The situation when the refrigerator Ariston stops turning on always takes you by surprise. Inside, food begins to spoil, and there is an unusual silence in the kitchen, broken only by the hum of neighbors or street noise. First of all, do not panic, since in most cases the problem lies in trivial things that can be easily fixed on your own.
Modern models of refrigeration equipment Ariston are equipped with complex electronics that are sensitive to voltage drops. However, even old units can fail due to wear of parts or external factors. Understanding the principles of operation of the device will help you quickly localize the malfunction and decide whether you need to call a technician.
In this article we will analyze in detail all possible causes of equipment failure, from simple connection errors to serious breakdowns compressor. You will learn what indicators to pay attention to and how to carry out initial diagnostics without special equipment.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any diagnostic or repair work, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the electrical network. Working with live electrical wiring is dangerous to life.
Checking the power supply and socket
The most common reason why the refrigerator Ariston is silent is the lack of electric current. Users often forget that they could accidentally touch the fork or knock out the machine in the panel while cooking. Check to see if the lights on the control panel, if any, are on.
Make sure the power cord is firmly inserted into the socket and that the outlet itself is working properly. To do this, connect another device to it, for example, a hair dryer or lamp. If the outlet works, but the equipment does not respond, the problem may be in the surge protector or extension cord, which often cannot withstand the inrush currents of powerful units.
Sometimes the wiring in old houses cannot cope with the load, and the contacts in the outlet burn out. Visually inspect the refrigerator plug: if it is blackened or melted, it must not be used. The cord will need to be replaced or the outlet repaired.
If you use an extension cord, make sure it is rated for high power. Cheap models often cause poor contact, which leads to heating and shutdown of the equipment.
Power surges and system protection
Refrigerator electronics Ariston extremely sensitive to the quality of electricity. A sharp surge in voltage could lead to the built-in protection tripping or, in the worst case, to a burnout control unit. Many models have fuses that open the circuit at critical levels.
If there are frequent fluctuations in your network, the refrigerator could go into standby mode or become blocked. Try a full system reboot: unplug the device for 15–20 minutes. This will allow the capacitors to discharge and the controller to reset errors.
In some cases, after turning on, the refrigerator begins to hum, but the compressor does not start. This may indicate an attempt to start at low voltage. If after a few minutes the start click does not occur and the motor goes silent, there is likely a problem with the starting relay or the engine itself.
⚠️ Attention: If after a power surge the refrigerator emits a burning smell or sparks, do not try to turn it on again. Professional diagnostics of electronics is required.
To protect expensive equipment in regions with an unstable power grid, it is recommended to install a voltage control relay. This device will automatically turn off the power when the parameters go beyond acceptable limits.
Malfunctions of the starting relay and compressor
If everything is in order with the power, but the engine does not start, there is a high probability of a breakdown of the starting relay. This small element is responsible for supplying an impulse to start the windings compressor. If the relay malfunctions, you can hear a characteristic click, followed by silence or a hum that turns into a stop.
The compressor is the heart of the refrigerator Ariston. If it burns out, the unit will not be able to generate cold. A motor malfunction can be determined by its appearance: if the windings are blackened or traces of melting are visible, the part requires replacement. Also, the motor may be in good working order, but mechanically jammed.
Sometimes the problem lies in the interturn short circuit of the motor windings. In this case, when trying to start, the circuit breaker in the apartment panel will be knocked out. Self-repair of the compressor is impossible; the unit must be replaced in a specialized workshop.
How to check the starting relay?
Remove the relay from the compressor and shake it. If you hear a knock inside (like a pebble), it means the core is broken and the relay is not working. You can also ring the contacts with a tester for the presence of resistance.
Replacing the start relay is a simple procedure, but requires care. It is important to select an exact copy of the part, since different models of compressors require different starting parameters.
Problems with the thermostat and temperature sensors
The thermostat is a device that commands the compressor to turn on when the temperature in the chamber rises above the set one. If the thermostat contacts are oxidized or the mechanism is jammed, the circuit does not close, and the refrigerator Ariston does not receive a signal to operate.
In modern models with the system No Frost instead of a mechanical thermostat, electronic sensors (thermistors) are used. The failure of even one sensor can block the compressor from starting, since the electronic module does not see correct temperature data.
Diagnostics of the thermostat often involves checking its contacts in the “on” position. If the circuit does not ring, the temperature controller must be replaced. In electronic models, sensor errors are usually displayed by blinking indicators on the front panel.
☑️ Diagnostics of the thermostat
Please note that in some models the thermostat is located inside the chamber, and in others - outside. Before removing the part, take a photo of the wire connection diagram so as not to confuse them during assembly.
Failures in the operation of the electronic control module
The complex electronics of refrigerators Ariston is controlled by the central module. It is he who processes signals from sensors and commands actuators. Voltage surges, moisture or condensation, as well as manufacturing defects can lead to failure of the board.
Symptoms of a module malfunction can be random blinking of indicators, lack of response to buttons, or, conversely, all the lights are constantly on. Sometimes the module freezes, and a simple reboot (disconnection from the network for a long time) helps restore functionality.
If swollen capacitors, traces of burning or corrosion are visible on the board, repair or replacement of the control unit is required. Soldering electronic components on your own without the appropriate experience and equipment is not recommended, as you can aggravate the situation.
| Symptom | Probable cause | Difficulty of repair |
|---|---|---|
| No reaction, silence | No power, module burned out | Low / High |
| Clicks, but does not start | Start relay, compressor | Medium |
| Buzzes and turns off | Stuck compressor, relay | High |
| Indicators flash | Electronics failure, sensors | High |
When replacing, it may be necessary to reflash or adjust parameters for a specific refrigerator model.
Mechanical damage and wear of wiring
Over time, the insulation of the wires inside the refrigerator Ariston can dry out and crack, especially in bend areas or near vibration nodes. This can lead to a short circuit, which blocks the operation of the entire system or causes plugs to trip.
Often the wires rub against the compressor housing or sharp edges of metal structural elements. When disassembling the refrigerator, carefully inspect the wiring harnesses. Any damage to the insulation must be repaired using heat shrink or electrical tape.
It is also worth checking the integrity of the contacts at the joints. Oxidation of the terminals increases resistance and can prevent the necessary current from flowing to start the engine. Cleaning the contacts sometimes brings the equipment back to life.
⚠️ Attention: If you find melted wiring, do not limit yourself to replacing it. Find out the cause of overheating (poor contact, overload), otherwise the situation will repeat.
When you need to call a technician
There are a number of situations when self-repair is not only ineffective, but also dangerous. If the problem lies in a sealed circuit (freon leak, clogged capillary system) or the compressor needs to be replaced, you cannot do without special equipment and skills.
A technician is needed if after your actions the refrigerator still does not turn on, or if you do not have the skills to work with electrical measuring instruments. Professional diagnostics will save time and money by preventing the purchase of unnecessary spare parts.
In addition, if the refrigerator is under warranty, any interference with the design (broken seals, traces of tampering) will lead to loss of warranty obligations. In this case, the only right decision is to contact an authorized service center. Ariston.
Is it worth repairing an old refrigerator?
If the refrigerator is more than 10-12 years old and the compressor or electronic module has burned out, repairs can cost up to 70% of the price of new equipment. In such cases, it is often more profitable to purchase a new unit.
Do not ignore strange sounds or smells that precede a breakdown. A timely contact with a specialist can save the compressor from complete failure.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Why does the Ariston refrigerator hum, but does not cool and does not turn on completely?
This may indicate an attempt to start with a faulty start relay, a jammed compressor or no refrigerant (freon). Humming is when the engine is running “idling” or under load without any result. Diagnostics by a specialist is required.
Is it possible to turn on the Ariston refrigerator immediately after defrosting?
Yes, but only after you make sure that the moisture inside the chambers has completely dried. Turning on a wet refrigerator may short circuit the electrical contacts. Let it stand open for 2-3 hours after defrosting.
What to do if the refrigerator stops working after a power surge?
Try to unplug the appliance for 20-30 minutes to reboot the electronic module. If this does not help, most likely the control unit or start relay has burned out. It is necessary to replace damaged elements.
How long does an Ariston refrigerator compressor last on average?
The average service life of a compressor is 10-15 years under normal operating conditions and stable mains voltage. Frequent switching on/off and overheating reduce this resource.
Why doesn’t the light inside the refrigerator light up when it doesn’t turn on?
The absence of light in the chamber when the door is open indicates a complete lack of power supply at the entrance to the refrigerator. Check the socket, power cord and fuse integrity (if the model has one).