Operation of household appliances Indesit often involves the need for periodic maintenance or replacement of worn-out components. Owners of units are faced with situations when the light stops turning on, the temperature is disrupted, or the rubber door seal wears out. The ability to replace these elements yourself allows you to save significant money and time waiting for a technician.
Before starting any manipulations, it is important to understand that a refrigerator is a complex electromechanical device. Safety is an absolute priority when carrying out work. Any replacement of parts requires first disconnecting the device from the electrical network. Ignoring this rule may result in electric shock or failure of the control electronics.
In this article we will look in detail at how to change key consumables and components in refrigerators Indesit. We will look at replacing the thermostat, light bulb, sealing rubber and analyze the features of dismantling the internal shelves. This guide will help you return your equipment to working order in the shortest possible time.
Preparation of tools and safety measures
Any repair begins with organizing the workplace and preparing the necessary tools. To replace most parts in refrigerators Indesit you will need a standard DIY kit. The absence of the necessary tool can lead to damage to the plastic fasteners or breakage of the screw threads.
The main list of tools includes screwdrivers (Phillips and flathead), pliers, scissors and, possibly, a hair dryer for working with the seal. It is also a good idea to have a multimeter on hand to check electrical circuits if you plan to change the thermostat or start relay.
A critically important step is to completely disconnect the device from the network. It is not enough to simply turn off the light in the camera - you must remove the plug from the socket. This will protect you from accidental electric shock when contacting internal conductors.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting work, be sure to defrost the refrigerator if you plan to replace components in contact with the evaporator or requiring tilting of the unit.
Organize the space around the refrigerator so as to provide free access to the back wall and doors. Remove rugs and foreign objects that may interfere with the movement of heavy equipment.
☑️ Preparation for repair
Replacing the thermostat (thermostat) in single-chamber models
Thermostat is a device that controls the temperature inside the refrigeration chamber and turns the compressor on or off. In single-chamber models Indesit it often fails, which leads to either constant operation of the motor or complete cooling failure. Replacing this element requires care.
First you need to remove the plastic casing that hides the thermostat. It is usually located inside the refrigerator compartment or on an external panel, depending on the model series. The mounting screws can be hidden under decorative plugs.
After removing the casing, you will see the thermostat itself with the wires and capillary tube suitable for it. Capillary tube is a thin copper conductor filled with refrigerant, which is very sensitive to damage. It should not be bent at an acute angle or squeezed with pliers.
The replacement process is as follows:
- 🔌 Take a photo of the wire connection diagram so as not to confuse the contacts during assembly.
- 🔧 Carefully disconnect the terminals, first marking them with a marker if the insulation colors are the same.
- ❄️ Remove the sensing tube from the evaporator, being careful not to damage the aluminum fins of the heat exchanger.
- 🆕 Install a new thermostat with similar characteristics and capillary tube length.
It is important to choose a thermostat with exactly the same parameters, otherwise the temperature regime will be disrupted. The markings are usually applied to the body of the old device.
After installing the new element, reassemble the structure in the reverse order. Turn on the refrigerator and check its operation for several hours. The compressor should turn on and off periodically.
How to check the serviceability of the thermostat with a multimeter?
To check, remove the thermostat and put the multimeter in dial mode. At room temperature, the contacts should be closed (unless it is a thermostat with normally open contacts). When placing the sensor in a cold place (for example, in a freezer), the circuit should open. If the continuity test shows an open or short circuit in both positions, the part is faulty.
Replacing the lighting lamp and ceiling
The lack of light in the refrigerator compartment is a common problem that is often solved by simply replacing the light bulb. Refrigerators Indesit use special lamps that are resistant to vibration and temperature changes. An ordinary household lamp can quickly burn out or burst.
Access to the lamp is usually closed with a plastic shade. In older models it can be secured with screws, in new ones it can be held on with latches. Be careful when removing the lampshade: the plastic becomes brittle in the cold and easily breaks if handled carelessly.
If the lampshade is removed, unscrew the burnt out lamp counterclockwise. Pay attention to the base: in most cases, a standard base is used E14, but there are other options. The lamp power is usually 15 W or 25 W.
⚠️ Attention: Do not touch the glass bulb of a new halogen or special lamp with your bare hands. Fatty traces can lead to local overheating and rapid failure of the product. Use a dry cloth.
After installing a new lamp, check the lighting operation by opening and closing the door. If the light does not come on, the problem may be with the switch button located inside the housing or with the wiring.
Removing and replacing the door sealing band
The sealing band (cuff) ensures the tightness of the refrigerator and freezer compartments. Over time, it loses elasticity, cracks or deforms, which leads to cold leakage and the formation of ice. Replacing the seal is a procedure that requires patience.
In refrigerators Indesit the seal can be attached in two ways: by gluing or inserting into a special groove in the door profile. You can determine the type of fastening by carefully bending the edge of the elastic band. If the screw or profile into which it is inserted is visible underneath, there is one method; if it is simply glued, there is another.
When replacing by inserting into a groove, it is recommended to warm up the new seal before installation. This can be done with a hair dryer or by soaking the rubber in hot water (about 70-80°C) for a few minutes. The heated rubber becomes more elastic and fits into the groove easier.
Installation process:
- 🧹 Thoroughly clean and degrease the surface of the door and profile groove.
- 🔥 Warm up the new seal to make it elastic.
- 🖐️ Start inserting the elastic from the top corner, evenly distributing it around the perimeter.
- 🔨 If necessary, use a plastic spatula to push the elastic into the groove without damaging it.
After installation, the door should be tightly closed and possibly secured with a weight for several hours to The seal has taken the correct shape. Check the tightness using a sheet of paper: clamp it with a closed door around the entire perimeter - it should be removed with force.
Replacing the start relay and compressor protection
If the refrigerator hums but does not start, or starts for a few seconds and clicks, the problem often lies in the start relay or thermal protection relay. These elements are located in a black box on the back wall, directly on the compressor.
To access the relay, you must remove the metal or plastic cover covering the compressor compartment. It is usually secured with latches or screws. Inside you will see the compressor itself and a block with wires attached to it.
The start relay is a small plastic block that fits onto the contacts of the compressor. It can be easily removed by disconnecting the wires and loosening the retaining bracket. Inside the relay there is a coil and contacts that burn or stick over time.
When replacing, it is important to observe the polarity of the connection, although often the connectors have a unique shape that does not allow them to be connected incorrectly. However, it is better to double-check the connection diagram, since in some modifications Indesit there are non-standard solutions.
| Symptom | Possible cause | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Clicks, no start | Faulty starting relay | Replacing the relay |
| Humming, overheating | Stuck compressor or relay | Checking the compressor |
| Frequent switching on | Thermal relay is faulty | Replacement of protection |
| No response to switching on | Open circuit or thermostat | Diagnostics electricians |
After replacing the relay, assemble the casing and turn on the refrigerator. If the compressor operates smoothly and steadily, the repair can be considered successful. If the problem persists, the compressor itself or the electronic control module may be faulty.
Removing and installing glass shelves and plastic containers
Often the question “how to change” concerns not electrics, but mechanical damage to shelves and drawers. Glass can break due to the weight of food, and plastic can crack due to frost. In refrigerators Indesit the design of the shelves usually allows them to be easily dismantled.
Glass shelves are supported by plastic stops or metal guides. To remove the shelf, you need to lift or tilt it slightly to disengage it from the latches. Do not use excessive force - plastic can be brittle.
Plastic freezer drawers are often mounted on skids. To replace them, you need to pull out the drawer all the way until it stops, then lift its front part and pull it towards you. Installation is carried out in the reverse order.
If you are replacing a shelf with a thicker or non-standard one, make sure that it will not interfere with closing the door or touch the food. The gap between the shelf and the products should be at least 2-3 cm for normal air circulation.
⚠️ Attention: When installing a glass shelf, make sure that it lies level on all supports. Misalignment can lead to its destruction under the weight of food.
To wash and replace elements of the interior, use warm water and a mild detergent. Do not use abrasive powders, which can scratch plastic or glass.
What to do if the shelf does not fit after replacement?
Sometimes new shelves may have slightly different dimensions. Check that you have installed the guides correctly. In some models Indesit the height of the shelves can be adjusted by moving the plastic stops to other holes on the back wall.
Frequently asked questions and answers (FAQ)
Can I use regular silicone sealant to glue the seal?
It is not recommended to use regular construction silicone, as it may contain fungicides that are hazardous to food and does not have the necessary elasticity at low temperatures. It is better to use a special adhesive for refrigeration seals or a groove installation method.
Where can I find the part number to order a replacement?
The part number (part number) is usually indicated on the part itself. For thermostats and relays - on the housing. For seals - on the inside of the elastic. The number can also be found in the service documentation for your model Indesit or on specialized websites using the catalog number of the refrigerator.
Is it necessary to evacuate the system when replacing a thermostat?
No, when replacing a thermostat, lamp, relay or seal, evacuating the system is not required. These works do not imply a violation of the tightness of the freon circuit. Evacuation is only necessary when repairing freon leaks or replacing the compressor.
Why does the light not come on after replacing the lamp?
There may be several reasons: the new lamp has burned out (this also happens), the door switch is faulty, the contacts in the socket have oxidized, or the wiring is broken. Check for voltage on the cartridge contacts with the door open.
How often do you need to change the rubber seal?
The service life of the seal is on average 5-7 years, but depends on operating conditions. If the rubber band has become hard, sticky, cracked or no longer holds the magnet, it must be changed immediately, otherwise this will lead to increased energy consumption.