When in the lower chamber of the refrigerator Ariston the melt water drainage stops working normally or freezes excessive amount of ice, access to the internal mechanism of the No Frost system is often required. In most cases, the cause of the problem is a clogged drain or a malfunctioning heater hidden behind decorative trim. That is why equipment owners have to solve the problem of how to remove the false panel of an Ariston refrigerator in the freezer in order to carry out diagnostics.
This process requires care, since the plastic elements of modern refrigerators are quite fragile, especially at low temperatures. Incorrect force may cause latches to break or visible surfaces to crack. In this article we will analyze in detail the sequence of actions, the necessary tools and typical mistakes that are made during dismantling.
Before starting disassembly, you must completely defrost the unit and disconnect it from the power supply. Working with electrical appliances under voltage is strictly prohibited, and the presence of ice will significantly complicate the detachment of fasteners. Preparing the workplace and having the right tools is the key to successful and safe repairs.
Preparation of tools and workplace
To properly dismantle the back wall in the freezer, you will need a minimum set of tools that most craftsmen have in their homes. The main tool will be a Phillips screwdriver, since it is the screws with such a head that are most often used by the manufacturer Ariston to fix the panels. You may also need a flat-head screwdriver or a special plastic puller to snap off the clips without damaging the plastic.
It is important to ensure good lighting of the work area, since it is usually dark inside the freezer, and fasteners may be hidden in niches or covered with plugs. If natural light is not enough, use an additional source, such as a flashlight or lamp. This will allow you to see the condition of the plastic and not apply excessive force where it is not necessary.
Do not forget to prepare a container for collecting melt water and a rag, since when removing the panel, residual liquid may leak out from the drainage system. Clear the space in front of the refrigerator in advance so that you can move freely and put the removed parts in a safe place. Organizing your workspace will save you time and nerves during the repair process.
☑️ Tools for dismantling
Design features of Ariston freezers
Refrigerators Aristonas well as many other models with the system No Frosthave a complex internal structure, where air circulation is provided by a fan, and cooling occurs through a hidden evaporator. The false panel in the freezer not only serves as a decorative element that covers technical components, but also forms channels for the correct movement of air flows. Violation of the tightness of this space leads to loss of efficiency of the unit.
Depending on the specific model and year of manufacture, the method of attaching the rear wall may differ. In older versions, the fasteners may be entirely screw-based, while newer versions actively use hidden latches and plastic clips. Understanding how the condensate drainage system works helps to guess where the mounting points and drainage holes may be.
⚠️ Attention: Plastic becomes very brittle at temperatures below -15°C. Before attempting to unclip any elements, allow the refrigerator to stand defrosted at room temperature for at least 2-3 hours to allow the material to become elastic.
The defrosting system in these refrigerators usually includes Evaporator heating elementa defrost sensor and a timer or electronic control module. All these components are located directly behind the removable panel. Access to them is necessary not only to replace burnt parts, but also to clean the drainage channel, which is often clogged with ice or debris.
Why does plastic crack in the cold?
At low temperatures, the molecular structure of many types of plastic (especially ABS and polystyrene, used in refrigerators) changes, losing elasticity. Mechanical stress, which would pass without a trace at room temperature, in the cold leads to the formation of microcracks that quickly grow under load. That is why heating with a hairdryer or prolonged defrosting is a critical step.
Step-by-step instructions for removing the false panel
Start the dismantling process by completely removing all drawers, shelves and guides from the freezer. You need easy access to the entire back wall. Carefully inspect the surface of the panel: fastening screws are often hidden in the lower part, under the lower drawer or behind decorative plugs. Carefully remove all visible fasteners using a suitable screwdriver.
Once the screws are removed, the panel will not come off on its own as it is held in place by plastic clips around the perimeter. Use a flathead screwdriver wrapped in thin cloth or a plastic pry tool. Start prying the panel from one of the lower corners, moving gradually upward. Operate without jerking, hearing the characteristic clicks of the opening latches.
When the panel is snapped around the entire perimeter, do not immediately pull it towards you with force. Check if any wires are connected to it, for example, from a lighting lamp or temperature sensors, if they are routed to the front part. If there are no wires, carefully move the panel to the side and remove it from the hooks or grooves.
| Work stage | Action | Important detail |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Preparation | Defrosting and disconnecting from the network | Wait at least 4-6 hours |
| 2. Dismantling the fasteners | Unscrewing the screws | Place the screws in the magnetic tray |
| 3. Removing the latches | Prying around the perimeter | Use a plastic tool |
| 4. Disconnection | Checking the wires | Do not pull sharply |
Access to the evaporator and drainage system
After removing the main decorative panel, you will have access to evaporator and the fan. It is often necessary to remove another layer of insulation or protective casing to get to the heating element. Be careful with foam or foam materials - they easily crumble if handled carelessly.
Pay special attention to the drainage hole, which is located at the bottom of the evaporator niche. It is through this that the melt water goes into the tray on the compressor. If you see an ice plug, it must be carefully removed. To do this, you can use a rubber bulb with warm water or a special brush, but in no case a sharp metal object that can pierce the tube.
Check the condition Defrost heating element. Visually, it should be intact, without breaks in the nichrome thread or swelling. Often the malfunction lies precisely in the burnout of this element, which is why the ice does not have time to melt during the defrosting cycle and blocks the air ducts. Also inspect the defrost sensor for oxidation of the contacts.
Typical errors during disassembly and their consequences
One of the most common mistakes is trying to remove the panel without first defrosting it. In this state, the plastic becomes “glassy”, and any force leads to breakage of the mounting lugs. It is extremely difficult to restore them, and the panel will not fit tightly, which will break the seal of the chamber and lead to re-freezing.
Another mistake is the use of excessive force when snapping the latches. Refrigerator design Ariston implies a tight fit, but does not require effort for disassembly. If the panel doesn't fit, you haven't found all the mounting points or screws. Using a metal tool without protection may leave deep scratches on visible internal surfaces.
⚠️ Warning: Do not use a hair dryer to heat plastic at close range. Hot air can warp the thin panel walls or melt nearby wires and insulation. It's better to let the refrigerator sit warm longer than to risk overheating.
Not checking the wires when removing the panel is another risk. A sharp jerk can break the thin strands of sensor or fan wiring. This will lead to the need to look for original spare parts and do soldering, which will significantly complicate repairs. Always take a “step back” before the final jerk of removing the part.
Assembly and performance check
Assembly is performed in the reverse order. Make sure all seals, insulation and drainage pipes are in place. The panel should fit tightly, without gaps through which cold air can escape. Tighten all the screws, but do not overtighten them, so as not to break the threads in the plastic seats.
After installing all the drawers and shelves, turn on the refrigerator. Pay attention to the operation of the fan: it should turn on some time after the compressor starts. The absence of extraneous noise and vibration indicates proper assembly. During the first hours of operation, monitor the appearance of condensation or ice in the lower part of the chamber.
If after assembly the problem with ice or water persists, perhaps the reason lies deeper - in a malfunction of the control module or defrost timer. In this case, independent repair may be difficult, and diagnostics with professional equipment will be required. However, proper dismantling and cleaning of the drainage solves 80% of such problems.
Is it possible to remove the panel without defrosting the refrigerator completely?
It is technically possible to unscrew the screws, but unsnapping the plastic latches in the cold is strictly not recommended. The risk of breaking fasteners is more than 90%. In addition, you will not be able to properly clean the drain if there is ice left inside.
What to do if the plastic retainer broke off when removing the panel?
Don’t panic. You can carefully drill a hole in the area of the breakdown and secure the panel with a small self-tapping screw with a wide head, placing a washer. The main thing is to ensure a tight fit. You can also use epoxy glue to fix the fragment, if it is preserved.
How often should you clean the drainage hole in the freezer?
Preventive cleaning is recommended every 1-2 years, or every time the refrigerator is completely defrosted. If you notice that water begins to stagnate at the bottom of the chamber or under the drawers, cleaning should be done immediately, without waiting for an ice plug to form.