The situation when Hotpoint Ariston refrigerator stops freezing always takes you by surprise. You open the door, and there is melting fish, soft ice cream and warm air instead of ice. This is not just inconvenience, it poses a risk of food spoilage and potentially costly repairs. Owners of this equipment often encounter the fact that the unit hums, but does not create cold, or is completely silent, having stopped responding to settings.
Modern models, such as Ariston BM 1822 F or older ones Ariston RM 155may behave differently. Sometimes the problem lies in a simple power surge, and in other cases the intervention of a technician is required to replace the compressor. Diagnostics is the first and most important step that will allow you to save time and money. Do not panic if you notice that food has begun to deteriorate faster than usual.
In this article we will examine in detail the main causes of malfunctions. We will touch on simple things that can be fixed in five minutes, as well as complex technical breakdowns. Understanding the structure of your refrigerator will help you make the right decision: call a specialist or try to fix the problem yourself.
Primary diagnostics: external factors and settings
Before sounding the alarm and looking for a service center phone number, it is necessary to eliminate basic operating errors. It often happens that refrigerator compartment stops working due to accidentally changed settings or incorrect placement of the unit. Carefully inspect the area around the device. If it is close to a wall or furniture, air circulation is impaired and heat is not dissipated properly.
Check the temperature controls. In models with mechanical control, such as Ariston RS 330, the handle could move to the "0" or "Min" position. In electronic models, the mode may have gone wrong or the quick defrost function may have been activated. Make sure the door closes tightly. Even a small gap leads to a constant influx of warm air, which the compressor simply cannot cope with.
⚠️ Attention: If you notice that the rubber seal on the door sticks to the body or, conversely, comes off, do not try to forcefully slam the door. This may damage the mechanism or the seal itself, which will lead to even greater depressurization.
It is also worth checking whether air access inside the chamber is blocked. If you have recently loaded a lot of food or placed a hot pan, the system may have gone into intensive operation modebut not yet produced a visible result. Give the equipment time to stabilize.
Problems with the thermostat and temperature sensors
One of the most common reasons why Ariston refrigerator it does not cool is the failure of the thermostat or temperature sensors. Older models use a mechanical thermostat that physically opens the circuit when the desired temperature is reached. If its sensitive element (bellows) has lost its tightness or is “stuck,” the compressor simply will not receive a signal to start.
In more modern models with the system No Frost electronic sensors are responsible for temperature control. There may be several of them: one in the refrigerator compartment, the other in the freezer. If one of them transmits incorrect data to the control module, the system may “think” that there is already cold and not turn on the cooling. Diagnosis of such sensors requires a multimeter and resistance testing.
Symptoms of a malfunctioning thermostat often include:
- 🌡️ The compressor does not turn on at all, although the light inside is on.
- 🔊 The unit works non-stop, freezes to ice, but not turns off.
- 🔄 Frequent on and off cycles with short intervals.
Replacing the thermostat in models like Ariston RM 160 or Ariston RM 170 is a procedure accessible to a home handyman, but requiring care. It is important to choose an analogue with exactly the same characteristics, otherwise the temperature regime will be disrupted.
How to check a thermostat with a multimeter?
To check, you need to remove the terminals from the thermostat and ring its contacts. If, when the position of the rod (or temperature) changes, the resistance does not change or remains infinite, the part is faulty and requires replacement.
Faults of the compressor and start relay
The heart of any refrigerator is compressor. If it doesn't work, there won't be any cold anywhere. However, before sinning on the motor itself, it is worth checking the starting relay. This is a small device that provides an impulse to start the engine. In refrigerators Hotpoint Ariston relays often fail due to power surges or natural wear.
If you hear the compressor trying to start (there is a click, a buzz for a couple of seconds), and then click again and silence - this is a classic sign of a problem with the starting mechanism or jamming itself compressor. In the first case, repairs will be inexpensive, in the second, replacement of an expensive unit will be required.
It is also worth paying attention to the temperature of the compressor housing. If it's hot but won't start, the thermal protection may have tripped. Allow the equipment to cool for several hours. If after cooling the situation repeats, the problem is deeper.
☑️ Compressor diagnostics
It is important to understand that replacing a compressor is a complex procedure that requires evacuation of the system and refueling refrigerant. It is almost impossible to carry out high-quality repairs on your own without special equipment.
Freon leak and capillary system clogged
If Hotpoint refrigerator it hums, the compressor is working, but there is no cold, most likely there is a leak refrigerant or a blockage has occurred. Freon circulates in a closed circuit, and if a microcrack has formed somewhere (often in the foamed part of the body or in the evaporator), the gas gradually evaporates.
Signs of a freon leak:
- ❄️ The freezer is working normal, but the refrigerator compartment is warm.
- 🔇 The compressor works almost non-stop, trying to gain temperature.
- 🌡️ The condenser grille at the back remains only partially cold or warm.
A clogged capillary tube is another problem. An ice plug (due to moisture) or clogging with oil oxidation products may form in the system. In this case, the circulation of freon is disrupted and it does not enter the evaporator in the required quantity.
⚠️ Attention: Finding a freon leak is a complex process, often requiring the dismantling of the casing or the use of special indicator reagents. Do not try to simply “add gas”; this is a temporary measure that can finally finish off the compressor.
To eliminate these problems, the technician will need to find the leak, solder it, replace the filter drier, create a vacuum in the system and charge the exact amount of refrigerant indicated on the model nameplate Ariston.
Failures in the No Frost system
Models Ariston with the system No Frost have their own characteristics. If your freezer is not cooling, but your freezer is working, the problem may lie in the cold air exhaust system. Behind the evaporator there is a fan that drives cold air into the refrigerator compartment. If it freezes or breaks, the cold remains in the freezer.
A common cause is a malfunction of the defrost heating element or timer. Ice freezes on the evaporator, blocking the channels, and the fan either stops spinning due to ice or blows warm air. As a result, the temperature in the refrigerator compartment rises.
What you can do yourself:
- Completely defrost the refrigerator (turn it off for 24 hours).
- Check whether the drainage holes are clogged.
- Listen to see if the fan is working after turning it on.
If after complete defrosting the refrigerator began to work normally, but after a couple of days the problem returned, it means that one of the elements of the defrosting system is faulty: the heating element, defrost sensor or timer.
Table of typical faults
For ease of diagnosis, we have compiled a summary table that will help you navigate the symptoms and probable causes of breakdown of your Ariston refrigerator.
| Symptom | Probable cause | Difficulty of repair | Need a technician |
|---|---|---|---|
| Does not turn on, silence | No power, burnt out thermostat | Low | No (if the thermostat) |
| Humming, but not cold | Freon leak, clogged | High | Yes |
| Clicks and turns off | Faulty starting relay | Average | No (for experienced) |
| Freezes only freezer | Problem with fan No Frost | Average | Desirable |
| Works without stopping | Freon leak, compressor wear | High | Yes |
This table is for reference only. An accurate diagnosis can only be made by a specialist after opening the unit and measuring pressure and currents.
When professional repairs are needed
There are situations when attempts at self-repair can lead to permanent breakdown of the equipment. If you do not have the skills to work with electrical appliances and do not have special tools, it is better not to take risks. This is especially true for work related to refrigerant and sealed circuit.
Call a specialist if:
- 🛠️ You find oily stains under the refrigerator or on the back wall.
- 🔌 After replacing the start relay, the situation has not changed.
- 💨 You can smell burnt wiring or plastic.
- 📉 The cold disappeared abruptly, without preliminary symptoms.
⚠️ Attention: Autopsy sealed circuit (tubes) without subsequent evacuation and proper filling will lead to moisture entering the system. This is guaranteed to put the compressor out of action in the shortest possible time.
Professional refrigerator repair Hotpoint Ariston often includes replacing the compressor, searching for hidden leaks and restoring electronics. The use of original spare parts extends the life of the unit.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Why does the Ariston refrigerator freeze but does not turn off?
Most often this indicates a freon leak. The compressor is working hard, trying to compensate for the lack of refrigerant, but cannot reach the set temperature. Also, the cause could be compressor wear or clogged capillary system.
Is it possible to replace the thermostat in a Hotpoint refrigerator with your own hands?
Yes, if you have a model with a mechanical control. You need to buy a similar thermostat, remove the old one, carefully install the new one so that the capillary tube is not damaged, and connect the contacts according to the diagram. However, in electronic models it is better to turn to a professional.
How much does it cost to repair a compressor in an Ariston refrigerator?
The cost consists of the price of a new compressor, the cost of soldering, vacuuming and refilling with freon. This is one of the most expensive types of repairs, often amounting to up to 70% of the cost of a new refrigerator.
What to do if it is warm in the refrigerator compartment and ice in the freezer?
This is a classic sign of a malfunction of the No Frost system (the air supply channel is frozen) or a freon leak (if the model is two-compressor or cascade). Try defrosting the refrigerator for a day. If that doesn’t help, you need a technician.