Freezer displays error code A3 and may intermittently stop cooling or show erratic temperature readings.
Safety Warning
This repair may involve working with high voltage components or water connections. Always unplug the appliance before removing any panels.
If you are not confident in your ability to perform this repair safely, we strongly recommend contacting a professional technician.
Possible Causes
How to Fix / Troubleshooting
Safety first: Disconnect the freezer from mains power before removing any internal panels.
- Locate the sensor: On many Ariston no-frost freezers, the evaporator NTC is clipped to or near the evaporator behind the internal rear panel of the freezer compartment.
- Visual inspection: Remove drawers and the rear inner panel (usually held by screws). Look for a small sensor probe with two wires. Check for broken wires, corrosion on connectors, or signs of moisture damage.
- Check connections: Reseat any plug connectors going from the sensor to the wiring harness. Ensure they are firmly locked.
- Basic resistance check (for advanced DIYers): With the sensor disconnected and the freezer at room temperature, measure resistance with a multimeter. Typical NTC sensors read between 5–20 kΩ at 25°C (exact value depends on model). A reading of 0 Ω (short) or infinite (open) indicates a bad sensor.
- Replace if faulty: If the sensor is clearly damaged or readings are out of range, replace it with an Ariston-compatible evaporator NTC sensor. Reassemble panels carefully to avoid air leaks.
When to call a technician: If the sensor tests good but the A3 error persists, the main control board may be defective and should be checked by a professional.
Repair Difficulty
Required Part
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