The situation when the refrigerator Ariston Hotpoint suddenly stops cooling the main compartment, but the freezer continues to operate normally, is one of the most common and alarming for owners. This indicates that compressor the refrigerant is alive and present in the system, but the cold circulation cycle or its distribution is disrupted. In most cases, the problem lies not in a breakdown of the “heart” of the unit itself, but in defrost system failures, fan malfunctions, or control problems.
Understanding the operating principle of your model No Frost or Low Frost is critical for correct diagnosis. The cold is not generated separately for each compartment, it is generated in an evaporator hidden behind the back wall, and then forced into the chambers. If the refrigerator compartment is warm, it means that cold air simply does not flow there or its flow is blocked by an ice plug. In this material we will analyze in detail the mechanical and electrical causes of such an anomaly.
Self-diagnosis requires caution and a basic set of tools. You don't have to be an engineer to check the condition of the seals or defrost the unit, but replacement Heating element or Thermostat will require multimeter skills. Ignoring the first signs of malfunction, such as ice freezing on the back wall, can lead to more serious damage, including failure of the compressor due to overheating.
The principle of operation of the No Frost system and cold distribution
To understand why temperature imbalance occurs, you need to understand the anatomy of the refrigerator Hotpoint Ariston. In models with the system No Frost the evaporator is located in the freezer compartment (usually in the upper part or behind the rear panel). The fan drives cold air through special channels from the freezer to the refrigerator compartment. If the freezer freezes, it means freon is circulating and the compressor is working.
The problem occurs when this air flow is disrupted. This may be caused by frozen air ducts, a broken air control damper, or a fan stopping. In models with Low Frost or a drip system, the principle is different: here the evaporator is located behind the rear wall of the refrigerator compartment, and if it does not freeze, but the freezer is working, this may indicate a freon leak in the refrigeration compartment circuit or a blockage of the capillary tube.
It is important to distinguish between these systems, since repair methods are radically different. In systems No Frost most often the defrost system is to blame, which stopped removing condensate, and it turned into an ice block that blocked the channels. In drip systems, the situation is more complicated and often requires the intervention of a specialist with a vacuum pump.
What is the difference between No Frost and Low Frost?
In the No Frost system, products do not become covered with frost, since moisture is removed outside. In Low Frost (drip system), an ice crust periodically forms on the back wall, which flows into the pan when the compressor is turned off. Problems with temperature in No Frost are more often associated with fans and heating elements, and in drip heating systems - with thermostats and leaks.
Failure in the defrosting system: heating element, timer and sensors
The most likely reason why Ariston refrigerator stopped cooling the upper chamber is simple freezing evaporator. In normal mode, every 8–12 hours, the heating element (Defrost heating element) is turned on, which melts the ice on the evaporator. The water flows into the drain and the cycle resumes. If this process is disrupted, the ice grows until it completely blocks the air supply channels to the refrigeration compartment.
Several key elements are involved in the defrost chain: the heating element itself, a defrost sensor (thermostat), a fuse and a timer (or an electronic module management). If the heating element burns out, the ice does not melt. If the sensor “sticks”, it does not give a command to turn on the heating. As a result, a huge lump of ice forms behind the back wall of the freezer, which blocks the operation of the fan.
To check these elements, you need to remove the back panel in the freezer. Visually you will see if there is ice on the evaporator. If it is covered with a “fur coat” and the fan is standing, the problem has been found. Diagnostics of the heating element and sensors is carried out with a multimeter in dialing mode. Lack of resistance (infinity) will indicate an open circuit.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any work on disassembling and diagnosing electrical components, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply! Working with live wiring is deadly.
☑️ Diagnostics of the defrost system
Fan and thermal control damper malfunctions
If the defrost system is working, or you are completely defrosted the unit (kept it turned off for more than 24 hours), but the problem returned after a couple of days, it’s worth paying attention to the mechanical components. A fan is a motor that physically moves cool air. Refrigerators Ariston Hotpoint use fans with plastic blades, which can become deformed or accumulate ice over time.
Thermal control damper (damper) is a valve that opens and closes at the command of the electronics, allowing cold to enter the refrigerator compartment. If the damper is stuck in the closed position, the cold simply does not enter the upper compartment. Often the reason lies in the damper drive or in the fact that it is warped due to ice.
Signs of a fan malfunction:
- 🔇 Complete silence when the compressor is running (the fan should hum).
- 🧊 Ice on the fan blades, interfering with rotation.
- 🔊 Extraneous noise, crackling or hum from the freezer.
To replace the fan or damper, you will also need to partially disassemble the freezer compartment. It is important to check whether the motor shaft rotates freely by hand (with the power off). If you feel biting, the bearing is worn out and the unit requires replacement.
Freon leakage and problems with the compressor
Although the compressor is running (which you hear), this does not guarantee that it is creating enough pressure to circulate freon through both circuits. In dual circuit systems or systems with one compressor and solenoid valve, leakage may occur locally. If the freon leaves, its pressure is only enough for the freezer, and the refrigerant no longer reaches the refrigerator compartment or reaches it barely warm.
Symptoms of a freon leak:
- 🌡️ The freezer freezes weakly, but the refrigerator is warm.
- 🔥 The compressor works almost without interruption, trying to gain temperature.
- 🔥 The side walls of the refrigerator (condenser) are cold, although they should be warm.
Another problem is “oil jam” or blockage of the capillary tube. Oil from the compressor can clog the narrow channel, preventing the freon from flowing. In both cases (leakage or blockage), you won’t be able to solve the problem yourself. You need to call a technician who will pressure test the system, find the location of the leak, replace the filter drier and fill the unit with new freon.
Electronic control module and sensors temperature
Modern refrigerators Hotpoint Ariston are controlled by complex electronics. Temperature sensors (thermistors) are located on the back wall inside the chambers. They transmit data to the control board. If the sensor in the refrigerator compartment “lies” and shows that there is already -10°C (although in fact +15°C), the module simply will not turn on the cold supply or close the damper.
It is also possible for the electronic module itself to “freeze”. Power surges in the network can lead to a failure in the logic of the controller. In this case, the refrigerator behaves inappropriately: it does not freeze, does not turn off, or the relay clicks randomly.
| Component | Malfunction symptom | Check method |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature sensor | Incorrect readings, refusal to freeze | Measuring resistance with a multimeter |
| Control module | Chaotic operation, lack of response | Visual inspection of the board, continuity of tracks |
| Solenoid valve | Freon does not flow into one of the chambers | Checking the valve coil |
Repairing the control module requires the qualifications of a radio engineer. It is often easier and more reliable to replace the entire board by selecting an analogue based on the model number of the refrigerator. However, before changing the “brains”, make sure that the problem is not in simple sensors or wiring.
Algorithm for primary diagnostics and defrosting
Before buying spare parts or calling a technician, try performing a complete defrost. This is the “gold standard” of primary diagnostics for systems No Frost. If the problem was an ice jam, after defrosting the refrigerator will work like new. But if after 1-2 weeks the situation repeats, it means that one of the elements of the defrosting system (heating element, sensor, timer) is faulty.
Procedure:
1. Unplug the refrigerator.
2. Empty the chambers of products.
3. Leave the doors open for at least 24 hours (preferably overnight). Do not use a hairdryer or hot water to speed it up - this can damage the plastic and seals.
4. Wipe the insides dry and turn on the unit.
If after complete defrosting the refrigerator started working, but after a week it stopped cooling again in the upper compartment, and ice appeared on the back wall of the freezer again, you need to change the defrost heating element or sensor. This is a classic scenario.
⚠️ Warning: Do not try to chip the ice with a knife or screwdriver! You can puncture the evaporator or damage the channels, which will lead to an instant leak of freon and expensive repairs.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Why does the Ariston refrigerator freeze only near the back wall?
This is typical for a drip system or for the initial stage of freezing in No Frost. If the cold is only at the wall, but the center is warm, it means that air circulation is disrupted. Check whether the food is pressed tightly against the back wall, and make sure that the ventilation holes are not clogged.
How much does it cost to replace a defrost heating element in Hotpoint Ariston?
The cost consists of the price of the spare part (usually from 1000 to 3000 rubles depending on the model) and the work of the technician. Replacing it yourself will cost less, but requires disassembly skills and a multimeter.
Is it possible to operate a refrigerator if the freezer is working but the refrigerator is not?
For a short time - yes, the food in the freezer will not spoil. However, it is not recommended to keep the refrigerator in this mode for a long time. The compressor will work hard trying to cool the upper chamber, which can lead to overheating and combustion. In addition, the food in the upper compartment will quickly disappear.
How to understand that the compressor has burned out?
If the compressor hums, but does not start (you can hear a clicking and humming sound), or if it is silent, although it should be working, or if it is hot, but does not produce cold, these are signs of problems with the compressor or the start relay. An accurate diagnosis will be made by a technician with a pressure gauge.