hotpoint ffa71 freezer door will not close . OK IF YOU LEAVE DRAWS OUT?

Switch off the freezer. Remove all drawers. The rear plastic panel has to be removed which is held on by 4 T20 or T15 screws.Remove these screws using the correct tool. Carefully pull out the rear panel. The insulation may come away which should be stuck to the rear of the panel. It may be embedded on the ice build up behind. Use an air dryer to get rid of the ice, which can take a while to do. Try not to damage the insulation, as it can be stuck back on to the plastic panel which you have removed. Use flue tape to repair if necessary. Make sure the drainage hole is not blocked with ice. If so,pour warm water in to remove. Re assemble the plastic panel with its insulation after removal of all the ice.
The reason why you can not shut the door is that the ice build up distorts the plastic panel forcing the drawers outwards. Hence the door will not shut against the seal.
I have the problem about every 18 months and have to go through this procedure. Wish I had never bought this appliance.
In thory the fan should circulate air around the freezer to remove moisture and prevent build up of ice. There is no such appliance as a frost free freezer. Just completed today this ball ache of a job.

David
September 2011

ice built up behind rear panel causing shelves not to go back.manually defrost and retry

Tim
January 2010