The need to disassemble a household refrigerator Hotpoint Ariston may arise for various reasons: from replacing the rubber seal and repairing the door hinge to more complex procedures, such such as replacing a thermostat or diagnosing a defrost system. Owners of this equipment often appreciate Italian design and reliability, but even the most durable units require maintenance. It is important to understand that disassembling the refrigerator is a process that requires accuracy, the availability of basic tools and strict adherence to safety precautions.
Before proceeding with the dismantling of any components, you must completely disconnect the device from the power supply. This is a critical step because there are electrical components inside the unit that are energized even when the compressor is not running. It is also recommended to empty the chambers of products and shelves to ensure free access to all structural elements and to avoid falling heavy objects during work.
Modern models Hotpoint Ariston have a modular design, which simplifies access to the main components, but requires knowledge of the sequence of actions. Incorrect panel removal sequence may damage the plastic latches or break the wiring. In this article we will look in detail at the algorithm of actions for various types of disassemblies, starting from simple operations with the door and ending with access to the “heart” of the refrigerator - the compressor unit.
Preparation of tools and precautions
High-quality preparation of the workplace and the availability of the right tools is half the success of any repair operation. To disassemble the refrigerator Hotpoint Ariston you do not need specialized expensive equipment, but a standard Phillips screwdriver set may not be enough. You will need flathead and Phillips screwdrivers of different sizes, a set of hex keys, and a plastic spatula to open the latches without damaging the case.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any work, be sure to wait until the unit is completely defrosted if there was ice in the system. An attempt to pick out frozen parts can lead to irreversible damage to the plastic and evaporator tubes.
Particular attention should be paid to organizing the space around the equipment. The refrigerator must be moved away from the wall, allowing access from all sides, including the back. Do not forget that the weight of an empty refrigerator is large, so it is better to move it with an assistant so as not to damage the floor covering or tear your back. It is better to immediately place all removed screws and small parts in a magnetic tray or labeled containers, since fasteners in different units may differ.
To protect your hands from the sharp edges of the metal sheet and possible contact with the refrigerant (in case of depressurization), it is recommended to use work gloves. Also stock up on rags to remove possible moisture or dust inside the case. If you plan to replace the seal or work on the door, it is useful to have silicone grease on hand for subsequent treatment of the rubbing mechanisms.
☑️ Tools for disassembly
Removing the refrigerator door
Removing the door is often required for replacement seal, repair of hinges, or simply for the convenience of transporting the unit through a narrow doorway. On models Hotpoint Ariston this process usually starts from the top loop. First you need to remove the decorative plug, which can be attached with latches or held in place by friction. Underneath it lies the main fastening bolt, which must be unscrewed with a key of the appropriate size.
After loosening the upper fastening, the door cannot be released, since it is supported only by the lower hinge and can fall, damaging the floor or the master’s feet. It is better to hold the door with one hand or ask an assistant to fix its position. On some models, a metal washer or sleeve is installed between the body and the hinge - do not lose it, as it provides the correct clearance for opening.
- 🔧 Remove the top decorative hinge cover by prying it with a flat screwdriver.
- 🔩 Unscrew the top hinge mounting bolts and carefully remove the metal bar.
- 🚪 Lift the door up to disengage it from the bottom pin, and set it in a safe place.
If your refrigerator has a system No Frost, there may be a wiring harness running through the top hinge leading to the sensors and light on the door. In this case, you won’t be able to simply remove the door—you must first find the connectors. They are usually located on the top of the housing or inside the hinge channel. Carefully separate the chips, remembering their position, and only after that finally remove the door.
Nuances of re-hanging doors
If you remove the door to re-hang it to the other side, carefully study the instructions for your model. Not all Hotpoint Ariston models allow re-mounting, and where it is possible, it may be necessary to rearrange the plugs and change the position of the mounting holes in the lower part of the case.
Removing the back and side panels
Access to the compressor, capacitor and start-up relay is through the back wall of the refrigerator. Unlike old Soviet models, the Hotpoint Ariston rear panel is often made of thin metal sheet or fiberboard and is secured with many screws around the perimeter. To remove it you will need a Phillips screwdriver. Be careful: the edges of the metal sheet may be sharp.
In some modern models, access to the compressor can be provided through the bottom, where a plastic grille or plinth panel is installed. It is usually secured with snaps or two or three screws at the front. Removing this panel allows for initial diagnostics of the motor operation and checking the integrity of the tubes without completely removing the rear wall.
When working with the rear part of the unit, it is important not to damage the condenser tubes, which are often glued to a metal sheet or run in close proximity to the walls. Any deformation of the copper pipes can lead to a freon leak, which will require expensive professional repairs with refrigerant refills. Also keep an eye on the wires going to the condenser fan (if your model has one).
| Panel type | Mounting | Tool | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rear metal | Self-tapping screws around the perimeter | Phillips screwdriver | Sharp edges, can be painted |
| Bottom plastic | Latches / 2 screws | Flat screwdriver | Brittle plastic, easy to break |
| Side decorative | Hidden screws | Hexagon | Requires door removal |
Disassembling the interior and the No Frost system
If the problem lies in the cooling system or air circulation, you will have to disassemble the interior of the refrigerator or freezer. To access the evaporator and fan in models Hotpoint Ariston with the system No Frost you need to remove the rear plastic panel inside the chamber. It is attached with self-tapping screws, which are often hidden under decorative plugs or plastic cups.
Removing the inner panel is a delicate process. Plastic becomes brittle in the cold, so all actions must be performed smoothly, without sudden jerks. Often the mounting screws are located under removable shelves or drawer mounting hardware. After removing the panel, access to the evaporator, defrost heating element and temperature sensor will open.
- ❄️ Carefully bend the plastic fasteners of the evaporator panel using a plastic spatula.
- 🌡️ Check the condition of the defrost heating element for visual damage or tears.
- 💨 Make sure that the fan blades rotate freely and are not blocked by ice.
⚠️ Attention: When disassembling the inside of the refrigerator, it is strictly forbidden to use sharp metal objects to chip away ice. One awkward move can puncture the aluminum channel of the evaporator, which will lead to the release of freon and expensive repairs.
If you find ice on the evaporator, this may indicate a malfunction of the defrost system. In such cases, it is recommended to check the integrity of the wires going to the heating element and the sensor. Wire breaks often occur where they exit the housing or near moving elements. To check, use a multimeter in continuity mode.
Access to the compressor and start relay
The compressor is the main unit of the refrigerator that circulates the refrigerant. In refrigerators Hotpoint Ariston it is located in the lower rear part. To access it, as mentioned earlier, you need to remove the back metal panel. The compressor is usually closed with a plastic casing, which can be removed by simply moving upwards or by snapping the latches.
A start-protection relay and a thermal relay are attached to the compressor housing. It is these components that most often fail, causing the refrigerator to refuse to turn on or to constantly click when trying to start. To remove the relay, you need to disconnect the terminal block with the wires and carefully remove the plastic box itself from the compressor pins.
Relay removal sequence:1. Disconnect the refrigerator from the network.
2. Remove the back cover.
3. Remove the plastic compressor casing.
4. Disconnect the connector with wires.
5. Remove the fixing bracket (if any).
6. Carefully pull the relay down.
When inspecting the compressor, pay attention to the condition of the tubes. If you see oily spots around welds or pipe connections, this is a sure sign of a freon leak. Also check the vibration tubes (loops) at the inlet and outlet of the compressor - they should not touch the housing or other tubes, as vibration will quickly lead to chafing.
Assembly and performance testing
After carrying out the necessary repairs or replacing parts, the assembly stage begins. This process is the reverse of disassembly, but requires extra care. Make sure that all wires are laid in the correct places and will not be pinched by panels or moving parts. This is especially true for the harnesses going to the door and the control unit.
When installing plastic panels inside the chamber, do not immediately tighten the screws until they stop. First, tighten all the screws, make sure that the panel fits evenly and without gaps, and only then tighten the fasteners completely. This will help avoid distortions and cracks in the plastic. The door seal must be clean and correctly installed in the groove along the entire perimeter.
The final stage is a test run. Plug in the refrigerator and listen to the compressor. Startup should be relatively quiet, with no loud clicking or buzzing noises. During the first hour of operation, check for coldness in the chambers. If you worked with the No Frost system, make sure that 10-15 minutes after startup you heard the sound of a running fan.
Is it possible to disassemble the refrigerator without removing the door?
In most cases, to access the internal components (evaporator, fan), it is not necessary to completely remove the door. However, for convenient operation and access to the upper panel fastenings in some models Hotpoint Ariston removing the door greatly simplifies the process. You do not need to remove the door to access the compressor.
What to do if the plastic latch breaks during disassembly?
Plastic in old refrigerators becomes brittle. If the latch breaks off, do not despair. The panel can be fixed with a small amount of safe glue or using a self-tapping screw with a wide head and carefully drilling a hole. The main thing is to ensure a tight fit of the panel to maintain thermal insulation.
Is it necessary to drain the freon before disassembling the refrigerator?
For most repairs, such as replacing a thermostat, relay, fan or heating element, drain the freon not necessary. The system remains sealed. Opening the circuit is only required when replacing a compressor or repairing leaks, and this work should only be performed by certified technicians with the appropriate equipment.
Where can I find the disassembly diagram for my model?
The exact diagram (exploded view) for your specific model Hotpoint Ariston can be found by the model number (PNC) indicated on the technical sticker inside the camera. Enter this number into the search engine along with the word “spare parts” or “diagram” to find a catalog list of parts.