Removing the top cover or panels of the refrigerator equipment Ariston often becomes the first step in serious diagnostics or replacement of components, such as a compressor, starter relay or filter drier. Unlike quick cleaning, this procedure requires care, since the plastic body of modern models can be fragile, especially if the equipment is many years old. Improper dismantling often leads to broken latches or damage to the decorative coating, which will subsequently require replacement of the entire part.
The main difficulty is that manufacturers often hide fasteners under decorative plugs or disguise them with design elements. Before starting work, you must completely de-energize the unit by unplugging the plug from the socket and free access to the back and top of the device. You will need a minimum set of tools, including a flathead and Phillips screwdrivers, as well as a plastic spatula so as not to scratch the metal.
In this article we will analyze in detail the dismantling process for various case configurations Ariston. You will learn where to look for hidden screws, how to safely unclip plastic fasteners and what to do if the parts are “stuck” to each other. Safety is priority number one, so you absolutely cannot ignore the step of disconnecting from the network, even if you plan to work only with the top part.
Preparation of the workplace and necessary tools
Quality preparation of the work site takes up to 30% of the total time spent on repairs. A refrigerator Ariston is a heavy and bulky device, so to access the top cover it often has to be pulled out of a niche or moved away from the wall. Make sure the floor under your feet is dry and non-slip, and that the lighting allows you to see small fastener parts in the dark corners of the case.
For dismantling, you will need a standard DIY kit. It is important to use the correct size tools to avoid stripping the splines on the screws, which are often coated with paint or factory varnish. In some models, the screws may be very tight due to factory assembly or vibration during operation.
- 🔧 Phillips screwdriver (sizes PH1 and PH2) for unscrewing the main fastening screws.
- 🛠️ Flat screwdriver with a thin blade for prying off plugs and plastic clips.
- 🧤 Safety gloves (preferably with a rubberized coating) to protect your hands from sharp metal edges.
- 📦 Magnetic container or a container with cells for folding screws of different sizes.
Prepare a soft cloth or cardboard in advance to place the removed lid. Plastic doesn't like impacts and can crack if you just throw it on the floor or a hard table. It is also worth having WD-40 or a similar penetrating lubricant on hand in case any screw is rusty or strongly stuck.
Design features of Ariston cases
Refrigerators Ariston, like many other brands, were produced at various factories, which introduced their own design features. Conventionally, they can be divided into models with a completely metal body, where the lid is part of a single box, and models with composite plastic panels. Understanding the type of unit you have will help you choose the right disassembly strategy.
In most modern models, the top is a separate plastic panel secured with screws and latches. However, in old Soviet or early European models, the “lid” can be considered the entire upper metal panel, which is reached through the back wall. Design directly affects the sequence of actions.
Particular attention should be paid to models with the system No Frost. They often hide air ducts and a fan under the top cover, so you need to be careful when removing the panel so as not to damage the fragile plastic ducts or sensor wiring. Unlike the drip system, there are more electronic components located in the upper part.
⚠️ Attention: In some models, the upper decorative strip can be glued with double-sided tape. Do not use excessive force if the screws are not visible - it is possible to remove the side panels or doors.
Removing the top panel and searching for fasteners
The process of removing the cover begins with a thorough visual inspection. Manufacturers rarely leave screws in plain sight, preferring to hide them under decorative elements. In refrigerators Ariston most often, the attachment points for the top panel are hidden in the upper corners or under plastic plugs that imitate the continuation of the body pattern.
First, inspect the upper end of the refrigerator. If there is a plastic cover there, try to carefully pry it off with a flat-head screwdriver wrapped in a cloth. Often it is under this that 2 or 4 screws are hidden that hold the entire structure. In some cases, it is necessary to remove the upper door hinges to gain access to the cover screws.
☑️ Algorithm for removing the cover
If the screws are found and unscrewed, do not rush to pull the cover up. It can be held on by plastic latches on the sides. Carefully run a plastic spatula or card around the perimeter of the joint, slightly moving the panel to the side. A characteristic click will indicate that the latch is released.
A sudden movement will lead to broken wires or breakout of the connector. Always check for connections before completely removing the part.
Removing the rear wall and accessing technical components
Often, by “removing the cover” users mean access to the compressor compartment, which is closed by a rear metal or plastic panel. In refrigerators Ariston this part is secured around the perimeter with many screws. To remove it, you will need to completely free access to the rear of the unit.
First, unscrew all the screws around the perimeter of the rear wall. Please note that some screws may be shorter or longer than others - remember or arrange them in the order you remove them. After removing the fasteners, the panel may not be removed immediately, since it is often held on guides or a lower ledge.
| Panel type | Mounting | Removal features | Risks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Metal rear | Screws around the perimeter | Move down after unscrewing | Sharp metal edges |
| Plastic compressor cover | Screws + latches | Remove straight up | Brittle latches |
| Top plastic decor | Hidden screws | Pry with a spatula | Scratches on the front parts |
| No Frost panel (inside) | Screws inside the chamber | Defrosting required | Damage to the evaporator |
When working with the back wall, be careful with the tubes capacitors that can pass close to the metal. Inexperienced movement can lead to a puncture of the system and leakage coolant. If the panel cannot be removed, check to see if you forgot to unscrew the screws at the bottom or in the cable well.
What to do if the screws are rusty?
If the back panel screws do not come off due to rust, treat them with a penetrating lubricant (WD-40) and leave for 15-20 minutes. Do not try to force them off right away - this will lead to the cap being licked off. Use a magnetic tip screwdriver or a hammer for better grip. As a last resort, you can carefully drill out the cap, but this requires skill.
Working with internal panels and the No Frost system
If your goal is to remove the lid inside the refrigerator or freezer compartment (for example, the back wall of the chamber No Frost), the procedure becomes more complicated. In models Ariston with automatic defrosting, the evaporator and defrost heater are hidden behind this panel. Any work here requires complete preliminary defrosting of the unit for at least 24 hours.
Fastening elements of internal panels are often made in the form of plastic screws or self-tapping screws, the heads of which are closed with decorative caps. Use a thin awl or needle to pry up these caps. Proceed with caution: the plastic on the freezer becomes very fragile.
- ❄️ Defrosting required: ice inside can damage the plastic panel when dismantling.
- 🔌 Sensors: check for connected temperature sensors on the panel.
- 🌬️ Fan: in some models the fan is attached to the inside cover.
After removing the panel, you will have access to the evaporator. Never use sharp objects to chip ice from the evaporator or the inside of the removed cover, as this is guaranteed to lead to a freon leak and costly repairs. If the panel is covered with ice, allow it to thaw naturally.
⚠️ Attention: Specifications and location of components may vary depending on the year of manufacture and the specific series of the Ariston refrigerator. Always refer to the diagram in the service documentation for your model, if available.
Typical errors and precautions
The most common mistake when removing the cover is the use of excessive force. Plastic, especially in old refrigerators, loses its elasticity. If the part doesn't fit, it means you haven't found all the attachment points. An attempt to “help” with your shoulder or knee often ends in cracks that cannot be properly sealed.
Another mistake is the loss of small parts. Screws, washers and plastic plugs tend to fall into hard-to-reach places or roll under the refrigerator. Use a magnetic tray and work in good light to control every movement.
Do not forget about safety precautions. Although we are working with the device unplugged, there may still be charged capacitors inside the control unit (especially in models with electronics). Do not touch the board contacts with your fingers unnecessarily and avoid sudden movements near electrical components.
Assembly and performance testing
After the necessary repairs or replacement of parts, the assembly stage begins. It requires the same care as disassembly. Place the panel in place, making sure that all the wires are laid in the channels intended for them and will not be pinched by the case.
Tighten all the screws, but do not tighten them all the way at once. First, attach all the fasteners, level the panel, and only then tighten them evenly. This will prevent the plastic from warping and causing gaps. Check that all the latches are in place with a characteristic click.
After final assembly, connect the refrigerator to the mains. During the first minutes of operation, listen to the sounds of the unit. The absence of rattling and extraneous noise indicates that the cover is installed correctly. If you removed the chamber panel No Frost, make sure that the defrost system is working correctly.
Is it possible to remove the top cover without moving the refrigerator?
In most cases this is not possible, since access to the screws securing the top panel or rear wall is often from the back or side. For full access, you need to move the unit at least 50-70 cm from the wall.
What to do if the plastic latch breaks during removal?
If the latch breaks off, the panel will hold worse. You can use a small amount of special glue for plastic or replace the retainer with a new one if you find a suitable one on sale. As a last resort, the panel can be secured with an additional screw in an inconspicuous place.
Is it necessary to drain the freon to remove the cover?
No, you do not need to drain the freon to remove the outer panels, top cover or rear compressor casing. This is only necessary in case of repair of the refrigerant circulation system itself (replacement of the compressor, evaporator or condenser).
How to distinguish the cover fastening screws from others?
Usually, the external panel fastening screws have larger caps and are located symmetrically in the corners or perimeter. The screws of internal mechanisms are usually smaller and may differ in color or shape of the slot.