Modern household appliances, despite their high reliability brand Ariston, may fail over time, requiring the owner’s attention. If your refrigerator has stopped freezing, is making strange sounds, or an ice crust is forming, this is not always a reason to call a technician. In many cases Ariston refrigerator repair can be done independently, having basic skills in working with tools and an understanding of the principles of operation of the device.
Before you begin disassembling the unit, it is necessary to conduct a thorough initial diagnosis. Often the problem lies in trivial things: incorrect door position, incorrect settings, or clogged drainage hole. However, if you hear the compressor running non-stop or notice a complete lack of cooling, deeper intervention into the system will be required. It is important to understand that refrigeration equipment is energized, so compliance with safety precautions is priority number one.
In this article we will look at the main components that most often fail in models Ariston various years of manufacture. You'll learn how to replace the thermostat, clean the defrost system, and what to do if the alarm light comes on. The correct approach to repair will not only restore the functionality of the equipment, but also significantly extend its service life without expensive service.
Primary diagnostics and checking the power supply
Any repair begins with eliminating the simplest causes of the malfunction. If the refrigerator Ariston does not turn on or does not respond to commands, first check the presence of voltage in the network. You should not immediately disassemble the unit if it simply does not receive power. Make sure that the plug sits tightly in the socket, and that the socket itself is working properly - this can be checked by connecting any other electrical appliance to it.
Inspect the power cord for mechanical damage, kinks or traces of melting. Electrical diagram The refrigerator is sensitive to power surges, so the presence of a surge protector or stabilizer can play a decisive role in maintaining electronics. If everything is in order with the external power supply, but the equipment is silent, the problem may lie in the internal fuse or start relay.
⚠️ Attention: Before any manipulations with electrical components, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the mains! Even after disconnecting the plug from the socket, a residual charge may remain in the capacitors.
It is also worth paying attention to the indicators on the control panel. If they flash or show an error, this is a direct way to determine the breakdown. Models with the system No Frost often have built-in self-diagnosis, which produces error codes that make troubleshooting easier. In some cases, it is enough to simply restart the device, leaving it turned off for 15-20 minutes.
Fixing problems with the defrosting and defrosting system
One of the most common problems in refrigerators Ariston with the system No Frost is a violation of the defrosting cycle. If you notice that a thick layer of ice or snow is growing on the back wall of the freezer, and, on the contrary, it is becoming warm in the refrigerator compartment, it means that the defrost system is not working correctly. This leads to the fact that the evaporator becomes overgrown with ice, and cold air stops circulating through the chambers.
The defrost system includes three main elements: a heating element (heater), a defrost sensor and a timer (or electronic control module). Most often, it is the heating element that fails, which burns out and stops heating. You can check its integrity using a multimeter in dial mode. If the resistance is infinitely high, the heating element must be replaced. Also, the defrost sensor often breaks down, which should signal the module when a certain temperature has been reached.
How to check the heating element with a multimeter?
To check the heating element, you need to get to the evaporator by removing the back panel in the freezer. Disconnect the wires from the heating element and connect the multimeter probes to its contacts. A working heating element should show a resistance in the range from 200 to 600 Ohms. If the device shows "1" or "0", the element is faulty.
Another cause of failure may be a clogged drain hole through which melt water flows. If the duct is clogged with dirt or ice, water will begin to accumulate at the bottom of the freezer, freeze and block the fan. To clean, use soft wire or a special brush, as well as warm water. Regular cleaning of the drainage helps to avoid many problems with air circulation.
☑️ Diagnostics of the defrost system
Replacing the thermostat and adjusting the temperature
Thermostat (or thermostat) is a device that controls the temperature inside the chambers and gives the command to the compressor to turn on or off. If your refrigerator Ariston works without interruption, turning food into ice, or, conversely, turns on very rarely, allowing food to spoil, most likely this particular unit is faulty. In mechanical models, this is a rotary knob; in electronic models, it is a sensor connected to the control board.
To replace a mechanical thermostat, you need to remove the plastic cover inside the refrigerator compartment, where the light bulb and regulator are located. The capillary tube of the thermostat is sensitive to damage, so all actions must be performed extremely carefully. New thermostat must have exactly the same parameters as the old one, otherwise the temperature regime will be disrupted. When installing, make sure that the tube fits tightly to the evaporator or fits into a special hole.
In models with electronic control, the problem may lie in the temperature sensor itself or in the board. If the display shows the wrong temperature or the indicator light is blinking, try performing a factory reset. Sometimes calibration helps, the procedure for which is described in the instructions for a specific model Ariston. If calibration does not help, the sensor will have to be changed.
| Symptom | Probable cause | Action |
|---|---|---|
| The refrigerator does not turn off | Sticking thermostat contacts | Replacing the thermostat |
| Poor cooling | Incorrect sensor calibration | Adjusting or replacing the sensor |
| Frequent on/off | Circuit leak or leak | Checking freon and compressor |
| Temperature indicator flashing | Electronics or sensor failure | Reset settings or board diagnostics |
⚠️ Attention: The thermostat capillary tube is very thin and easily damaged. Do not bend it at an acute angle and do not use excessive force during installation.
Repairing the start relay and checking the compressor
The compressor is the “heart” of the refrigerator, creating pressure for the circulation of the refrigerant. If you hear a click, followed by a hum, and then another click and silence, this is a sign that the start relay or the compressor itself is faulty. The starting relay is responsible for starting the engine and protecting it from overloads. Refrigerators Ariston often use relays of the PTCseries, which fail quite often.
Replacing the start relay is one of the simplest repair operations. It is located in a black casing at the back of the refrigerator, at the bottom, next to the compressor. After removing the cover, you will see a small device placed over the contacts of the compressor. Carefully remove it and shake: if something rattles inside, it means that the ceramic tablet or contacts are destroyed, and the relay needs to be changed. New relay It must strictly correspond to the marking of the old one or the parameters of the compressor.
If replacing the relay did not help and the compressor still does not start or hums but does not pump, the problem may be more serious. There may be an inter-turn short circuit in the motor winding or the compressor is jammed. In such cases, independent repair is practically impossible and requires replacing the entire unit, which is an expensive procedure. It is also worth checking the capacitor (if it is in the circuit), since its swelling also prevents normal starting.
Eliminating noise, vibration and extraneous sounds
The refrigerator Ariston should not make loud, frightening sounds. A quiet hum of the compressor and a rare murmur of refrigerant is considered normal. If you hear knocking, grinding or a strong vibrational hum, you need to look for the cause. Often the source of noise is the compressor itself if it is not installed correctly or vibrates against the housing. Check that the tubes do not touch each other or the cabinet walls.
In models with the system No Frost the fan is often the source of noise. If ice freezes on its blades or dust gets into the bearing, it begins to hum or crack. Disassembling the back panel in the freezer will allow access to the fan. It can be lubricated with machine oil or replaced with a new one if the bearing is completely worn out. Also check if the plastic casing elements inside the chambers are loose.
Sometimes the noise is caused by improper installation of the refrigerator itself. If the legs are not adjusted and the unit is not level, vibration from the compressor is transmitted to the floor and intensified. Use a building level to check and tighten the adjustable legs so that the refrigerator is stable and slightly tilted back to properly close the doors.
Diagnostics of freon leaks and tightness problems
Refrigerant (freon) leak is a serious malfunction that is difficult to diagnose without special equipment, but can be suspected by indirect signs. If the compressor runs constantly, but there is no cold, and the condenser (grid at the back) remains only partially cold or warm, the freon has probably escaped. Also, a leak may be indicated by swelling of the inner wall of the refrigerator or the appearance of yellowish oily spots at the site of damage to the tubes.
Refilling the refrigerator with freon on your own is extremely difficult and dangerous without a vacuum pump and a pressure gauge station. An attempt to simply “add” gas without eliminating the cause of the leak and evacuation of the system will lead to rapid failure of the compressor. If you find mechanical damage to the tubes or obvious signs of a leak, it is better to contact professionals who will find the location of the fistula, they will seal it and fill the system.
Problems with tightness can also be associated with the rubber seal on the door. If the rubber is cracked, has lost its elasticity, or is simply dirty, warm air enters the chamber. This causes the compressor to wear out. Check the fit of the door around the entire perimeter. If necessary, the rubber band can be soaked in hot water to restore its shape or replaced with a new one.
⚠️ Attention: Freon used in modern refrigerators can be flammable or toxic in high concentrations. Do not weld on a full system without first removing the refrigerant.
In conclusion, regular maintenance and timely response to the first signs of malfunction will help your refrigerator Ariston last for many years. Most of the problems described can be solved at home if you have a minimum set of tools and a desire to understand the structure of your equipment.
Can an old refrigerator be used as a cabinet?
Yes, if the compressor fails and restoration is not economically feasible, the refrigerator can be converted into a cabinet for storing food. To do this, you need to remove all internal electrics, dismantle the compressor and condenser, and also provide ventilation inside the cabinet by drilling holes.
Why does the Ariston refrigerator make the sound of boiling water?
The sound of flowing liquid or gurgling is a normal process of refrigerant circulation through the pipes of the system. It is especially often heard immediately after the compressor is turned off or when it starts. If this sound is not accompanied by a lack of cold, there is nothing to worry about.
How often do you need to defrost the Ariston No Frost refrigerator?
The system No Frost implies automatic defrosting of the evaporator. However, it is recommended to completely defrost the refrigerator for hygienic cleaning 1-2 times a year. This will help eliminate odors and disinfect internal surfaces.
What to do if the red alarm indicator is on?
The red indicator usually signals that the temperature in the freezer is rising above normal. Check that the door is closed tightly and that you have not loaded too much warm food at once. If the indicator does not go out after several hours of operation, diagnostics of the defrosting system or a leak test is required.
Is it possible to reverse the door on an Ariston refrigerator?
Most models Ariston allow you to reverse the door to the other side. For this purpose, the kit usually includes plugs for holes and instructions. The process requires removing the doors and rearranging the hinges, which you can do yourself with a screwdriver.