The situation when Indesit refrigerator stops maintaining the set temperature often leaves the owner with a choice: call a technician or try to fix the problem yourself. In most cases, the cause of a violation of the temperature regime is a failure of the thermostat (thermostat). This device is responsible for turning the compressor on and off, controlling the degree of cooling of the chambers.
Choosing the right replacement is not so much a difficult task as it requires attention to detail. An error in choosing a model can lead to the unit working either “non-stop” or not turning on at all. In this article, we will analyze all the nuances of labeling, compatibility and installation so that you can return your equipment to functionality at minimal cost.
The modern market offers many analogues, but original spare parts Indesit (often produced by Tam or Orbital) have their own design features. Understanding the operating principle of this unit will help you avoid unnecessary expenses on unnecessary experiments and the purchase of unsuitable components.
Diagnostics of a thermostat malfunction
Before going to the store for spare parts, you need to make sure that the problem lies in the thermostat, and not in a freon leak or a malfunction of the start relay. Symptoms may be similar, but the elimination methods are different. If the refrigerator compressor runs continuously without turning off, and a “snowball” has formed in the freezer chamber, and food freezes in the main chamber, this is a classic sign of sticking thermostat contacts.
The opposite situation, when the refrigerator is silent and does not respond to turns of the regulator knob, also indicates an open circuit inside sensor However, to rule out other causes, it is worth carrying out a simple check. To do this, you need to get to the installation location of the thermostat (usually the inside of the refrigerator compartment or the space behind the plastic panel).
⚠️ Attention: Carry out any work on diagnosing and replacing electrical equipment only after completely disconnecting the refrigerator from the power supply. Failure to follow safety instructions may result in electric shock.
For initial testing, you can use the “short circuit” method. If you close the wires coming from the thermostat and the compressor starts, it means the engine is working and the problem is really in the sensor. If the motor hums, but does not start, or is silent, the problem may be deeper.
Types of thermostats for Indesit
In refrigerators Indesit mechanical thermostats with a capillary tube are most often used. The principle of their operation is based on the expansion and contraction of gas or liquid inside the tube when the temperature changes. When the temperature reaches a set value, the pressure in the tube acts on the membrane, opening or closing the electrical contacts.
There are several main series of thermostats that were installed in different years of production of the equipment. The most common marking models are TAM (manufactured by Danfoss/Secop) and K (manufactured by Ranco). They may differ in the length of the capillary tube, thread diameter, body shape and the presence of additional contacts.
It is important to consider that for single-compressor and double-compressor models of refrigerators Indesit different types of sensors can be used. For example, the thermostat for the refrigerator compartment will have one temperature range, and for the freezer it will have a completely different one. Installing an unsuitable sensor will lead to incorrect operation of the entire unit.
Deciphering the markings and table of analogues
The most reliable way to select a replacement is to rely on the markings on the body of the old thermostat. Usually it looks like a set of letters and numbers, for example TAM 133 or K 59-L 1102. Manufacturers often change component suppliers, so the same model range of refrigerators Indesit can be equipped with different sensors.
Below is a correspondence table for the most common models of thermostats installed in appliances Indesit, Ariston and Stinol. This will help you find a suitable analogue if the original part is discontinued.
| Original / Model | Analogue (Replacement) | Tube length | Application |
|---|---|---|---|
| TAM 133 | K 59-L 1102 | 0.75 m | Refrigerator compartment |
| TAM 145 | K 59-L 1274 | 0.90 m | Refrigerator compartment |
| TAM 112 | K 50-L 1906 | 0.55 m | Freezer compartment |
| TAM 132 | K 57-L 1015 | 0.60 m | Single-chamber models |
When choosing an analogue, pay attention not only to the letter code, but also to technical characteristics. The length of the capillary tube should be equal to or slightly longer than the original (the excess can be carefully laid in coils). The diameter of the thread must also match, otherwise you will not be able to fix the sensor in the seat.
Where to find the markings on the refrigerator
Sometimes it happens that the old thermostat has already been removed, and its markings have worn off or are not readable. In this case, you can try to determine the required model by the service sticker of the refrigerator itself Indesit. It is usually located inside the refrigerator compartment on the side wall or on the outside rear wall.
You need the Model number, which looks like a combination of letters and numbers, for example DF 4180 W or CB 320 AA. Knowing the exact model of the unit, you can refer to spare parts catalogs or service manuals. However, this method is less reliable, since the manufacturing plant could make changes to the design in different years of production.
If the model number does not give an unambiguous answer, you will have to use the method of elimination. Measure the length of the capillary tube (if it remains in the system) and the number of contacts. It is also important to know which camera the sensor is being selected for. Dual-chamber models Indesit often use two different thermostats: one for the “plus” chamber, the other for the freezer.
⚠️ Attention: Do not rely solely on the visual similarity of new and old parts. Different models may have the same appearance, but differ in temperature response threshold, which will lead to spoilage of products.
Instructions for replacing the thermostat
The process of replacing the thermostat in refrigerators Indesit requires care, but it can be done at home. The main thing is not to damage the capillary tube, since it is very thin and sensitive to mechanical stress. Before starting work, prepare the tools: screwdrivers (Phillips and flathead), pliers and, possibly, a multimeter.
First you need to gain access to the sensor installation location. In most models Indesit the thermostat is hidden behind a plastic cover inside the refrigerator compartment or behind a decorative panel at the end of the case. Unscrew the fastening screws and remove the plastic.
☑️ Action plan for replacement
The next step is the dismantling. Carefully disconnect the electrical wires from the thermostat contacts. It is advisable to first photograph the connection diagram or mark the wires with a marker so as not to confuse them during assembly. Then carefully pull the capillary tube out of the evaporator. It can be secured with latches or simply inserted into the hole.
Installation of a new element is carried out in the reverse order. Insert the tube into the seat at the same depth as the old one. Secure the thermostat housing with screws and connect the wires according to the diagram. After assembly, do not rush to turn on the refrigerator - let the system stabilize.
Setting up and checking operation after replacement
After installing a new thermostat, it is necessary to carry out its initial setup. Mechanical sensors Indesit often require adjustment with a screw located on the body. This screw is usually sealed or filled with compound, but many analogues have an available adjustment screw for a slotted screwdriver.
Rotating the screw clockwise usually increases the shutdown temperature (the refrigerator will turn off at a higher temperature), and counterclockwise - lowers it. However, the exact values depend on the specific thermostat model. The initial setting is best done using an external thermometer placed in a glass of water in the center of the chamber.
Start the refrigerator and leave it running for several hours. Check at what temperature the compressor turns off and at what temperature it turns on. The difference (hysteresis) should be about 2-4 degrees Celsius. If the refrigerator turns off too early or does not turn off at all, further adjustment is required.
What to do if the new thermostat clicks, but does not turn on the compressor?
If you hear a characteristic click, but the motor does not start, the problem may not be in the thermostat. Check the compressor start relay - it often fails at the same time as other elements. It is also worth checking the compressor itself for winding breaks. Sometimes the reason lies in poor contact in the terminal block.
Is it possible to install a thermostat from another brand, for example, from Atlant or Biryusa?
Theoretically, this is possible if the dimensions, length of the capillary tube and temperature range match. However, thermostats from different manufacturers may have different contact logic (normally open or normally closed). Installing a sensor that is not suitable according to the logic of operation will lead to incorrect operation of the refrigerator or its breakdown.
How can you understand that the thermostat is “lying” and shows the wrong temperature?
If the regulator knob is at maximum and the food in the refrigerator compartment is thawed, or vice versa - at minimum everything freezes, then the calibration of the sensor is broken. In mechanical thermostats, this is often treated with an adjusting screw, but if the adjustment range is exhausted, the part requires replacement.