Unit shows E8 and may shut down or limit operation; sometimes occurs during very hot conditions.

Safety: Unplug the unit and allow it to cool before servicing. Metal surfaces near the condenser can be hot.

Steps:

• Improve ventilation: Ensure the rear and sides of the unit have the clearance specified in the Hotpoint manual. Remove any obstructions such as curtains, blinds, or covers.
• Clean condenser coil: Remove the rear cover and gently clean the condenser fins with a soft brush and vacuum. For heavy dirt, use a coil cleaner suitable for air conditioners, following label directions.
• Check condenser fan: Spin the outdoor fan blade by hand; it should move freely. If stiff, noisy, or seized, the motor may be failing. Confirm the fan runs when the compressor is on.
• Check ambient conditions: If the unit is installed in a confined or very hot space (e.g., sun-exposed window with poor airflow), consider shading or relocating if possible.
• Reset: After cleaning and ensuring good airflow, let the unit sit unplugged for 15 minutes, then restore power and test.

Call a technician if: E8 recurs quickly despite good airflow and a working fan; the compressor may be overheating internally or the control board may be misreading sensor data.