Search thermostat in brand refrigeration equipment Ariston often becomes the first step for owners faced with temperature problems. If your unit stops freezing or, conversely, begins to turn food into an ice ball, this sensor is most often the culprit. Understanding the design of your model is the key to quick and successful repair.
In most classic models Ariston this control is hidden from the user's eyes, located inside the chamber or behind decorative panels. The exact location directly depends on the year of manufacture of the equipment and the type of control system, whether it is a mechanical regulator or an electronic board. Don't panic if you don't see the button right away - in older models it is often hidden under a lampshade or in a niche.
To start diagnosing, you will need a basic set of tools and an understanding of how yours works. refrigerator. In this article we will analyze in detail all possible options for the location of the regulator so that you can independently carry out an initial check or replace a failed part.
Internal arrangement in classic models
In standard two-chamber models Aristonreleased in the 90s and early 2000s, the thermostat is most often located directly in the refrigerator compartment. This is logical, since this is where the positive temperature is maintained, which requires control. You need to look for it on the right or left wall, just above the level of the middle shelf.
Often this element is a small plastic knob with numbers from 1 to 5 or 7, which rotates to adjust the compressor power. However, it mechanism hidden inside the case. To get to it, you need to carefully remove the plastic casing, which is usually held in place by latches or screws. Be extremely careful not to damage the fragile plastic, which could become brittle over years of use.
Sometimes the regulator is combined with a defrost button or a compressor operation indicator. In such cases, a more complex structure with electrical contacts is hidden under the handle. If you plan replacementyou will need to completely remove the unit by disconnecting the terminals.
- 🔍 Look for the adjustment knob on the inside wall of the refrigerator compartment.
- 🔧 Access may require removing the decorative panels.
- ⚡ Turn off power before removing any controls.
⚠️ Attention: When removing the interior panel, be careful with the wiring. Old wires in refrigerators Ariston can be hard and brittle, they can be easily damaged by sudden movement.
If the regulator handle is located outside, on the top panel of the case, then the thermostat itself is still located inside, and only the control rod is outside. In this case, to replace it, you will have to disassemble the top part of the refrigerator, removing the lid and the thermal insulation layer.
Thermostats in models with the No Frost system
In more modern models Aristonequipped with the system No Frost, the design of the temperature control system may differ. Here, not classic mechanical thermostats are often used, but complex electronic sensors or thermistors that transmit data to the main control module. However, in some modifications, mechanical regulators are still found.
In systems with forced air circulation, the sensor is often hidden in a special evaporator channel or behind the rear wall of the refrigerator compartment. It can be difficult to get to it without partially defrosting and removing the back panel. This is due to the fact that the sensor must read the temperature of the air circulating in the system, and not just the temperature at the wall.
To access the evaporator sensor in such models, it is often necessary to remove all shelves, drawers and decorative trims. The process is labor-intensive and time-consuming. If you are not confident in your abilities, it is better to contact specialists, since incorrect assembly can damage the seal of the chamber.
Features of operation in No Frost
In No Frost systems, the thermostat (or sensor) may respond with a delay, since the air must go through a circulation cycle. This is normal and is not a malfunction.
It is important to understand that in electronics Ariston with a display on the door there may not be a mechanical thermostat at all. Its function is performed by the control board, and the “twist” inside is just a variable resistor that changes the resistance. Replacing such an element requires selecting an exact analogue according to the catalog number.
Access through the lampshade and the top panel
One of the most common options for the location of the thermostat in refrigerators Ariston is the area of the lampshade. Designers often combined the light bulb and temperature controller into one unit to save space and simplify assembly. Visually, it looks like a plastic box on the ceiling of the refrigerator compartment.
To check this version, try carefully prying off the plastic housing of the lamp with a flat screwdriver. It can be attached with latches. After removing the cover, you will have access to the lamp socket and, possibly, to the lamp itself thermostat. In some models, the adjustment knob protrudes directly from this block.
If the handle is on the outer top panel (above the door), then the mechanism is hidden inside, under this panel. You will need to remove the entire top cover of the refrigerator. Usually it is fixed with several self-tapping screws, which can be hidden under decorative plugs. After removing the cover, you will see a layer of insulation in which the thermostat capillary is laid.
- 💡 Check the ceiling light - often the thermostat is nearby.
- 🔩 Look for hidden screws under the decorative stickers on the cover.
- ❄️ Be prepared to the point that you will have to bend back the penoizol layer.
When removing the top panel, it is important not to damage the refrigerant circuit pipes, which often pass in close proximity to the thermostat. Any damage to the circuit will require complex and expensive repairs with refilling with freon.
How to determine a thermostat malfunction
Before disassembling the refrigerator and looking for where it is thermostat, you should make sure that it is the problem. Symptoms of a malfunction can vary and are not always obvious. The main task of the thermostat is to close and open the compressor power supply circuit depending on the temperature.
If the compressor operates continuously without turning off, and a “coat” of ice forms in the refrigeration chamber, and the food freezes, this is a sure sign of the thermostat contacts sticking in the closed position. The mechanism is “stuck” and does not allow the compressor to rest. In the opposite situation, when the refrigerator is silent and does not turn on at all (with a working socket and light), the contacts could oxidize or burn out.
For accurate diagnostics, you can use a multimeter. At room temperature the contacts should be closed (resistance close to zero). If you put the sensor in the freezer for 15-20 minutes, the contacts should open (infinite resistance). Lack of response indicates the need for replacement parts.
☑️ Thermostat diagnostics
Another sign is incorrect operation. For example, the refrigerator turns off too early, without reaching the desired temperature, or turns on too rarely. In such cases, the thermostat may be working electrically, but its calibration is lost and it incorrectly reads the temperature of the medium.
Compatibility and location table by series
The model range Ariston is extensive, and there is no universal answer for all models. Below is a table that will help you navigate depending on the series of your device. Please note that the manufacturer could make changes to the design in different years of production.
| Series / Model | Control type | Handle location | Mechanism location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ariston MBA / MBD | Mechanical | Inside, left wall | Behind the plastic casing inside |
| Ariston RM / RL | Mechanical | Outside, top panel | Under the top lid, in insulation |
| Ariston No Frost | Electronic/Fur. | Inside, light lamp | In the lamp unit or behind the back wall |
| Ariston Quattro | Electronic | On the door (display) | Electronic sensor inside the chamber |
Using an unsuitable thermostat analogue may lead to incorrect operation of the refrigerator. It is important to pay attention to the length capillary tube and method of fastening. If the tube is too long, it will have to be carefully laid in a snake, avoiding kinks.
Always compare the markings of the removed part with the new one. Even if they look similar, the response temperature range may differ. Installing an unsuitable thermostat will result in food spoiling or, conversely, freezing.
Replacement process and precautions
Replacing the thermostat in the refrigerator Ariston is a procedure that requires care. Once you have reached the part and are convinced that it is faulty, you can begin replacing it. The first step is to completely disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply. Safety comes first.
Carefully disconnect the wires from the terminals of the old thermostat. If the wires are stuck or oxidized, clean the contacts. Remove the old part, being careful not to damage the capillary tube if it passes through other components. The new thermostat is installed in the reverse order. Pay special attention to placing the sensitive element (cylinder) in its normal place - it must fit tightly to the surface for correct temperature reading.
⚠️ Attention: The thermostat capillary tube is very thin and fragile. Never bend it at an acute angle or allow it to be struck. Damage to the tube will lead to leakage of the sensitive substance, and the thermostat will stop working.
After assembling all the elements and turning on the refrigerator, let it work for several hours without loading food. This will allow the system to enter operating mode and make sure that the new thermostat correctly turns off the compressor when the set temperature is reached.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to temporarily short-circuit the thermostat to make the refrigerator work?
Technically, if you connect the wires going to the thermostat, the compressor will start and run continuously. This can be used as a temporary measure to defrost or save food, but it cannot be used for a long time. The compressor will burn out from overheating, and the food in the refrigerator compartment will freeze, since there will be no shutdown cycles. Ariston it is forbidden. The compressor will burn out from overheating, and the food in the refrigerator compartment will freeze, since there will be no shutdown cycles.
Where to buy an original thermostat for an old Ariston refrigerator?
Original spare parts for old models are difficult to find, but thermostats are universal components. You don't have to look for the exact brand Ariston. The main thing is the match in rod length, type of fastening, temperature range and capillary tube length. A suitable analogue can be found in spare parts stores for household appliances by catalog number (for example, TAM, K59, etc.).
Why did the refrigerator start turning on frequently after replacing the thermostat?
This may indicate several problems. It is possible that the new thermostat has a different operating temperature range. It is also worth checking that the sensitive cylinder is installed correctly - if it is in poor contact with the surface of the evaporator or the wall, it will quickly heat up and turn on the compressor again. Check the tightness.
Do you need to defrost the refrigerator before replacing the thermostat?
Full defrosting is not always necessary if access to the thermostat is at the top of the chamber. However, if the model requires removing the back wall or working near the evaporator, it is better to completely defrost the unit (at least 24 hours) to avoid moisture getting on the electrical contacts and to simplify work with plastic elements that become brittle in the cold.
How to adjust the thermostat after installation?
Mechanical thermostats usually do not require special settings “with a screwdriver” - they calibrated at the factory. Your task is to set the knob to the middle position (usually number 3) and let the refrigerator reach the temperature. If after 5-6 hours of operation the chamber is too cold or warm, adjust the position of the handle. If the adjustment does not help, perhaps the wrong type of thermostat is installed.