The situation when Indesit refrigerator no longer maintains cold in the upper compartment, while the lower chamber continues to freeze food, is a classic symptom for this brand’s equipment. Owners often experience panic when they see food spoiling in the main compartment while the ice in the freezer remains solid. This separation of temperature conditions indicates that the compressor is working and the refrigerant is circulating, but the heat exchange process in the upper part is disrupted.
Most often, the reason lies in clogged cold supply channels or a malfunction of the defrost system. Unlike older models, modern units with a system have a complex air duct design. If ice blocks the path of cold air, it simply does not reach the food in the refrigerator compartment. Also, the problem may be associated with a freon leak, but in this case the freezer usually stops working, although in the initial stages of a leak the described scenario is also possible. Indesit with the system No Frost or Full No Frost have a complex design of air ducts. If ice blocks the path of cold air, it simply does not reach the food in the refrigerator compartment. The problem may also be associated with a freon leak, but in this case the freezer usually stops working, although in the initial stages of the leak the scenario described is also possible.
Before calling a technician, it is necessary to carry out an initial diagnosis. Malfunction can be either software (controller failure) or mechanical (broken wiring, fan failure). Understanding how your model works will help you quickly identify the source of the problem and avoid unnecessary repair costs. Next, we will analyze in detail the main causes and methods for eliminating them.
Specifics of operation of Indesit two-chamber refrigerators
To understand why refrigerator compartment stopped cooling, you need to understand the physics of the process. Most models Indesit use a single-circuit cooling system. This means that one compressor circulates freon in a single circle, first cooling the evaporator (usually located behind the back wall of the freezer), and then the cold air is distributed to both compartments.
If the freezer is working, it means the compressor starts and there is pressure in the system. However, forced air circulation or proper operation of the dampers is required to cool the upper compartment. In models with No Frost the fan drives cold air from the freezer upward. If this process is disrupted, the temperature in the upper compartment begins to rise, while frost remains below.
It is important to note that in some budget models air circulation occurs naturally or through special channels that are easily clogged with ice when the defrost cycle is disrupted. Temperature conditions in this case it is not automatically regulated, which leads to defrosting products.
Problems with the defrost system and fan
One of the most common reasons why Indesit refrigerator it does not cool in the upper compartment is a malfunction of the defrost system. In units with No Frost frost constantly forms on the evaporator. The heating element (heating element) must be turned on periodically to melt this ice. If the heating element is burned out, the defrost sensor is faulty or the timer is jammed, the evaporator becomes overgrown with a “fur coat”.
Ice blocks the operation of the fan or blocks the channels through which cold air should flow into the refrigerator compartment. As a result, the fan may hum, but no air flows, or it stops due to ice on the blades. This can be visually noticed by a decrease in the operating noise of the unit or its complete absence at the moments when the fan should be working.
⚠️ Attention: If you hear a humming sound, but the cold does not come, do not try to push the ice with sharp objects. This can lead to breakdown of the evaporator and complete loss of freon.
To check, you need to defrost the refrigerator for 24 hours. If after defrosting it began to cool normally, but after 1-2 weeks the problem returned, the diagnosis has been confirmed: the defrosting system is not working. In this case, replacement Defrost heating element, sensor or relay is required.
☑️ Diagnostics of the defrost system
Faults in the thermostat and sensors
In models with mechanical temperature control answers thermostat. If its sensing element is damaged or misaligned, the compressor may not receive a signal that the temperature in the refrigerator compartment is rising. It will turn on only by the sensor in the freezer (if there is one) or work in emergency mode, which is only enough for freezing, but not for cooling the upper compartment.
In electronic models Indesit air sensors are responsible for control. Their readings may be distorted due to oxidation of contacts or internal failure. Electronic module receives incorrect data and does not start the compressor at full power or does not open the air damper.
Often users independently turn the thermostat knob, trying to “increase” the cold. This is a mistake. If the system is faulty, changing the position of the handle will not help, but will only load the compressor. In modern models with a display, an error may light up, for example, flashing temperature indicators, which directly indicates a problem with the sensor.
How to check the thermostat?
To check the mechanical thermostat, you need to remove it and immerse the sensitive tube in cold water with ice. If there is no click and the multimeter shows an open circuit, the part must be replaced. In electronic models, the resistance of the sensor is checked at different temperatures.
Refrigerant leakage and system blockage
Although with a complete leak of freon, the refrigerator usually stops freezing completely, a partial leak or clogging of the capillary tube can give the effect of a “running freezer.” There is less refrigerant in the system, and there is only enough of it for the first circuit (the evaporator in the freezer), and it simply does not reach the refrigeration compartment or does not reach in sufficient quantity.
Clogging often occurs due to moisture in the system or compressor wear products that clog the narrow section capillary. In this case, compressor it can work almost non-stop, trying to gain temperature, but there will be no effect. On the rear radiator grille, only the lower part may be cold, and the upper part may be warm.
| Symptom | Probable cause | Necessary actions |
|---|---|---|
| The freezer is freezing, the top is warm | The capillary tube is clogged | Purge the system, replace the filter |
| The compressor is hot, running non-stop | Leakage freon | Searching for leaks, evacuation, refilling |
| A gurgling sound is heard | Lack of refrigerant | Diagnostics of circuit tightness |
| The capacitor (grid at the back) is cold | Complete leak or breakdown | Urgent call for a technician |
Diagnostics of a leak requires professional equipment. You can independently only visually inspect the places where the tubes are soldered for oily stains - this is where the gas usually escapes. An oil stain on the tubes is a 90% guarantee of freon leakage.
Problems with the air damper and channels
In refrigerators Indesit mechanical jamming is often encountered with the air distribution system air damper. This device regulates the flow of cold air from the freezer to the refrigerator compartment. If the damper is closed and stuck in this position (due to ice or drive failure), the cold simply does not flow up.
Also, the channels through which air moves can be clogged with foreign objects. Users sometimes accidentally push food close to the duct opening on the back wall, blocking the air flow. In this case, simply move the packages away from the back wall.
You can check the operation of the damper by listening to the characteristic click when turning on the refrigerator or changing the mode. In electronic models, the damper drive may burn out, and then it will need to be replaced. Without cold air temperature in the upper compartment it will quickly become equal to room temperature.
When you need to call a specialist
There are a number of situations when self-repair is not only ineffective, but also dangerous. If, after complete defrosting (24 hours), the refrigerator worked for a couple of days and stopped cooling again, the problem is in the defrosting system or a leak. If you hear that the compressor starts for a couple of seconds and turns off with a click, there may be a problem with the start relay or the motor itself.
Work related to refrigerant (freon) requires a license and special equipment. Refilling with freon at home without evacuation of the system will lead to rapid breakdown of the compressor. Also, do not independently open the foamed parts of the housing in search of a leak if you do not have experience.
⚠️ Attention: Models Indesit may have hidden evaporators in the partition between the chambers. Their repair requires disassembling the case and professional sealing. Do not try to pick at the walls with a screwdriver.
If you do not have the skills to work with a multimeter and do not know how to check the circuit Heating element or fan, it is better to contact a service center. Incorrect diagnosis can lead to the purchase of unnecessary spare parts.
Prevention of repeated breakdowns
In order Indesit refrigerator to serve for a long time and not create problems with temperature, it is important to follow the operating rules. Check the rubber seals on the doors regularly. If they do not fit tightly, warm, humid air enters the chamber, which quickly turns into ice on the evaporator, causing the same problems with the system No Frost.
Do not put hot foods in the chamber. This creates excess load on the compressor and contributes to the formation of abundant condensate, which freezes in the channels. It is also important to periodically (once a year) clean the drainage hole to remove melt water, if your model requires it.
Compliance with the temperature regime in the room is also important. If the refrigerator is located near a radiator or in direct sun, the system may not be able to cope with heat removal, which will lead to malfunctions and uneven cooling of the chambers.
Why did the refrigerator work after defrosting, but a week later it stopped again?
This is a classic sign of a malfunction of the defrosting system. The ice melted during the downtime, the channels became free, and the cold began to creep in. But since the heating element or sensor does not work, new ice again builds up on the evaporator and after 5-10 days completely blocks the air flow. Replacement of parts of the defrosting system is required.
Is it possible to operate the refrigerator if the upper chamber is not cold?
For a short time, it is possible, food from the freezer will not disappear. However, prolonged operation in this mode is harmful to the compressor, which can work without shutting down, trying to gain temperature. In addition, bacteria will begin to multiply in a warm chamber.
How much does it cost to repair the No Frost system in Indesit?
The cost depends on the region and the specific breakdown. Replacing the heating element or sensor is usually cheaper than repairing the compressor or finding a leak in the foamed part. The exact price can be found out only after diagnostics by a specialist.
How to quickly defrost an Indesit refrigerator correctly?
Disconnect the device from the mains, open the doors and take out all the food. Leave it on for 24 hours. Do not use a hair dryer or hot water to speed up the process - this may damage the plastic and evaporator tubes. Place rags to collect water.