The situation when a refrigerator Ariston works without interruption is familiar to many owners of this equipment. The constant hum of the engine and the absence of pauses in operation is not just an annoying noise, but also a signal that there is a failure in the cooling system. If the unit does not go into standby mode, this means that it cannot reach the set temperature or does not receive a signal that the goal has been achieved.
Ignoring this problem can lead to serious consequences. Compressorworking non-stop quickly wears out, and replacing it often costs more than timely diagnostics and minor repairs. In addition, the food in the chamber may begin to deteriorate due to a violation of the temperature regime or, conversely, freeze.
In this article we will examine in detail the main reasons why the refrigerator Ariston stops turning off. We will look at both simple operating errors that you can fix yourself, and complex technical malfunctions that require the intervention of a specialist.
The first thing you need to do when you notice a problem is to assess the scale of the disaster. If the motor has been humming for several hours in a row, and no heat is felt on the rear grille of the condenser (usually the black grille at the back), or, on the contrary, it is too hot, it means that the cooling cycle is broken.
Improper operation and external factors
Before sounding the alarm and calling a technician, it is worth eliminating trivial but important factors. Often the reason for continuous operation lies in the actions of the user himself or the conditions of placement of the equipment. For example, if you have just loaded a large amount of warm food into the chamber, the compressor will work hard trying to cool the entire volume.
It is also important to check the tightness of the door. If sealing rubber band is worn out, dirty or deformed, warm air from the room constantly enters the chamber. Sensors detect the temperature increase and prevent the compressor from going to rest. In the summer, when the room is hot, the load on the equipment increases many times over.
⚠️ Attention: If the refrigerator is installed close to the wall or in a niche without gaps for ventilation, heat is not removed from the condenser. This forces the system to work in enhanced mode.
Check the thermostat settings. Perhaps one of the household members accidentally switched the handle or electronic control to Super Freeze (Super Freeze) mode. In this mode, the refrigerator operates constantly, without turning off, in order to freeze food as quickly as possible.
For a quick check, follow these steps:
- 🔍 Inspect the door for distortions and check the cleanliness of the seal.
- 🌡️ Make sure that the "Super Freeze" mode is turned off.
- 🍲 Check whether you have recently loaded hot dishes.
- 💨 Move the equipment away from the wall at least 5-7 cm for air circulation.
If after eliminating these factors the situation has not changed within 24 hours, then the problem is of a technical nature and lies within the system.
Faulty sensors and thermostat
One of the most common reasons why a refrigerator Ariston does not turn off is a failure of the thermostat or air sensor. It is these elements that are responsible for controlling the temperature inside the chambers. If the thermostat is “stuck” in the “on” position or transmits incorrect data to the control module, the compressor will hum continuously.
Electronically controlled models often fail air sensorslocated in different areas of the refrigerator and freezer compartments. They can oxidize from moisture or simply burn out. In this case, errors may appear on the display, or the equipment simply ignores the fact that the desired temperature has been reached.
Diagnostics of the thermostat in mechanical models requires caution. If there is no click when you turn the control knob, but the motor continues to run, there is a high probability that the part is faulty. In some cases, lightly tapping the handle helps, but this is a temporary measure.
How to check a thermostat with a multimeter?
To check, you need to remove the thermostat, set the multimeter to dial mode and check the contacts. When the temperature changes (if the sensing element is immersed in cold water), the circuit should open and close. If the ringing is constant, the part needs to be replaced.
Replacing the thermostat is not the most difficult procedure, but it requires disassembling part of the housing. It is important to choose an analogue with exactly the same parameters, otherwise the refrigerator will not work correctly: it either turns on frequently, or, conversely, does not freeze well.
Freon leakage and problems with compression
If the refrigerator Ariston works constantly, but the temperature in the chambers does not drop below +10..+15 degrees, most likely a leak has occurred refrigerant. Freon is the working fluid of the system, and without it cooling is impossible. The compressor tries to compensate for the lack of gas by constant operation, but does not achieve the desired effect.
Leakage can occur anywhere in the circuit: in the foamed part of the housing, in the evaporator or in places where tubes are soldered. This often happens due to metal corrosion or mechanical damage (for example, due to careless defrosting with a knife). It is almost impossible to determine a leak visually; special equipment is required.
Another problem associated with compression is breakdown of the compressoritself. If the valves inside the motor are worn out, it does not create enough pressure to circulate freon. In this case, the refrigerator may hum, but not cool. Replacing a compressor is a complex and expensive repair, including replacing the filter-drier and filling the system with freon.
Symptoms of leakage or loss of compression:
- 🔊 The compressor works without stopping, but it’s warm inside.
- ❄️ The freezer works poorly or does not freeze at all.
- 💧 There is no ice on the back wall inside the chamber or it is uneven.
- 🌡️ The condenser (grid at the back) remains cold or barely warm.
It is impossible to eliminate the leak and refill the system on your own. You need to call a technician with a vacuum pump and scales to accurately dose the refrigerant.
Clogged capillary tube
There is a very narrow element in the refrigerant circulation system - the capillary tube. Through it, freon passes from a state of high pressure to low, which provides cooling. Over time, a blockage may form in this tube due to moisture entering the system or oil breakdown products.
When clogged, the circulation of the refrigerant is disrupted or stops completely. The pressure in the system increases, the compressor is overloaded, trying to push freon, but there is no cold. A characteristic sign is that the condenser (tubes at the back) can be hot only at the beginning, and then cold.
To eliminate this malfunction, the technician needs to:
- Pump out the old freon from the system.
- Purge the circuit with nitrogen under high pressure to clean it.
- Replace the filter drier, which retains moisture.
- Evacuate the system and charge with new refrigerant.
If the blockage is caused by combustion of the compressor winding (which happens during power surges), acid may remain in the system. In this case, flushing of the entire circuit is required, otherwise the new motor will burn out in a short time.
Faults in the control module
In modern refrigerators Ariston with a system No Frost and electronic control, a single module is responsible for all processes. If moisture gets on the control board, power surges occur, or any element (capacitor, relay) simply fails, the equipment may “go crazy.”
The module may simply not send a signal to turn off the compressor, even if the sensors show normal temperature. Sometimes this is accompanied by chaotic blinking of indicators on the panel or their complete absence. The compressor triac on the board, which “sticks” in the closed state, may also fail.
Repair of the control module requires the qualifications of an electronics engineer. It is often easier and more reliable to replace the entire board than to look for a burnt element. However, experienced craftsmen can restore the board by replacing burnt tracks and radio components, which will cost less.
⚠️ Attention: Power surges in the network are a common cause of failure of control modules. Use surge protectors or voltage stabilizers to protect expensive equipment.
If you notice that the refrigerator has begun to behave strangely (it changes modes, does not respond to buttons, does not turn off), first of all, try turning off the power for 15-20 minutes. This action will perform a "soft reset" of the electronics. If after turning on the problem returns, you need to diagnose the board.
Comparative table of faults
To make it easier for you to navigate possible problems, we have prepared a table with the main symptoms and probable causes.
| Symptom | Probable reason | Difficulty of repair | Need a technician |
|---|---|---|---|
| Works without stopping, it’s warm inside | Freon leak or blockage | High | Required |
| Buzzes, freezes slightly, does not turn off | Malfunction of the thermostat/sensor | Average | Desirable |
| Works constantly, but there is cold | The door is not closed tightly, the rubber is worn out | Low | On its own |
| Buzzes, clicks, does not start or does not turn off | Malfunction of the starting relay or compressor | High | Required |
| Chaotic operation, errors on the display | Control module failure | High | Required |
The table shows that many serious problems require professional intervention. An attempt to independently repair the cooling system without skills and tools can lead to complete breakdown of the unit.
Diagnostics and checklist of actions
If you decide to carry out the initial diagnosis yourself, proceed consistently. There is no need to immediately disassemble the compressor compartment. Start with simple steps that will help narrow down your search.
Safety comes first.
☑️ Primary diagnostics of the refrigerator
If after checking external factors and simple defrosting (for 10-12 hours with the doors open) the problem did not disappear, which means the problem is in the hardware. In this case, it is better not to experiment, but to contact a specialist.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
How long should an Ariston refrigerator operate normally?
Under normal conditions, the compressor operating cycle is approximately 15-20 minutes of operation and 20-30 minutes of rest. However, this depends on the load of the chambers, the room temperature and the model of the refrigerator. The main thing is the presence of pauses in operation.
Is it possible to use the refrigerator if it does not turn off?
For a short time, it is possible, but this is an emergency mode. Long-term operation without stopping will lead to overheating of the compressor windings and combustion. Oil may also leak from the engine. It is better to turn off the equipment before the technician arrives.
Why does the refrigerator not turn off after defrosting?
If you have just defrosted the refrigerator and turned it on, it can work for a long time (up to 2-3 hours), gaining temperature. This is fine. If it works for days, perhaps the defrost heater or sensor was damaged during defrosting, or moisture got into the system.
How much does it cost to repair if the refrigerator does not turn off?
The cost depends on the breakdown. Replacing the thermostat will cost less than finding a leak and refilling with freon or replacing the compressor. The exact price can be found out only after on-site diagnostics.
Can an old Ariston refrigerator work without interruption due to old age?
Yes, compressor wear and loss of elasticity of seals over time lead to the fact that it becomes more difficult for the equipment to maintain the temperature. However, “endless” operation is always a sign of malfunction, and not just age.