Faced with extraneous noise or insufficient cooling in the chamber, owners of household appliances often wonder about the condition of the air circulation system. In models with the system No Frost it is the fan that is responsible for the uniform distribution of cold flows, and its malfunction can cause food spoilage. However, before you begin diagnosing or replacing the unit, you need to gain access to its insides, and for this you need to carefully dismantle the protective cover.
The process of removing the cover in refrigerators Ariston (as well as brands Indesit, Hotpoint, produced at the same factories) has its own technical nuances, ignoring which can lead to breakage of the plastic fasteners or damaged wiring. There is no single universal algorithm for all models, since the design of the evaporation unit and the location of the fastening elements depend on the series and year of manufacture of the device. In this article, we will analyze in detail the dismantling steps, the necessary tools and typical mistakes that inexperienced craftsmen make when trying to get to the impeller.
Understanding the structure of the unit is critically important, since careless handling of plastic latches often leads to their breakage, which subsequently causes rattling and vibration when the compressor operates. If you plan to carry out do-it-yourself repairyou will need not only a set of screwdrivers, but also a certain amount of patience so as not to damage the fragile elements of the inner lining of the camera. Let's look at how to properly prepare the equipment and what steps need to be taken for safe access to the fan.
⚠️ Attention: Any work related to disassembling the internal components of the refrigerator should be carried out only after completely disconnecting the device from the electrical network. Residual voltage in the control circuit may not be life-threatening, but an accidental short circuit will damage the electronic control module.
Preparation of the workplace and the necessary tools
The first stage of any repair intervention is proper preparation. You do not need a complex professional tool, but the availability of high-quality materials will greatly simplify the task and reduce the risk of damage to the plastic. Refrigerators Ariston often use countersunk screws and plastic latches that require careful handling.
To successfully complete the task of removing the fan cover, you will need the following tools:
- 🛠️ A set of Phillips screwdrivers (sizes PH1 and PH2) to remove the screws fastenings.
- 🔧 A slotted screwdriver with a thin tip for carefully snapping off plastic clips.
- 💡 A flashlight or headlamp to illuminate dark areas inside the freezer.
- 🧤 Gloves to protect your hands from sharp edges and possible ice.
- 📷 A smartphone for photographing the disassembly stages, so as not to forget anything during assembly.
Particular attention should be paid to lighting. The interior space of the freezer, where the fan is usually located, is often hidden in the depths of a niche where the light of the standard refrigerator lamp does not reach. Using a flashlight will allow you to see the location of hidden screws and the condition of the wiring going to the fan motor. It is also recommended to empty the chamber of products and, if possible, remove all shelves and drawers in order to have unobstructed access to the rear wall. evaporator and a fan, often hidden in the depths of a niche where the light of a standard refrigerator lamp does not reach. Using a flashlight will allow you to see the location of hidden screws and the condition of the wiring going to the fan motor. It is also recommended to empty the chamber of food and, if possible, remove all shelves and drawers in order to have unobstructed access to the rear wall.
If ice has formed in the chamber, do not try to chip it with a knife or sharp objects - this may damage the circuits of the evaporator. Allow the ice to melt naturally, or use a hair dryer on the lowest setting, directing the warm air carefully so as not to melt the plastic parts of the fan cover. The presence of water should also be provided for by placing a towel on the bottom of the refrigerator.
Removing the rear panel of the freezer
In most refrigerator models Ariston with the No Frost system, the fan is located behind the back wall of the freezer. To remove the fan cover, you must first remove this panel. It can be fastened with screws hidden under decorative plugs, or held solely by plastic latches.
Carefully inspect the surface of the back wall. Often there are holes at the bottom or top of the panel, closed with round plastic plugs. Carefully pry them off with a slotted screwdriver. If there are no screws, the panel is secured with latches around the perimeter. In this case, it is necessary to use the snapping method, starting from one of the corners, gradually moving along the contour.
Move the panel smoothly, controlling the tension of the communications. Sometimes the panel may be glued with sealant or frozen, in which case careful heating with a hairdryer around the perimeter is required.
⚠️ Attention: Plastic in refrigerators becomes especially fragile at low temperatures. If you are making repairs immediately after defrosting, let the chamber warm up to room temperature for at least 15-20 minutes to reduce the risk of breakage of the fasteners.
After removing the panel, you will have access to the evaporator and a closed box containing the fan. The fan cover is part of this box or a separate plastic casing that covers the motor and impeller. The design may vary: in some models it is a separate cover with screws, in others it is part of a common air duct.
The process of removing the fan cover
Direct removal of the fan cover requires care. Depending on the design of your model Ariston, you may be faced with several mounting options. Most often, the cover is fixed with 2-4 screws, which can be located in the corners or in the center.
Use a prepared Phillips screwdriver to unscrew the fasteners. Place screws in a separate container to prevent them from getting lost in the depths of the refrigerator. If there are no screws, then the cover is held on plastic latches. In this case, insert a thin slotted screwdriver into the joint between the cover and the air duct body and with a slight turning movement, unclick the lock.
Proceed sequentially, passing along the entire perimeter of the cover. Do not use excessive force: If the cover does not come off, you may have missed a hidden screw or failed to release one of the bottom latches. Excessive force will cause cracks in the plastic, which will subsequently cause noise when the fan operates.
☑️ Removal checklist
In some modifications, the power supply or defrost sensor wiring is suitable for the fan cover. Before you finally remove the cover and set it aside, make sure that it is not connected by wires to the main part of the unit. If wires are present, they must be carefully disconnected, having previously photographed the position of the connectors, or simply moved to the side if the length allows.
Typical problems and their solutions
When removing the cover, you may encounter a number of difficulties. Owners often complain that the screws are “stuck” or rusty due to condensation. In such a situation, you should not use maximum force to avoid tearing off the splines. You can drop a little penetrating lubricant (such as WD-40) onto the threads and wait a few minutes.
Another common problem is the plastic mounting ears breaking when removing the cover. If this happens, do not rush to throw away the part. Plastic can be repaired by soldering or glued with a special compound for plastics, and then strengthen the repair area. However, this is a temporary measure, and ideally it is better to replace the damaged cover.
Below is a table that helps identify the type of fastening depending on the refrigerator series:
| Refrigerator series | Type of cover fastening | Screw location | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ariston MB.. | Screws + latches | 4 corners of the cover | Requires removal of the entire back panel |
| Ariston B.. | Latch only | None | High risk of breakage if opened carelessly |
| Ariston HF.. | Screws under the plugs | 2 upper, 2 lower | Plugs are often lost during dismantling |
| Ariston RS.. | Combined | Central | The cover is part of the air duct |
What to do if the screw is broken?
If the screw splines are stripped, try using a rubber strip between the screwdriver and the screw for better grip. As a last resort, the screw can be carefully drilled out, but this requires high precision so as not to damage the plastic of the case.
It is also worth noting the problem of freezing. If the fan cover is frozen to the housing due to a leak in the door seal, it must not be torn off by force. It is necessary to completely defrost the unit (stand for 24 hours with the doors open) so that the ice melts. An attempt to remove the cover “tightly” frozen to the body is guaranteed to lead to destruction of the plastic.
Diagnostics and cleaning after removal
Once the cover is removed, access to the fan itself opens. This is the ideal time for preventative cleaning. Over the years of operation, dust, lint and grease deposits accumulate on the impeller blades and inside the engine compartment, which disrupt the balance and cause noise.
Cleaning should be done with a soft brush or compressed air. Using a damp cloth is only permissible if moisture does not get inside the motor. After cleaning, check the ease of rotation of the impeller by hand. If you feel sticking or hear a grinding noise, you may need to bearing lubrication or replace the entire assembly.
Pay attention to the condition of the rubber dampers on which the fan motor is mounted. If they become dry or cracked, vibration will be transmitted to the refrigerator body, creating an unpleasant hum. In such cases, the dampers must also be replaced.
Check the integrity of the wiring. Often, where the wire exits the motor housing, the insulation can be rubbed against the edges of the plastic cover or housing. If damage is detected, the insulation must be restored to avoid a short circuit.
Assembly and performance testing
Assembly is carried out in the reverse order. Replace the cover, making sure all guides line up. If screws are used, tighten them evenly, without distortion, so as not to create stress in the plastic. When using the latches, you should hear a characteristic click around the entire perimeter.
Do not forget to connect all connectors if you disconnected them. Make sure that the wires are not pinched between the cover and the housing, otherwise they may fray when the fan operates. After installing the back panel of the camera, you can start testing.
Plug in the refrigerator and listen to the operation. In the first minutes, the sound of the fan may be heard - this is normal. However, there should be no extraneous knocking, rattling or whistling noises. If the noise remains, perhaps the problem is not in the cover, but in the fan motor itself or in the balancing of the impeller.
⚠️ Attention: Technical characteristics and design of components may vary slightly depending on the specific batch and manufacturer. If you find that the structure of your refrigerator differs from that described, check the official diagram in the manufacturer’s personal account or service documentation.
High-quality disassembly and assembly guarantee long and silent operation of your Ariston. Regular cleaning of the fan extends the service life of the compressor, since effective heat exchange reduces the load on the main unit.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to remove the fan cover without defrosting the refrigerator completely?
Theoretically, it is possible if there is no ice in the chamber. However, if even a small amount of frost is present, it is better to wait for complete defrosting. Trying to remove a cover with frozen elements will cause the plastic to break. In addition, working with electrical appliances in a damp environment increases the risk of a short circuit.
How to replace a broken plastic latch on the lid?
For temporary repairs, you can use small self-tapping screws, carefully screwing them into the body of the plastic (do not overdo it, so as not to crack). The method of soldering plastic using reinforcing mesh is also effective. However, for durability, it is better to order an original spare part for the refrigerator model.
Why does the fan hum more loudly after removing and installing the cover?
Most likely, during assembly the gap between the impeller blades and the walls of the casing was broken, or the cover was misaligned. It may also be caused by wire or debris getting into the rotation zone. Disassemble the assembly again and check the alignment.
Does the fan need to be lubricated each time the cover is removed?
No, modern fans in refrigerators Ariston are usually equipped with plain bearings with factory lubrication designed for a lifetime. Lubrication is required only if a characteristic creaking or stiff movement appears, which indicates drying out of the lubricant.
Where can I find a disassembly diagram for my specific Ariston model?
Schemes (explosion diagrams) can often be found in service manuals available on the Internet at the request "model + service manual" or "spare parts diagram". Information can also be found on specialized forums for repairing household appliances, indicating the full model code (PNC), which is located on the sticker inside the chamber.