Search thermostat in brand refrigeration equipment Ariston often becomes the first priority when problems with cooling arise. The owner of household appliances is faced with a situation when the chamber stops freezing or, conversely, the food becomes covered with an ice crust. Understanding exactly where this critically important unit is located allows you to carry out diagnostics and even self-repair without calling a specialist.
The design of units of the Italian brand, produced over the years, has its own characteristics. In some models, the temperature sensor is hidden deep inside the chamber, in others it is placed on an external control panel. The key factor for accurately determining the installation location is the type of control system: it is mechanical or electronic. The algorithm for your further actions to dismantle and check the part depends on this.
In this article we will analyze in detail all possible temperature controller location options. You will learn how to safely get to the site, what tools you will need and what to look for during inspection. A competent approach to diagnostics will save your time and budget, allowing you to accurately determine the cause of the malfunction.
Types of thermostats in Ariston technology
Before you start searching for the physical location of the part, you need to determine what type of regulator is installed in your refrigerator Ariston. The search methodology directly depends on this. Historically, the manufacturer used different solutions depending on the year of manufacture and series of the device.
Mechanical thermostats are a classic device with a capillary tube that responds to changes in refrigerant pressure inside the tube. These models are equipped with a rotary handle inside the refrigerator compartment. Usually they are marked starting with a letter TAM or K. This is the most common option for equipment manufactured before the mid-2000s.
Electronic sensors (thermistors) operate on the principle of changing resistance depending on temperature. They have no moving parts and look like a small plastic piece with wires. Such systems are controlled via a digital panel on the body or inside the camera. In modern models Ariston most often these systems are used, providing more accurate climate control.
- 🔧 Mechanical regulators require periodic calibration and replacement when the contacts wear out.
- 📡 Electronic sensors transmit a signal to the nano module that controls the compressor.
- ⚙️ Hybrid systems can combine mechanical control with an electronic display.
You can determine the type of device you have by looking at the control panel. If there is a rotary switch with divisions from 1 to 5 or from Min to Max, you have a mechanic in front of you. If you see buttons or a touch screen displaying degrees Celsius, you have an electronic system.
Symptoms of a malfunctioning temperature sensor
Understanding what exactly is faulty comes with an analysis of the behavior of the refrigerator. Thermostat is the main "brain" responsible for turning it on and off compressor. When it breaks, the entire operating cycle of the unit is disrupted.
The most obvious sign of a breakdown is the continuous operation of the motor-compressor. The refrigerator hums continuously, trying to reach the set temperature, but does not turn off. As a result, ice forms in the chamber, and the food in the upper part may freeze. This indicates that the contacts inside the thermostat are “stuck” in the closed state.
⚠️ Attention: Long-term operation of the compressor without shutting off can lead to burnout of the motor windings and costly repairs. If such a symptom is detected, it is recommended to immediately disconnect the device from the network until diagnostics are carried out.
The opposite situation is when the compressor does not turn on at all. The cell is warm, the light is on, but there is no cold. This may mean that the thermostat has "opened" the circuit and is not giving the command to start. It is also worth paying attention to swelling of the sensor body or the appearance of traces of oxidation on the contacts, if visual inspection is possible.
Sometimes incorrect operation occurs when the refrigerator turns off too early, without having time to reach the desired temperature. Products begin to deteriorate, although outwardly the unit seems to be in good working order. In such cases, a displaced or damaged capillary tube of the mechanical regulator is often to blame.
Where to look for the thermostat: main locations
The location of the temperature control element in refrigerators Ariston varies. In most classic models, the mechanical thermostat is located inside the refrigerator compartment. It is usually located on the right or left side wall, closer to the ceiling, or built into the lampshade.
To get to the mechanical unit, it is often necessary to remove the plastic trim. It can be secured with latches or screws. Under this cover hides the regulator body itself with the wires suitable for it and that same thin capillary tube that goes into the evaporator.
In models with a system No Frost or electronic control, the situation is different. Sensors (thermistors) can be located in several places:
- ❄️ On the back wall of the refrigerator compartment (behind the plastic panel).
- 🌬️ In the evaporator area of the freezer.
- 🚪 In the cold air supply channel between cameras.
To access internal sensors, it is often necessary to dismantle shelves, drawers and protective plastic panels. Be careful, plastic becomes brittle in the cold and breaks easily if handled carelessly. It is recommended to preheat the chamber or act as delicately as possible.
Hidden location in older models
In some older Ariston models, the thermostat could be located not inside the chamber, but in a special compartment above the door or in the upper part of the case, which was accessed by removing the top cover of the refrigerator. This is typical for equipment produced in the 90s.
Instructions for removing a mechanical thermostat
If you have determined that your refrigerator has a mechanical regulator installed and it is located inside the chamber, you can begin to remove it. This process requires care, since the capillary tube is very thin and easily damaged.
First of all, you need to completely turn off the power to the refrigerator. Unplug the cord from the outlet. Then empty the chamber of food and remove the shelves to provide easy access to the wall where the regulator is located. You will need a Phillips screwdriver and, possibly, a flat head screwdriver to pry up the latches.
☑️ Preparation for dismantling
Remove the temperature control knob. It is simply pulled together by hand. Underneath you will see a rod and possibly a set screw or spring retainer. Carefully unscrew the fasteners holding the thermostat housing in place. Do not pull sharply so as not to break the wires.
When the housing is released, carefully inspect the entry point of the capillary tube into the chamber. It can be secured with a staple or simply passed through the hole. Remember or take a photo of exactly how it is curved and secured. When installing a new element, you will need to repeat this configuration.
Disconnect the electrical wires. It is best to take a photo of the color markings or number them first. Usually there are three or four. After disconnecting the wires, you can carefully remove the thermostat along with the tube from the internal space.
⚠️ Attention: It is strictly forbidden to bend, twist or hit the capillary tube. Damage to the tube will lead to a freon leak and will require complex repairs with calling a technician and sealing the system.
Access to electronic sensors in No Frost systems
In refrigerators Ariston with a system No Frost finding and replacing temperature sensors is a more complex process. There is no one central “twist”, but rather several sensors scattered across different nodes. The main refrigerator compartment sensor is most often hidden behind the rear plastic panel.
To access it, you must remove all shelves and guides in the refrigerator compartment. Then the screws securing the back wall (it can be made of foam or plastic) are unscrewed. Sometimes it is necessary to remove the lamp shade and air ducts.
The sensor looks like a small plastic cylinder or “bullet” at the end of the wire. It can be inserted into a special slot in the evaporator or simply attached to the wall. To replace it, you need to disconnect the connector (often it is located in the wiring harness behind the panel) and pull out the old element.
It is important to use only original spare parts or high-quality analogues with identical resistance characteristics. An incorrect sensor will send incorrect data to the control module, causing the compressor or defrost system to malfunction.
Compatibility and characteristics table
When selecting a spare part, it is important to consider not only the appearance, but also the technical parameters. Different models Ariston could be equipped with thermostats from different manufacturers, such as Thermo Control, Ranco or Ortal.
Below is a table with examples of popular models and the types of regulators used in them. This will help you navigate when ordering spare parts.
| Refrigerator series | System type | Location | Sensor type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ariston R 400 | Mechanical | Inside the camera, on the right | TAM 133 |
| Ariston MBA 1185 | Mechanical | Inside the camera, on the left | K 59 |
| Ariston QS 90 | Electronic | Behind the rear panel | Thermistor NTC |
| Ariston RM 018 | Mechanical | Under the lamp shade | TAM 145 |
Please note that the length of the capillary tube for mechanical thermostats may differ. If the new part has a longer tube, its excess can be carefully twisted into a ring (with a diameter of at least 5 cm) and secured inside the case or behind the panel, but do not cut it under any circumstances.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to temporarily close the thermostat contacts to check the compressor?
Yes, this is a common diagnostic method. If, when the wires are shorted (bypassing the thermostat), the compressor starts and starts to freeze, then the problem is in the temperature controller. However, you cannot leave the refrigerator in this state for a long time - it will work without interruption until you break the chain manually.
Where to buy an original thermostat for an old Ariston refrigerator?
Original spare parts for discontinued equipment are difficult to find. However, most mechanical thermostats are standardized products. It is enough to know the marking (for example, TAM 133) to find a high-quality analogue in spare parts stores for household appliances.
Why does the refrigerator not turn off after replacing the thermostat?
Perhaps the sensitive tube of the new thermostat is not immersed deep enough in the evaporator or is in poor contact with it. Also, the cause may be incorrect adjustment of the screw inside the rod (if there is one) or a freon leak, due to which the temperature does not drop to the shutdown value.
Is it necessary to defrost the refrigerator before replacing the sensor?
To replace the mechanical thermostat located inside the chamber, complete defrosting is not always necessary, but desirable for work comfort. If you change the sensor in the No Frost system or dismantle the back panel, defrosting is mandatory to avoid damage to the plastic elements and water getting on the electrics.