The situation when your favorite refrigerator Ariston stops cooling food, and there is room temperature inside, can unsettle any owner. This is not just a household inconvenience, it is a direct threat to the safety of food supplies and the family budget. Most often, owners notice the problem too late, when the products have already deteriorated, and a puddle has formed inside the chamber or, conversely, everything is covered with frost.
The first thing to do is not to panic and carry out an initial diagnosis. Stopped freezing is the unit completely or only in one compartment? Can you hear the sound of a running engine or is there deathly silence? The answers to these questions will help you narrow down the troubleshooting and understand whether you need to call a technician or can handle it yourself. In this article we will analyze in detail why Indesit Ariston it could have failed.
It is important to understand that modern models are equipped with complex electronics that can block the compressor from starting at the slightest failure in the network. If your refrigerator does not turn on or works intermittently, the problem may lie not in the mechanics, but in the control board. Let's look at the main breakdown scenarios.
Primary diagnosis: why the refrigerator stopped cooling
Before grabbing the tools, it is necessary to exclude trivial causes. It often happens that the refrigerator does not freeze due to the fact that the door was open for too long or was not closed tightly. In this case, the system simply does not have time to catch up with the temperature, and the sensors detect overheating. Check the rubber seals: if they are worn out or dirty, the cold will evaporate, causing the motor to wear out without any visible result.
The second important point is the operating mode. If you recently defrosted your refrigerator or cleaned it and then turned it on immediately, it may not start freezing for the first 2-3 hours. This is fine. It is also worth checking whether the unit is standing close to the wall or heating devices. Overheating of the condenser is a common reason for cooling to stop.
⚠️ Attention: If you hear clicks, but the compressor does not start, or the motor hums and immediately turns off, immediately disconnect the device from the power supply. Continuing operation in this mode may lead to burnout of the motor windings.
Pay attention to the indicators. Many models Ariston have flashing lights or a digital display. If the alarm indicator (often a red triangle or exclamation point) is on, the temperature inside the cells is higher than normal. This may be the result of either a breakdown or loading a large amount of warm food.
Problems with the thermostat and temperature sensors
One of the most common reasons the refrigerator does not hold the temperatureis the failure of the thermostat. This element is responsible for turning the compressor on and off depending on the heating inside the chamber. If it is “stuck” in the “off” position, the motor simply will not receive a signal to start. In mechanical models it is a simple “twist”; in electronic models it is thermostat or an air sensor.
In models with a system No Frost special sensors monitor the temperature. If the defrost or evaporator sensor shows incorrect data, the control board may block the compressor from operating, believing that there is a malfunction in the system. Replacing the sensor is a simple procedure, but requires testing with a multimeter to confirm the diagnosis.
Symptoms of sensor malfunction often include:
- ❄️ The refrigerator works non-stop, freezing food “to stone” in one chamber and not cooling in another.
- 🌡️ The unit does not turn on at all, although the light is on and the relay clicks are heard.
- ⚡ Frequent on and off cycles with an interval of 1-2 minutes.
To check the thermostat in mechanical models, you can close the contacts going to it. If after this procedure the compressor starts, it means the regulator needs to be changed. However, remember that this is a temporary measure, and you cannot leave the refrigerator in this state, as it will work continuously.
Where is the thermostat located?
In older Ariston models, the thermostat is often hidden under a plastic cover inside the refrigerator compartment, next to the light bulb. In some cases, access to it is only possible after removing the top panel of the case from the outside. Be careful when dismantling the plastic - it can become fragile over time.
Malfunctions of the starting relay and compressor
The most expensive and unpleasant breakdown is the failure of compressor or its starting mechanism. It is the motor-compressor that pumps freon through the system, creating cold. If it hums but does not start, or is silent, the problem may be with the start protection relay. This is a small part that fits onto the compressor contacts. Inside it there is a coil and a posistor, which wear out over time.
You can check the relay visually: if you hear a ringing inside when shaking (the core is destroyed) or traces of burning and melting are visible, the part requires replacement. Also, the relay may be operational, but not supply voltage to the windings due to oxidation of the contacts. In this case the refrigerator does not freeze, although formally electricity is supplied to it.
If the compressor itself hums, but does not start, or starts for a second and knocks out the plugs, this may indicate an interturn short circuit of the windings or a wedge of the piston group. In this case, professional repair or replacement of the motor will be required. It is not recommended to attempt to replace the compressor on your own without special equipment (vacuum pump and burner).
☑️ Compressor diagnostics
Freon leakage and clogged capillary system
If the motor runs almost non-stop, it hums, but there is no cold or it is very weak, there is a high probability refrigerant leaks. Freon circulates in a sealed circuit, and if a microcrack forms in the tubes or evaporator, the gas escapes. Without a sufficient amount of freon, heat exchange does not occur. Often the leak occurs in the foamed part of the housing (inside the walls), which makes repairs difficult and expensive.
Another hydraulic problem is clogged capillary tube. An ice or mud blockage could form in the system, blocking the movement of freon. A symptom of a clog is often that the condenser (the grill at the back) only partially heats up (for example, a third), while the rest remains cold. If there is a leak, the condenser is usually completely cold.
⚠️ Attention: Finding leaks and charging freon requires professional equipment. Independent attempts to “pump up” the gas without evacuation of the system will lead to moisture and acid entering the circuit, which will finally kill the compressor.
Sometimes users notice swelling of the side walls of the refrigerator. This is a sign that the heat exchanger built into the wall is rusty. In modern models Ariston this, alas, is a common occurrence after 7–10 years of operation. Repair in this case involves installing an external condenser ("crying" circuit) outside the unit.
Failures in the operation of the No Frost and defrost system
In refrigerators with the system No Frost a frequent reason for the lack of cold is a malfunction of the defrost system. If the defrost heating element, timer or defrost sensor fails, the evaporator in the freezer becomes overgrown with ice. This ice blocks the circulation of cold air, and it stops flowing into the refrigerator compartment. As a result, it may be cold in the freezer, but warm in the upper compartment.
To check this version, you need to defrost the refrigerator completely (at least 24 hours with the doors open). If after switching on the unit worked normally, but a week later the situation repeated itself, the problem is definitely in the defrosting units. Most often the timer burns out Defrost heating element or sticks.
Main elements that require checking:
- 🔥 Defrosting heating element (heating element) - must be called by the tester.
- 💧 Defrost sensor (defrost) - controls the temperature evaporator.
- ⏱️ Defrost timer (or control module) - switches cooling and defrosting modes.
Ariston refrigerator error code table
Modern models Ariston are equipped with a self-diagnosis system. If the refrigerator has stopped freezing, it may display an error code on the display or by flashing indicators. Deciphering these signals greatly simplifies troubleshooting.
| Code / Indicator | Description of malfunction | Probable cause | Actions |
|---|---|---|---|
| A1 (flashing) | The temperature in the refrigerator compartment is higher than normal | The door is not closed tightly, sensor failure, freon leak | Check the door, defrost, call a technician |
| A2 (flashing) | The temperature in the freezer is higher than normal | Defrost heating element malfunction, leak, board failure | Defreeze for 24 hours, check the heating element |
| A3 / A4 | Sensor malfunction temperature | Open circuit of the sensor or short circuit | Replacing the sensor |
| A5 / A6 | Problems with the fan | Fan freezing, broken windings | Defrost, replacement fan |
| A7 | Failure of the control board | Electronics failure, power surge | Reboot, board repair |
Please note that codes may vary depending on the series of the refrigerator. Some models use combinations of flashing Attention lights (red triangle). For example, 5 flashes in a row may mean one error, and 6 - another. It is better to look for the exact decoding in the technical data sheet of a specific model Indesit or Ariston.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Why does the Ariston refrigerator hum but does not freeze?
If you hear a hum, but there is no cold, this may indicate that the compressor is working idle due to a freon leak, or because the engine is trying to start, but is prevented by a faulty start relay or a wedge in the compressor itself. The capillary system may also become clogged.
How long should a new refrigerator take to reach its temperature?
After first switching on or long-term transportation Ariston refrigerator it takes 2 to 6 hours to reach operating temperature. At this time, it is not recommended to load food or open doors frequently. Complete stabilization of the mode may take up to a day.
Is it possible to operate the refrigerator if it has stopped freezing?
Short-term operation (several hours) for diagnostics is acceptable. However, long-term operation of a faulty unit, especially if the compressor runs without stopping or starts frequently, will lead to its overheating and final failure. Food cannot be stored at this time.
What to do if it is warm in the refrigerator compartment and cold in the freezer?
This is a classic sign of a system malfunction No Frost (icing of the evaporator and stopping the fan) or a freon leak (residual cold in the evaporator area). Requires defrosting for a day. If it doesn’t help, call a specialist.
How often do you need to defrost an Ariston refrigerator?
Models with manual defrosting require maintenance every 4-6 months, when the ice thickness reaches 5 mm. Systems No Frost i Frost Control do not require manual defrosting, but preventive washing and defrosting once a year for hygiene will not hurt them.