Repairing the No Frost system in refrigerators Ariston Hotpoint often requires access to the evaporator and blower fan. Owners are faced with the need to remove the fan cover when they hear extraneous noise, grinding, or notice that the cold is no longer evenly distributed throughout the chambers. This procedure seems complicated only at first glance, but requires accuracy and understanding of the design of the internal air duct.
In this article we will analyze in detail the process of dismantling the protective casing and the fan itself. You'll learn what tools you'll need, how to avoid damaging the fragile plastic latches, and what to look for when inspecting the assembly. The right approach will extend the life of your refrigerator without calling a technician.
Before starting work, you must completely disconnect the equipment from the power supply. This critical rule safety precautions, if ignored, may result in electric shock or short circuit. Leave the refrigerator to defrost for at least 12 hours if there is ice in the chamber.
Preparation for dismantling and necessary tools
To successfully disassemble the inside of the refrigerator Ariston Hotpoint you will need a minimum set of tools. You should not use excessive force, as the plastic in modern models is quite fragile and can crack if handled carelessly. Prepare a work area in advance with good lighting.
You will need the following tools:
- 🛠️ A Phillips screwdriver (usually PH2 size) for unscrewing the fastening screws.
- 🔧 A flat screwdriver or a plastic spatula for carefully snapping off the clips.
- 🔦 A flashlight for inspecting the insides of the air duct and the condition of the evaporator.
- 🧊 A container for collecting water if ice has formed inside.
Particular attention should be paid to the condition of the seals and fasteners. If you plan to not only remove the cover, but also replace fan, make sure that you already have a new part or repair kit. Models Ariston often use specific connectors, so checking the markings is mandatory.
⚠️ Attention: Never try to pry out plastic panels with a metal screwdriver without protection. The tip will easily slip and damage the freon channels, which will lead to expensive repairs of the entire cooling system.
Access to the rear wall of the refrigerator compartment
The process of removing the fan cover begins with freeing up space inside the refrigerator compartment. You need to completely clear out the shelves and drawers to have unobstructed access to the back wall. In some models, it may be necessary to remove the middle shelf or glass stops.
The back wall in refrigerators with the system No Frost is a plastic panel that hides the evaporator and fan. It is secured with screws and plastic latches. Carefully inspect the perimeter of the panel: sometimes the fastening elements are hidden under decorative plugs or are located in the lower part, covered by a drawer for vegetables.
Sequence of actions when removing the panel:
- ❄️ Remove all products and free the chamber from removable elements.
- 🔩 Find and unscrew visible screws holding the back panel in place.
- 👐 Gently pull the panel towards you, starting from the bottom or side, to release the latches.
After removing the panel, you will have a view of the evaporator. Often it is here, behind a layer of ice or frost, that the culprit of the noise hides - fan motor. If you see a thick layer of ice, do not try to chip it with a knife. Let the equipment thaw naturally or use a hairdryer with caution, directing warm air only at the ice, but not at the plastic.
Localization and removal of the fan cover
The fan in refrigerators Ariston Hotpoint usually located in the upper part of the back niche or on the side of the evaporator, depending on the specific model. It is covered with a separate protective casing or cover that directs the air flow. To remove this cover, you need to act sequentially.
First, inspect the fastenings of the fan casing. They are often made in the form of plastic tabs that need to be bent, or small screws. If the fan is integrated into a common duct, it may be necessary to remove the entire duct. Do not pull on the wires - first disconnect the electrical connector.
| Fixing element | Fixation type | Tool | Risk of damage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Panel screws | Threaded connection | Phillips screwdriver | Low (break the thread) |
| Plastic clips | Snap | Flat screwdriver | High (plastic scrap) |
| Electrical connector | Latch-latch | Fingers/tweezers | Medium (broken wires) |
To remove the cover, carefully pry up its edge with a flat-head screwdriver wrapped in a cloth, or use a plastic card. Move around the perimeter, gradually releasing the latches. Once the cover is removed, you will have full access to the blades and motor.
Diagnostics and replacement of a faulty fan
After the cover is removed and the fan is accessible, it is necessary to diagnose it. Most often, problems manifest themselves in the form of buzzing, crackling, or a complete stop of rotation. The rotation of the blades should be free, without beating or jamming.
Main signs of malfunction:
- 🔊 Loud hum or squealing when the compressor is operating.
- 🛑 The blades do not spin or rotate jerkily.
- ❄️ Lack of cold air circulation (heat in the upper part of the chamber).
If a malfunction is detected, replacing the fan is the most rational solution. Repairing windings or bearings at home rarely gives long-lasting results. Disconnect the power supply, unscrew the motor mounting bolts and install the new part in the reverse order.
⚠️ Attention: When installing a new fan, make sure that the wires do not get under the blades. The rotating blades can cut the insulation, which will lead to a short circuit and failure of the control board.
Is it possible to lubricate the fan?
Theoretically, if the problem is only dry bearing grease, you can try to drip machine oil. However, with modern sealed fans this is a temporary measure. After 2-3 months the noise will return, so replacement is preferable.
Assembling and checking the operation of the system
Assembly is carried out in the reverse order of disassembly. Make sure that all wires are laid in the channels intended for them and are not pinched by plastic panels. The fan cover should snap into place with a characteristic click, without gaps.
Install the back panel of the camera, tighten all the screws and return the shelves and drawers to their place. Only after complete assembly can you plug in the refrigerator. For the first 15-20 minutes, listen to the operation of the equipment: there should be no extraneous sounds.
Checklist after assembly:
- ✅ All screws are tightened, there are no unnecessary parts left.
- ✅ The fan starts immediately or after the signal sensor.
- ✅ The cold is evenly distributed throughout the chamber.
If after turning on the refrigerator operates quietly, and after a while it begins to freeze evenly, then the procedure was successful. The system No Frost must ensure proper air circulation.
☑️ Final check
Typical errors and precautions
When repairing refrigerators yourself Ariston beginners often make a number of mistakes that can aggravate the situation. The most common of these is the use of excessive force when removing plastic panels. Plastic becomes very fragile in the cold.
Another common mistake is ignoring defrosting. Trying to remove the cover from a frozen evaporator often results in pieces of ice breaking off, which can damage the aluminum evaporator tubes. A tube breakdown means loss of freon and complex, expensive repairs.
It is also worth remembering about temperature conditions. If you are making repairs in an unheated area, allow the refrigerator to warm up to room temperature before turning it on. A sudden start of the compressor in the cold can be fatal to the oil in the system.
Is it necessary to completely defrost the refrigerator before removing the lid?
Yes, this is highly desirable. Ice inside the duct can hide fasteners and also make the plastic brittle. In addition, when heating with a hairdryer to speed up the ice melting process, there is a risk of deforming the thin walls of the plastic fan box.
Where can I find the part number for a replacement fan?
The part number (part number) is usually printed on a sticker on the body of the fan motor itself or on its metal frame. Information can also be found in the technical documentation for your model Ariston Hotpoint or on specialized websites for spare parts by entering the full index of the refrigerator.
Why does the fan only work when the door is open?
In most refrigerators, the operating algorithm is the opposite: the fan should stop when the door is opened so as not to blow cold into the room. If it works when the door is open, the door sensor may be faulty or the contacts are reversed. If it is silent when the door is closed, the problem is in the fan itself or its power supply circuit.
Is it possible to temporarily remove the fan cover to check?
Technically, you can run the refrigerator without a cover, but it is not recommended to do this for a long time. The lid creates the correct air flow. Without it, cold air will blow locally, which can lead to freezing of food in one zone and insufficient cooling in another, as well as the formation of condensation.