Sudden stoppage of operation refrigeration equipment or, conversely, its endless humming often indicates a failure of the thermoregulation system. When the set temperature inside the chamber ceases to be maintained, and food begins to deteriorate or freeze into ice, thermostatbecomes the first suspect. Equipment owners Indesit face this problem regularly, since this particular brand requires careful attention to small design details.
Finding a suitable spare part turns into a quest if you do not know the exact part number or compatibility features. The market is overflowing with offers, but not all sellers provide guarantees of quality and durability. It is important to understand that thermostat is not just a switch, but a device, the calibration of which determines the service life of the compressor and the safety of your supplies.
In this article we will look at how to identify a fault, where to look for original components and what nuances to pay attention to when ordering so as not to throw money away. Choosing the right part will save you time and nerves in the future.
Diagnostics of a thermostat malfunction
Before running to the store for a new part, you need to make sure that this is where the problem lies. Symptoms may be similar to a compressor failure or freon leak. If the refrigerator Indesit turns on, but does not turn off, working around the clock, or is silent, despite the warmth inside, these are alarm bells. However, the final diagnosis is made after a visual examination and simple tests.
Pay attention to the behavior of the indicators and the sound of the motor. Sometimes the reason is trivial - the contacts have oxidized or the ground wire has frayed. But if you hear clicks and the compressor does not start, or the unit works without stopping, forming a “fur coat” on the back wall, the probability of failure of the thermostat thermostat
⚠️ Attention: Before any diagnostics, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply! Working with live electrical components is deadly and can result in a short circuit.
There are several indirect signs that indicate a problem with the temperature sensor. They will help you find your bearings even before disassembling the case:
- 🌡️ In the refrigerator compartment, the temperature is significantly higher or lower than the set temperature, adjusting with the knob does not produce results.
- 🔊 The compressor hums constantly, without going into rest mode, or does not make any sounds at all when plugged in.
- 💧 A thick layer of ice has formed on the back wall of the refrigerator, and the food in the main chamber is defrosting.
For an accurate check, the contact closure method is often used. If, when connecting the wires bypassing the thermostat, the compressor starts, it means that the circuit is working and the culprit has been found. This is a classic method diagnosisthat is used by craftsmen.
Catalog numbers and model compatibility
Equipment Indesit has been produced for decades, and during this time various temperature control systems have been used. The most common are Italian-made mechanical thermostats, often marked with the logo Ranco, Orbital or Tam. Understanding the markings is the key to success when finding a replacement.
A code is always stamped on the body of the part, starting with letters followed by numbers. For example, popular series K59 or TAM. It is important not to confuse the length of the capillary tube, as it determines how far the temperature sensor will be from the control unit. Incorrect length will lead to incorrect operation or impossibility of installation.
Below is a table of correspondence between the most common models of thermostats for refrigerators Indesit and their characteristics:
| Catalogue number | Type of contacts | Length capillary | Compatible series |
|---|---|---|---|
| K59-L1275 | Normally closed | 0.75 m | Indesit C, T, ST |
| TAM-133 | Normally closed | 0.85 m | Indesit DF, BIA |
| K50-L1950 | Normally closed | 1.5 m | Indesit NB, NBS |
| 17D201 | Normally closed | 0.6 m | Indesit ES, ESZ |
When ordering, pay attention to the number of contacts. For refrigerators with a No Frost system, models with three terminals are often required, where the third contact is responsible for the warning light or fan control. Installing a two-pin thermostat in a three-pin circuit will cause the operation indicator to stop lighting, although the unit will cool.
What do the letters at the end of the marking mean?
The letters at the end of the code (for example, K59-L1275) often indicate the temperature range of operation and the type of rod. Replacing with an analogue with a different letter index is possible, but it may require reconfiguration or lead to a change in the compressor on/off temperature.
Where to buy original spare parts: review of sources
The question of “where to buy” has several solutions, each of which has its own pros and cons. The market for spare parts for household appliances is segmented, and the choice of seller depends on what is more important to you: price, speed of delivery or guarantee of authenticity.
Specialized online spare parts stores are the most reliable option. People who understand technology work here. They can tell you whether it will fit analogue your model if the original is no longer in production. Such stores usually have filters by brands and models, which simplifies the search.
- 🏪 Official service centers: here you will get 100% original, but the price will be maximum, and the range is often limited to popular items.
- 💻 Large marketplaces: huge selection and low prices, but there is a high risk of running into low-quality China or re-grade. Read the reviews carefully.
- 🔧 Local stores "Spare parts for refrigerators": the opportunity to get advice from the seller and immediately pick up the product, bypassing delivery.
When purchasing on sites like Ozon or Wildberries, be sure to check the photo of the product with your part. Often sellers use stock images that do not correspond to reality. Original The thermostat has clear, indelible markings and high-quality assembly of the case.
Analogues or original: is it worth saving?
Original thermostats for Indesit are often produced by companies Ranco or Orbital. However, you can find many analogues on sale that cost one and a half to two times cheaper. A reasonable question arises: does it make sense to overpay for the brand?
The original guarantees compliance with all temperature ranges and the resource of on-off cycles. Cheap Chinese copies may have stem play, poorer capillary insulation and variations in response temperature. This can cause the refrigerator to “walk” in temperature, which is harmful for the food.
⚠️ Attention: Cheap analogues often have a capillary tube of smaller diameter or wall thickness, which makes them more vulnerable to mechanical damage during installation. Be extremely careful when installing.
If you plan to use the refrigerator for several more years, it is better to take a proven one analogue from a well-known brand (for example, Orbital) than the cheapest "no-name". The difference in price of 300-500 rubles is not worth the risk of a second breakdown in six months.
Instructions for replacing the thermostat with your own hands
Replacing the thermostat is a procedure of medium complexity, accessible to a person with minimal skills in working with tools. The main thing is to act consistently and not rush. You will need a Phillips screwdriver, pliers and possibly a wire stripper.
First you need to gain access to the installation site. In refrigerators Indesit the thermostat is usually located inside the refrigerator compartment, behind a plastic panel or directly in the temperature control unit. Remove the regulator handle and unscrew the fastening screws.
Next follow the action algorithm:
☑️ Algorithm for replacing the thermostat
The most crucial moment is working with the capillary tube. It should not be bent at an acute angle, squeezed or twisted into a knot. The tube is filled with refrigerant, and damage to its integrity will lead to failure of the new part immediately after installation. Carefully straighten the tube of the new thermostat in the same way as the old one was located.
When connecting the wires, be guided by the color markings or the photo taken earlier. If the wires are the same color, use a multimeter in continuity mode to find the pairs that short as the temperature changes. An error in the connection may result in a short circuit.
Checking operation after installation
After assembling the case, do not rush to load products. The refrigerator needs time to reach normal operating conditions. Turn on the unit and set the thermostat knob to the middle position. For the first 30-40 minutes, the compressor should work continuously, cooling the chambers.
Watch the cyclical operation. Once the set temperature is reached, the compressor should turn off. If the refrigerator runs without stopping for more than 2 hours, the thermostat may not sense the cold or its capillary tube does not fit well to the evaporator. In this case, you will need to re-disassemble and adjust the position of the sensor.
- ❄️ Check that there is no excessive frosting of the rear wall during the first hours of operation.
- 🔊 Make sure that the compressor shut-off click is audible and corresponds to the position of the handle.
- 🌡️ Through Check the temperature of the food for 3-4 hours - it should be stable.
If all parameters are normal, the repair can be considered complete. A correctly selected and installed thermostat will extend the life of your Indesit thermostat for many years.
How to accurately measure the length of the capillary tube?
To measure the length of the capillary tube of an old thermostat, it must be carefully removed from its seat. If the tube is coiled, do not straighten it completely to avoid damaging it. Use a soft tape measure or thread, which you then apply to the ruler. The length is measured from the exit from the thermostat body to the very tip.
Is it possible to use a thermostat with a longer tube?
You can use a thermostat with a tube longer than the original, but the excess will have to be carefully rolled into a ring with a diameter of at least 4-5 cm and fixed inside the case or in free space. The main thing is not to break the tube. If the tube is shorter than the original, the sensor may not reach the desired zone, and the refrigerator will not work correctly.
Why does the new thermostat click but does not turn on the compressor?
If you hear a click, but the compressor is silent, the problem may not be in the thermostat. Check the compressor start relay - it often fails. It is also worth checking the thermostat itself with a multimeter: in a warm state, the contacts should be closed (resistance close to 0). If the multimeter shows a break, the part is defective.