Brand refrigeration equipment Indesit has long established itself as a reliable assistant in the kitchen, but even high-quality equipment can produce strange sounds over time. If you hear that your refrigerator the relay clicks or there is a periodic knocking noise, this is a natural cause for concern. It is important to understand that not every sound indicates a critical breakdown, but you should not ignore them either.
Owners often wonder whether the click is normal or a signal to call a repairman. The answer depends on the frequency of the sound, its volume and accompanying symptoms, such as lack of cold or continuous engine running. In this article we will analyze in detail the mechanics of the operation of the nodes Indesit and identify the true cause of extraneous noise.
⚠️ Attention! If the clicks are accompanied by sparking inside the housing or a burning smell, immediately turn off the power to the device. Operating faulty equipment with obvious signs of a short circuit is life-threatening.
Physiological sounds: when equipment is working normally
Modern refrigerators, including models Indesit, are equipped with complex automatic control systems that periodically emit sounds. The norm is a quiet click that occurs at the moment of switching on or off compressor. This triggers the thermostat, opening or closing the electrical circuit, which is a normal operating process.
In addition, in models with a system No Frost or drip defrosting, sounds of dampers moving or plastic cracking may be heard when the temperature changes. Thermal expansion of materials is a natural physical process. If the clicks are rare, quiet and do not affect the temperature inside the chambers, then most likely your equipment is working properly.
- 🔊 A rare single click when starting the engine is the norm.
- 🌡️ The crackling of plastic when first turned on after defrosting is safe.
- 💧 The sounds of refrigerant flow may be accompanied by light knocking sounds.
However, you should be wary if the nature of the sounds has changed. The device used to work silently, but now it clicks every few minutes? This is already a reason for a deeper diagnosis. A critical sign of a malfunction is the situation when a click is heard, the motor tries to start, hums for a few seconds and the shutdown click is heard again, while the cold is not produced.
Malfunctions of the start relay and compressor
The most common cause of frequent clicks in the refrigerator Indesit is a failure start relay. This small element is responsible for starting the compressor engine. If the relay contacts are oxidized or burnt, the circuit does not close the first time, and the device makes a characteristic sound of an attempt to start.
The compressor is the “heart” of the refrigerator. If it's good but the relay won't start, you'll hear a series of clicking noises. In the worst case, clicks may indicate the turn-to-turn short circuit windings of the motor itself. In such a situation, the engine hums, heats up, and the protective relay forcibly opens the circuit, making a click to prevent combustion.
How to check the relay yourself?
To check, you need to remove the back cover of the refrigerator, remove the relay from the compressor and shake it. If you hear a ball knocking inside, it means the mechanism is damaged and requires replacement. You can also “ring” the contacts with a multimeter.
Replacing a relay is a simple procedure, but requires caution. It is important to choose a part that is identical in marking, since for different models Indesit different types of starters are used (RT, RTP, 3-pin, etc.).
Problems with the thermostat and sensors
Thermostat (thermostat) is a device that controls the temperature inside cameras If you hear clicking noises, but the compressor does not start at all, the problem may lie there. The contacts inside the thermostat could “stick” or, conversely, lose their ability to conduct current.
In electronically controlled refrigerators, temperature sensorsare responsible for this process. Their incorrect operation leads to chaotic attempts to turn on the system. The sensor may transmit incorrect data to the control module, which, in turn, initiates the start or stop of the compressor, which is accompanied by clicks.
☑️ Diagnostics of the thermostat
To diagnose a thermostat, it is often excluded from the circuit by connecting the wires directly. If after this manipulation (only done if you have the skills!) the compressor starts working, then the reason has been found. In models Indesit with electronics it is also worth checking control modulewhich could fail due to a power surge.
The influence of voltage surges in the network
Unstable power supply is a scourge many areas. If the mains voltage drops below the permissible level, the refrigerator compressor Indesit may not start, but the relay will try to do so by making clicking sounds. This is a protective reaction of the equipment.
Continuous operation in low voltage conditions is detrimental to the engine. It begins to hum, vibrate and overheat. In such a situation, clicks are a “cry for help” from your unit. Installing voltage stabilizer or at least a voltage control relay (RN) will help extend the life of the equipment.
⚠️ Attention! If lights flicker frequently or voltage fluctuates in your area, don't ignore your refrigerator's clicking noises. Installing a protective voltage relay will cost less than replacing a burnt-out compressor.
You can check the voltage using a multimeter or a simple tester in the outlet. If the indicators go beyond 190–240 Volts, it is necessary to take measures to stabilize the power supply for the entire apartment or at least for the refrigeration group.
Mechanical reasons: vibration and fasteners
The sound source is not always located inside the electrical circuit. Sometimes clicks and knocks are caused by banal vibration. If the refrigerator is not level, its body may come into contact with walls or furniture. When the compressor operates, resonance occurs, and pipes or walls begin to hit obstacles.
It is also worth inspecting the internal elements: shelves, trays, egg containers. When plastic vibrates, it can make sounds similar to clicks. Pay special attention condenser tubes to the rear of the unit. If they are located too close to each other or to the wall, metallic clicks will be heard as the metal expands.
- 🛠️ Check the adjusting feet: the refrigerator should be stable.
- 🧊 Make sure that the food inside does not touch the back wall.
- 🔩 Inspect the compressor casing: sometimes a poorly secured cover rattles.
To eliminate mechanical noise, it is often enough to simply move the unit or tighten the legs. If the tubes vibrate, you can carefully (with extreme caution!) move them apart with your hands, having first disconnected the device from the network.
Table of main symptoms and causes
For ease of diagnosis, we have systematized the main symptoms of malfunctions. Compare your behavior Indesit with the data in the table to narrow down the problem.
| Symptom | Probable cause | Required actions |
|---|---|---|
| Single click on start/stop | Normal operation of the thermostat | No repair required |
| Frequent clicks, the motor does not start | Faulty start relay | Replacing the relay |
| Clicks, buzzing, then silence | Compressor jammed | Call a technician, complex repairs |
| Clicks without temperature change | Thermostat failure | Replacing the thermostat/sensor |
Prevention and operating rules
To avoid situations when something clicks in the refrigerator Indesit and stops freezing, it is important to follow the operating rules. Regular defrosting (for drip systems) prevents the formation of ice plugs, which can interfere with the operation of the dampers and create unnecessary sounds.
Do not place hot foods inside the chamber. A sharp temperature change causes the compressor to work hard, and the thermostat to constantly click, trying to stabilize the mode. It is also important to ensure adequate ventilation of the rear wall, moving the equipment away from the wall at least 5-10 cm.
Keep an eye on the door seals. If the rubber is worn out and does not fit tightly, warm air enters the chamber. The compressor will turn on more often than usual, which will lead to more frequent clicks of the relay and rapid wear of the unit's resource.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions
Why does the refrigerator click but does not freeze?
Most likely, the starting relay or the compressor itself has failed "jammed." The relay tries to start the motor (clicking), but cannot, and the protection turns off the power. The relay needs to be replaced or the compressor repaired.
Is it normal for the refrigerator to make sounds when defrosting?
Yes, this is normal. As ice melts and temperatures change, plastic parts and tubes can make cracking, clicking, and even gunshot-like sounds. This is the physical expansion and contraction of materials.
Is it possible to continue to use the refrigerator if it clicks?
If the clicks are rare and the cold persists, you can observe. If the clicks are frequent, the motor hums and does not start, or there is heat inside, operation should be stopped to avoid a fire or permanent breakdown of the compressor.
How much does it cost to replace the start relay in Indesit?
The cost of the part itself is usually low, but the price of the service of a technician consists of the cost of the spare part, travel and labor. Prices may vary significantly in different regions.
How to extend the life of a compressor?
Install a voltage stabilizer, do not overload the chambers with food, regularly defrost the unit and ensure free air circulation around the case.