Owners of household appliances are often faced with a situation where reliable Ariston Hotpoint refrigerator ceases to perform its functions correctly. The sudden defrosting of food, the appearance of extraneous noise or a puddle of water on the floor can take you by surprise. However, it is not always necessary to call a specialist to solve the problem, since many malfunctions can be fixed independently if you have basic knowledge and tools.
Before starting any work, you must completely disconnect the unit from the power supply by unplugging the plug from the socket. Italian assembly these models are famous for their quality, but wear of components is inevitable over time. Competent diagnostics will save significant money on servicing and extend the service life of the device.
In this article we will analyze in detail fault finding algorithms, methods for replacing key components and the nuances of operating equipment of this brand. The main cause of failure in 60% of cases is a violation of operating rules, and not a manufacturing defect. Careful study of the instructions will help you avoid common mistakes during repairs.
Primary diagnostics and visual inspection
Repair work should begin with a thorough analysis of the external condition of the device and the nature of the problem that has arisen. Often the reason lies in basic things that are easy to overlook when panicking. Inspect the door seals for cracks, check the integrity of the power cord and make sure that the socket is working.
Pay attention to the nature of the motor: whether it hums constantly, turns on with a characteristic click, or is silent. Compressor is the heart of the refrigerator, and its behavior says a lot about the condition of the system. If the engine tries to start, but immediately stalls, the problem may lie in the start relay or the engine itself.
⚠️ Attention: If you smell a burning smell or see sparking in the rear grille area, immediately stop trying to start and unplug the device. Continued operation may result in a fire.
Check the indicators on the control panel if the model is equipped with electronics. Flashing lights or error codes on the display will indicate the search direction. In models with the system No Frost the defrost sensor often fails, which can be easily diagnosed by the code.
Problems with the defrosting system and ice
One of the most common causes of temperature violations is the formation of excessive ice in the evaporator. In refrigerators Ariston Hotpoint with the know frost system, a special heater and timer are responsible for removing moisture. If this unit fails, ice blocks the circulation of cold air.
To check, you need to defrost the chamber for 24 hours. If after turning on the cold appears, but after a few days it disappears again, the problem is confirmed. Defrosting heating element The temperature sensor may have burned out, or the temperature sensor is faulty, which does not give a command to turn on the heating.
Replacing components of the defrosting system requires partial disassembly of the inside of the freezer. Be careful with plastic latches and fragile parts of the evaporator. Incorrect assembly may result in re-ice formation or damage to the fan.
It is also worth checking the drainage hole. It often becomes clogged with crumbs or mold, preventing the flow of melt water. You can clean the channel using a soft wire or a special brush, and then pour it with warm water.
Malfunctions of the thermostat and electronics
If the compressor works without stopping or does not turn on at all, thermostatis often the culprit. In mechanical models, this is a simple part with a capillary tube that opens or closes contacts when the temperature changes. In electronic versions, this function is performed by a sensor that transmits signals to the control board.
To check the mechanical thermostat, it can be temporarily excluded from the circuit by connecting the wires directly. If the refrigerator operates normally, the part must be replaced. It is important to choose an analogue with identical parameters, since the correctness of temperature maintenance depends on this.
| Symptom | Probable cause | Check method |
|---|---|---|
| The refrigerator does not turn on | Faulty thermostat | Checking contacts |
| The motor runs constantly | Freon leak or thermostat | Checking pressure and contacts |
| Temperature jumps | Calibration knocked down sensor | Comparison with a reference thermometer |
| The indicator flashes | Electronics error | Reading the error code |
In modern models Hotpoint-Ariston with electronic control The board itself may be causing the problem. Power surges in the network often damage fuses or varistors on the board. Repairing electronics requires special knowledge and soldering equipment.
Diagnostics of the compressor and start relay
The most expensive part of the refrigerator is the motor-compressor. If it hums but does not start, or turns on for a couple of seconds and turns off with a click, the problem is most likely in the start protection relay. This part is inexpensive and can be easily changed independently.
To replace the relay, you need to remove the casing at the back of the refrigerator, disconnect the wires and carefully remove the old part from the compressor contacts. Start relay must be installed strictly in the position indicated by the "UP" arrow. Incorrect installation will lead to burnout of the motor windings.
If the situation has not changed after replacing the relay, the compressor itself may have jammed or its winding has burned out. You can check the windings with a multimeter by measuring the resistance between the contacts. Normal resistance values depend on the model, but are usually 20-40 Ohms for the starting winding and 10-20 Ohms for the working winding.
⚠️ Attention: Starting the compressor directly, bypassing the relay and thermostat, is only permissible for short-term diagnostics by professionals. Long-term operation in this mode is guaranteed to damage the engine.
When replacing the compressor, the system must be evacuated and refrigerant charged. This procedure cannot be performed at home without special equipment, so you will need to call a specialist with a pressure gauge station.
Fixing problems with the fan and the No Frost system
In refrigerators with the system No Frost the fan located in the freezer is responsible for the circulation of cold air. If it stops rotating, the cold does not enter the main compartment, and the food begins to spoil, although it may be cold in the freezer.
The reason for the fan stopping is often ice freezing on its blades or hub. Ice occurs due to a door that is not closed tightly or a malfunction of the defrost system. In this case, complete defrosting and checking the seals are required.
If there are no mechanical obstacles, but the fan is silent, check its winding with a multimeter. The burnt out fan motor is replaced with a new analogue. When installing, it is important to make sure that the wires do not get under the blades.
It is also worth checking the condition of the evaporator. If swelling or traces of oil are visible on it, this may indicate microcracks and a freon leak. It is difficult to visually find a leak; you need to use a leak detector or a soap solution at the joints of the tubes.
Replacing seals and eliminating noise
Severe noise when the refrigerator is operating can be caused not only by the motor, but also by vibration of the housing or poor fit of the door. Rubber seal over time loses elasticity, cracks and ceases to seal the chamber. Warm air gets inside through the cracks, causing the compressor to work hard.
You can check the tightness using a sheet of paper: clamp it with the door around the perimeter. If the sheet is removed too easily without resistance, the seal requires replacement or restoration. Sometimes lubrication with silicone or heating with a hairdryer helps, but it is better to install a new tape.
To replace the seal, you must purchase an original spare part for your model Ariston Hotpoint. The door is removed from the hinges, the old seal is removed from the groove, and the new one is carefully inserted around the entire perimeter. It is important to straighten all the corners and allow the sealant to straighten for several hours.
If the noise comes from vibration, check the legs of the refrigerator. They must be unscrewed so that the body is stable and does not wobble. Also make sure that the rear grille does not touch the wall and pipes, and that there are no loose objects inside the chambers.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Why does the Ariston refrigerator make gurgling sounds?
Gurgling is the normal sound of refrigerant flowing through the pipes of the system. If the cold persists, there is nothing to worry about. If the sound becomes very loud and is accompanied by a lack of cold, a freon leak is possible.
How often do you need to defrost a refrigerator with No Frost?
The system No Frost does not require manual defrosting to remove ice, as this happens automatically. However, once a year it is recommended to turn off the device for hygienic washing and drying of hidden cavities.
Is it possible to replace the compressor with an analogue of another brand?
Theoretically, it is possible if the mounting dimensions, power and type of refrigerant are the same. However, compressor is a complex unit, and installing non-standard equipment can lead to incorrect operation of the system or rapid failure.
What to do if water appears in the refrigerator?
First of all, check the drainage hole in the back wall of the refrigerator compartment. It often gets clogged. Clean it with a brush or soft wire. If the problem persists, check the integrity of the water pan above the compressor.