,
My fridge frezer FF187M The fridge is not as cold as it should be. Defrosting freezer is there any other ideas on how to solve this problem?

Thanks

Cw, December 2014

glad this page is here just followed the steps and took out a massive piece of ice fingers crossed its working

thomas, August 2013

I've had similar problems – the freezer works, but not the fridge. I did the usual, taking it apart and defrosting etc...gave up, called in a man...He took one look and simply said: there's a motorised flap that gets the air from below into the fridge – it freezes up and has to be replaced; the problem is not the fan etc. He's putting in a new part tomorrow but says it will go after another 3-4 years. So much for Hotpoint.

kallah, October 2010

All this is good advice for a problem on my FF175BP. I followed it, took things apart, found the exchanger frosted up, used the hairdrier an put it together. It still wasn't working properly...thought I'd try again. Found the fan was working properly and the exchanger had a little frost on it. Checked the drain outlet. I have put the controls right up but without significant response...I'm beginning to think it is something else. Any ideas?

KA, October 2010

well only 50 minutes after i posted the last message heres another offering. Although i said the fan only ran for 1 minute, I went back 10 minutes later and it was in full force. Must have climatised the freezer and decided the temp was too cool. Anways as I had the bit between my teeth I needed to know why the front panel just wasnt playing. I recalled seeing a wire in the recess behind the top door hinge of the fridge door. Upon closer inspection i could see a split in the cable. I took off the cover to expose the cable a tad more. I pulled on the cable to gain some slack and could see the outer sheathing had split as had one of the inner wires. I stripped back the outer sheathing and found two wires had split. I stripped back the sheathing on the two wires (the unit had been switched off at this point) and joined them a 3amp terminal block. Switched the ff back on and hey presto the front panel sprang into life. I had noticed some time back that leaving the fridge door open would only flash the inner fridge light but the accompanying beeping had stopped, well thats also working now too. So basically, whatever the power loss did last night put the ff into a coma!. All working again now though. I have to say I didnt actually notice any difference over 24hrs of the fridge temp or the freezer temp getting any warmer so the unit must have been working fine. I hope this helps someone out there. Cheers.

MORGO444, August 2010

Hello Guys, I know its been a while since your post but I've just completed your steps and found only a smidgeon of ice. The red power light on the ff187m started last night (after a sudden power loss to the house which i think is more to blame) so i set about getting stuck in with the dawters HSM hair dryer... it did melt a bit of ice and the fan did start working as soon as i switched the appliance back on but only for 1 minute. I didnt have a second back panel either. Was just wondering did your steps providfe a long term resolution or are you now on another ff?, cheers Ian M

MORGO444, August 2010

This worked for my FF187M thanks

daverave, June 2009

Well done Smudger, I had the same problem with my FF200E, Hotpoint wanted to charge £100 for call-out but luckily my husband followed your instructions and fridge is now working fine. I would say that you need to be extra careful with the wiring that connects to the fan, ours was embedded in ice so it was awkward directing the hairdryer to melt it but it eventually came away so we could remove the second panel.

Lel, January 2009

My Hotpoint FF200E did the same a while back I think its because we fill our freezers too full and cover the vents in the freezer. This causes the motor and cooling system to work harder. A large build up of ice occurs at the back of the freezer and covers the thermostat. The fridge then thinks it is colder than it is. Someone advised me to defrost my 'frost free' freezer for about 24hrs, this worked for about 2months. Then I decided to turn off my fridge/freezer, take the drawers out and undo the 5 philips screws in the panel with the vents in. I Pulled this towards me to reveal another panel. I gently pulled the next panel towards me, being careful to unplug the fan as i did it. This is when you see the ice build up. Then I de-frosted it with bowls of hot water or a hairdryer. I replaced everything in order and follow the instructions as to how to turn it all back on. And try not to over fill your freezer with cheap bread (like the missus) Hotpoint will rob you a minimum £70.00 for this. Hope this helps at least one person.

Smudger42, November 2008

FRIDGE NOT COOLING BUT FREEZER OK

ANTONY, September 2008