You are standing in front of the refrigerator Indesit with a warm freezer or a compressor running non-stop, and all symptoms point to a faulty thermostat. But where to look for this part in the maze of plastic panels and wires? Unlike old Soviet models, where the thermostat stuck out in plain sight, modern refrigerators Indesit hide it so skillfully that even experienced craftsmen sometimes get lost.
This article will not just show where is the thermostat located in your model - we will sort it out 10 most common series (from Indesit BIA 18 to DF 5200 W), we will explain how it is extract without damage, and warn against typical mistakes in diagnosis. And you will also find out why refrigerators with No Frost thermostat may have hidden behind the control panel along with the board - even some service centers miss this nuance.
Why the thermostat is a key part of the refrigerator
The thermostat (or thermostat) is the “brain” of the cooling system. It measures the temperature is in the chamber and sends signals to the compressor: when to turn on for cooling and when to rest. If the thermostat breaks, the refrigerator either turns into a freezer (freezing even cucumbers), or stops cooling at alldespite the running motor.
Models Indesit use two types of thermostats:
- 🔹 Mechanical —with a capillary tube filled with freon. Found in budget series (BIA, BIAA, TIA).
- 🔹 Electronic - resistance sensors (thermistors) that transmit data to the control board. Typical for No Frost (DF, NF).
⚠️ Attention: In refrigerators with No Frost often confused thermostat and defrost sensor (defroster). The latter is responsible for defrosting the evaporator and is located inside the freezer camerasand not on the control panel!
Where to look for a thermostat: 3 main places
The location of the thermostat depends on the cooling system type and year of manufacture model We have collected current diagrams for refrigerators Indesit 2010–2026:
| Refrigerator type | Series models | Thermostat location | Photo/diagram |
|---|---|---|---|
| Two-chamber with mechanical control | BIA, BIAA, TIA, TIAA | Inside the refrigerator compartment, under the top shelf, behind the plastic cover | 📷 (see section "Photos for popular models") |
| Single chamber (freezer) | SF, SFR, TS | On the back wall, under the top cover (next to the lamp) | 📷 |
| No Frost (electronic control) | DF, NF, EWD | Behind the control panel on the top door or inside the chamber (behind the decorative plug) | 📷 |
| Side-by-Side | SB, SBA | In the upper corner of the refrigerator compartment, under the cover with the logo | 📷 |
🔍 Hint: If your model is equipped with display, the thermostat is most likely built into the control board (for example, in Indesit DF 5200 WIn this case, replacement will be required disconnect connectors J4 and J7 on the board.
Step-by-step instructions: how to get the thermostat
Disassembling the refrigerator Indesit requires care - the plastic latches are easy to break. algorithm:
- Turn off the power and remove all products from the chamber.
- Remove the top shelf (in two-chamber models) or unscrew the cover screws (in No Frost).
- Disconnect plastic panel:
- 🔧 In models BIA/BIAA — use a screwdriver to pry the latches on the sides.
- 🔧 In DF/NF — unscrew the 2 screws
Torx T20under decorative cover.
☑️ Preparing to remove the thermostat
⚠️ Attention: In models with No Frost (Indesit DF 4180, NF 5200, the thermostat may be soldered to the boardTo replace, you will need a soldering iron and. solder POS-61.
Photo: where the thermostat is located in popular models
A visual clue will help you find your way faster Below are real photos of the location of thermostats in refrigerators Indesit (clickable for enlarged view):
1. Indesit BIA 18 (BIAA 18)
📷 [Image: the thermostat is under the top shelf, behind a plastic cover with latches. The capillary tube runs along the back wall.]
2. Indesit DF 5200 W (No Frost)
📷 [Image: the control panel on the door is hidden behind a plastic cover, secured with 3 screws. Torx.]
3. Indesit TIA 14
📷 [Image: thermostat inside the refrigerator compartment, next to the light bulb. The cover is attached with clips.]
4. Indesit SB 167 (Side-by-Side)
📷 [Image: upper left corner of the refrigerator compartment under the decorative panel with the brand logo.]
How to distinguish a thermostat from a thermostat. protection relay?
The protection relay (start-up protection) is located on the compressor (at the bottom behind the refrigerator) and looks like a black box with wires. The thermostat is always located inside the chamber or behind the control panel.
How to check the thermostat for functionality
Before running for a new part, make sure that the problem is in the thermostat. For diagnostics you will need multimeter (resistance test mode).
For mechanical thermostats:
- Remove the thermostat (see instructions above).
- Turn the temperature adjustment knob to
MAX. - Touch the multimeter probes to contacts
3 and 4(usually signed). - At room temperature, the resistance should be 0 Ohm (closed).
- Immerse the capillary tube in ice for 2-3 minutes - the resistance should become infinite (open).
For electronic thermostats (NTC sensors):
- 🔧 Disconnect the sensor connector from the board.
- 🔧 Measure the resistance between the terminals at
20°C—there should be ~5–10 kOhm. - 🔧 Heat the sensor with your hand - the resistance should decrease.
⚠️ Attention: If the thermostat is working, but the refrigerator is not cooling, check:
- 🔹 Compressor (should hum and heat up).
- 🔹 Protection relay (check the contacts for a break).
- 🔹 Freon leak (sign - oil on the tubes).
Typical errors when finding and replacing a thermostat
Even experienced users make mistakes that lead to new breakdowns. Here's what you can't do:
- Ignore the markings of the wires. Mixed-up contacts can burn the control board (especially in No Frost).
- Pull out the capillary tube by force. It is secured with a clamp - it must be carefully cut off.
- Buy a thermostat "by eye". Indesit even in the same series there may be different models of thermostats (for example,
K59-L1433vsK59-L1944). - Forget about sealing. After replacing, check the door seal - if it is worn out, the thermostat will operate more often.
💡 Tip: When buying a new thermostat, take the part with with the same markingas on the old one. If the inscriptions are erased, take a photo of the label and show it to the seller.
Where to buy a thermostat for Indesit and how much does it cost
The cost of the thermostat depends on type and model here are the current prices (according to service centers for 2026):
| Thermostat type | Refrigerator models | Part number | Price, ₽ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mechanical (K59) | BIA 18, TIA 14, BIAA 20 | K59-L1433, K59-L1944 |
1 200–1 800 |
| Electronic (NTC sensor) | DF 4180, NF 5200, EWD 6105 | 481241866654, C00347700 |
800–1 500 |
| Thermostat for No Frost (with board) | DF 5200 W, SB 167 | C00314200 (set) |
2 500–3 500 |
🛒 Where to buy:
- 🔹 Official service centers Indesit - 1 year warranty, but prices are 20-30% higher.
- 🔹 Online stores (Beru, AliExpress) - cheaper, but the risk of running into a fake.
- 🔹 Disassembly of household appliances —used parts, but tested (the price is 2-3 times lower).
⚠️ Attention: When purchasing, check whether it is included in the kit capillary tube (for mechanical thermostats, the part is unsuitable for installation!
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about thermostats in Indesit
Can the thermostat be repaired or just replaced?
Mechanical thermostats are not repaired —they are only replaced. Electronic sensors (in No Frost) are sometimes subject to soldering, but this is a temporary solution. In 90% of cases, a new part is required.
Which thermostat is suitable for Indesit BIA 18. 2015?
Thermostats are used for this model K59-L1433 or K59-L1944. Check the marking on the old part - the last numbers may differ.
Why does the refrigerator not turn on after replacing the thermostat?
Probable causes:
- 🔹 The wires are mixed up (check the connection diagram).
- 🔹 The compressor protection relay is faulty.
- 🔹 The control board is damaged (in models with No Frost).
How long does it take to replace a thermostat?
In two-chamber models (BIA, TIA) — 20–30 minutes. In No Frost (DF, NF) - up to 1.5 hours (disassembly of the control panel is required).
Is it possible to temporarily do without a thermostat?
Yes, but this is a last resort:
- Disconnect wires from the thermostat.
- Close the contacts
3 and 4to each other (the compressor will work constantly). - Control the temperature manually and turn off the refrigerator every 4-6 hours.
⚠️ Risk: the compressor will overheat and burn out!