Hotpoint Appliance Repair

We’ve been fixing Hotpoint appliances for years now. Hotpoint appliances are built to work as hard as you. They take on chores and get them done—day in and day out.

Hotpoint products are extremely reliable and rarely break down, but parts may eventually wear out. When they do act up, we’re here to help.

Let’s go through common Hotpoint appliance failures and how to solve them.

Hotpoint Washers

Hotpoint washers are generally reliable, but they develop a few predictable problems over time.

• Won't drain completely? Check the drain hose for kinks or clogs first. Often it's just bent or pushed too far into the standpipe.

• Loud banging during spin cycles usually means the load is unbalanced or the shock absorbers are worn out. Try redistributing clothes first.

• Not spinning? The lid switch might be broken. These safety switches prevent spinning when the lid is open. Sometimes they fail even when the lid is closed.

• Leaking water often comes from a damaged door boot seal on front loaders or a cracked tub on older models. Check underneath for the exact source.

• The control panel not working right might need a reset. Unplug the machine for two minutes, then plug it back in. Fixes many electronic glitches.

• Are you seeing error codes? Write down the exact code. Different models use different codes for specific problems.

• That burning smell during operation? It could be a worn drive belt or motor problem. Stop using the machine until it's checked out by a washer repair specialist.

Hotpoint Dryers

Dryer problems have some straightforward fixes most of the time.

• Not heating up is the most common complaint. Check the thermal fuse first - it's a safety device that blows when the dryer overheats. Often caused by clogged vents.

• Clothes taking forever to dry? Clean the lint filter and check the vent hose all the way to where it exits your house. Lint buildup is the usual suspect.

• Noisy operation with thumping or squealing points to worn drum rollers or bearings. These wear out eventually and aren't too hard to replace.

• Turning on but stopping quickly? The door switch might be faulty, or on some models, a failing start switch.

• Won't start at all? Check for power issues first - breakers, outlets, power cords. Then look at door latches and start switches.

• Burning smells need immediate attention. Unplug the dryer and look for obvious signs of scorching. Could be a slipping belt or lint caught where it shouldn't be.

Hotpoint Refrigerators

Refrigerator issues can spoil food fast if not addressed.

• Not cooling properly? Check door seals first. Close the door on a dollar bill - if it pulls out easily, the seal is bad. Also clean the coils underneath or behind the fridge.

• Ice buildup in the freezer often means a defrost system problem. The defrost heater, timer, or thermostat might be bad.

• Water leaking inside usually points to a clogged defrost drain. Clear it with warm water and a pipe cleaner.

• Weird noises depend on the sound. Buzzing or clicking when trying to start suggests compressor or start relay issues. Rattling is often something loose.

• Compressor running but not cooling? Could be low on refrigerant or have a sealed system problem. These need professional repair.

• Ice maker not working? Check water supply first. Make sure the water valve to the fridge is fully open. Then look at the feeler arm to see if it's in the "off" position.

• Freezer cold but fridge section warm often means a problem with the damper that controls air flow between the two sections.

Hotpoint Ranges and Cooktops

Cooking appliances have their own set of issues.

• Burners won't heat? For electric coil models, check the element for damage and the receptacle it plugs into. For smooth tops, the element or control switch might be bad.

• Gas burners won't light? Clean the igniter and burner ports. Food spillage blocks gas flow and ignition.

• Oven temperature inaccurate? The thermostat or temperature sensor probably needs replacement. Easy fix on most models. Schedule stove repair service if you need a technician to replace the part for you.

• Self-clean feature doesn't work? The door lock mechanism or control board could be faulty. Some models won't clean if the oven is too hot to start with.

• Baking unevenly might mean the heating element has weak spots or the oven temperature needs calibration.

• Control panel issues? Try resetting by turning off power at the breaker for a minute. If that doesn't work, could be a faulty control board.

Hotpoint Dishwashers

Dishwashers are pretty simple machines, but several things can go wrong.

• Not cleaning dishes well? Check spray arms for clogs. Food particles block the holes. Also make sure nothing's blocking the spray arms from spinning.

• Won't drain completely? The drain hose might be kinked, or the pump filter is clogged. The filter is usually at the bottom of the tub and needs regular cleaning.

• Leaking water? Check the door gasket for tears or food particles preventing a good seal. Also inspect hose connections underneath.

• Making grinding noises? Something hard might be caught in the pump. Turn off the dishwasher and check the pump area and spray arm paths.

• Won't fill with water? The water inlet valve could be clogged or faulty. Check that the water supply is turned on fully too.

• Detergent dispenser not opening? The spring mechanism gets gunked up with detergent residue. Clean it thoroughly or replace if broken.

General Maintenance Tips

Keep your Hotpoint appliances running longer with some basic care.

• Clean refrigerator coils twice yearly. Just unplug, pull it out, and vacuum the coils underneath or behind. Makes a huge difference in efficiency.

• Check washing machine hoses annually for bulges or cracks. Replace them every 5 years even if they look fine. Prevents major water damage.

• Clean dryer vents from end to end at least once a year. This prevents fires and makes the dryer work much better.

• Avoid overloading any appliance. Puts too much strain on motors and mechanisms.

• Wipe up spills on range tops immediately to prevent baked-on messes and blocked burner ports.

• Run dishwasher cleaning tablets through empty cycles monthly to prevent odors and buildup.

• Use proper detergents for each appliance. High-efficiency washers need HE detergent only.

Finding Replacement Parts

When you need parts, Sears PartsDirect carries genuine Hotpoint components. Use your model number to get the right parts.

Common replacement parts include door seals, switches, heating elements, and thermostats. These wear out fastest on most appliances.

Control boards solve many electronic issues but cost more. Make sure that's really the problem before ordering.

Keep your old parts until the repair is successful. Sometimes you need to compare them with the new ones.

Some older Hotpoint parts have been updated with new designs. The new versions work but might look slightly different.

When to Get Professional Help

Some repairs are better left to appliance repair professionals:

• Refrigeration sealed system problems need special equipment and certification. If you suspect refrigerant leaks, call a pro.

• Gas appliance issues involving gas valves or lines need certified appliance repair technicians for safety reasons.

• Multiple failure points often need professional diagnosis to find the root cause.

• Electrical problems beyond basic component replacement might require specialized testing equipment.

• Standing water inside appliances where it doesn't belong could indicate more serious issues.

We can help if your Hotpoint appliance needs repairs beyond your comfort level. Our technicians have years of experience with these products and carry many common Hotpoint parts on their trucks.