How to check the Indesit refrigerator compressor yourself: a step-by-step guide with photos and diagrams

Why does the Indesit refrigerator compressor require checking?

The compressor is the “heart” of the refrigerator Indesit, responsible for circulating the refrigerant and maintaining the set temperature. If it fails, the equipment stops freezing, makes uncharacteristic sounds, or refuses to turn on at all. According to statistics from service centers, refrigerator repairs are related specifically to compressor malfunctions. 40% of calls Refrigerator repairs are related specifically to compressor malfunctions.

The problem is that many users confuse the symptoms of a compressor breakdown with other malfunctions - for example, a freon leak or a thermostat failure. As a result, time and money are wasted on unnecessary repairs. This article will help accurately determine the condition of the compressor without calling a technician, using simple tools and observation.

We will look at unique signs of malfunction of Indesit compressors of the C, T, B and NF serieswhich are often ignored even by experienced repairmen. For example, why models with inverter compressors (Indesit ITR 5200) can be “silent” when they break down, while regular ones can buzz loudly. Or how to distinguish a jammed motor from an interturn short circuit of the windings.

Signs of a compressor malfunction: when it’s time to sound the alarm

The first diagnostic step is an analysis of the “symptoms”. The compressor Indesit can send distress signals long before complete failure. Here are the key signs that cannot be ignored:

• 🔊 The refrigerator does not turn onbut the light inside is on. This indicates a problem with the start relay or a break in the compressor winding.
• ❄️ The temperature in the chambers does not fall below +10°C, despite the maximum settings. There may be a freon leak or loss of compressor performance.
• ⚡ The compressor turns on for 1-2 seconds and turns off is a classic sign of an interturn short circuit or a malfunction of the starting capacitor.
• 🔥 The compressor housing gets very hot (more than 90°C), which is felt when touched. Normal operating temperature is up to 60-70°C.
• 💥 Extraneous sounds: knocking, grinding or loud humming that was not there before. This may indicate mechanical wear of the piston group.

Particular attention should be paid to models Indesit with the No Frost system (for example, Indesit DF 5200). In them, the compressor works in tandem with a fan, and if the latter fails, users often mistakenly blame the compressor. Before diagnostics be sure to check the rotation of the fan in the freezer.

⚠️ Attention: If the refrigerator Indesit was manufactured before 2015, a compressor may be installed in it old model with an asynchronous motor. Such models (Indesit BI 16, Indesit C 132) are more susceptible to interturn short circuits due to outdated winding insulation.

Preparation for diagnostics: tools and safety measures

Before checking the compressor, it is necessary to prepare tools and ensure safety. You will need:

• 🔧 A Phillips and flathead screwdriver —to remove the back panel.
• 📊 Multimeter (preferably digital)—to check the resistance of the windings.
• 🔌 Voltage tester or an indicator screwdriver—to make sure in the absence of current.
• 📸 Smartphone —to fix the location of the wires before disconnecting.

The procedure for disconnecting the refrigerator:

1. Unplug the sockets.
2. Wait for complete defrosting (if the compressor was previously running).
3. Move the refrigerator away from the wall to gain access to the back panel.
4. Remove the protective cover by unscrewing 4-6 screws (their location depends on the model).

⚠️ Attention: Do not touch the compressor immediately after switching off - its housing can be heated to 80°C. Let cool for at least 30 minutes. Also avoid contact with refrigerant tubes: if damaged, freon can cause frostbite to the skin.

Method 1: Visual inspection of the Indesit compressor

Start with an external inspection. The compressor in refrigerators Indesit is usually located at the bottom of the back wall and is a black oval block with tubes. Pay attention to the following parts:

• 🔍 Condition of the pipes: they must be clean, without traces of oil or corrosion. Oil drips indicate depressurization of the system.
• 🔗 Compressor mounting: if it is loose or displaced, this may indicate vibration wear of the shock absorbers.
• 🔥 Casing color: darkening or melting of the insulation indicates overheating.
• 💧 Condensation on the tubes: normally, dew should form on them when working. If the tubes are dry, the freon may have leaked.

Inspect especially carefully Starting relay the small box attached to the compressor. Models Indesit often use a relay DANFOSS 103N0022 or ASCO 115. Signs of its malfunction:

• Darkening or melting of the plastic case.
• Characteristic burning smell.
• Cracks on the cover.

If the relay is external damaged, you can replace it yourself - it’s cheaper than repairing the compressor. The cost of the original relay for Indesit is from 800 to 1500 rubles.

How to distinguish an Indesit compressor from other brands?

Indesit compressors are usually marked with an alphanumeric code starting with EM (for example, EM120JXK). They are also often painted matte black, while some other brands (for example, LG) have compressors that are gray or metallic.

Method 2: Checking the winding resistance with a multimeter

This is the most reliable diagnostic method that allows you to identify break, interturn short circuit or breakdown to the case. To check:

1. Disconnect the wires from the compressor (take a photo of their location!).
2. Find three winding terminals:
   • C (common output)
   • S (starting winding)
   • R (working winding)

Set the multimeter to resistance measurement mode (200 Ohm).

Normal indicators for Indesit compressors:

How to interpret the results:

• ✅ All three indicators are normal —the compressor is working.
• ❌ Unlimited resistance (OL). data-i="164">In inverter compressors ( between any terminals there is a winding break.
• ⚡ Resistance is close to 0 — interturn closure.
• 🔌 Breakdown to the body (resistance between terminals and metal case < 1 MOhm) - replacement required.

⚠️ Attention: In inverter compressors (Indesit ITR 5200), the winding resistance may differ from standard values. For an accurate diagnosis, check the data on the compressor nameplate.

Method 3: Checking the starting and operating current

This method requires the presence of current clamps or a multimeter with a current measurement function (up to 10 A). It allows you to identify problems that are not visible when checking resistance - for example, jamming of the piston group or valve malfunction.

Procedure:

1. Connect compressor to the network through a current clamp (or in series with a multimeter in current measurement mode).
2. Start the refrigerator.
3. Fix starting current (the first 1-2 seconds) and operating current (5-10 seconds after Starting current). current:

Normal values ​​for Indesit compressors:

• 🔌 Starting current: 8–12 A (short term).
• ⚡ Operating current: 0.8–1.5 A (depending on the model).

Deviations and their causes:

• 🔥 Starting current > 15 A — interturn short circuit or jamming of the rotor.
• ❄️ Operating current < 0.5 A —freon leak or wear of the piston group.
• ⚡ The current jumps or disappears —failure of the starting relay or capacitor.

If the current readings are outside the norm, the compressor must be replaced. Repairing the windings or piston group at home impractical is a temporary solution that does not guarantee reliability.

Method 4: Diagnostics without instruments (for emergency cases)

If you don’t have a multimeter or current clamps at hand, you can carry out an express test “by hearing and touch.” This method is less accurate, but will help identify critical malfunctions:

1. Checking switching on:
   • Connect the refrigerator to the network.
   • Listen: a working compressor should hum quietly (not grind and do not knock).
   • If you hear relay clicksbut the compressor does not start, the problem is in the windings or the starting device.
2. Heating test:
   • Let the compressor run for 10-15 minutes.
   • Touch the body: it should be warm (up to 60°C)but not scalding.
   • If the housing cold —there is no compression (freon leakage or jamming).
   • If excessively hot (more than 90°C)—turn-to-turn short circuit or overload.

Check vibration:

• Put your hand on the compressor housing.
• Slight vibration is normal, strong shaking is a sign rotor imbalance or shock absorber wear.

This method will not replace a full diagnosis, but it will help weed out obvious faults. For example, if the compressor does not turn on and its housing is cold, most likely the problem is a broken winding or a faulty relay.

Why may the Indesit compressor not start if the windings are working?

There may be reasons external:

- Thermostat malfunction (does not give a signal to turn on).

- Failure of the electronic module (in models with a display).

- Low voltage in the network (less than 190 V).

- Fan jamming (in No Frost systems).

Method 5: Checking compression (for experienced users)

This method requires pressure gauge skills in working with refrigerant. It allows you to evaluate discharge pressurewhat the compressor creates. Normal values for Indesit:

• 🔹 Discharge pressure (high pressure): 12–18 bar.
• 🔹 Suction pressure (low pressure): 0.5–1.5 bar.

How to check:

1. Connect the gauge manifold to the service port (usually located on the suction tube).
2. Start the compressor.
3. Compare the readings with the standard ones. If the discharge pressure is below 8 bar, the compressor is worn out.

This test is relevant for refrigerators older than 5 years, where the compressor may have lost performance due to natural wear. In new models (Indesit ITF 5200 W, Indesit ITR 5200 X), a drop in compression is often associated with freon leakage through microcracks in the circuit.

⚠️ Attention: Working with refrigerant requires certification. In Russia, independent intervention in the sealed circuit of the refrigerator is punishable by a fine (Article 8.2 of the Code of Administrative Offenses) due to environmental risks. If you are not a specialist, entrust the compression check to a specialist.

What to do if the compressor is faulty?

If diagnostics confirm a compressor breakdown, you have three options actions:

1. Replacement of the compressor:
   • The cost of a new compressor for Indesit is from 5,000 to 12,000 rubles (depending on the model).
   • The work of a master will cost 3,000–6 000 rubles.
   • For models older than 7 years, replacement may not be practical - it is cheaper to buy a new refrigerator.
2. Repair of windings:
   • Possible only in case of interturn short circuit or break.
   • Cost - 2,000–4,000 rubles, but there is no guarantee for such repairs.
   • After 6–12 months the problem may recur.

Purchase of a used compressor:

• Price - 2,000–5 000 rubles.
• The risk is high: the resource of a used compressor may be running out.
• Before purchasing, check the resistance of the windings!

If you decide to replace the compressor yourself, consider:

• 🔧 The new compressor must be the same model or fully compatible in terms of characteristics (power, type of refrigerant, current).
• 💨 When replacing, be sure to evacuate the system (remove moisture and air) and fill in a new one freon.
• ⚖️ The weight of freon must correspond to the norm for your model (indicated on the compressor nameplate).

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about Indesit compressors

Is it possible to repair an Indesit compressor with your own hands?

Theoretically yes, but in practice it is impractical. Repairing the windings or piston group at home does not guarantee durability. In addition, to disassemble the compressor you need special equipment (pipe cutter, rolling machine, copper welding machine). In 90% of cases, it is cheaper and more reliable to install a new compressor.

Why does the Indesit compressor get very hot?

Causes of compressor overheating:

• Interturn short circuit in windings.
• High pressure in the circuit (clogged capillary tube).
• Insufficient ventilation (dust on the condenser).
• Work in a hot room (temperature above +30°C).

Normal case temperature - up to 60–70°C. If the compressor heats up to 90°C or higher, it must be turned off immediately and checked.

How to check an Indesit compressor without a multimeter?

Without instruments you can only carry out a visual inspection and a hearing test:

1. Listen to see if it turns on compressor (a quiet hum should be heard).
2. Check whether the housing heats up after 10-15 minutes of operation.
3. Inspect the starting relay for burning or cracks.

However, without a multimeter you will not be able to identify broken windings or interturn short circuit For accurate diagnostics, the device is necessary.

How much does it cost to replace a compressor at a service center?

The cost depends on the refrigerator model and region:

• Replacement of a compressor - 5,000–12 000 rubles (with spare parts).
• Freon refilling - 1,500–3,000 rubles.
• Diagnostics - 500–1,000 rubles (sometimes free for repairs).

For refrigerators Indesit over 5 years old they often offer discounts on a new device when returning the old one for repair.

Can an Indesit compressor work without freon?

No, compressor cannot be turned on without freon! This will lead to:

• Overheating of the windings (due to lack of refrigerant cooling).
• Seizing of the piston group (no lubrication).
• Failure valves.

If you suspect a freon leak, immediately turn off the refrigerator and call a technician.