A sudden knock or obsessive clicking sound in the operation of household appliances always causes alarm to the owner. Ariston refrigerator, known for its reliability, can also produce extraneous sounds, signaling failures in the system. Often these sounds appear precisely at the moment of an attempt to start the unit or during its active phase of operation.
You should not ignore such signals, since they can indicate both harmless design features and serious malfunctions compressor or the electrical circuit. Understanding the nature of the sound helps you make the right decision: continue operation or urgently call a repairman.
In this article we will analyze in detail the mechanics of the occurrence of clicks, analyze the operation of the start relay and consider situations when the unit clicks but does not start. Competent diagnostics at an early stage will allow you to avoid expensive repairs or complete replacement of the motor.
Physiology of sound: how the compressor unit works
To understand the source of noise, it is necessary to understand the basic principle of operation refrigeration unit. The heart of the system is the compressor, which compresses the refrigerant and circulates it around the circuit. Classic models Ariston use piston motors, the operation of which is inherently (by their nature) accompanied by vibration and mechanical movement of parts.
A click at the moment of turning on or off is often the sound of opening or closing contacts in an electrical circuit. When the thermostat detects an increase in temperature in the chamber, it sends a signal to start the engine. At this moment, starting relayis triggered, which produces a characteristic metallic click. If after this the sound of the motor is smooth and humming, then the equipment is in good working order.
However, if the clicks are repeated with a certain frequency and the cold does not increase, it means that the system cannot go into normal operation. A series of quick clicks without starting the motor is a sign that the motor is protected from overload or short circuit. The mechanism tries to start, encounters resistance and crashes turns off.
It is important to distinguish between operating noise and emergency knock. The operating hum may increase during intense freezing, but it should not be interrupted by sharp blows. If you hear that Ariston refrigerator clicks and immediately turns off, the problem lies in the starting system or the mechanical part of the compressor.
Faults in the start relay and thermostat
The most common cause of cyclic clicks is failure of the start-protection relay. This small device is responsible for supplying voltage to the motor windings. Inside it there is a coil and contacts, which over time can burn or stick. When the relay is faulty, it tries to start the motor, a click is heard, but the circuit is immediately broken due to the protection being activated.
The second suspect is thermostat. If its contacts have oxidized or the mechanical part has worn out, they may not fit tightly together. This causes sparking and a characteristic crackling or clicking sound even when the compressor should not be running. In models with electronic control, the role of a thermostat is performed by a sensor, but the principle remains similar.
Diagnostics of these components requires caution. Before checking, the unit must be completely de-energized. The relay is usually located in a black housing at the back, at the bottom of the housing. You can carefully remove it and shake it: if you hear the sound of scattered parts inside, the element definitely requires replacement.
Replacing a relay is a simple procedure, but requires selecting an exact copy of the device. Models Ariston can be equipped with relays from different manufacturers (Danfoss, Indesit, etc.), and they are not always interchangeable. An incorrectly selected relay can lead to burnout of the compressor windings.
Problems with the compressor: jamming and breakage
The most unpleasant scenario is a malfunction of the compressor itself compressor. If the motor hums, clicks and does not start, there may be a break in the starting winding or an interturn short circuit. In this case, the starting relay properly supplies current, but the engine cannot spin up due to an electrical defect.
Another reason is mechanical jamming. Metal parts rub inside the sealed motor housing. If there is a lack of lubrication or foreign particles enter the piston, the piston may become stuck. The compressor tries to rush forward, a loud click or blow is heard, and the system goes into defense. Repeated attempts to start in this state are strictly prohibited.
You can diagnose the condition of the windings using a multimeter. It is necessary to ring the contacts on the motor housing. If the device shows infinite resistance or, conversely, a short circuit, engine it is faulty. Repair in this case is impractical; a complete replacement of the unit is required.
Is it possible to revive a jammed compressor?
There is a method of “high-voltage punching”, when a powerful current pulse is applied to the windings to tear the piston out of place. However, this method is dangerous, requires special equipment and only gives a temporary effect. It is not recommended to use it at home.
It is worth noting that replacing a compressor is a complex process that requires evacuation of the system and charging with freon. It is impossible to carry out this operation independently without equipment.
The influence of voltage drops and wiring
Unstable voltage in the electrical network is the scourge of modern apartments. If there are surges in the network, start relay it may behave incorrectly. When the voltage is low, the motor does not have enough power to start, and it begins to click while trying to start. This is especially true for older models Ariston without built-in stabilizers.
The problem may lie in the socket or extension cord. Poor contact at the junction of the plug and socket causes sparking, which is heard as crackling or clicking sounds. Often, users turn on the refrigerator through a low-quality surge protector, which simply cannot withstand the starting currents of the compressor.
To protect expensive equipment, it is recommended to use a voltage stabilizer. It will smooth out surges and prevent false alarms of the refrigerator’s automatic safety equipment. If the clicking stops after changing the socket or refusing the extension cord, then the problem was in the power supply.
Also check the integrity of the power cord. If the insulation is damaged or the wire is broken, short circuits may occur, accompanied by sound effects. Visual inspection of the cable is the first thing to do when troubleshooting.
Diagnostic algorithm and step-by-step check
If your Ariston refrigerator makes strange sounds, do not rush to call a technician. Conduct an initial diagnosis that will help narrow your search. Below is a sequence of actions that allows you to identify obvious malfunctions without disassembling complex components.
First, listen to exactly when the sound occurs: when turning on, during operation or when turning off. Then check the temperature in the chambers: is the refrigerator freezing or is it warm there. This will help you understand whether the cooling cycle is working at all.
☑️ Primary diagnostics of the refrigerator
The following is a table that will help classify symptoms and probable causes:
| Symptom | Probable cause | Required actions |
|---|---|---|
| Single click at start | Normal relay operation | Observation, no repair required |
| Series of clicks, motor hums | Compressor jammed | Disconnect from the network, call a technician |
| Clicks without buzzing | Faulty relay or thermostat | Replacing the starting device |
| Crackling noise during operation | Deformation of the plastic or ice | Check defrosting, press the parts |
If after checking the socket and visual inspection the problem does not disappear, and the refrigerator has stopped freezing, further independent disassembly can be dangerous. Refrigerant circulates in the system, and a violation of the tightness of the tubes will require complex repairs.
When you need to call a specialist
There are a number of signs in which experiments with equipment Ariston should be stopped. If you smell burnt wiring or plastic, unplug immediately. Continued operation poses a risk of fire.
Also, the help of a professional is needed if the compressor needs to be replaced or refilled with freon. These operations require a license and special equipment. The technician will be able to accurately determine whether it is worth repairing the old unit or whether it is easier to buy a new one.
⚠️ Attention! Do not try to disassemble the sealed compressor circuit yourself or solder pipes without skills. The refrigerant can be flammable or toxic, and improper soldering will lead to a gas leak.
In addition, if the refrigerator is under warranty, any tampering with the design (breaking the seals) will automatically void the manufacturer's warranty. In such cases, the only right solution is to contact an authorized service center.
Timely repairs are often cheaper than replacing a burnt out motor. If you notice that clicks the frequency has increased, do not delay diagnosis. Prevention is always more economical than a major restoration.
Why does the refrigerator click but does not freeze?
This is a classic sign of a malfunction of the start relay or compressor windings. The engine tries to start (click), but due to an electrical or mechanical blockage it cannot gain momentum. Freon circulation does not begin, so cold is not generated.
Is it dangerous to continue using a clicking refrigerator?
Short-term operation before the technician arrives is acceptable if there is no burning smell. However, constant attempts to start reduce the voltage in the network and can finally kill the compressor. It is better to turn off the device until the reasons are determined.
Is it possible to lubricate the relay so that it does not click?
No, starting relays for refrigerators Ariston are maintenance-free elements. An attempt to lubricate the contacts will lead to dust accumulation and accelerated failure. A faulty relay must only be replaced.
How much does it cost to replace a starting relay?
The cost of the relay itself is low, but the price of the technician includes diagnostics and a visit. In total, repairs can amount to a significant amount relative to the cost of a new part, so it is often more advisable to replace the entire assembly with a guarantee.
Does the tilt of the refrigerator affect the appearance of clicks?
Yes, if the refrigerator is strongly tilted, oil in the compressor can flow into the circulation circuit, causing a water hammer, which sounds like a loud click or knocking. Also, a skewed case causes vibration and beating of the tubes against the walls.