The Ariston refrigerator works, but does not freeze: 7 reasons and what to do

Have you noticed that the refrigerator Ariston is humming, the light inside is on, and the compressor is running non-stop - but the freezer has stopped freezing food? Or, on the contrary, the motor rarely turns on, and the temperature in the freezer has risen to +10°C? This problem occurs in models Ariston Hotpoint, Ariston MBA and Ariston RM regardless of the year of manufacture. In 80% of cases, it is not compressor breakdowns that are to blame, but minor malfunctions that can be fixed on your own.

In this article we will analyze all possible causeswhy the refrigerator Ariston works, but does not freeze - from banal icing of the evaporator to failure of the electronic unit. You will learn how to check each component without special tools, when it is worth calling a technician, and when defrosting or cleaning is enough. We have also collected a table of symptoms with accurate diagnoses and repair costs (relevant for 2026).

Before starting a diagnosis, answer two questions:

1. The freezer stopped working suddenly or did the problem grow gradually?
2. Can you hear unusual sounds (clicking, gurgling, strong humming) when the refrigerator is running?

This will help narrow down the range of possible malfunctions.

The freezer does not work at all|Freezes weakly (temperatures above -10°C)|Periodically thaws and freezes again|Other-->

1. Clogged drainage system: why the refrigerator “cries” and does not freeze

If ice appears in the freezer compartment Ariston on the back wall, and water accumulates under the drawers, it is to blame clogged drain hole. In models with a system No Frost (for example, Ariston Hotpoint CST F 20), this problem leads to icing of the evaporator and stopping the circulation of cold air.

How this happens:

• 💧 Water from melting ice flows down the drainage channel into a special tray.
• 🍂 Over time, crumbs, dust and mold accumulate in the tube.
• ❄️ A blockage blocks the outflow of water → moisture freezes on the evaporator → ice blocks the air ducts.

To fix the problem:

1. Unplug the refrigerator.
2. Remove all food from the freezer.
3. Find the drainage hole (usually at the bottom of the back wall) and clean it with wire or a special brush.
4. Rinse the channel with warm water with the addition of vinegar (1:1).

Turn off the power|Remove food|Find a drainage hole|Clean with wire|Rinse with vinegar solution|Dry the chamber-->

Signs of a successful repair: 1-2 hours after turning on the back wall of the freezer should be evenly cold, without ice. If the ice remains, the problem is deeper (see section about icing of the evaporator).

2. No Frost fan malfunction: why the refrigerator hums but does not freeze

In models Ariston with a system No Frost (for example, Ariston RM 6201 or Hotpoint CST FX 18) is responsible for the circulation of cold air fan. If it breaks, the compressor will run idle, and the freezer will gradually thaw.

How to check the fan:

• 🔊 Listen: when the compressor is running, you should hear a uniform air noise (like a hair dryer at minimum speed).
• 🕳️ Open freezer compartment and shine a flashlight on the back wall - the fan blades should rotate.
• ❄️ If the fan is frozen, do not try to spin it by hand! Turn off the refrigerator and defrost it for 12-24 hours.

Frequent causes of fan failure:

Critical error: if the fan does not work due to icing, but you continue to operate the refrigerator, this will lead to overheating of the compressor and its failure (repair will cost 8000–15000 ₽).

3. Icing of the evaporator: the hidden cause of weak freezing

The evaporator is the “heart” of the freezer, where the refrigerant picks up heat. In refrigerators Ariston it is located behind the back panel of the freezer. If the evaporator is covered with ice, cold air stops flowing into the chamber, and the compressor works non-stop, trying to compensate for the lack of cold.

Causes of icing:

• 🔄 Malfunction of the defrost system (in models with No Frost): the timer, heater or sensor is broken.
• 🚪 Wear of the door seal: warm air enters the chamber, moisture condenses and freezes.
• 💨 Clogged air ducts (dust, crumbs) → circulation disturbance.

How to defrost the evaporator correctly:

1. Unplug the refrigerator.
2. Remove all products and shelves.
3. Remove the back panel of the freezer (usually attached to 4–6 screws).
4. Place rags under the evaporator to collect water.
5. Wait for the ice to completely thaw (at least 12 hours!).
6. Dry the chamber and turn on the refrigerator.

What to do if there is ice appeared again after 1-2 days?

If the evaporator is frozen again, the problem is in the defrosting system. In 90% of cases, the burnt one is to blame (the part costs ~1500–2500 rubles), so it is better to call a specialist. defrost heater (the part costs ~1500–2500 RUR). Replacing it requires disassembling the freezer and soldering work, so it is better to call a specialist.

⚠️ Attention! Never try to knock off ice with a knife or other sharp objects - this can damage the evaporator tubes. If freon leaks, repairs will cost 50-70% of the cost of a new refrigerator.

4. Freon leak: why the refrigerator works, but does not cool

Freon is a refrigerant that circulates through the system and provides cooling. If a microcrack appears in the tubes, the gas gradually evaporates, and the refrigerator Ariston loses the ability to freeze. At the same time, the compressor works without stopping, and the condenser. (grid on the back wall) remains cold.

Signs of a freon leak:

• 🔊 The compressor is running continuously (without the usual pauses).
• ❄️ The freezer compartment is not cooled, but in the refrigerator compartment the temperature is close to normal.
• 🔍 On the back wall of the refrigerator you can see oil stains (freon leaves along with the oil).

It is impossible to eliminate the leak on your own - special equipment is required for evacuating the system and refilling with freon. Repair cost:

• Diagnostics of the leak: ~1500 ₽.
• Refilling with freon (including work): 3500–6000 ₽.
• Replacement of a damaged tube (if required): 5000–10000 ₽.

⚠️ Attention! If the technician suggests simply “topping up the freon” without finding the leak, this is a temporary solution. After 1–3 months, the gas will evaporate again, and the problem will return.

5. Failure of the thermostat or electronic control unit

The thermostat (in mechanical models) or the electronic unit (in modern ones) are responsible for regulating the temperature. If they fail, the compressor either does not turn on at all or works chaotically - the freezer freezes and then thaws. Ariston) are responsible for temperature regulation. If they fail, the compressor either does not turn on at all or works chaotically - the freezer freezes and then thaws.

How to check the thermostat:

1. Disconnect the refrigerator from the mains.
2. Remove the protective cover from the thermostat (usually located next to the adjustment knob temperature).
3. Ring the contacts with a tester in resistance testing mode. At room temperature, the resistance should be 0 Ohm (contacts closed).
4. Place the thermostat sensor in ice for 5-10 minutes - the resistance should become infinite (contacts open).

If the thermostat does not respond to temperature changes, it needs to be replaced. The cost of a new part for Ariston: 800–2000 ₽.

In refrigerators with electronic control (for example, Ariston Hotpoint Aqualtis) the problem may lie in control unit. Its diagnosis requires professional equipment. Symptoms:

• 📛 Errors are displayed on the display (for example, E01, E03).
• 🔄 The compressor turns on for 5-10 seconds and immediately turns off.
• 🎛️ The control buttons do not respond or work chaotically.

The cost of repairing the electronic unit: from 3,000 to 8,000 rubles (depending on the model). In some cases, it is cheaper to buy a new refrigerator.

6. Capillary tube clogged: why. the refrigerator freezes poorly

The capillary tube is a thin channel through which freon enters the evaporator. Over time, it can become clogged with oil decomposition products, small particles or moisture. As a result, the refrigerant does not work. circulatesand the freezer stops working.

Signs of a clogged capillary tube:

• 🔄 The compressor works without stopping, but the freezer does not cool.
• 🔥 Condenser (grid at the back) hot only in one place (where freon does not pass).
• ❄️ In the refrigerator compartment the temperature is higher than normal, but not critical.

To remove blockages requires flushing the system a special solvent or purging with nitrogen. This is a complex procedure that cannot be performed at home. Repair cost: 4000–7000 rubles.

⚠️ Attention! If the technician suggests “just cleaning the tube” without replacing the filter-drier, this is wrong. flushing required you need to install a new filter, otherwise the blockage will recur in 2-3 months.

7. Problems with the compressor: when repair is impractical

The compressor is the “heart” of the refrigerator, which pumps freon through the system. If it fails, the freezer stops working completely. However, in 90% of cases, it is not the compressor itself that is to blame, but the start relay. data-i="199">capacitor or capacitor.

How to check the compressor:

• 🔊 If the compressor doesn't turn on at all (no hum), check the starting relay. It is mounted next to the compressor and often burns out during power surges.
• 🔋 If the compressor clicks and turns off after 1-2 seconds, the capacitor is to blame (cylindrical part next to the relay).
• 🔥 If compressor heats up and turns off (thermal protection is triggered) - this is a sign interturn short circuit in the winding.

Cost replacement:

• Start relay: 800–1500 ₽.
• Condenser: 500–1200 ₽.
• Compressor (with operation): 8000–15000 ₽.

If the refrigerator Ariston is more than 10 years old, and the cost of repairing the compressor exceeds 50% of the price of a new device, it is more economically profitable to buy new equipment.

Frequently asked questions about Ariston refrigerators that do not freeze

The freezer does not work, but the refrigerator compartment is cold.

This is a typical symptom freon leaks or capillary tube clogged. Freon circulates through the circuit, and first the cold stops flowing into the freezer, and then into the main compartment. A technician needs to diagnose it.

The Ariston refrigerator hums, but does not freeze. What should I do?

Most likely, the problem is fan No Frost (if the model has this system) or evaporator icing. for 12–24 hours. If it doesn’t help, check the fan (see section 2).

After defrosting, the freezer does not work. Why?

Possible reasons:

1. Malfunction defrost system (heater or timer burned out).
2. Damage door seal → warm air enters the chamber.
3. Freon leak (if the evaporator tubes are damaged during defrosting).

Diagnostics are needed.

How much does it cost to repair an Ariston refrigerator if it does not freeze?

The cost depends on the reason:

• Drainage cleaning/defrosting: 0–1000 ₽ (you can do it yourself).
• Fan replacement: 2500–4000 ₽.
• Repair of the defrost system: 3000–5000 ₽.
• Refilling freon: 3500–6000 ₽.
• Replacement of the compressor: 8000–15000 ₽.

Is it possible to refill freon in the refrigerator yourself Ariston?

No. To refill freon you need:

• Special equipment (vacuum pump, pressure gauges).
• Knowledge of the type of freon (in Ariston used R134a or R600a).
• Ability to solder copper tubes (in case of leakage).

Self-filling without experience will lead to damage to the compressor or freon poisoning (it is toxic if leaked into the room).