15 replies to this topic

[ka6uup]

I have a Hotpoint CTX24GLR refrigerator. I have had it for about 8 months.
I suspect the defrost control needs to be set because the refrig. quit working and I found the coils in the back of the top freezer compartment completely iced up.
Someone (previous owner) has drilled a hole in the center of the control panel between the freezer and refrigerator temp controls. Behind this is a control which I suspect is the defrost control.
I have tried to find a service manual for this unit but had no luck.
All I need is to know how to set this control.
Can anyone help?
Thanks,
Chuck

[appl.tech.29501]

There's no "setting " of the defrost timer, it keeps its own time.

Your unit is comprised of a 3 component defrost system
including the timer, bi-metal, and a heater.

If you have excessive frost build up on the evaporator
coils or it's clogged completely then yes you have a defrost
problem.

now all you have to do it figure out which of the components you need.

the defrost timer is located in the control housing inside of the
refrigerator section and yes there is a hole there to advance the timer for testing.

Item # 646 on diagram below

if your coils are still clogged all you have to do is slowly advance the timer
clockwise with a screw driver "click by click" and when you reach the defrost mode you will
hear the compressor and freezer fan shut off.

When in defrost mode if the heater thats around the evaporator coils
imediately comes on the you have a bad timer. the heater can be checked by
touch "be careful" or with an amp meter.

If the heater is not getting hot then you either have a bad bi-metal
or a bad heater. the heater can simply be OHM'd out for continuity
and so can the bi-metal (as long as it's still covered with ice/frost)
If it's not you can submerge it into a glass of ice water for a few minutes.

Timer Link (if needed) Bi-Metal Link (if needed) Heater Link (if needed)

[ka6uup]

If I set it to that point ( where it shuts off) and leave it will the refrigerator switch back on when the defrost cycle is completed?
I found the control about a half turn away from the cutoff point.
Thanks for the help,
Chuck

[ka6uup]

I should have said" assuming the defrost circuit checks out ok"
Chuck

[ka6uup]

As advised ( in post on 17 June 2011) I determined the defrost timer was bad.
I purchased and installed a new one.
I started the refrigerator by rotating the defrost control one click past the test point.
Is there anything else I need to do?
Thank You,
Chuck

[Samurai Appliance Repair Man]

Please don't start a new topic for the same problem.

Topics merged.

[ka6uup]

OOPS sorry, my bad.

[ka6uup]

After running the refrigerator for four hours, the freezer is at a about 30 degrees and the refrigerator box is about 55 degrees.
I removed the rear cover in the freezer and found the right half of the lower row of coils are covered with quite a bit of frost
Help!
Thanks,
Chuck

[Samurai Appliance Repair Man]

Is that fan in the freezer running?

[RegUS_PatOff]

... right half of the lower row of coils are covered with quite a bit of frost

post picture somewhere
then post link here

[ka6uup]

yes the refrigerator appears to be running normally otherwise.
I removed the cover on the back and check. The coils are clean and the fan there is running also

[ka6uup]

The picture can be found here: http://s943.photobuc...ent=Picture.jpg

[certified tech group 51]

Just checked your picture .....how long has the unit been running??? Looks suspicious to me kinda like a refrigerant leak.... let it runn for a few hours more, BUT, if the frost pattern does not move all of the way to the last 1 or 2 coils........ .......Keep us posted

[RegUS_PatOff]

[Samurai Appliance Repair Man]

Thar she blows! Sho nuff looks like a leaker.

[ka6uup]

The refrigerator had been running for about 5 hours.