Sudden defrosting of food or, conversely, the formation of an ice coat in the refrigerator compartment often indicates a failure of the temperature control system. In two-chamber models Indesit this process is carried out by thermostat a device that opens the compressor power circuit when the specified parameters are reached. If you notice that the refrigerator works without interruptions or does not turn on at all, and the control knob scrolls without characteristic clicks, most likely the problem lies in this sensor.
Replacing the part yourself can save significant money, since the services of a technician can be up to half the cost of a new spare part. The dismantling process in models Indesit with an upper freezer (series C, I, B) usually does not require complex tools, but requires attention to design details. It is critically important to completely disconnect the unit from the power supply before starting work, so as the thermostat is under voltage of 220 volts. In this article we will analyze an algorithm of actions that will help you safely remove the faulty element and install a new one.
Before you start disassembling, you should make sure that the cause of the malfunction is in the thermostat. Users often confuse sensor failure with a freon leak or a faulty start relay. If, when you turn the control knob, you do not hear a quiet click, and the compressor is silent, or the refrigerator hums continuously, ignoring the temperature settings, these are sure signs of a malfunction thermostat. In some cases, diagnostics with a multimeter is required to check the integrity of the contacts.
Necessary tools and preparation of the workplace
To successfully carry out work on replacing the thermostat in the refrigerator Indesit you will need a minimum set of tools that are found in the home of most men. The main thing is to ensure good lighting of the work area, since fasteners can be hidden in hard-to-reach places. Prepare everything you need in advance so as not to be distracted during the work process.
You will need the following tools:
- 🔧 Flat-head and Phillips screwdrivers for removing panels and screws.
- 🔍 Flashlight to illuminate the interior of the refrigerator compartment.
- 📏 Pliers with narrow jaws for gripping small parts.
- 🧤 Work gloves to protect your hands from sharp plastic edges.
Organize the space in front of the refrigerator by removing rugs and foreign objects. You may need to access the bottom of the unit if the model requires disassembly of the plinth, although in most cases replacement is done through the interior panel. Make sure that you have free access to the outlet for subsequent testing of the equipment's functionality.
Diagnostics and localization of the thermostat
In two-chamber refrigerators Indesit the thermostat is most often located inside the refrigeration chamber. It is a plastic case with a long length coming out of it, the end of which is fixed to the evaporator or in a special channel. The regulator handle is brought out, but the mechanism itself is hidden under a decorative cover or a lampshade. capillary tube, the end of which is fixed to the evaporator or in a special channel. The regulator handle is brought out, but the mechanism itself is hidden under a decorative overlay or a lampshade.
For visual inspection, it is often necessary to dismantle the lampshade. Depending on the model, it may be held in place by latches or screws. Using a screwdriver, carefully pry up the plastic housing and remove it to gain access to the internal wiring. This is where the thermostat contact block is located.
Pay attention to the condition of the capillary tube. It is very thin and fragile, made of copper or aluminum. Any deformation, bending or damage to the tube will lead to incorrect operation of the entire assembly. Thermal sensor reacts to changes in gas pressure inside the tube, so the tightness of the system must be absolute.
How to check the thermostat with a multimeter?
To check, you need to remove terminals from the thermostat contacts. Switch the multimeter to dialing mode. At room temperature, the contacts should be closed (the device beeps). If you put the sensor in the freezer for 10-15 minutes, the circuit should break. If the circuit does not break in the cold or is open in the heat, the part is faulty.
The process of dismantling the old thermostat
Removing the thermostat begins with disconnecting the electrical wires. Before doing this, it is strongly recommended to take a photo of the connection diagram so that when installing a new part you do not mix up the contacts. Models Indesit usually use two or three wires going to the terminals.
☑️ Dismantling checklist
After disconnecting the wires, you need to remove the temperature control knob. It is simply pulled onto the rod and removed with a slight wiggle. Next, unscrew the screws that secure the thermostat housing to the refrigerator wall or interior panel. Be careful, the screws may be short and easily lost.
The most critical moment is removing the capillary tube from the evaporator channel. The tube can be glued or simply inserted into the hole. You cannot pull on it with force - it will easily burst. Gently pull out the tube, using pliers to help you, grabbing only the plastic tip, if there is one. If the tube is secured to the evaporator with a bracket, it must be carefully bent.
⚠️ Attention: The capillary tube is filled with refrigerant under pressure. If the tube is damaged, gas will escape and a new thermostat will have to be purchased again. Operate without sudden jerks.
Installation and connection of a new part
Installation of a new one thermostat is carried out in the reverse order of dismantling. First of all, carefully insert the capillary tube into the channel at the same depth to which the old one was immersed. The length of immersion affects the accuracy of the sensor, so try to adhere to the original parameters.
Fix the device body to the seat using screws. Make sure it fits snugly and doesn't wobble. Next comes the most important step - connecting the wires. Use the photo or diagram you took earlier to connect the terminals in the correct order. Usually the wires are color-coded, but you should not rely only on the color, since the previous master could make changes.
After connecting the wires, put the regulator handle on the rod. Install the lampshade and secure it. Make sure that all removed elements are returned to their places and that there are no unnecessary parts or tools left inside the chamber.
| Parameter | Old thermostat | New thermostat | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Model | TAM-133 | TAM-133 | Coincident |
| Tube length | 0.75 m | 0.75 m | Coincident |
| Contact type | 2 contacts | 2 contacts | Coincident |
| Fixing | Screw + bracket | Screw + bracket | Coincident |
First start and performance check
After completing the installation work, turn on the refrigerator. In the first minutes of work, listen carefully to the sounds. You should hear a characteristic startup click compressor. If the refrigerator is silent, the contacts may be connected incorrectly or the new part itself may be faulty.
Let the unit operate for 30-40 minutes. During this time, the temperature inside the chamber should begin to decrease. Check if the compressor turns off after reaching the set parameters. If the refrigerator turns off and turns on according to the cycle, then the replacement was successful.
In some cases, additional adjustment may be required. There is sometimes a screw on the thermostat body for adjusting the temperature range, but in household models Indesit it is usually already set at the factory and sealed with paint. It is not recommended to touch it without special equipment.
Typical errors during replacement and how to avoid them
One of the most common mistakes is damage to the capillary tube during installation. Beginners often pull the tube with excessive force, not noticing that it is caught on the protrusions inside the channel. This leads to depressurization and failure of an expensive spare part immediately after installation.
Another common mistake is incorrect connection of wires. If the contacts are mixed up, the thermostat may work in inverse mode (turn on the compressor at low temperatures and turn off at high temperatures) or not work at all. Always double check the wiring diagram before final assembly.
⚠️ Warning: Do not use regular electrical tape to insulate connections in areas with high humidity. It is better to use heat-shrinkable tubes or special moisture-proof insulation, since moisture condenses inside the refrigerator.
It is also worth mentioning the mistake of choosing the wrong thermostat model. They differ in the length of the capillary tube, temperature range and method of attachment. Installing an unsuitable sensor will lead to incorrect operation: food will either freeze or spoil.
What to do if the refrigerator does not turn off after replacement?
If the compressor operates continuously, the capillary tube may not be immersed deep enough in the channel and does not sense the real temperature of the evaporator. Try to gently push the tube deeper. Also, the reason may be a malfunction of the new sensor itself or a freon leak.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Where can I find the thermostat markings to purchase a replacement?
The markings are usually applied to the metal or plastic body of the thermostat itself. To see it, you will have to remove the old sensor. Look for a code like TAM-133, K-59 or 1703693. You need to buy a model with a similar code or a complete analogue indicated in the correspondence tables.
Can an old thermostat be repaired or just replaced?
The thermostat is considered a non-separable unit. Inside there is a sealed bellows chamber with gas. It is impossible to restore its tightness or replace the membrane at home. Only contacts can be repaired (cleaning off carbon deposits), but this is a temporary measure. More efficient and reliable are complete replacement parts.
Why does the new thermostat click, but the refrigerator does not turn on?
The click indicates a mechanical closure of the contacts inside the thermostat. If the compressor does not start, the problem may be with the start relay, the compressor itself, or an open circuit in the power supply to the thermostat. It is also worth checking whether voltage is coming to the input terminal of the thermostat.
How long does the thermostat in the Indesit refrigerator last?
The average service life of the thermostat is 5-7 years of active use. However, with frequent power surges or mechanical damage (shocks when loading products), it may fail earlier. The quality of the part also plays a role: original spare parts last longer than analogues.