Finding the installation location temperature sensor in Ariston Hotpoint refrigerators is the first and most important step in diagnosing problems associated with incorrect cooling. The owner of the equipment may encounter a situation where the chamber freezes too much or, conversely, food begins to spoil due to lack of cold. In most models of this brand, especially those equipped with a system No Frost, the sensors are hidden from view and located inside the evaporation unit or under decorative panels.
Understanding how the climate control system works will help you not only find the right element, but also correctly replace it without calling master. Thermostat or an electronic sensor (thermistor) is the “eyes” of the control module, informing it about the current state inside the cameras. An error in determining the location can lead to damage to fragile plastic fasteners or a violation of the tightness of the system.
In this article we will analyze in detail the architecture of refrigerators Ariston Hotpointso that you know exactly where to look. Regardless of whether you are looking for a mechanical regulator or an electronic sensor, the algorithm of actions will have common features, but also its own important nuances that cannot be ignored.
The principle of operation of the Ariston thermoregulation system
The temperature maintenance system in refrigerators Ariston Hotpoint is based on constant monitoring of thermal indicators. Control module receives signals from sensors and makes a decision to turn the compressor on or off. In older models, this function was performed by a mechanical thermostat that responded to the expansion of gas in the capillary tube, while modern units rely on electronic thermistors that change their resistance.
Electronic sensors are highly accurate and allow the implementation of complex operating algorithms, such as fast freezing or economical mode. If thermistor fails or transmits corrupted data, the refrigerator may run continuously, causing icing, or stand off, causing food to defrost. That is why the correct location of the element is critical for quick diagnosis.
In models with a system No Frost several sensors are often used: one monitors the air temperature in the chamber, another monitors the degree of freezing of the evaporator, and the third may be responsible for the temperature in the freshness zone. Understanding the difference between these elements will help you avoid confusing them when disassembling.
What is the difference between a thermostat and a thermistor?
A mechanical thermostat works based on the physical expansion of gas in a sealed capsule and clicks when switched. An electronic thermistor is a resistor that smoothly changes resistance depending on temperature and does not make clicking sounds.
Localization of a mechanical thermostat in classic models
In classic two-chamber refrigerators Ariston without a system No Frost the mechanical thermostat is usually located inside refrigeration chamber. Its control handle is located on the inner wall or located in the upper part of the chamber, often hidden by a lampshade. To get to the mechanism itself, you need to carefully remove the plastic handle and unscrew the fastening screws under it.
After removing the decorative trim, a metal or plastic platform will open in front of you, behind which the thermostat housing is hidden. The capillary tube, sensitive to temperature changes, goes away deep into the refrigerator wall or attached to the evaporator. When replacing, it is important not to damage this thin tube, since a freon leak from the sensitive system will damage the device.
⚠️ Attention: Before removing the thermostat, be sure to photograph the order in which the wires are connected to the contact group. Reversing the polarity or connecting to the wrong terminal can result in a short circuit or failure of the compressor to start.
Sometimes the thermostat may be installed outside the refrigerator compartment, for example in a niche above the door or in the top of the cabinet if the model is very old. In such cases, access is achieved by removing the top cover of the refrigerator or the protective casing in the upper part.
Location of sensors in the No Frost system
In refrigerators Ariston Hotpoint with technology No Frost the situation is complicated by the fact that the temperature sensors are hidden inside the freezer, behind the back wall. This is where the evaporator and fan are located to circulate cold air. To access them, the unit must be completely defrosted for at least 24 hours to avoid damage to the plastic parts during dismantling.
The main defrost sensor defrost sensor and the air temperature sensor in the freezer are attached directly to the evaporator fins or mounted in special mounting holes on the rear panel. They often look like small plastic cylinders with two wires coming out of them. Fastening can be done using clips or latches, which require careful handling.
You can get to the back wall by removing all the shelves and drawers of the freezer, and then unscrewing the screws around the perimeter of the plastic panel. On some models, the screws may be hidden under decorative plugs or stickers. After removing the panel, you will see an aluminum evaporator radiator, on which the required elements are located.
☑️ Preparation for disassembly No Frost
Sensors in the freshness zone and refrigerator compartment
In modern multi-chamber models Ariston additional sensors can be installed in the freshness zone (zero chamber) or in the main refrigerator compartment for more precise zoning. These thermistors are often built into the plastic housing of the air duct or mounted on the side wall of the chamber. Their task is to correct the operation of the damper that regulates the flow of cold air from the freezer.
If your refrigerator has a display on the door, then troubleshooting is simplified: the error code can indicate a specific sensor. For example, an error related to a refrigerator compartment sensor will be different from an error related to a freezer sensor. However, the physical location of the element will still require partial disassembly of the internal lining.
Often the sensor in the refrigerator compartment is hidden behind a plastic air duct grille in the depths of the chamber, closer to the rear wall. To see it, sometimes it is enough to remove only this grille without dismantling the entire back panel. The wires from the sensor go in a bundle along with the wiring of the fan or light bulb.
Table of error codes and corresponding sensors
Diagnostics often begins with reading the error codes that are issued by the refrigerator electronics. Below is a table that helps to correlate the indication with a specific unit, which narrows the search for the location of the faulty element.
| Error code / Indication | Value | Sensor location |
|---|---|---|
| F03 / F3 | Sensor malfunction defrost | On the evaporator in the freezer |
| F04 / F4 | Error in the freezer compartment sensor | Inside the freezer, on the back wall |
| F05 / F5 | Error in the refrigerator compartment sensor | In the refrigerator compartment, near the air duct |
| F07 | Problem with the control module | Checking the circuits of all sensors |
The presence of an error code does not always mean that the sensor itself is broken. Sometimes the problem lies in broken wiring or oxidation of contacts in the connector, which may be located in a completely different place, for example, under the bottom of the refrigerator or behind the back cover of the compressor compartment.
Instructions for safe access and replacement
The replacement process thermistor requires compliance with safety precautions and a certain sequence of actions. First, you need to completely turn off the power to the refrigerator by removing the plug from the socket. This is critical since you will be working with electrical components and a humid environment.
After defrosting and removing the panels, carefully disconnect the old sensor connector. They usually have a small locking tab that you press down. The new element is installed in the same position, ensuring tight contact with the surface of the evaporator or air, if provided for by the design.
⚠️ Attention: Never use sensors with a different nominal resistance, even if they are physically suitable in size. Using a non-original or unsuitable sensor will result in incorrect operation of the refrigerator and possible damage to food.
Assembly is performed in the reverse order. Make sure all screws are tight and the plastic panel latches are tightly closed. After turning on the refrigerator, let it work for several hours without loading food to make sure that the on and off cycles are correct.
Frequently asked questions and answers (FAQ)
Is it possible to temporarily short-circuit the sensor to make the refrigerator work?
Technically this is possible for some types of sensors (by closing the circuit), but this is extremely dangerous. The refrigerator will no longer control the temperature and will freeze indefinitely, which will cause the compressor to burn out or the food in the refrigerator compartment to defrost due to ice blocking the channels. This solution is only for a short-term check of the circuit.
Why does the refrigerator not turn on after replacing the sensor?
Perhaps the new sensor has a different resistance, the connector is installed incorrectly, or another wire was damaged during disassembly. It is also worth checking whether the circuit breaker in the panel has tripped if a short circuit has occurred during installation.
Where to buy an original sensor for Ariston Hotpoint?
It is best to order original spare parts from official partners of the brand or in specialized stores of spare parts for household appliances, indicating the exact model number (E-number) of your refrigerator. Universal sensors may not fit the calibration curve.
How long does it take to replace a temperature sensor?
The mechanical replacement itself takes 15-30 minutes, but in models No Frost it is necessary to add at least 24 hours for the ice to completely defrost. An attempt to remove the panel with ice will lead to breakage of the plastic and damage to the evaporator.