A sudden breakdown of household appliances always takes you by surprise, especially when it comes to storing food. If you notice that your Ariston refrigerator stops freezing, makes strange sounds or works without stopping, you need to conduct an initial diagnosis. Timely identification of the problem will allow you to avoid damage to products and expensive repairs.
Before calling a technician or disassembling the unit, you should perform a number of simple steps that will help determine the extent of the problem. Often the cause is not a breakdown of components, but a banal violation of operating rules or a power surge in the network. Correct operability check begins with a visual inspection and analysis of the behavior of the compressor.
In this article we will analyze in detail the algorithm of actions for diagnosing the main systems of Ariston refrigeration equipment. You will learn how to distinguish a thermostat breakdown from a compressor failure, and you will understand when repairs are possible on your own and when professional intervention is required.
Initial visual inspection and analysis of external factors
Diagnostics should always start with the most obvious. Make sure that the refrigerator is plugged in and that the plug is firmly seated in the outlet. Sometimes the problem lies in a broken cable or a malfunction of the outlet itself, which can be easily checked by connecting another electrical appliance to it. Inspect the rear wall of the unit for mechanical damage to the condenser.
Pay attention to how it is installed Ariston refrigerator. If it is placed close to a wall or furniture, air circulation is disrupted, which leads to the compressor overheating and cooling stops. The gap between the back wall and the surface must be at least 5-7 centimeters for normal operation of the heat exchange system.
Check the tightness of the door seals. If the rubber band becomes dirty or deformed, warm air enters the chamber, causing the unit to wear out. Wipe the seal with a soft cloth and check its fit around the entire perimeter of the door.
⚠️ Attention: If you find traces of oil or rust on the rear grille, this may indicate a depressurization of the system. In this case, independent repair without special equipment is impossible.
Diagnostics of the compressor and start relay
The heart of any refrigerator is compressor. It is this that ensures the circulation of refrigerant throughout the system. To check its performance, listen to the sounds that the unit makes. The norm is a quiet hum with periodic pauses when the engine is resting.
If you hear a click followed by silence, or the motor hums for a few seconds and turns off, the problem most likely lies in the start relay or the engine itself. Models Ariston often use an induction-type starting relay, which can fail over time due to overheating or power surges.
For a deeper check, you need to remove the back panel at the bottom of the refrigerator. Disconnect the relay from the compressor and shake it. If you hear a knock inside, it means the contacts are burnt or damaged, and the part requires replacement. Also check the motor windings for shorts, although it is better to use a multimeter for this.
How to safely test the windings with a multimeter?
To check the resistance of the windings, you need to switch the multimeter to the resistance measurement mode (Ohms). The probes are applied to the winding contacts. The normal resistance of the working winding is 10-20 Ohms, the starting winding is 20-40 Ohms. If the device shows infinity or zero, the winding is burned out or shorted.
Checking the No Frost and defrosting system
Ariston refrigerators equipped with the system No Frostrequire special attention to the defrosting units. If you notice that a “fur coat” has formed in the freezer compartment, and there is heat in the refrigerator compartment, the defrost heating element, timer or defrost sensor may be faulty.
The verification process begins with defrosting the unit during the day. If after turning on the refrigerator worked normally, but after a few days the problem recurred, it means that one of the elements of the defrosting system is not functioning. Most often, the heating element hidden behind the plastic panel in the freezer burns out.
It is also worth checking the defrost sensor, which controls the temperature of the evaporator. If he “lies” and does not give the command to turn on the heating element, the ice does not melt, blocking the circulation of cold air. In models with electronic control, error codes can be displayed, which greatly simplifies troubleshooting.
☑️ Diagnostics of the No Frost system
Testing the thermostat and temperature sensors
Thermostat is a device that regulates the operation of the compressor depending on the temperature inside the chamber. If refrigerator does not turn on at all or, conversely, works without interruption, the reason often lies in this element. In mechanical Ariston models, the thermostat is a capillary tube with a bellows.
To check the mechanical thermostat, you can close its contacts directly. If after this procedure the compressor starts working, then the thermostat is faulty and requires replacement. However
Modern electronically controlled models use temperature sensors (thermistors) instead of a thermostat. Their resistance changes depending on temperature. The test is carried out with a multimeter: as the temperature changes, the resistance readings should change smoothly. A sharp jump or open circuit will indicate a sensor malfunction.
⚠️ Attention: When replacing a thermostat or sensor, it is important to install a part with similar parameters. Using an unsuitable analogue will lead to incorrect operation of the refrigerator and spoilage of food.
Analysis of fan operation and air circulation
In systems with forced air circulation, fanis responsible for cooling. If the compressor is running but there is no cold, the fan may have stopped or its blades are blocked by ice. This is a common problem in models with the No Frost system.
Open the freezer and listen. If you do not hear the characteristic noise of a running fan, check its electrical circuit. Sometimes the problem is solved by simple defrosting if the blades are frozen to the body. In other cases, the fan motor needs to be replaced.
Impaired air circulation can also be caused by excessive loading of the chambers. If food is tightly packed and blocks the vents, cold air cannot enter the refrigerator compartment. Follow the rules for placing products for efficient operation of the equipment.
Comparative table of symptoms and probable causes
For ease of diagnosis, the main symptoms and possible causes of their occurrence are summarized in table. This will help you quickly navigate the nature of the malfunction of your Ariston refrigerator.
| Symptom | Probable cause | Necessary actions |
|---|---|---|
| The compressor is humming, but not starts | The starting relay is faulty or the compressor is jammed | Replacing the relay, checking the motor windings |
| The refrigerator does not turn off | Thermostat is faulty or freon is leaking | Replacing the thermostat, searching for a refrigerant leak |
| There is ice in the freezer, heat in the refrigerator compartment | The defrost system is clogged (No Frost) | Checking the heating element, timer and defrost sensor |
| Fan noise is heard | Ice or foreign object ingress | Defrosting, cleaning the chamber, replacing the fan |
Frequently asked questions and answers (FAQ)
Why does the Ariston refrigerator not turn on after defrosting?
If the unit does not start after defrosting, the compressor protection thermal relay may have tripped due to overheating Let the refrigerator stand unplugged for 2-3 hours. If the problem is not solved, the thermostat or the start relay may have failed.
How can you tell that the refrigerator has run out of freon?
The main sign of a leak freon is that the compressor works constantly, but does not cool, while the condenser (grid at the back) remains only partially cold or warm. There may also be swelling on the walls or traces of oil at the leak site.
Is it possible to independently replace the thermostat in an Ariston refrigerator?
Yes, replacing a mechanical thermostat is a procedure accessible to a home craftsman. However, it is important to correctly install the capillary tube and adjust the temperature regime. In models with electronics, it is better to contact a specialist.
What to do if water appears inside the refrigerator?
Water on the floor or inside the chamber often indicates a clogged drainage hole. It is necessary to clean the drain with a soft wire or a syringe with warm water. Also check if the drainage in the freezer is frozen.