Search compressor in the refrigerator Indesit is the first and most important step in diagnosing most faults, related to cooling. If you hear extraneous noise, the unit does not turn on, or, conversely, works without interruption, then the “heart” of the refrigeration system is the main point of inspection. In the vast majority of models, be it a classic two-chamber Indesit C 138 G or more modern series, the engine is located in the lower part of the rear wall of the device.
However, visual access to it is often limited by a protective casing or decorative panel, which can confuse an inexperienced technician. It is in this zone that not only the coil itself is located motor-compressor, but also the condenser coil, the starting relay, and the filter drier. Understanding the exact geometry of the location of these elements is critical for safe repair work.
Before proceeding with disassembly, you must completely disconnect the device from the electrical network. This is a basic safety rule and, if ignored, may result in electric shock due to the high voltage present at the compressor terminals. It is also worth preparing the workspace, since you will need access to the back of the refrigerator from all sides.
Classic location of the motor in the lower niche
In the standard configuration of refrigerators Indesit the compressor unit is always mounted on the frame in the lower part of the case, at the back. It is a black metal cylinder, which is suspended on springs or rigidly fixed on studs. This arrangement was not chosen by chance: it allows you to effectively remove heat from the operating mechanism and minimize the transmission of vibration to the body.
Access to this area is usually through a removable panel. Depending on the year of manufacture and the specific model Indesit, the design of this panel may differ. In older models, this could be a simple sheet of fiberboard or metal, screwed around the perimeter. Newer versions often use a plastic casing that snaps into place with clips, which speeds up the factory assembly process but requires careful disassembly.
It is important to note that directly above the compressor, on the back wall of the refrigerator, there is often a condenser grille. It is a black tubular design that can be painted black or a natural metallic finish. During operation refrigeration unit this grille heats up, so touching it immediately after turning off the device is not recommended to avoid burns.
⚠️ Attention: The back panel can be attached not only around the perimeter, but also have hidden fasteners in the lower part. Do not use excessive force when bending, so as not to break the plastic latches, which become brittle in the cold.
Sometimes above the compressor niche you can see a plastic tray for collecting melt water. During normal operation, water from the evaporator flows into this tray and evaporates naturally due to the heat from the running motor. If you see rust or signs of corrosion there, this may indicate problems with the condensate drainage system.
Design and access through the rear panel
The process of gaining access to the insides of the compressor compartment requires a minimum set of tools. You will need a Phillips screwdriver (usually PH2), possibly a flat screwdriver for prying off the plugs, and a container to collect possible residual oil or water if the system has been damaged previously.
The sequence of actions for removing the panel is as follows:
- 🔧 Move the refrigerator from the wall at a distance of at least 50-70 cm to ensure comfortable access to the back parts.
- 🔌 Make sure that the power cord is unplugged from the outlet and let the unit stand for 10-15 minutes to equalize the pressure in the system.
- 🔩 Unscrew all visible screws holding the back cover. They can be located in the corners and in the middle of the sides of the panel.
- 👐 Carefully remove the panel. If it does not budge, check whether there are any screws under the decorative plugs or in the lower part hidden by the baseboard.
After removing the panel, you will have a view of compressor-condensing unit. Pay attention to the condition of the wire insulation. In old refrigerators Indesit the insulation can dry out and crack, creating a risk of short circuit. Also check if there are any traces of oil on the floor of the niche or on the compressor itself, as this is a sure sign of depressurization of the system.
Identification of compressor unit components
When access is open, it is important to correctly identify the elements so as not to confuse them during diagnostics. The central place is occupied by the compressor itself - a sealed black cylinder. On one of its sides (usually on the bottom or side) there is a plastic or metal cup, inside of which there are a starting and protective relay.
A relay is a small block that is responsible for starting the engine and protecting it from overheating. It is this that most often fails, causing characteristic clicks when you try to turn on the refrigerator. On modern models Indesit with inverter compressors, instead of a classic relay, there may be an electronic control unit, but the principle of its location remains similar.
Also in this area there is a capillary tube and a filter drier. The filter is a small copper cylinder, often painted green or blue. It serves to clean the refrigerant from moisture and contaminants. When replacing the compressor, the filter required must be replaced, since it is a disposable element.
For ease of understanding, below is a table of the main elements that you will see in the niche:
| Element | Appearance | Function | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Compressor | Black metal cylinder | Refrigerant circulation | Center of the niche, on the frame |
| Start relay | Plastic box (black/white) | Engine start | Side/bottom of the compressor |
| Filter drier | Copper cylinder (10-15 cm) | Freon cleaning | Next to the condenser outlet |
| Condenser | Black grille of tubes | Gas cooling | On the back wall of the case |
It is worth paying attention to the markings. There is always a sticker or embossed inscription on the compressor housing with the model, power and type of refrigerant (for example, R600a or R134a). This information is necessary if you plan to order spare parts for replacement.
Features of models with No Frost and an inverter motor
In refrigerators Indesitequipped with a system No Frost, the rear layout may have its own characteristics. Although the compressor itself remains in the lower part, additional tubes can go to it, leading to an evaporator hidden inside the chamber. In such models, it is important not to confuse the defrost tubes and the main circulation circuit.
Inverter compressors, which are installed in more expensive lines Indesitare quieter and smoother. They do not have a classic starting relay with a “tablet”, but are controlled by an electronic unit. Visually, such a compressor may differ in the shape of the case and the presence of additional wires going to the control board, which can be located either in a niche or in the upper part of the refrigerator.
⚠️ Attention: Inverter compressors are sensitive to voltage surges. When diagnosing such models, be sure to use a stabilizer or check the network parameters, since surges could damage the electronics and not the motor itself.
When working with the No Frost system, it is also worth checking the condition of the fan if it is located in the same area (although more often it is located inside the freezer). The noise you hear may not come from the compressor, but from the fan impeller blowing the evaporator.
How to distinguish an inverter compressor?
Inverter models are usually marked "Inverter" on the sticker, operate almost silently (only a quiet hum is heard) and do not they make a characteristic start-up and stop sound, constantly operating at different speeds.
Diagnostics of faults by external signs
Understanding where the compressor is located allows for initial diagnosis without disassembling internal components. If the refrigerator Indesit does not freeze, but the compressor is hot and hard (cannot be pressed with a finger), this may indicate a “wedge” of the piston group or a lack of freon circulation.
If the motor is cold and shows no signs of life, the problem may lie in the electrical circuit: the start relay has burned out, the thermal relay has failed, or winding breakage. In some cases, the refrigerator may hum but not start, making a characteristic clicking sound every few seconds. This is a classic symptom of a faulty starting device.
Here are the main signs that you should pay attention to during a visual inspection:
- 🔥 Overheating: The compressor is hot to the point where it is impossible to hold your hand for more than 2-3 seconds (normal operating temperature is up to 70-80°C, but not higher).
- 💧 Oil stains: The presence of fresh oil around the tubes or under the compressor indicates a breakdown of the housing or poor-quality rolling.
- 🔊 Vibration: Excessive shaking of the housing may indicate a breakdown of the shock-absorbing springs on which the motor is suspended.
- 🌫️ Smell of burning: The appearance of a smell of burning insulation indicates overheating of the wiring or an interturn short circuit in the windings.
For accurate diagnostics of the electrical part (continuities windings) you will need a multimeter. The resistance between the contacts of the windings must be within certain limits (usually from 10 to 30 Ohms for the working winding and a little more for the starting winding). If the multimeter shows an open or short circuit, the compressor must be replaced.
Replacement process and technical nuances
If diagnostics have confirmed the need to replace the compressor, it is important to understand that this is a complex technical process that requires special equipment. Simply “re-soldering” the tubes and filling in freon at home without a vacuum pump and scales is impossible and dangerous.
Replacement includes the following steps: selecting the old refrigerant (it cannot be released into the atmosphere), dismantling the old compressor, installing a new one, replacing the filter-drier, vacuuming the system to remove moisture and air, and only then - refilling with the exact amount refrigerant.
A critically important point is the choice of analogue. Compressors Indesit are often equipped with motors of brands Secop (Danfoss), Embraco or Aspera. When selecting a replacement, you need to take into account not only the fitting dimensions, but also the power, type of refrigerant and volume of the motor-compressor (cm³).
☑️ Action plan for replacement
⚠️ Attention: Independent replacement of the compressor without a license and equipment prohibited by the legislation of many countries due to environmental standards for handling refrigerants. In addition, violation of the soldering technology can lead to an explosion of the mixture of air and oil inside the system.
Care of the compressor area to extend service life
In order for your compressor Indesit to serve for a long time, it is necessary to provide it with the correct operating conditions. The main problem of the lower niche is poor ventilation and dust accumulation. Dust, mixing with oil and moisture, forms a dense coating on the condenser tubes and the motor housing, which impairs heat transfer.
Overheating is the main enemy of the compressor. If the refrigerator is located close to the wall or in a niche of the kitchen unit without a gap, the hot air has nowhere to escape. The motor begins to work with increased load, trying to gain temperature, which leads to premature wear of the bearings and windings.
It is recommended to carry out preventive cleaning of the rear part once a year:
- 🧹 Gently vacuum the space behind the refrigerator and the condenser grill using a soft nozzle.
- 🧼 Wipe the compressor housing with a dry cloth, removing a layer of dust (only with the appliance turned off and cooled down!).
- 🌬️ Check the gap between the back wall of the refrigerator and the wall of the room (at least 5-7 cm).
Also keep an eye on the floor level. If the refrigerator is not level, vibration from the operating compressor is transmitted to the body and floor, which can lead to destruction of the internal motor suspension. Adjustable legs allow you to set the device strictly horizontally.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Why does the Indesit compressor get very hot and constantly work?
This can be caused by several reasons: freon leak (the system is idling), clogged capillary tube, malfunction thermostat (it does not give a command to turn off) or a simple lack of space for ventilation in the back. It is also possible that the evaporator freezes, due to which the cold does not enter the chamber and the sensor does not record the temperature reached.
Is it possible to replace the compressor with an analogue from another manufacturer?
Yes, you can, but with caution. It is important that the power of the new compressor is no less than the original one, the type of refrigerant is the same, and the mounting dimensions (distance between the legs) allow installation. Often motors Danfoss/Secop are a universal replacement for Indesit, but it is better to check the cross-number tables.
A knock is heard inside the compressor when starting up - is this normal?
A light knocking sound in the first seconds of startup may be normal (hydraulic shock of residual oil). However, a loud metallic clang, ringing or knocking that does not stop during operation indicates mechanical destruction of the internal components (valves, piston group). Such a compressor will soon fail completely.
How can I find out what kind of freon is in my Indesit refrigerator?
The type of refrigerant is indicated on the factory sticker, which is usually located inside the refrigerator compartment on the side wall or on the rear wall outside, next to the compressor. Denoted as Refrigerant or Gas. Most often in modern models it is R600a (isobutane), in older ones - R134a.
Is it worth repairing the compressor or is it cheaper to buy a new refrigerator?
Replacing a compressor is an expensive repair, amounting to up to 50-60% of the cost of a new budget refrigerator. If the device is more than 10 years old, there are traces of corrosion or damage to the case, it is often more profitable to purchase new equipment. Repair makes sense if the refrigerator is premium or has other valuable features.