Thread: Hotpoint Electric (1992) Hums, Won't Run

Addendum: The motor should not be getting power unless the door is closed (light out) and the start switch pressed. Correct?

goofyroo	Addendum: The motor should not be getting power unless the door is closed (light out) and the start switch pressed. Correct?

You would be correct. It sounds to me like the motor switch is stuck on the run winding. You'll need a motor, unless you can get the motor switch still. If you let it hum, if it is indeed stuck on the run winding, it should shut itself down in 15 seconds or so on the motor overload. If it does, that's a sure sign. Let us know!

Found it. Enough dust and dirt had accumulated around the wires and terminals of the motor, that the Start circuit was fully engaged anytime the timer was ON.

Apparently this drained the motor of its RUN power, as well.

Cleaned the motor and terminals with a vacuum, then a duster. Now it runs fine!

Originally Posted by goofyroo

Found it. Enough dust and dirt had accumulated around the wires and terminals of the motor, that the Start circuit was fully engaged anytime the timer was ON.

Apparently this drained the motor of its RUN power, as well.

Cleaned the motor and terminals with a vacuum, then a duster. Now it runs fine!

Thanks for the hint. Ours had the same problem this afternoon and I was assuming that we were going to have to replace the motor.

I found a lot of lint inside of the cabinet and around the motor (as you had). After a thorough vacuuming everything appears to be working again.