Danby freezer display shows H1 or HI and an alarm sounds; interior feels warm.
Safety Warning
This repair may involve working with high voltage components or water connections. Always unplug the appliance before removing any panels.
If you are not confident in your ability to perform this repair safely, we strongly recommend contacting a professional technician.
Possible Causes
How to Fix / Troubleshooting
Safety first: Ensure the door is closed to prevent condensation and slipping hazards on the floor.
Steps to address H1/HI:
- Check door and gasket: Verify the door is fully closing and the gasket is intact, clean, and not warped. Clean the gasket with warm soapy water and dry thoroughly.
- Allow recovery time: If you recently added a large quantity of unfrozen food or had the door open for an extended period, allow 12–24 hours for temperature to recover. Avoid frequent door openings.
- Inspect evaporator fan: Open the door and listen for the fan running when the compressor is on. If silent, remove the interior rear panel and check if the evaporator fan motor is blocked by ice or debris. Clear obstructions and test again.
- Test fan motor: With power disconnected, spin the fan blade by hand; it should move freely. Check for continuity across the motor terminals. Replace the fan motor if open or seized.
- Check condenser and compressor: Clean condenser coils and ensure the compressor is running. If the compressor runs continuously but the freezer does not cool, a sealed system issue may exist.
When to call a technician: If the fan and compressor run but the unit cannot reach freezing temperature, a refrigerant leak or compressor problem is likely and requires professional service.
Repair Difficulty
Required Part
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