The Ariston refrigerator constantly works and does not turn off: reasons and what to do

Is your refrigerator Ariston humming around the clock, the compressor does not stop for a minute, and in the freezer there is an ice crust instead of the usual products? This is not just an annoying noise, but a signal of a serious malfunction. Constant operation without shutting down leads to motor overheatingan increase in energy consumption by 30-50% and the risk of breakdown of key components. In 80% of cases, the problem can be fixed on your own - without calling a technician and costly repairs.

In this article we will examine all possible reasonswhich refrigerators Ariston (including models Hotpoint-Ariston, Indesit under the Ariston brand and series MBF, RST, TFT) work non-stop - from the banal clogged capillary tube to failure of the electronic module. You will learn how to check the thermostat with a multimeter, determine a freon leak by indirect signs, and when exactly it is time to call a specialist. And for models with the system No Frost we will add a separate section - their “eternal” problems with the fan and defrost timer are often disguised as a compressor malfunction.

Spoiler: if your refrigerator Ariston was produced before 2015, in 60% of cases it is at fault thermostat (part for 800-1500 rubles). New models (2018+) often fail electronic control unit - here you can’t do without diagnostics. But don’t rush to panic: let’s start with something simple.

1. Checking the obvious: 5 reasons that 90% of users miss

Before disassembling the refrigerator, eliminate the “human factor”. These errors occur so often that technicians charge money to fix them - although you can handle it in 5 minutes.

• 🔌 Incorrect operating mode. In models Ariston with mechanical control (for example, Ariston MBA 2200), accidentally turning the thermostat wheel to maximum (5-7) causes the compressor to work without stopping. In electronic refrigerators (Ariston TFT 2021), check whether the mode Super Freeze or Holiday.
• 🚪 Problems with closing the dooris activated. Even a micro-gap of 1-2 mm breaks the tightness. Check the seal: if it is dirty or deformed, warm air gets in and the refrigerator tries to compensate by running continuously. A simple test: place a sheet of paper between the door and the body - if it falls out, it’s time to change the seal.
• 🌡️ High room temperature. Ariston designed to work when 16-32°C. If the refrigerator is located next to the stove, radiator, or on the sunny side, the condenser does not have time to cool. Norm for a compressor: 10-15 minutes of operation / 20-30 minutes of rest. In the heat, the cycle gets disrupted.
• 🍲 Overload with products. Shelves filled with hot pots or large quantities of warm food (for example, after preparations) cause the system to wear out. In models with No Frost this also blocks air circulation.
• ❄️ Ice “coat” in the freezer. Ice thickness of more than 5 mm disrupts heat transfer. In refrigerators Ariston without No Frost (for example, Ariston BD 128) this is the classic reason for the constant operation of the compressor.

If all items are excluded and the refrigerator Ariston still does not turn off - let's move on to fault diagnosis.

2. Thermostat: how to check and replace in 30 minutes

The thermostat (or thermostat) is the “brain” that tells the compressor when to turn on or rest. In 40% of cases of permanent work, it is he who is to blame. Refrigerators Ariston use thermostats K59 (for single-chamber), K50 (for freezer) and TM-110 (for two-chamber models). Their average service life is 5-7 years.

Signs of a thermostat malfunction:

• 🔊 The compressor works without pauses, but freezes normally (the temperature in the chambers corresponds to the set one).
• 🌡️ When you turn the thermostat knob to position 0 (off) the refrigerator does not turn off.
• ⚡ An error flashes on the display of electronic models (Ariston TFT 187) F04 or F05.

How to check the thermostat with a multimeter:

1. Disconnect the refrigerator from the mains and remove the thermostat protective cover (usually located next to the light bulb).
2. Disconnect the wires from the thermostat terminals (take a photo of the connection diagram!).
3. Switch the multimeter to resistance test mode (200 Ohm).
4. At room temperature (20-25°C), the resistance between the terminals 3 and 4 should be 0 Ohm (closed). If it shows 1 (open) - thermostat. defective.
5. Place the thermostat in ice water for 2-3 minutes. The resistance should become ∞ (opened). If not, the part needs to be replaced.

Unplug the refrigerator

Drain the water from the drainage system (if any)

Remove the shelf/panel to access the thermostat

Sign the wires with a marker before disconnecting

Buy a similar thermostat (the number is indicated on the body of the old one)

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In Ariston models with electronic control (Hotpoint-Ariston series), instead of a mechanical thermostat, a temperature sensor (NTC) is used. Its resistance at 25°C should be 10 kOhm. It is checked in the same way, but replacement requires soldering.

The cost of a new thermostat for Ariston is from 600 to 2500 rubles, depending on the model. Replacement takes 20-40 minutes. If you are not confident in your abilities, call a technician: a connection error can damage the compressor.

3. Freon leak: how to recognize and what to do

Freon is a refrigerant that circulates through the system and “takes” heat from the chambers. When it leaks, the refrigerator Ariston works without stopping, but does not freeze (or freezes weakly in 90% of cases). leakage occurs in evaporator (due to corrosion) or in places where pipes are soldered (due to vibration).

Signs of a freon leak:

• ❄️ The freezer compartment is almost not cold, but the refrigerator compartment is warm.
• 🔧 The compressor is hot to the touch and works without pauses.
• 💧 On the back wall of the refrigerator (near the compressor) oil stains are visible.
• 📉 In electronic models (Ariston RST 246) an error is displayed F02 or F03.

How to check the leak yourself:

1. Turn off the refrigerator and turn it around with the back wall towards you.
2. Inspect copper tubes for a greenish coating (a sign of corrosion) or oil smudges.
3. Check solder places —they often form there microcracks.
4. If nothing is visible visually, but the symptoms persist, you will need pressure testing of the system (this is done by a technician using a nitrogen cylinder).

What will happen if the freon leak is not eliminated?

Without refrigerant, the compressor runs “idle”, which leads to its overheating and failure within 1-3 months. Repairs will cost 8,000-15,000 rubles. (compressor replacement + refilling with freon), while eliminating a leak at an early stage costs 3000-5000 rubles.

Freon leak Cannot be repaired on your own - requires special equipment for soldering, evacuation of the system and refrigerant refilling. Average cost of repairs in service centers:

⚠️ Attention: If the technician suggests simply “topping up” the freon without finding and fixing the leak, this is a temporary solution. After 1-2 months the problem will return.

4. Compressor malfunctions: when you can’t do without a repairman

The compressor is the “heart” of the refrigerator. If it fails, the refrigerator Ariston either does not turn on at all, or works without stopping, but does not freeze. Models Ariston install compressors Embraco, Secop (previously Danfoss) or Matsushita. Their average service life is 10-15 years, but when overheated or power surges, they break earlier.

Signs of a compressor malfunction:

• 🔊 The compressor hums, but does not start (relay clicks are heard).
• 🔥 The compressor housing is excessively hot (more than 90°C).
• ⚡ The refrigerator turns on for 1-2 seconds and immediately turns off (protection is triggered).
• 📉 There is an error on the display F01 or F11 (for models with electronic control).

How to check the compressor with a multimeter:

1. Turn off the refrigerator and remove the back cover.
2. Disconnect the wires from the compressor (take a photo of the circuit!).
3. Switch the multimeter to resistance test mode (200 Ohm).
4. Measure the resistance between the terminals:
   • C (common) — S (start): should be 20-40 Ohm.
   • C (common) — R (run): should be 10-20 Ohm.
   • S (start) — R (run): should be 30-50 Ohm.

If at least one value is equal to 0 (short circuit) or ∞ (open) - compressor defective.

⚠️ Attention: If the compressor is “jammed” (the shaft does not rotate), replacing it will cost 8000-15000 rubles. along with the work. In refrigerators older than 10 years, it is more advisable to buy a new device.

5. Problems with the No Frost system: fan, timer, heating element

Refrigerators Ariston with the system No Frost (models Ariston NF 1200, Hotpoint-Ariston HBF 1801 etc.) have additional components that can cause constant operation of the compressor. Unlike drip refrigerators, here the fan is responsible for defrosting the ice. Typical malfunctions No Frost:fan is responsible for air circulation, and the Heating element and defrost timer.

Typical No Frost faults:

• 🌀 Stuck fan. If it does not rotate, the cold does not enter the chambers, and the compressor runs without stopping. Symptom: there is ice in the freezer, but there is heat in the refrigerator compartment. Check whether the blades are blocked by ice or foreign objects.
• ⏱️ Failure of the defrost timerIn normal mode, the timer is every. 8-12 hours turns on the heating element to defrost the evaporator. If it is stuck in the “defrost” position, the compressor does not turn on. If it is stuck in the “cooling” position, the compressor works constantly.
• 🔥 Burnt defrost heating element. Without it, the evaporator is covered with ice, blocking the air circulation. continuous operation.
• 📡 Malfunction of the defrost sensor (in electronic models). If it falsely signals a high temperature, the system turns on the compressor without pauses.

How diagnose:

1. Turn off the refrigerator and defrost it for 12-24 hours.
2. After turning it on, listen: if the fan does not make noise, it is faulty.
3. Check the defrosting heating element with a multimeter: its resistance should be 20-60 Ohm.
4. If after defrosting the problem disappeared for 1-2 days and then returned - the fault is timer or defrost sensor.

6. Electronic control unit: when the refrigerator is “glitchy”

In modern models Ariston (series TFT, RST, HBF with a display) is responsible for the operation of all systems. Its failures are often disguised as malfunctions of the compressor or thermostat. Signs of an electronics “glitch”: electronic control module. Its failures are often disguised as compressor or thermostat malfunctions. Signs of an electronics glitch:

• 📱 Random errors appear on the display (F07, F12, E01).
• 🔄 The refrigerator turns on/off spontaneously.
• ❄️ The temperature in the chambers changes chaotically (either -20°C, then +10°C).
• 🔌 After a power outage, the refrigerator does not turn on or does not work correctly.

Causes of electronics failures:

• ⚡ Power surges in the network (a common problem in rural areas).
• 💧 Moisture getting on the board (due to condensation or leaks).
• 🔥 Overheating of the board (if the refrigerator is in a hot room).
• 🛠️ Poor quality repairs (for example, after replacing the compressor).

What to do:

1. Disconnect the refrigerator from the network for 10-15 minutes (sometimes a “reboot” helps).
2. Check the voltage in the socket: it should be 220-230 V. If it fluctuates, install a stabilizer.
3. Inspect the board for signs. darkened tracks, swollen capacitors or traces of corrosion.
4. If you have a soldering iron and experience, check the power circuit with a multimeter and replace the burnt elements. Without skills, it is better to call a specialist.

The cost of repairing the electronic unit: from 2000. RUB (replacement of capacitors) up to 6000 RUB (complete flashing or replacement of the board). In models older than 2010, the compressor relay often fails - replacing it costs 800-1500 RUB. board Ariston older than 2010 often fails compressor relay on board - replacing it costs 800-1500 rubles.

7. When to call a technician: checklist before calling the service

If you have checked all the possible reasons, but the refrigerator Ariston still does not turn off, it’s time to contact the professionals. In order not to overpay for diagnostics, prepare for a visit from a technician:

Indicate the exact model of the refrigerator (on the plate at the back)

Describe the symptoms (works without stopping, does not freeze, errors on the display)

Inform what you have already checked (thermostat, seal, defrost)

Specify whether there is a guarantee for the work and spare parts

Ask what refrigerant will be used (for Ariston - usually R134a or R600a)

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Average prices for repairs in service centers (2026):

⚠️ Attention: If the technician suggests fill the freon without vacuuming the system or install a used compressor - look for another specialist. These are temporary measures that will lead to repeated failure.

In refrigerators Ariston over 10 years old, repairs can cost 50-70% of the cost of a new device. In this case, it is more advisable to consider purchasing a new model. Focus on the ratio: if repairs cost more than 30% of the price of a similar refrigerator, it is better to update the equipment.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about Ariston refrigerators

❓ The Ariston refrigerator works non-stop, but freezes normally. What is the problem?

Most likely, thermostat (in mechanical models) or temperature sensor (in electronic format). Also check door seal - if it is worn out, warm air enters the chamber, and the compressor tries to compensate for this by constant operation. In 10% of cases, the problem is clogged capillary tube —only a master will help here.

❓ Error F02 appears on the display of the Ariston refrigerator. What to do?

Error F02 indicates problems with the freezer temperature sensor or freon leakage. Try defrosting the refrigerator for 12 hours. If the error remains, you need to diagnose the sensor (replacement costs 1000-2000 rubles) or check the system for leaks (from 3500 rubles).

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

No. Refilling freon requires special equipment (vacuum pump, pressure manifold, refrigerant cylinder) and skills. Errors during refueling will lead to damage to the compressor or explosion of the cylinder. In addition, before refueling you need eliminate leak otherwise the freon will leak out again.

❓ The Ariston refrigerator with No Frost works non-stop, and there is ice in the freezer. What to do?

This is a classic sign malfunction of the defrosting system. Most likely broken:

• 🌀 Fan (does not spin due to ice or motor failure).
• ⏱️ Defrost timer (stuck in cooling mode).
• 🔥 Defrost heating element (burnt out, the evaporator does not heat).

Defreeze the refrigerator for 24 hours. If after turning on the problem repeats, call a technician to replace the faulty unit.

❓ How much does it cost to repair the electronic unit in an Ariston refrigerator?

The cost depends on the nature of the breakdown:

• 🔧 Replacing capacitors or resistors: 1500–3000 rub.
• 🖥️ Board flashing: 2000–4000 rub.
• 🆕 Complete board replacement: 4000–7000 rubles. (depending on model).

Service centers Ariston often offer free diagnostics during subsequent repairs.