How to independently check the Indesit refrigerator compressor for functionality: step-by-step guide

The compressor is the “heart” of the refrigerator Indesit, and its malfunction leads to complete or partial failure of the equipment. If your refrigerator has stopped freezing, is buzzing loudly or does not turn on at all, the first thing you should check is this particular unit. In 80% of cases, the problem lies in the compressor or related elements: start-up relay, windings, capacitor.

In this article you will find detailed instructions for diagnosing the compressor without calling a technician - from visual inspection to checking with a multimeter. We will analyze the typical “symptoms” of a breakdown, learn to distinguish a compressor malfunction from problems with the thermostat or freon leak, and also provide a checklist for a quick check. All methods are adapted for models Indesit (including popular series C 132 NF, B 18 FNF, T 167 NF and others).

⚠️ Important: Working with electrical appliances requires caution. If you are not confident in your skills, it is better to contact a specialist. The article provides methods that can be performed without disassembling the refrigerator without disassembling the refrigerator and risk of electric shock.

1. Signs of a malfunctioning Indesit refrigerator compressor

Before taking out the tools, determine whether the problem is really in the compressor. Here are the key “symptoms” that indicate its breakdown:

• 🔊 The refrigerator does not turn on —there is no characteristic hum of the motor, the light inside is on, but there is no cooling.
• ❄️ It does not freeze upper/lower chamber —the compressor works, but the temperature does not drop to the desired level.
• ⚡ The compressor turns on for 1–2 seconds and turns off —protection is triggered due to a short circuit or interturn breakdown.
• 🔥 The compressor housing gets very hot (hotter than usual)—may indicate overload or jamming.
• 💡 The refrigerator runs without stopping —the compressor does not turn off, trying to compensate for freon leakage or low efficiency.

If you observe at least one of these signs, proceed to diagnostics. But first rule out other possible causes:

• 🔌 Check whether the refrigerator is connected to the outlet and whether there is voltage in it (connect another device).
• ❄️ Make sure that the thermostat is not turned off (turn the knob to minimum cooling).
• 🧊 Inspect fan in freezer (if there is No Frost) - it could have iced up and block circulation.

2. Preparing for the test: what you will need

To diagnose the compressor Indesit no professional tools are needed. Enough:

• 🔧 Phillips screwdriver —to remove the rear panel (if you need access to the compressor).
• 📊 Multimeter (tester)—to check the windings and resistance. Even a budget model is suitable.
• 🔌 Extension cord with lamp (optional) - to check the voltage in the outlet.
• 🧲 Magnet - will help determine whether the compressor rotor is rotating (more details in section 5).

If there is no multimeter, some checks can be performed without instruments (sections 3 and 4). But for accurate diagnosis, a tester is necessary.

3. Visual inspection of the compressor

Start with an external inspection. The compressor in refrigerators Indesit is usually located at the bottom of the rear wall and is a black metal cylinder with tubes and a start-up relay.

What to check:

• 🔍 Casing integrity —cracks, dents or traces of oil indicate mechanical damage.
• 🔥 Overheating - if the compressor is too hot (it is impossible to hold your hand), this is a sign of jamming or problems with the windings.
• 💧 Traces of oil around the tubes - may indicate a freon leak or damaged seals.
• 🔌 Condition of the terminals - oxidation, melting or burnt contacts indicate electrical problems.

Also pay attention to start-up relay (small box on the compressor). If it is cracked, melted or smells like burning, it needs to be replaced.

What does a working Indesit compressor look like?

A working compressor should be clean, without traces of oil and rust. During operation, it vibrates evenly, and its body heats up to ~50–60°C (tolerable for the hand). If the compressor is “silent” or makes clicking noises without starting, the problem is in the windings or relays.

4. Checking the compressor without instruments

If you don’t have a multimeter at hand, you can perform basic diagnostics using improvised means.

Method 1: Checking rotor rotation with a magnet

This method helps determine whether the compressor is mechanically jammed.

1. Disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply.
2. Bring the magnet to the compressor body (not to the tubes!).
3. Plug in the refrigerator.

Result:

• ✅ If the magnet vibrates or moves slightly —the rotor rotates, there are no mechanical blockages.
• ❌ If the magnet does not respond —the compressor is jammed or does not receive power.

Method 2: Check the voltage in the outlet

Sometimes the problem lies not in the refrigerator, but in the power supply.

1. Plug in the same socket another device (for example, a table lamp).
2. If the lamp does not light or flickers, there is a problem in the wiring or socket.

Also check network cord the refrigerator for kinks or melting.

Visual inspection for damage|Check with a magnet|Test the socket with another device|Inspect the power cord-->

5. Checking the compressor with a multimeter

For accurate diagnostics you will need testing the windings and checking the resistance. Follow the instructions:

Step 1: Disconnection and access to the terminals

1. Disconnect the refrigerator from the network.
2. Remove the start-up relay (disconnect the clips or unscrew screws).
3. You will see 3 compressor terminals: C (common), S (start winding), R (running winding).

Step 2: Measurement resistance

Switch the multimeter to resistance measurement mode (Ω) and take measurements:

Critical deviation: If the resistance of any winding is 0 (short circuit) or ∞ (open), the compressor is faulty and must be replaced.

Step 3: Check for breakdown on the case

Turn the multimeter into the “continuity” mode (or measure the resistance at maximum limit). Check one by one:

• Terminal C → compressor housing.
• Terminal S → housing.
• Terminal R → housing.

⚠️ If the device shows a resistance below 1 MOhm — the compressor is “broken” to the housing. This is life-threatening! Such a refrigerator cannot be turned on.

6. Checking the start-protection relay

In 30% of cases, it is not the compressor itself that is to blame, but its Start-protection relay. It is responsible for starting the motor and protecting against overloads. How to check it:

1. Remove the relay from the compressor (disconnect the clips or unscrew the screws).
2. Shake it - if you hear knock or rattlingthe core has broken off inside (need replacement).
3. Ring the contacts with a multimeter:
   • The resistance between the terminals 2–3 (on some models Indesit — A–B) should be 0 Ohm.
   • Between 1–2 (C–A) — infinity (no short circuit).

If the relay is faulty, replace it with a similar one (for example, for Indesit suitable relay RBM-1, DANFOSS 103N0020 or ASCO 115V).

7. Diagnostics without disassembly: startup test

If the compressor does not start, but the winding resistance is normal, perform direct start test:

1. Disconnect the refrigerator from the network.
2. Remove the start-up relay.
3. Connect the compressor directly to the network (via an extension cord with a plug), connecting:
   • Terminal C → phase (one wire of the plug).
   • Terminal R → zero (second wire of the plug).

Briefly (for 1-2 seconds!) touch terminal S to phase (for example, with a screwdriver).

Result:

• ✅ If the compressor buzzed and started the relay is faulty.
• ❌ If no response there is a problem in the compressor (break, short circuit or jamming).

⚠️ Attention: This test is carried out at your own risk! Poor connection can lead to electric shock. If you are not sure, trust a specialist to check.

8. When the compressor is working, but the refrigerator does not work

If all tests show that the compressor is in order, but the refrigerator Indesit does not freeze, check:

• 🧊 Freon leak - if the condenser tubes (grid) rear) room warm, not hot, gas may have leaked.
• 🔧 Thermostat - turn the knob to maximum: if the compressor does not turn on, the thermostat is faulty.
• ❄️ Capillary tube - clogged may be due to moisture or dirt (cleaning required).
• 💡 Electronic control unit (in models with a display) - firmware failure or failure of microcircuits.

In these cases, you cannot do without a specialist get by. The average cost of diagnostics at a service center is from 1,500 rubles, repairs (refilling freon, replacing the thermostat) - from 2,500 rubles.

⚠️ Attention: Refrigerator parts Indesit may vary depending on the year of manufacture and model. For example, in older series (before 2015) compressors were used. Embraco EG, and in new ones - Secop (Danfoss). Check the compatibility of spare parts according to the markings on the nameplate.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about Indesit compressors

How to understand what Is the compressor burned out, but not jammed?

A burnt-out compressor usually has characteristic smell of burning, and its windings show zero resistance (short circuit) or an open circuit. A jammed compressor does not rotate when voltage is applied, but the windings may also be in good condition. compressor gets very hot in a few minutes.

Is it possible to repair the compressor of an Indesit refrigerator?

In 99% of cases the compressor is not repaired., but its disassembly requires special equipment (a vacuum pump, a cylinder with freon), and the cost of repair exceeds the price of a new unit. The exception is replacing the start-up relay or cleaning the capillary tube.

How much does a new compressor cost for Indesit?

The price depends on the model:

• For refrigerators with a volume of up to 200 liters (for example, Indesit B 16 FNF) - from 4500 to 7000 rubles.
• For two-chamber models (for example, Indesit C 132 NF) - from 6,000 to 10,000 rubles.
• Original compressors Secop/Danfoss more expensive than analogues by 20–30%.

Plus payment for refilling freon (from 1500 rubles) and the work of a master (from 2000 rubles).

How to extend the life of a compressor?

Follow simple rules:

• 🔌 Do not connect the refrigerator through an extension cord - this causes voltage sags.
• ❄️ Defrost the refrigerator every 6 months (even if there is No Frost).
• 🧹 Regularly clean condenser (grid at the back) from dust.
• 🌡️ Do not place the refrigerator near heat sources (battery, stove).

This will reduce the load on the compressor and increase its service life to 10–15 years.

What to do if the compressor hums but does not start?

This is a typical sign:

• Faulty start-protective relay (in 70% of cases).
• Interturn short circuit in the windings (check the resistance with a multimeter).
• Rotor jamming (try the magnet method from section 4).

Start with replacement relay is the cheapest and fastest test.