The situation when Ariston refrigerator ceases to perform its functions can take you by surprise and cause a lot of inconvenience. The food begins to deteriorate, and an unpleasant odor appears inside the chamber. However, before calling a technician or rushing to the store for new equipment, it is worth conducting an initial diagnosis. Many malfunctions, such as incorrect temperature, noisy operation or lack of cooling in one of the chambers, are often caused by minor malfunctions that you can fix yourself.
Modern models of the brand, be it classic two-chamber units or No Frost systems, are built on similar principles. Understanding the basic device refrigeration circuit and electrical circuit will help you save significant money. In this article, we will analyze in detail algorithms for searching for breakdowns, decipher error codes and consider methods for replacing key components.
Primary diagnosis and external signs of malfunction
Any repair begins with a thorough examination and analysis of symptoms. If your Ariston hums, but does not freeze, or, conversely, the freezer has turned into an ice block, these are signals of different problems. First of all, it is necessary to exclude trivial reasons: check whether the door fits tightly, whether the condensate drain hose is not pinched and whether there is voltage in the socket.
Pay attention to the nature of the compressor operation. If the engine hums, tries to start, clicks and turns off, this is a sign of problems with the start relay or the engine itself. In cases where the unit operates continuously without shutdowns, but the temperature does not drop below +10 degrees, a freon leak or blockage in the system is likely.
Visual inspection of the rear wall (heat exchanger) can also give clues. Uniform heating of the grill indicates normal circulation of the refrigerant, while local freezing or, conversely, a cold tube indicates a circulation problem.
⚠️ Attention: If you notice oily spots under the refrigerator or in the compressor area, this may indicate depressurization of the system. Operation of such a unit is prohibited, since oil leaks out along with freon.
Collect all information about the behavior of the equipment. This will help more accurately identify the unit that requires intervention.
Deciphering error codes on the display
Many modern models Ariston are equipped with a self-diagnosis system that displays error codes on the display or is signaled by blinking indicators. Understanding these signals is the key to quickly locating the problem. The electronic control module monitors the operation of temperature sensors and records deviations from the norm.
The most common codes indicate problems with temperature conditions. For example, a flashing temperature indicator often means that the chamber is warmer than the established norm. This may be a consequence of loading warm products or a breakdown thermostat.
Below is a table with the main codes and their possible causes, typical for equipment from this manufacturer:
| Code / Signal | Description of the problem | Probable cause |
|---|---|---|
| A1 / A01 | Temperature above normal | Loading warm products, door not closing tightly |
| A2 / A02 | Temperature below normal | Sensor malfunction, thermostat contacts sticking |
| A3 / A03 | Defrost (for No Frost) | Failure of the defrost heating element or timer |
| Alarm | Sound signal | Door open for more than 2-3 minutes |
If the error code does not disappear after a reboot (disconnection from the network for 15-20 minutes), a deeper check of the relevant components is required.
How to reset the error?
To reset the error, you must disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply for 15-20 minutes. Some models require a long press of the defrost button or a combination of buttons specified in the user manual.
Cooling problems: compressor and refrigerant
Lack of cold is the most critical malfunction. If compressor does not start at all, check the start relay. This is a small box on the side of the motor. If a ringing sound is heard when shaking inside (as if from broken ceramics), the relay must be replaced. This is a consumable item that often fails.
In situations where the motor is running, but there is no cold, a leak is often to blame. freon. Refrigerant can escape through microcracks in the evaporator or in places where pipes are soldered. It is difficult to find a leak on your own without a leak detector, but an indirect sign is the lack of heating of the rear grille when the compressor is running.
Clogged capillary tube is another reason for the lack of cooling. Oil and freon circulate in the system, and over time a plug of paraffin deposits or oxidation products may form. Cleaning requires special equipment and skills in working with refrigeration systems.
⚠️ Attention: Replacing a compressor or refilling with freon requires a vacuum pump and a pressure gauge station. Without special equipment, it is impossible to perform this work efficiently.
If you hear that the compressor is trying to start, humming, but then there is a click and it goes silent, most likely the problem is in the start-up relay or inter-turn short circuit of the motor windings.
☑️ Compressor diagnostics
Malfunctions of the No Frost and defrosting system
Refrigerators Ariston No Frost eliminate the need for manual defrosting, but add additional elements to the design that can break. If you notice a build-up of a “coat” of ice on the back wall of the freezer or the appearance of water on the kitchen floor, the problem lies in the defrost system.
The key elements here are the heating element (heating element), defrost sensor and timer (or electronic module). If the heating element burns out, the ice does not melt, it blocks the air circulation channels, and the cold stops flowing into the refrigerator compartment. You can check the heating element with a multimeter: it should “ring” (have resistance).
The defrost sensor also often fails. It controls the temperature of the evaporator and gives a command to turn on the heating. If it “lies”, defrosting may not turn on at all or, on the contrary, may occur too often.
It is important to check the drainage hole. If it is clogged with crumbs or mold, the melt water does not go into the pan, but overflows and flows onto the floor. You can clean the channel using a soft wire or a special brush.
Replacing the thermostat and temperature sensors
In mechanical models, thermostatis responsible for maintaining the temperature. If the refrigerator “does not turn off” and freezes food, or, conversely, works too little, the regulator must be replaced. In electronic models, this function is performed by air sensors.
The process of replacing the thermostat in models Ariston usually does not require complex tools. The capillary tube of the sensor is inserted into a special seat inside the chamber. It is important not to damage the tube during installation, as this will lead to gas leakage from the bellows and failure of the regulator.
When installing a new sensor, make sure that its characteristics (on/off temperature range) match the original ones. Using an unsuitable analogue will lead to incorrect operation of the compressor.
In electronic systems, sensors are often located in plastic flasks. Their malfunction is usually accompanied by a corresponding error code on the display. Replacement is made by disconnecting the connector chip and installing a new part.
Elimination of extraneous noise and vibration
A loud hum, knocking or vibration can be annoying, especially if the refrigerator is located in the kitchen-living room. Often the reason is simple: incorrect installation. Check that the unit is level. Adjusting the support legs will help eliminate misalignment and reduce vibration of the housing.
If the compressor is humming, this may be a sign of wear on the bearings or internal motor mount. In some cases, installing rubber gaskets under the compressor mounts helps, but if the wear is critical, the unit will have to be replaced.
Fans in the No Frost system can also make extraneous sounds. If dust or ice gets into the fan bearing, it begins to hum or crackle. In this case, the fan requires cleaning, lubrication or replacement.
⚠️ Attention: Make sure that the refrigerator does not touch the wall or furniture. Vibration during compressor operation will be transmitted to adjacent surfaces and increase the noise.
Check the internal shelves as well. The rattling of dishes or glass bottles touching each other is often mistaken for a breakdown of equipment.
When you need to call a professional technician
Despite the desire to save money, there are situations when independent repairs are impractical or dangerous. If the problem lies in a sealed circuit (freon leakage, replacing the compressor, removing a blockage), you cannot do without special tools and soldering skills.
It is also worth contacting specialists if the electronic control module is faulty. “Reflashing” or replacing the board requires accurate diagnostics and the availability of original spare parts. Connection errors can lead to the burning of other components.
Remember that opening sealed components yourself will void your warranty (if it is still valid) and may lead to more expensive repairs in the future. Weigh your strengths and risks before starting complex work.
If you have carried out all the checks, replaced the available parts (relay, thermostat, heating element), but the problem has not been solved - most likely, the diagnosis was made incorrectly or the fault is hidden deeper.
Is it worth repairing an old refrigerator?
Repair is advisable if the cost spare parts and labor does not exceed 50% of the cost of a new similar device. For older models (over 10-12 years old), it is often more profitable to buy new equipment.
Why does the Ariston refrigerator turn on and then immediately turn off?
Most often this indicates a malfunction of the compressor start relay or problems with the motor windings. The relay cannot start the motor, the protection is triggered, and the cycle repeats. Also, the reason may be low voltage in the network.
How often do you need to defrost a No Frost refrigerator?
The No Frost system does not require regular defrosting to remove ice, as this happens automatically. However, it is recommended to turn off the device at least once a year to completely defrost, wash and treat the drainage system from bacteria.
Is it possible to replace the compressor with an analogue from another manufacturer?
Technically it is possible if the mounting dimensions, power and type of refrigerant are the same. However, it is better to use original spare parts Ariston or certified analogs recommended by the manufacturer to avoid problems with compatibility of oil and freon.
What to do if the inside of the refrigerator smells like plastic?
A new smell is acceptable in the first days of operation. If the smell appears later, check whether food has gotten into the defrosting heating element (during defrosting there will be a burning smell). Also, the smell of plastic may indicate overheating of the wiring or insulation, which requires immediate shutdown of the device.