A sudden stop in the operation of the refrigeration chamber in a two-chamber refrigerator Indesit often becomes an unpleasant surprise for the owner. While the freezer continues to freeze food, the temperature in the upper compartment may rise to room temperature, which can spoil fresh food. Such asymmetry in the operation of the cooling system indicates a specific set of malfunctions characteristic of equipment of this brand.
Understanding the operating principle of your model allows you to quickly determine the source of the problem. In most cases, the matter lies in a violation of the circulation of the refrigerant or malfunctions in the defrost system. Ignoring the first signs can lead to more expensive repairs, so it is important to carry out initial diagnostics immediately after detecting a malfunction.
Do not rush to call a technician without checking simple things. Sometimes the reason lies in a simple blockage or misconfigured thermostat settings. Next, we will analyze in detail the main failure scenarios and methods for eliminating them.
Checking the defrost and evaporator system
The most common reason why the refrigerator compartment in a two-chamber refrigerator Indesit stops working while the freezer is running is a malfunction of the No Frost system or evaporator defrost. Ice blocks the cold air supply channels, and it simply does not reach the upper compartment. Visually this may not be noticeable, since the evaporator is hidden behind a plastic panel.
For diagnostics, it is necessary to defrost the unit completely, leaving it turned off for 10-12 hours. If after switching on the cold appeared, but after a few days the situation repeated, then the problem is in the defrosting components. Evaporator heating element, the defrost sensor or timer could have failed.
⚠️ Attention: When checking the heating element, use a multimeter in dial mode. The resistance of a working heater is usually from 200 to 600 Ohms. If the device shows a break (infinity), the part requires replacement.
Often owners are faced with the fact that the drainage hole is clogged with ice or debris. Water from melting snow does not leave, freezes and blocks the air channels. Cleaning the drainage with soft wire or warm water often solves the problem without replacing parts.
How to remove the back panel in a freezer?
To access the evaporator in Indesit refrigerators, you usually need to remove all the shelves of the freezer, unscrew 4-6 screws around the perimeter of the back wall and carefully snap off the plastic clips. Act carefully so as not to break the fasteners in the cold.
Malfunctions of the thermostat and sensors
In models with mechanical control, thermostatis responsible for turning on the compressor. If its sensitive element (capillary tube) has shifted or the mechanism itself has failed, the compressor may not start on command, although the freezer still stores cold by inertia. In modern models with electronic control, this function is performed by air temperature sensors.
Symptoms of a thermostat malfunction often manifest themselves in the fact that the compressor either works without stopping or does not turn on at all. In two-chamber systems, where one compressor serves both chambers, failure of the refrigeration chamber thermostat (if separate) or the main thermostat leads to an imbalance of temperatures.
Electronic control modules Indesit are also susceptible to failures. If there is an error on the display or indicators are flashing, this may indicate a problem with the sensor NTC. Replacing the sensor is a simple procedure, but requires precise selection of resistance.
Problems with the compressor and start relay
The compressor is the heart of the refrigerator. If it does not work correctly, the pressure in the system drops and the refrigerant does not circulate fully. In two-chamber refrigerators Indesit a situation often occurs when the compressor tries to start, clicks and turns off. This is a classic sign of a malfunction starting relay or motor windings.
You can check the relay by shaking it next to your ear: if you hear a ringing, it means the internals are destroyed. Replacing the relay is a matter of five minutes and is inexpensive. However, if the compressor is hot but does not start, or is running very hot, the problem may be deeper.
In some cases, the compressor loses its performance (“does not hold pressure”). This occurs due to wear and tear on the valves inside the engine. In this case, the pressure is not enough to drive freon through the entire system, and the cold goes only to the freezer located closer to the compressor outlet.
☑️ Compressor diagnostics
Freon leakage and clogged capillary tube
If the compressor is operating normally mode, without turning off, but there is no cold in the upper chamber, and in the freezer it is weak or, on the contrary, only there, there is a high probability of a refrigerant leak. Freon can escape through microcracks in sealed places or through the evaporator if it is corroded.
Another technical difficulty is a clogged capillary tube. This is the narrowest section in the refrigerant circulation system. If moisture or oil breakdown products get there, an ice or dirt plug forms. The circulation stops and the refrigerator compartment stops cooling.
| Symptom | Possible cause | Solution method |
|---|---|---|
| The compressor is hot, runs nonstop | Leakage freon | Search for leaks, evacuation, refilling |
| Clicks when starting, the engine does not start | Malfunction of the starting relay | Replacing the relay |
| Frost only at the entrance to evaporator | Clogged capillary tube | Purge the system, replace the filter-drier |
| Ice coat on the back wall | Faulty defrost system | Replacing the heating element, sensor or timer |
Critically important: Refilling yourself with freon or attempting to solder the tubes without evacuating the system and replacing the filter-drier will lead to repeated breakdown of the compressor within several months due to moisture in the system.
Violation of tightness and thermal insulation
Sometimes the problem lies not in the mechanics, but in the violation of the tightness of the circuit. If the rubber seal on the refrigerator door is worn out, dirty or deformed, warm air constantly flows inside. The compressor cannot cope with the heat flow, and the temperature in the chamber rises.
You can check the tightness in a simple way: clamp a sheet of paper between the door and the housing around the entire perimeter. If the paper pulls out too easily or with varying amounts of force, the seal is poor. It is also worth checking the door hinges: if they are skewed, the door will not close tightly.
In rare cases, swelling of the back wall of the refrigerator occurs due to corrosion of the internal evaporator, immured in foam plastic. This leads to a violation of thermal insulation and loss of cold. Such a malfunction often cannot be repaired or requires complex restoration.
The influence of external factors and settings
Before disassembling the equipment, make sure that it is installed correctly. The refrigerator Indesit must stand at a distance of at least 5-10 cm from the walls for normal ventilation of the condenser. If the radiator at the back overheats, cooling efficiency decreases.
Also check the operating mode. If you accidentally set the refrigerator to Super Freeze mode or turned off the cooling of the refrigerator compartment (on models with electronics), this will explain the lack of cold from above. Some models have a Vacation function that turns off the top chamber to save energy.
Grocery loading also plays a role. If you put a large amount of warm food in the chamber or clog the air ducts with bags, air circulation will be disrupted. Cold air should circulate freely between the products.
⚠️ Attention: Do not install the refrigerator near heating appliances or in direct sunlight. This creates an excess thermal load that the standard cooling system may not be able to cope with, especially in summer.
When you need to call a technician
Independent repair is possible by replacing thermostats, sensors, starting relays and seals. However, when it comes to the refrigerant circulation system, special skills and tools are required. Vacuum pump, a pressure gauge station and scales for refilling freon are equipment that professionals have.
If you find an oily stain under the refrigerator or on the pipes compressor, this is a sure sign of a leak. Only a specialist can eliminate it and refill the system efficiently. Attempts to “replenish” freon without eliminating the leak give only a temporary effect.
Complicated diagnostics of the electronic module also requires a professional approach. If the control board is burned out, it must either be repaired (resoldering the elements) or replaced with a new one, followed by flashing for a specific model.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Why is there cold in the freezer, but warm in the refrigerator?
This indicates that the compressor is working, but the cold does not reach the top cameras. The main reasons: the air ducts are clogged with ice (defrost problem), freon leakage or capillary tube clogged. Also check if the food has blocked the ventilation holes.
How long does it take to defrost the Indesit refrigerator to check?
To completely defrost and thaw the ice in the hidden channels of the evaporator, it takes at least 10-12 hours, and it is better to leave it for a day. A short defrosting of 2-3 hours may not melt the ice plug in hard-to-reach places.
Is it possible to operate the refrigerator if the upper chamber does not work?
Short-term - yes, but not recommended. The compressor will work in increased mode, trying to gain temperature, which will lead to its overheating and rapid failure. In addition, the products in the upper chamber will deteriorate.
How to understand that the compressor has burned out?
If, when turned on, the compressor hums for 5-10 seconds, then a click is heard and it goes silent (and so on in a circle), most likely the start relay is faulty or the compressor itself is jammed. If the motor is silent and does not heat up, the problem is in the electrics or the control module.