The situation when Hotpoint Ariston refrigerator stops cooling food normally always takes you by surprise and requires immediate intervention. The internal chambers may be warm, or the temperature rises in only one of the compartments, which often causes confusion among owners. Understanding the principles of operation of the No Frost or static cooling system helps to quickly identify the source of the problem and avoid spoilage of a large supply of food.
In most cases, the cause of the malfunction is a banal violation of operating rules, for example, a door that is not tightly closed or loading hot products. However, if the equipment worked stably, and then suddenly stopped freezing, the problem may be the failure of one of the key components of the system. Modern Hotpoint models equipped with complex electronics that can block the start of the compressor if faults are detected in the sensors.
Before calling a technician, it is necessary to carry out an initial diagnostics to eliminate simple errors. Often users panic ahead of time, not noticing that the defrosting system has worked or there has been a power surge in the network. In this article, we will analyze in detail the mechanical and electrical reasons why Hotpoint Ariston refrigerator it does not freeze well, and we will determine what steps need to be taken right now.
Checking the settings and operating mode of the equipment
First of all, you should make sure that the problem does not lie in accidentally reset thermostat settings. If your Hotpoint-Ariston refrigerator equipped with electronic controls, a power surge could reset the settings to factory settings, where the temperature may not be set low enough. Check the display or the position of the mechanical control knob.
It is also worth paying attention to the activated functions, such as “Super Freeze” or “Vacation”. If the deep freeze mode is operated for too long, this can lead to freezing of the evaporator and subsequent failure of the cooling system. Electronic control module in such cases requires a manual reset or reprogramming.
Make sure that the doors close tightly and nothing prevents them from sealing. Even a small gap leads to a constant influx of warm air, which the compressor cannot cope with. As a result, there may be heat inside the chamber, despite the continuous operation of the engine.
Mechanical reasons for the absence cold
Mechanical damage often causes it to Hotpoint Ariston refrigerator not maintain temperature. The most common problem is a leak in the circuit caused by a refrigerant leak. This can occur due to corrosion of the tubes or mechanical damage during transportation or inaccurate defrosting.
Clogged capillary tube is another common mechanical failure. Freon circulates in the system along with oil, and over time, plugs may form, preventing the normal flow of the substance. In this case, the compressor works, but the cooling capacity drops to zero or minimum values.
Do not forget about the condition of the rubber seals on the doors. Over time, the rubber dries out, cracks and no longer fits tightly to the body. If you notice that seal is deformed or dirty, it must be replaced or thoroughly cleaned, since cold escapes through the cracks.
It is also important to check whether the tubes are not pinched when installing the equipment. If the refrigerator was pushed close to the wall, the back grill or tubes could be damaged, which led to depressurization.
How to check the door tightness?
Take a sheet of paper and clamp it with the door around the perimeter. If the sheet is pulled out easily without resistance, it means that the seal in this place does not fit and requires replacement or adjustment of the hinges.
Faults of the defrost system and freezing
For models with the No Frost system, the proper operation of the defrost unit is critical. If Hotpoint Ariston refrigerator it has stopped freezing, and a thick layer of ice is visible on the back wall or, conversely, the evaporator is completely clear of frost while the compressor is running, the problem is here. Ice blocks the circulation of cold air.
The main elements of the defrost system are a heating element (heater), a defrost sensor and a timer (or electronic module). If the heating element burns out, the ice does not melt and gradually freezes on the fan, stopping it. As a result, the cold simply does not enter the chamber, although the compressor hums.
A malfunction of the defrost sensor results in the system “not understanding” when the heating needs to be turned on. Either the defrost does not turn on at all, or it turns on too often, preventing the cold from building up. Sensor diagnostics requires multimeter testing for resistance.
☑️ No Frost system diagnostics
Problems with the compressor and start relay
The heart of the refrigerator is the compressor, and if it does not start or works intermittently, there will be no cooling. Often the cause of failure is the start-up relay. This is a small device that provides an impulse to start the engine. If the relay is “stuck” or burnt out, you will hear a characteristic click and hum, but the compressor will not start.
The compressor itself may also fail due to an interturn short circuit of the windings or the wedge of the piston group. In this case, the equipment either does not turn on at all, or knocks out the machine in the control panel. Replacing the compressor - a complex process that requires evacuation of the system and refilling with freon.
Sometimes the compressor works, but does not create enough pressure. This may indicate loss of compression. You can check this by disconnecting the capillary tube and observing the force of the gas stream during a short-term start-up (only to be done by a specialist!).
It is also worth checking the integrity of the wiring going to the compressor. Rodents or mechanical damage may have disrupted the contact, causing voltage to not reach the engine.
⚠️ Attention: If you hear a loud knocking or metallic clanging sound when you try to start the compressor, immediately unplug the device. Continuing operation in this mode can lead to complete failure of the motor and a fire hazard.
Failures in the operation of electronics and sensors
Modern Hotpoint refrigerators are controlled by complex electronic boards. A malfunction of the control module may result in commands to turn on the compressor or fan simply not being received. This often happens after power surges or thunderstorms.
A malfunction of the thermostat (in mechanical models) or temperature sensor (in electronic models) leads to distorted information about the temperature inside the chambers. The module “thinks” that the cold has already been dialed in and does not turn on the cooling, although it is warm inside. Replacing the sensor usually solves the problem.
If error codes are displayed on the display, deciphering them will help to accurately determine the breakdown unit. For example, flashing lights may indicate problems with the evaporator sensor or a faulty fan. Ignoring indication signals complicates further repairs.
| Symptom | Possible cause | Probability | Difficulty of repair |
|---|---|---|---|
| The compressor hums, but not starts | Faulty start relay or compressor wedge | High | Medium |
| The refrigerator turns on, but does not freeze | Freon leak or blockage capillary | High | High |
| Ice in the freezer, warm in the refrigerator | Malfunction of the defrost system (heating element, sensor) | Very high | Medium |
| Continuous operation of the motor without shutting down | Freon leakage or door leakage | Average | Depends on the reason |
Operating rules to prevent breakdowns
In order to Hotpoint Ariston refrigerator serve for a long time and not require frequent repairs, it is important to follow the operating rules. Do not put hot foods inside, as this creates excess load on the compressor and leads to the formation of excess condensation, which freezes and disrupts the operation of the system.
Regularly, at least once a year, defrost the refrigerator (even if it is a No Frost system, prevention will not hurt). During defrosting, thoroughly clean the drainage hole through which water drains. Its blockage is a common cause of water appearing at the bottom and freezing.
Do not overload the shelves with products. Air circulation must be free. If you force all the shelves to capacity, the cold air will not be able to distribute evenly throughout the chambers, and the sensors will show incorrect data.
Keep the condenser grille at the back of the refrigerator clean. Dust and animal hair, accumulating on it, worsen heat transfer, causing the compressor to work harder. The grille should be vacuumed regularly.
⚠️ Attention: Technical characteristics and location of components may vary depending on the specific model and year of manufacture. Before starting disassembly, check the official instructions or technical data sheet of your device.
Why does the refrigerator freeze but does not turn off?
Most often this indicates a freon leak. The compressor tries to reach the set temperature, but due to a lack of refrigerant it cannot do this and runs continuously. Also, the cause may be a leaky door or a malfunction of the thermostat.
Is it possible to use the refrigerator if it is noisy?
If the noise is associated with vibration or operation of the compressor, this is normal. But if there is a metallic knock, a whistling or humming becomes much louder, it is better to stop using it. This may indicate an imminent breakdown of the compressor or fan.
How often do you need to defrost a Hotpoint-Ariston refrigerator?
Models with the No Frost system do not require manual defrosting, but preventive cleaning is recommended every 6-12 months. Models with a drip system need to be defrosted completely as ice forms, but at least twice a year.
What to do if water appears in the refrigerator?
Check whether the drainage hole inside the back wall is clogged. Clean it with a special stick or soft wire. If water appears outside, check whether the refrigerator is level and not warped.