Occurrence Extraneous sounds in the operation of household appliances are always a concern, especially when it comes to a refrigerator that works around the clock. If you notice that your Ariston refrigerator loud clicking sound is periodically heard, this may be either a sign of normal operation or a signal of an incipient malfunction. The nature of the sound, its frequency and the moment of occurrence help to accurately determine the source of the problem.
Owners often confuse harmless operating sounds with serious breakdowns, which leads to unnecessary calls to technicians, or vice versa - they ignore critical signals. Ariston technology famous for its reliability, but even it has vulnerabilities places such as the start relay or thermostat. Understanding the physics of the processes occurring inside the unit will allow you to independently carry out initial diagnostics and assess the need for professional intervention.
In this article we will analyze in detail all the possible causes of clicking, from natural thermal expansion to failure of electrical components. You will learn to distinguish between safe sounds and those that require immediate attention, and you will also learn how to extend the life of your refrigerator.
Natural causes of noise: thermal expansion
The most common and completely harmless cause of clicking noises is the physical process of changing the volume of materials under the influence of temperature. The inner walls of the chamber, the evaporator and other structural elements are made of plastic and metal, which have different expansion coefficients. When compressor turns off after reaching the desired temperature, sudden warming begins, and the materials emit a characteristic crackling or clicking sound.
These sounds can also occur when the system starts up, when cold refrigerant begins to circulate through the tubes, causing them to vibrate or change temperature. If the clicks are rare, are not accompanied by other anomalies (for example, lack of cold) and occur mainly at the beginning or end of the cooling cycle, then Ariston refrigerator it is working. In this case, no repairs are required.
Often users notice an increase in such sounds after the first defrosting or general cleaning. This is due to the fact that dry plastic after contact with water or prolonged inactivity may behave more “ringingly”. Over time, when the system enters the usual rhythm of operation, the frequency of such manifestations may decrease, although they, as a rule, do not disappear completely.
It is important to listen to the nature of the sound: natural thermal expansion produces a dull, single crackling sound, reminiscent of the cooling of an iron that has just been turned off. If you hear a series of quick, loud clicks, similar to the operation of a typewriter, this already indicates an electrical nature of the noise.
⚠️ Attention: If the clicks are accompanied by the appearance of ice on the back wall or in the corner of the freezer, this may indicate a problem with condensation drainage or tightness, even if the sound itself is thermal.
Faulty compressor start relay
The most likely technical cause of a loud click is failure start relay. This small but important element is responsible for starting the compressor engine. At the moment of switching on, the relay delivers a powerful current pulse, which is accompanied by a characteristic sound. If the mechanism is worn out or dirty, the click becomes louder, louder and can be repeated several times in a row.
The breakdown scenario often looks like this: a click is heard, the compressor tries to start, buzzes for several seconds, then a second click follows (the relay opens the circuit), and the motor goes silent. After some time, the cycle repeats. This behavior indicates that the starter is unable to hold contacts or provide the necessary current to start. The models Ariston use both electromagnetic and posistor relays, and each has its own resource.
Long-term operation in this mode is extremely dangerous for the compressor itself. Constant attempts to start without a successful start lead to overheating of the motor windings and can cause it to burn out. Therefore, if you hear a series of clicks with an interval of 2-5 minutes, you need to stop using the refrigerator and call a technician.
Sometimes the cause of the click is not a breakdown, but oxidation of the contacts inside the relay or moisture ingress. In rare cases, simple cleaning of the contacts helps, but most often a complete replacement of the assembly is required. A new component is inexpensive, and its installation takes a little time.
How to check the relay yourself?
Carefully remove the back cover of the refrigerator (be sure to unplug it!). Find the black box on the side of the compressor. Remove it and shake it: if something rattles inside, then the relay is broken and needs to be replaced.
Problems with the thermostat and temperature sensors
The thermostat (or temperature sensor in electronically controlled models) is the “brain” that commands the compressor to turn on or off. In older models Ariston refrigerators a mechanical thermostat with a bimetallic plate is installed. When a certain temperature is reached, the plate bends and opens the contacts, which is accompanied by a distinct click. This sound is normal and indicates the correct operation of the system.
However, if the clicks become too frequent, or, conversely, the refrigerator stops turning off and there are no clicks at all, this indicates a sensor malfunction. In modern models with the system No Frost electronic sensors monitor the temperature. They operate silently, but the relays that switch their signals on the control board can click.
If the thermostat is “stuck” in a certain position, the refrigerator may not start, making only single clicks when trying to start. Or it will work non-stop, ignoring the temperature regime. Diagnostics of this unit requires the use of a multimeter to check the resistance at different temperatures.
Replacing the thermostat is a procedure of average complexity. It is important to choose an analogue with exactly the same temperature characteristics, otherwise the refrigerator will freeze too weakly or, conversely, turn food into ice. For models Ariston universal thermostats of the TAM series or K-series are often suitable, but it is better to use original spare parts.
Comparative table of noise sources
To make it easier for you to navigate the symptoms, we have prepared a summary table that will help differentiate the causes of sounds. Pay attention to the combination of sound with other signs of the operation of the equipment.
| Sound source | Nature of click | Periodicity | Associated signs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thermal expansion | Double crackling sound, single sound | Rarely, when changing cycles | No other anomalies |
| Start relay | Loud, loud click | Cyclically (every 3-10 minutes) | The compressor hums and stalls |
| Mechanical thermostat | Clear click | When the temperature is reached | Normal cooling operation |
| Compressor (water hammer) | Sharp impact, clanging | At startup | Strong vibration of the housing |
The table shows that the key factor is the frequency and nature of the sound. If the click is single and rare, it is most likely physics. If it repeats obsessively, it’s an electrician.
It’s also worth considering the age of the equipment. For Ariston refrigerators, released more than 10 years ago, wear and tear of the starting equipment is a natural aging process. New models may click due to electronics settings or manufacturing defects in components.
⚠️ Attention: If you smell burning when clicking or see sparking in the area of the compressor, immediately disconnect the device from the power supply! Further use may result in a fire.
Water hammer in the refrigerant system
Another reason for sharp, frightening sounds is the so-called water hammer. This phenomenon occurs when liquid refrigerant or oil enters the compressor cylinder when it starts. Because the fluid is not compressed, the piston encounters resistance, causing a dull thump or clicking sound. In Ariston refrigerators this can happen due to improper transportation (if the device has been lying on its side for a long time) or due to faulty valves.
If water hammer occurs rarely (once every few cycles), the system can compensate for this without serious consequences. However, constant impacts destroy the internal mechanics of the compressor, leading to the appearance of backlashes and other failure of the unit. The sound during water hammer is usually lower and “heavier” than the click of a relay.
To prevent water hammer after transportation, the refrigerator must be left in an upright position for at least 4-6 hours before turning on. This time is necessary for the oil to flow into the compressor crankcase. Ignoring this rule is a common cause of early breakdowns.
If you suspect water hammer, try changing the position of the refrigerator (tilt it slightly back) to change the angle at which the tubes exit the compressor. Sometimes this helps, but most often a technician’s intervention is required to check the oil level and the condition of the valve group.
☑️ Primary diagnosis of noise
Diagnostics and troubleshooting
Before calling a technician, you can do it yourself diagnostics that will help a specialist more accurately describe the problem. The first thing to do is localize the sound source. Place your hand on different parts of the housing: if the click is felt by vibration in the area of the motor at the back, the problem is in the compressor or relay. If the sound comes from inside the chamber, it is the thermostat or plastic.
Try to gently rock the refrigerator. If it is not stable, vibrations from the motor can be transmitted to the floor or walls, creating a knocking effect. Adjust the support legs so that the body is perfectly horizontal. For models Ariston with the No Frost system, it is also important to check whether the fan blades are touching ice or foreign objects, although this often causes a hum rather than clicks.
Pay attention to the mains voltage. Unstable electricity in the network can cause frequent attempts to start the compressor, accompanied by clicking of the protection relay. In such cases, it is recommended to use a voltage stabilizer, since current surges are detrimental to the electronics of modern refrigerators.
If you find that the clicks come directly from the plastic case inside the chamber, try lightly pressing the wall at the moment of the sound. If the click disappears or changes, then the problem is the deformation of the plastic, and you will just have to put up with it or try to strengthen the problem areas (for example, by laying a seal).
Prevention and care of the refrigerator
To minimize the risk of extraneous noise and extend the service life Ariston refrigeratorit is necessary to regularly carry out preventive maintenance. First of all, this is timely defrosting (for drip systems) and cleaning the condenser from behind. Dust and animal hair, settling on the radiator grille, worsen heat transfer, causing the compressor to work longer and more often, which accelerates the wear of the start relay.
Make sure the door is tightly sealed. If the seal is worn out or dirty, warm air enters the chamber, the temperature rises, and the refrigerator is forced to turn on more often. This increases the number of start-stop cycles and, accordingly, the number of relay clicks. Wipe the seal with a soft cloth and check its elasticity every six months.
Do not overload the shelves or place hot foods inside. Sudden temperature changes create additional stress on the cooling system. Also avoid installing the refrigerator near heating appliances or in direct sunlight, as overheating of the housing affects the operation of all internal components.
Regularly checking the noise level allows you to notice changes in the operation of the unit in time. If your refrigerator has been working quietly for years, and suddenly starts clicking, this is a signal that you need to pay attention to it, even if the cold inside remains.
Why does the new Ariston refrigerator click?
New equipment may click due to the fact that the moving parts have not yet been developed ("grinding in"). It is also possible that there is a factory defect in the start relay or some peculiarities in the thermostat settings. If the clicks are not accompanied by loss of cold, let the equipment work for 2-3 weeks. If the sound does not stop or gets stronger, contact the service center under warranty.
Is it possible to operate the refrigerator if it clicks?
If the clicks are rare (thermal) or this is the normal operation of the thermostat, then you can. If the clicks are frequent, loud and accompanied by the engine stopping, operation is prohibited, as this will lead to combustion of the compressor.
How much does it cost to replace the start relay on an Ariston?
The cost consists of the price of the spare part (usually from 500 to 1500 rubles depending on the model) and the work of the technician. Replacing it yourself is cheaper, but requires caution when working with electricity.
Does level installation affect the appearance of clicks?
Yes, uneven installation increases the vibration of the case, due to which the plastic elements can come into contact and make a cracking noise, which is easily confused with relay clicks. Be sure to level the refrigerator.