We have had this integrated FF for 2 1/2 yrs without any trouble. then a month ago we noticed that the ice cream was quite soft. So I placed a digital thermometer inside the freezer and found out that it was only minus 8 degrees.

I googled the problem and decided to empty the whole machine and let it defrost for 48 hrs. Then switched it back ON and set the thermo knob to 3 (its been set at 2 for the previous 2 1/2 yrs)

I have monitored the freezer temperature for 2 weeks now and the temp fluctuates from minus 23 up to minus 8 / minus 9. It seems that the compressor comes on for a hour or two once the temp gets 'high' and takes it back to minus 21 - 22 ish , then goes off for a hour or so and once we get back to a warmer minus 8,9, 10 ish cuts in again .

This cant be right and of course its making the fridge part VERY cold at times. I have had bottles of water partially freeze now.

I am not techie in any way but this does sound like either a thermostat problem or a 'motherboard' problem. Unfortunately I cant find any real help specific to the model. I cant even find an engineers repair manual to even find where the thermostat is located.

Hotpoint want £110 to come out and repair but talking to them they are not interested in troubleshooting. All they want to do is send an engineer to me on the basis of the freezer isnt working properly. so he might well arrive without the correct parts.

Any ideas or help would be appreciated, thanks

Any ideas