Hotpoint rla31 fridge. fridge not cold but light is still on?

Question

i have a hotpoint rla31 fridge thats about 3 years old, no problems before but now its no longer cold inside, powere is working as the light is on but its not cold and no sounds coming from it, usually you can hear it whiring when its on. any ideas ?

Answer 1

Sounds like the defrost timer was stuck.  The timer turns off the compressor and turns on a heating coil in the freezer.  After a while a thermostat near the heater turns it off and starts the defrost timer running again.  Then after a while the timer turns the compressor back on.  If this happens again and you can find the timer (usually but not always near the thermostat) try using a coin to turn the timer a bit that should get the compressor running again.

Answer 2

If you never hear the compressor running, it either has burned out or has lost ITS source of power. Better call out a repair person to find out which.

Answer 3

It could have been too crowded.  If it goes on the fritz again check the  freezer and see if it's working and not the fridge so much? Or if the freezer is overworking or if it's warm also.  I work for a repair company and 9 times out of 10 it's usually and evaporator fan motor (or a damper on the side by sides).  the evaporator fan motor is usually around a $30.00 part.  I see you have a GE product (hotpoint) and their parts are a little more on the pricey side.  A great place to check out diagrams if you want to do it yourself is to go onto www.apwagner.com.  Plus, you can order parts off there.  It's very rare for the sealed system (compressor, etc) to go within 3 years.

Answer 4

If the light is on, close the door.( a little joke there)  but you might be out of Freon.

Answer 5

The light does not indicate that the rest of the refrigator is working (or not). Call a repairman