Hotpoint Refrigerator Parts

The defrost heater warms the evaporator during automatic defrost cycles to remove frost and ice, restoring airflow and cooling. Replacing a failed heater helps prevent frost buildup and maintain more consistent temperatures throughout the refrigerator.

• Melts frost from the evaporator coil during scheduled defrost cycles
• Helps maintain airflow and cooling performance between compartments
• Failure may cause heavy frost on the back wall/evaporator cover
• Can lead to reduced cooling, long run times, or fan noise from ice contact

• Disconnect power before servicing; wear appropriate gloves.
• Remove freezer shelves/ice maker as needed and the rear panel to access the evaporator area.
• Defrost any ice buildup and avoid damaging evaporator fins or wiring.
• Reuse original mounting hardware/clips as needed; check the defrost thermostat and control if frost issues continue.

Restore accurate cooling with this refrigerator temperature control thermostat. The cold control senses compartment temperature and opens or closes the circuit to cycle the cooling system, helping maintain your selected setting when the original control becomes unreliable.

• Monitors refrigerator air temperature via a sensing bulb
• Opens/closes electrical contacts to cycle the cooling system
• Maintains the temperature you select with the control knob
• Common symptoms of a failing control: temperatures too warm or too cold, refrigerator runs constantly or won't start, no response to knob adjustments

• Disconnect power to the refrigerator before servicing
• Access the control housing and note wire locations and the exact routing/placement of the sensing bulb
• Transfer any mounting hardware and the control knob from the old part; install the new thermostat
• Route and secure the sensing bulb exactly as original—do not kink the capillary; restore power, set to a mid setting, and allow temperatures to stabilize before fine-tuning

This is the top hinge pin for a refrigerator door. It serves as the pivot point for the door at the upper hinge, helping the door swing smoothly and stay aligned so it seals properly.

• Provides the upper pivot for the door at the hinge
• Worn or bent pins can cause sagging, squeaking, or poor door closure
• May help resolve doors that don't seal, bind, or drop
• Replacing a damaged pin can improve door alignment and operation

• Unplug the refrigerator before servicing
• Support the door while removing the upper hinge
• Keep track of any spacers/washers and reinstall in the same order
• Tighten hinge fasteners and check door alignment and seal after installation

This mechanical defrost timer controls the refrigerator's automatic defrost cycle, clearing frost from the evaporator and helping maintain stable temperatures. Replacing a faulty timer restores regular defrost intervals to prevent frost buildup and inconsistent cooling.

• Cycles the system between cooling and defrost at set intervals to remove frost from the evaporator coils
• Heavy frost on the freezer back wall or evaporator cover may indicate a failed timer
• Fresh food section warming while the freezer seems cold, or unit stuck in defrost with no cooling
• Compressor runs continuously or never restarts; timer does not advance as expected

• Disconnect power before servicing to avoid electrical shock
• Access location varies by model; commonly in the control housing, behind the kick plate, or at the rear near the compressor
• Photograph or label wiring and transfer wires one at a time to the matching terminals
• Mount securely, restore power, and confirm normal cooling/defrost operation

This reversible door plug fills the unused mounting hole when you switch the door swing on your refrigerator. It restores a finished appearance and helps keep air and moisture from entering through the opening.

• Covers the unused door hole created during a door swing reversal
• Helps maintain proper sealing and resists drafts/condensation at the opening
• Restores a clean, finished, factory look to the door
• Common symptoms: missing or cracked plug, exposed hole, cosmetic gap on door edge

• Disconnect power before servicing any door components
• Gently pry out the old plug with a plastic trim tool to avoid scratches
• Align the new plug with the opening and press until fully seated and flush
• Verify the door closes properly and the gasket seals evenly

This hinge top pin is the pivot stud for the freezer door's upper hinge. Replace a bent or worn pin to restore smooth door swing, proper alignment, and a reliable gasket seal that helps maintain interior temperatures. What it does:

• Provides the upper pivot point for the freezer door
• Helps keep the door aligned so it closes and seals properly
• Replaces a bent, worn, or broken pin causing wobble, sagging, rubbing, or poor closing
• Helps prevent air leaks that can lead to frost or temperature fluctuations

• 1 top hinge pin

• Unplug the refrigerator and support the door before servicing hinges
• Remove the top hinge cover and screws; lift the door off the lower hinge
• Replace the pin in the hinge, transferring any spacers/washers as found
• Reinstall and align the door for even gaps; verify gasket seal before restoring power

This base grille mounts across the lower front of the refrigerator, covering and protecting the condenser area and leveling components while guiding airflow. Replacing a damaged or missing grille restores a clean appearance and the intended front-vent path.

• Covers the lower opening and helps keep debris away from condenser components
• Directs airflow through the front vents as designed
• Provides a finished, clean look at the toe-kick
• Helps prevent rattling when secured properly
• Common symptoms: cracked or scuffed grille, broken tabs, won't stay attached, missing piece

• Disconnect power and wear gloves to avoid sharp edges
• Open doors slightly to clear the grille ends
• Remove any screws or release spring clips and retain existing hardware
• Align tabs and snap/secure the new grille; ensure vents remain unobstructed

The duct foam assembly insulates and seals the refrigerator's air duct to keep cold air moving efficiently between compartments. Replacing worn or missing foam helps restore airflow control, reduce moisture at the vent, and stabilize temperatures.

• Seals the air duct to prevent warm-air leaks and maintain proper airflow
• Insulates the duct to help keep fresh-food temperatures consistent
• Helps reduce condensation or frost forming around the vent area
• Typical indications include temperature swings, a warm fresh-food section, moisture/frost near the duct, or visibly damaged/missing foam

• Disconnect power to the refrigerator before servicing
• Remove interior shelves/panels as needed to access the air duct; note foam orientation before removal
• Clean the mounting surface; seat new foam fully and evenly to create a complete seal—do not obstruct a damper door or sensor if present
• Restore power and verify airflow and sealing around the vent

This replacement bottom door hinge and pin assembly fits refrigerators. The lower hinge supports the door's weight and provides the pivot point, restoring smooth swing and proper alignment for a reliable close and consistent gasket seal.

• Serves as the door's lower pivot and load-bearing support
• Maintains alignment so the gasket seals correctly
• Restores smooth opening and closing after hinge/pin wear
• Common symptoms: door sagging or dragging, popping/squeaking at the hinge, gaps or poor sealing, door not staying closed

• Disconnect power and remove items from the door before servicing
• Support the door, remove bottom hinge fasteners, and lift the door off
• Position the new hinge and transfer any spacers/shims as found
• Reinstall the door, tighten hardware, and verify alignment and gasket seal

This assembly meters cold air from the freezer into the fresh-food compartment and provides temperature feedback to the controls. Replacing a failing unit restores proper airflow and more stable, even cooling performance.

• Motorized damper door opens and closes to regulate airflow from the freezer; stuck-open can cause freezing near the vent, stuck-closed can leave the fresh-food section warm.
• Integrated thermistor senses compartment temperature and signals the control board; a failed sensor can cause erratic or inconsistent temperatures.
• Helps balance airflow between compartments to maintain set temperatures.
• Common clues include clicking/chattering from the damper area, weak or constant airflow, warm spots, or items freezing on upper shelves.

• Disconnect power before servicing.
• Access the damper through the fresh-food air duct; remove shelves and the duct cover as needed.
• Disconnect the wire harness; route and seat wiring and seals in the same positions during reassembly to prevent air leaks.
• Restore power and allow up to 24 hours for temperatures to stabilize.

This defrost timer cycles the refrigerator in and out of defrost at set intervals. By powering the defrost heater and then returning to cooling, it clears frost from the evaporator so airflow and temperatures remain stable.

• Switches power to the defrost heater on a timed schedule, then back to the compressor and fans
• Helps prevent heavy frost buildup on the evaporator coils
• Failure may present as persistent frost, warm sections, the unit stuck in defrost (no cooling), or continuous running
• May also cause irregular clicking or a timer that won't advance

• Disconnect power before servicing; wear cut-resistant gloves
• Access the control housing or machine compartment, note wire positions, and remove the original timer
• Transfer any mounting hardware/bracket, orient the new timer like the original, and reconnect wiring securely
• Manually advance the timer if applicable to confirm switching, then restore power and monitor operation

This defrost heater and bracket assembly mounts at the evaporator and melts frost during the automatic defrost cycle. Restoring airflow across the coils helps bring temperatures back to normal and keeps your refrigerator cooling efficiently.

• Heats the evaporator during defrost to clear frost and ice buildup
• Helps prevent heavy frost on the freezer back wall and improves airflow
• Supports stable refrigerator and freezer temperatures
• Failure symptoms include thick frost on the evaporator cover, warmer fresh-food section, evaporator fan hitting ice, or frequent manual defrosting

• Disconnect power before servicing; use gloves and eye protection
• Remove the freezer's rear interior panel to access the evaporator
• Route wiring and position the heater and bracket exactly as the original; transfer any clips/shields
• After installation, inspect related defrost components (thermostat and control) if defrost issues persist

This compressor overload protects the refrigerator's compressor by cutting power if it overheats or draws excessive current. When it fails, the compressor may not start and the fridge can warm up while you hear repeated clicking from the rear.

• Opens the circuit to the compressor when temperature or amperage exceed design limits
• Helps prevent compressor motor damage from locked-rotor or overheating conditions
• Typical failure symptoms: compressor won't start, warm refrigerator/freezer, rhythmic clicking or buzzing near the compressor
• Physical clues: heat discoloration, cracked housing, or a loose internal rattle

• Unplug the refrigerator and allow the compressor area to cool before servicing
• Remove the rear access panel and the compressor start device cover
• Note wire locations; pull the old overload straight off the compressor terminal and transfer any wires; reinstall with the existing start relay as designed
• Seat fully on the terminal and reinstall the cover; replace any heat-damaged terminals or companion components if needed

CW, 2w, 2 1/4" spade terminals

This freezer air duct channels cold air from the evaporator fan through the freezer compartment, helping maintain consistent airflow and temperature. Replacing a cracked or missing duct restores a proper seal and reliable circulation. What it does:

• Directs and contains airflow from the evaporator fan within the freezer
• Helps maintain even cooling and reduces warm-air leaks
• A damaged duct may contribute to weak airflow, frost/ice around the vent, temperature swings, or vibration/rattling
• Restores proper alignment and fit with adjoining air tower/panel components

• 1 freezer air duct

• Disconnect power before servicing; wear cut-resistant gloves
• Access is typically from inside the freezer; remove shelves/ice bin and interior air tower or cover as needed
• Save and transfer any screws, clips, gaskets, or insulation from the original part
• Ensure panels and seals seat tightly after installation to prevent air leaks

This refrigerator defrost thermostat senses evaporator temperature and controls power to the defrost heater. It helps prevent ice buildup and overheating so the unit can defrost properly and maintain steady, efficient cooling.

• Monitors evaporator coil temperature and controls the defrost heater circuit
• Opens to terminate the defrost cycle at the correct temperature to prevent overheating
• Failure symptoms can include heavy frost on the evaporator, reduced airflow/cooling, longer run times, or the freezer warming
• Also known as a defrost terminator/bimetal thermostat

• Disconnect power to the refrigerator before servicing
• Access the evaporator behind the freezer's rear panel; note the thermostat's original location/orientation on the tubing
• Clip the new thermostat securely to the same spot for good thermal contact; make solid, insulated wire connections and route leads away from moving parts
• Reassemble panels and restore power; monitor for normal cooling and defrost operation