Danfoss compressor in Hotpoint RFA fridge freezer is humming but won't start. What is most likely cause. The unit is 18 months old, just out of guarantee Arnal.

if compressor is running and no cooling is present --possible damage when defrosting causing loss of freon

Make sure that the temp probe from the thermostat is located exactly where the old one was. If it had a plastic sleeve on the old one, the new one will need that sleeve. You shouldn't need to calibrate the control if it is the one specified for this model. If it was a generic replacement then possibly it could need some adjustment.

Hi and Welcome to FixYa. I am Kelly.

There are many things that can cause your existing symptoms.

1. The Unit is controlled by an all-in-one control board that often is the main failure.
This l;ink is used as an example but is the control board for your unit:
http://www.espares.co.uk/part/fridges-and-freezers/hotpoint/ffs70n/p/1084/808/0/434869/808166/pcb-(printed-circuit-boar.html

2. The PTC Relay Device (Danfoss)
Part Link no picture: ptc-device.html">http://www.espares.co.uk/part/fridges-and-freezers/indesit/p/1084/805/0/0/808237/refrigerator-ptc-device.html

3. The run capacitor: (Again no picture) 4 uf cap
http://www.espares.co.uk/part/fridges-and-freezers/indesit/p/1084/805/0/0/807896/run-capacitor-4uf.html

4. The Thermistor PN 2601683 (not sure about part number as many conflicts with cross ref)

5. The actual compressor (1/5 hp) PN 2603850 or Type TWB1374MK

Any of the above can cause your problem. Check the compressor. If it is VERY hot to the touch unplug the unit for 30 minutes and then plug it in again.
If the compressor is cold the only thing you can do is start troubleshooting with the units wiring diagram and a meter.

I wish I could say _______ is causing your problem. Without testing components and knowing they are bad I can not say order _____ part. If your good with a meter and can locate the units tech sheet / wiring diagram you can isolate the failed part. Otherwise all I can say is what can cause your symptom as listed above.

Kelly

Check with Hotpoint / GE and inform them of your concerns.

It seems to me that there is a leak of gas from your unit.This is if you have 1 compressor/motor)If there is two compressors on unit then it can be thermostat for fridge.Anyhow check if motor is running all the time and is wery hot, if it is there is to little gas in system .This should be covered by guarantee.Jan

Turn the second knob at the top to off (freezer knob) turn the fridge freezer off. Then turn it back on. That may sort it. Or you may need to totally defrost the machine as there could be some ice blocking some vents. May need to remove the back panel of the freezer for this (inside).

s it should the ambient temperatures that you said are way to cold to expect the freezer to operate properly. move it indoors and or contact the manufacture and see if the have a kit to put on the unit to work properly.

Is the compressor trying to run at all. Are any sounds coming from the area of the compressor? Like a hum and a click sound in that order? If the compressor is cold to the touch it could be a control problem. If the compressor is cold there are two things that shut its power off. The thermostat which controls the temperature or the defrost system. If the compressor is hot the problem is compressor related.

Sounds like frosting up. Defrost completely...that can take 2 days. Restart. Also, clean the condenser. Check door gaskets, clean and replace as necessary. Don't keep door open longer than necessary.

"part that starts the compressor" could be the thermostat or the compressor relay. most probably the thermostat. the 'stat is indeed nothing to do with the compressor and is only the switch that makes the compressor start. the part is reasonably cheap and easily replaced. hotpoint refrigeration is as good as any and i don't have a vested interest