[Shiner]

Re: Hotpoint Mistral Plus (model 8596P) Fridge Freezer Temp

First of all a big thanks to everyone who has helped me with this problem. Your guidance and expertise have been greatly appreciated.

I am happy to say that at the time I misread the explanation of the running of the condenser fan, in that I thought it was meant to run all of the time. I then understood that it only runs when the compressor runs.

So the compressor kicked in, started ‘hummin’ and warming and then I noticed a secondary noise. On checking I saw that the condenser/cooling fan was operating as it should!

The fridge freezer has remained at constant +4 (fridge) and -22 (freezer) for 2 days now. Girlfriend put it on fast freeze last night, woke up to see a reading of -34!!! So I have switched it back to normal.

Bottom line, it was the in-line 80mA glass fuse from the fan that had simply blown…………….. thanks again guys.

[Shiner]

Re: Hotpoint Mistral Plus (model 8596P) Fridge Freezer Temp

Thanks guys! As suggested I took the back off of the base of the freezer and removed the front vent grill. I then took a quite powerful cooling fan and placed at rear of freezer, tilted down towards the condenser fan (located to the left of the compressor when looking from the rear?)(and which incidentally is not operating at all). Within 30 minutes I now have the freezer hovering at -23/-24 degrees and the fridge at a nice +4!!!
To add to this theory – I noticed that from the condenser fan motor housing there is a black ‘in line’ fuse which I twisted and it sprang apart exposing a 80mA glass fuse (with coloured stripes, 3 brown and 1 blue) which upon inspection has blown.
I have just got back from Maplins who only had 100mA glass ‘time delay’ fuses. So I thought, give it a go. But I have to say that the fuse has not sprung the fan back into life! Is that because it MUST be an 80mA glass fuse?? If so, exactly what type are they as I am confused with Thermal/QUick Blow/Time Delay etc etc. Do you know of a recommended outlet that will have these fuses, and do you reckon that the incorrect (100mA time delay glass fuse) would definitely NOT work anyway.
So, I have told my girlfriend to keep an eye on the temperature and switch on the cooling fan as and when required on a temporary basis until I get info back from you guys.
By the way, I could not find a serial number for the fan. But hopefully you will tell me that it is more than likely the fuse……………… thanks again.

[Shiner]

Re: Hotpoint Mistral Plus (model 8596P) Fridge Freezer Temp

Thanks to Dave and Dales-Electronics for the advice.

When I cleaned the dust from the black condenser there was an immediate effect in that it became hot, the compressor became very hot and humming, the temperatures on both fridge and freezer dropped to +6 and -15 within minutes and the internal fan kicked in (like you said it would at -6)- so I thought brilliant!! Within 1 – 2 hours though it had started to creep up again. But like you say, if the base fan is not operating then it isnt getting rid of the build up of heat underneath the freezer??

Any idea what part number for the base fan, cost and is it possible DIY fix please?

Thanks again.

Shiner

[Shiner]

Re: Hotpoint Mistral Plus (model 8596P) Fridge Freezer Temp

Hi Dave,
The fan that I was referring to is the base fan (which Dales-Electronics asked that I check is running). This is located at the back of the f/freezer (at the base) having removed the small rear base panel. The compressor is located to the right and a large-ish fan located to the left which I presume cools or distributes warm air from that area out through the front of the vent grill???
This was not working. I noticed that the spindle that the fan is attached to is prob about 2cm in length, poking out from the fan motor housing and was wondering if it has detached and should be more flush with the motor housing??
I have already checked the smaller fan inside the freezer compartment by removing the interior back panel.
When you say that the fan (next to compressor) should be running all the time (except during the defrost cycle) is it probable that it would NOT be running if the temperature warning light is on more or less constantly??
Thanks again.

[Shiner]

Re: Hotpoint Mistral Plus (model 8596P) Fridge Freezer Temp

Thanks to both of you Dave & Dales-Electronics! For Dave – I will take the rear panel off (to check for frost build up?? around the thermistors??) and will also check as per Dales suggestion to build up of dust etc bottom of black grill at the rear of the base. Incidentally, when I removed the front vent which exposed the front of the black grill (to the right) to say that there was an accumulation of dust was under-exaggerating. It was covered in THICK balls of dust, I got as much out as possible. Then all of a sudden the black ‘pipe’ grills becoming very hot for quite a while – I take it that was a good sign then????? I wonder if there is a huge build up of dust at the rear? Which may need vaccuming out?
When I remove the rear panel how will I know what the thermistors look like, or are they self evident? Also, are they expensive to replace and/or a DIY job?
By the way guys, the freezer is constantly running on fast freeze. How would I cancel this (as Dales suggests that I check it without fast freeze on)?
One final note, with regard to the fridge door switch. WHen I open and close the door I can clearly see the fridge light switching on and off, although I must admit that the alignment of the fridge door seems to have slightly dropped down on the left hand side and just about still makes contact with the ‘switch’ on the top which operates the fridge light mechanism. Like you say, she does load it up with the huge 4 litre containers.
Thanks again for all of your help.

[Shiner]

Re: Hotpoint Mistral Plus (model 8596P) Fridge Freezer Temp

Hi Simon46. Sorry for delay but the f/freezer is actually at my girlfriends house and had to go round to check.
Okay, the fan cannot be heard running when I open/shut the fridge door (repeatedly).
The fridge light operates with no problem, i.e. on when door open and goes off if I simulate shutting the door.
Any ideas please?????

Thanks, Shiner.

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