Modern refrigerators of the Italian brand Hotpoint-Ariston are famous for their reliability and thoughtful design, but even the highest quality equipment can fail over time. Owners often encounter situations when the device stops freezing, starts making strange sounds, or ice appears on the back wall of the chamber. In such cases, you should not panic or immediately call a technician, since a significant part of the malfunctions can be eliminated yourself, having basic knowledge about the structure of the unit.
Before proceeding with diagnosis and disassembling the components, you must completely disconnect the device from the power supply. This is the first and most important safety rule and, if ignored, may result in electric shock or damage to the electronic components of the control board. Only after you are convinced that there is no voltage, you can begin a visual inspection and search for the cause of incorrect operation.
Primary fault diagnosis
You should always start searching for a problem by analyzing the symptoms that it exhibits refrigeration equipment. If the compressor is running, but the temperature in the chambers does not drop to the set values, most likely there is a refrigerant leak or a malfunction of the defrost system. In models with No Frost a common cause is the failure of the evaporator heating element or defrost timer.
In situations where the motor-compressor starts, but only works for a few seconds, after which a click is heard and a shutdown occurs, you should check the start-protection relay. This small element is responsible for starting the engine and protecting against overloads. It is a burnt-out relay that causes 30% of all cases when the refrigerator stops turning on.
To accurately determine the operating status of the unit, it is useful to conduct an external inspection:
- 🔍 Check the integrity of the rubber seals on the doors - they should fit tightly to the body.
- 🔍 Inspect the back wall for swelling or mechanical damage to the tubes.
- 🔍 Listen to the operation of the compressor: a smooth hum is normal, an intermittent knock or squeak is not.
If a visual inspection does not give any obvious results, you need to proceed to checking electrical circuits using a multimeter. It is important to understand that modern models are equipped with complex electronics that can block startup due to sensor errors. evaporator, which prevents normal air circulation. As a result, the fan begins to make noise, hitting the ice with its blades, and the temperature in the chambers rises. The main reason for this is a malfunction of one of the elements of the defrost system. Hotpoint-Ariston equipped with sophisticated electronics that can block startup if sensor errors occur.
Checking the defrost system and sensors
One of the most common problems in refrigerators with a system No Frost is the formation of an ice coat on the evaporator, which prevents normal air circulation. As a result, the fan begins to make noise, hitting the ice with its blades, and the temperature in the chambers rises. The main reason for this is the malfunction of one of the elements of the defrost system.
To check, you need to dismantle the back panel in the freezer. Under it you will see the evaporator, heating element and sensors. The first thing to check is Defrost heating element: its resistance should be within 200-300 Ohms. If the multimeter shows a break (one or infinity), the heating element requires replacement.
How to safely defrost ice?
To remove ice, use a hair dryer, directing a stream of warm air to the ice crust. Never pick out ice with a knife or sharp objects - this is guaranteed to lead to breakdown of the evaporator and leakage of freon.
The defrost sensor and melting fuse must also be checked. These components ensure the correct defrost cycle and protection against overheating. If one of them is faulty, the defrost cycle does not start, and ice builds up with each cycle of compressor operation.
Diagnostics of the motor-compressor and start relay
The heart of any refrigerator is compressorwhich ensures the circulation of refrigerant throughout the system. If you hear the engine struggling to start, humming, but then clicking and turning off, the problem lies with the starter. In refrigerators Hotpoint-Ariston relays of the RT type or more modern posistor analogues are most often used.
To check the relay, it must be removed from the contacts of the compressor and shaken. If a ringing sound is heard inside, it means the core has broken and the part must be replaced. You should also ring the windings of the compressor itself through the contacts on the case: the resistance between the starting and operating windings should be the sum of the resistances of each of them separately.
☑️ Compressor diagnostics
It is important to note that if the compressor is hot to the touch, but does not start, this may indicate an interturn short circuit. In this case, do-it-yourself repair is practically impossible; the unit must be replaced.
Malfunctions of the thermostat and temperature sensors
The thermostat (thermostat) is responsible for maintaining the set temperature. Older models Hotpoint-Ariston use mechanical thermostats, while new ones use electronic NTC sensors. If the refrigerator does not turn off and freezes too much, or, conversely, does not turn on for a long time, causing spoilage of food, suspect this particular unit.
To check the mechanical thermostat, you can close its two contacts directly. If after this operation the compressor starts and runs continuously, then the regulator is faulty. Electronic sensors are checked by measuring resistance at different temperatures: when heated in the hand, the resistance should drop.
Incorrect operation of the sensors often leads to errors appearing on the display or blinking indicators. The decoding of error codes for your specific model can be found in the technical data sheet.
Problems with the fan and air circulation
In systems No Frost the fan is responsible for the uniform distribution of cold. If you notice that the refrigerator compartment is warm but the freezer is cold, or you hear a loud noise/grinding noise, the problem is most likely with the evaporator fan. The blades may freeze to the ice or the motor bearings may wear out.
To resolve the problem, remove the fan and check it for jams. If the motor burns out (there is no resistance on the windings), it must be replaced with one of a similar size and voltage. Also check the air circulation channels for clogging with food or ice plugs.
⚠️ Attention: When working with the fan, be careful not to damage the plastic air ducts, which become very fragile at low temperatures.
Table of common faults
For the convenience of systematizing problems, below is a table with the main symptoms and probable causes of their occurrence in refrigerators Hotpoint-Ariston.
| Symptom | Probable cause | Difficulty of repair |
|---|---|---|
| Buzzes, but does not freeze | Freon leakage, the compressor is faulty | High (a technician is needed) |
| Ice builds up in the chamber | The defrost heating element or sensor is faulty | Medium |
| Strong noise/vibration | Incorrect installation, faulty fan | Low |
| Does not turn on at all | No power, burnt out relay, faulty board | Medium/High |
| Water under the refrigerator | Drain channel clogged | Low |
Elimination of noise and vibration
Excessive noise during operation can cause serious discomfort. If refrigerator started to buzz louder than usual, first check its installation. The unit must stand strictly horizontally; use screw supports for adjustment. The legs should be unscrewed so that the body is slightly raised above the floor, providing stability.
If the installation is not the issue, inspect the space around the compressor. Sometimes vibration is transmitted to nearby tubes or housing elements. Carefully bend the copper tubes so that they do not touch each other or the cabinet walls. Also, the source of sound can be the compressor itself if its internal shock absorbers are worn out.
In models with No Frost the source of noise is often the fan. If its bearings are worn out, only replacing the entire assembly will help.
Replacing seals and eliminating loose fits
If the refrigerator door Hotpoint-Ariston does not close tightly, warm air enters the chamber, which leads to increased formation of condensation and ice. Check the magnetic seal around the entire perimeter. Over time, rubber loses elasticity, cracks or deforms.
To temporarily restore properties, you can try heating the deformed areas with a hairdryer and straightening them by pressing the door for several hours. However, if the rubber is cracked, a complete replacement of the belt is necessary. When installing a new seal, make sure that the corners fit tightly in the grooves.
⚠️ Attention: Before purchasing a new seal, be sure to check the model of your refrigerator, since the door geometry of different series Hotpoint-Ariston may differ.
Restoring the drainage systems
The appearance of a puddle of water under the refrigerator or inside on the bottom shelf often indicates a clogged drainage hole. It is designed to drain condensate into a special container above the compressor. Over time, dirt, mold and food debris accumulate in the hole.
To clean, use soft wire, a brush or a rubber bulb with warm water. Gently push through the clog and flush the drain. Make sure that water flows freely into the drip tray.
What to do if the water is frozen in the drain?
If the drain is frozen, defrost the refrigerator completely (at least 24 hours). Using boiling water to defrost the ice inside the channel can cause the plastic to crack.
Why does the Hotpoint-Ariston refrigerator not freeze, but the light is on?
This indicates that the electrical circuit is working, but the cooling system is not working. Possible causes: freon leak, compressor failure, faulty start relay or control unit. Diagnostics by a specialist is required.
How often do you need to defrost a No Frost refrigerator?
The No Frost system assumes automatic defrosting, so you only need to force defrost the unit for hygienic cleaning, about 1-2 times a year.
Is it possible to replace the compressor with an analogue of another one? brand?
Technically possible if the mounting dimensions, power and type of refrigerant are the same. However, for correct operation of the electronics Hotpoint-Ariston it is recommended to install original spare parts or certified analogues.
What does a flashing temperature indicator mean?
Flashing usually indicates an increase in the temperature in the chamber above normal. This may be a consequence of recent loading of products, a loose door, or a malfunction of the cooling system.