Safety first: Disconnect power before working near the evaporator. Coils can be sharp and cold—wear gloves.

Steps:

Access evaporator: Remove interior rear panel to expose the evaporator coil and defrost components.
Locate the defrost thermostat: It is a small round or oval device clipped to the evaporator tubing with two wires.
Test continuity: If the evaporator is frosty and cold, the thermostat should be closed (show continuity). Disconnect its wires and test with a multimeter. If open when cold, it is faulty.
Check mounting: Ensure the thermostat is firmly clipped to the coil. A loose thermostat may not sense temperature correctly.
Replace thermostat: Cut and splice the new Hotpoint-compatible defrost thermostat using proper crimp connectors and heat-shrink tubing, or use the existing plug connector if provided. Clip it to the same coil location.
Defrost coil: Fully defrost the evaporator before reassembly to remove all old ice.
Reassemble and test: Refit the panel, restore power, and monitor frost pattern over several days.

Freezer shows error, intermittent cooling, ice buildup returns quickly after defrost

Possible Causes