Assembling an Indesit refrigerator: step-by-step analysis with nuances and tips

If the refrigerator is delivered in a horizontal position (for example, in the trunk of a car), be sure to wait 4-6 hours before turning on. This time is needed for the oil from the compressor to flow back into the crankcase. Ignoring this rule is the most common cause of breakdowns of new refrigerators.

⚠️ Attention: If you bought a model with inverter compressor (for example Indesit ITF 118 W), the waiting time increases to 8-12 hours. Inverter systems are more sensitive to transportation at an angle.

Unpacking and checking the contents

Carefully cut off the tape and unfold the box. Don't pull on the foam corners - they are often glued to the body of the refrigerator and can tear off the paint. Inside you will find:

• 🧊 Main unit (body with compressor and freezer).
• 🚪 Doors —usually packaged separately, in cardboard covers.
• 📄 Passport and warranty card (sometimes attached to the back wall).
• 🔩 Fastening kit: bolts, washers, plastic plugs, handles (if not built-in).
• 🔄 Assembly instructions - often in several languages, look for the section with the "Assembly" icon.

Check the contents with description of the equipment in your passport. Pay special attention to:

• 🔹 Door hinges —there should be as many of them as doors (in two-chamber models—2 pieces: upper and lower).
• 🔹 Sealing rubber —check if there are any manufacturing defects on it (cracks, tears).
• 🔹 Compressor cover —in some models it comes separately and requires installation.

If something is missing, do not panic: sometimes parts are packed inside the refrigerator (for example, shelves or drawers for freezers). But if a critical element is missing (for example, a hinge or compressor cover), contact the store immediately.

Assembling the case: sequence of actions

Start with installation the rear cover of the compressor (if it comes separately). It is attached to 2-4 self-tapping screws and protects the engine from dust. Then proceed to the main process:

1. Install the bottom panel. It is attached with latches or 2-3 screws from the bottom. In models with Total No Frost system (for example, Indesit ITF 119 W) there may be a hole on the panel for the drainage tube - do not block it.
2. Secure the door hinges. In single-chamber refrigerators there is one loop (upper), in two-chamber ones there are two (upper and lower). Use M6 bolts from the kit, but do not tighten them completely - you will do this after alignment.
3. Hang the doors. Start with the top (for the freezer), then the bottom. Make sure that the rubber seal fits evenly around the entire perimeter.
4. Install the handles. In models Indesit they are usually attached to 2 screws on the inside of the door. Do not overtighten - the plastic may crack.

After preliminary assembly, check whether the doors open easily. If they cling to the body, loosen the hinges and adjust the position.

The doors open 90° without effort|

The seal fits without gaps|

The legs touch the floor, but the body does not wobble|

The back wall does not touch the wall (gap ≥5 cm)-->

Adjusting the legs and leveling

An uneven floor is the main reason door misalignment and their spontaneous opening. To avoid this:

1. Use level (bubble or laser) to check the horizontal position. Install it on the roof of the refrigerator.
2. Adjust front legs with a 10 mm wrench. Rotate clockwise to raise the angle, counterclockwise to lower it.
3. The rear legs are usually adjusted manually (by turning). In models Indesit with NeoFrost system the rear pair can be fixed - check the instructions.

Optimal body tilt: 1–2° back. This will ensure that the door closes tightly under its own weight. If you overdo it and make a slope of more than 3°, the door will slam when closing.

⚠️ Attention: If the floor in the room is uneven (for example, tiles with differences), use pads under the legs thick rubber or plastic. Do not place wooden blocks - they can rot from condensation.

Connecting to the network and first start-up

After assembly and alignment, the most important thing remains - switching on. But there are pitfalls here:

• ⚡ Socket. It must be grounded and designed for 16 A. The use of extension cords or tees is prohibited - this can lead to overheating of the contacts.
• ⏳ Waiting time. As mentioned earlier, you need to wait after transportation 4–12 hours (depending on the type of compressor).
• 🌡️ Temperature in room. If the room is colder than +16°C, the refrigerator may not turn on - the compressor protection will work.

First start-up algorithm:

1. Plug the plug into the socket.
2. Set the temperature regulator to position "3" (average value).
3. Close the doors and wait until the operation indicator will light up (usually after 1-2 minutes).
4. After 2-3 hours, check whether the freezer compartment has begun to gain cold (touch the inner wall).

If the refrigerator does not turn on:

• 🔌 Check if there is voltage in the socket (connect another device).
• 🔊 Listen to the sounds: humming without starting the compressor may indicate a faulty start relay.
• 📞 If the problem is not solved, do not try to disassemble the refrigerator yourself - this will void your warranty.

Installation of shelves and drawers: nuances for different models

Inside the refrigerator Indesit you will find removable elements that need to be installed before using:

• 🧺 Shelves. In most models they height adjustable are fixed on grooves in the side walls. In refrigerators with freshness zones (for example, Indesit ITS 5180 W), the bottom shelf may have special guides for containers.
• 🥬 Drawers for vegetables. Usually installed on the bottom of the refrigerator compartment. In models with FreshBox system drawers may have additional ventilation holes - do not close them.
• ❄️ Freezer trays. In refrigerators No Frost they are often removable and require installation on guides. In models with manual defrosting trays can be integrated into the body.

Important points:

• Do not wash plastic details hot water —they may become deformed. Use a warm soapy solution.
• In refrigerators with electronic control (for example Indesit ITR 5200 W), shelves may block the sensors. Make sure that they do not touch the back wall.
• If the kit includes protective film on the shelves, remove it before installation - later it may stick.

After installing all the elements, turn on the refrigerator for 1-2 hours emptyso that it reaches operating temperature. Only then load the products.

Typical mistakes and how to avoid them

Even with the apparent simplicity of assembly, many make mistakes that lead to breakdowns or inconvenience in operation. Here are the most common:

• 🚫 Ignoring the transport bolts. In some models (for example, Indesit BIA 18) the compressor is bolted for transportation. If they are not removed, the refrigerator will vibrate strongly.
• 🚫 Tightening the hinges. This leads to deformation of the door and problems with the seal. Tighten the bolts crosswise, like a car wheel.
• 🚫 Installation close to the wall. Without clearance for ventilation, the compressor will overheat, which shortens its service life.
• 🚫 Use of non-original parts. For example, replacing a lost handle with a “suitable” one from another model, you risk breaking the fasteners.

Another common problem is condensation on the back wall. This is normal for refrigerators with drip system (for example, Indesit ST 167), but if water accumulates in the tray, check:

• 🔹 Level refrigerator (when tilted forward, water does not flow into the drain).
• 🔹 Cleanliness of the drainage hole (it can become clogged with crumbs).
• 🔹 Room temperature (at high humidity, condensation forms more actively).

⚠️ Attention: If after assembling the refrigerator started the side walls become very hot, this is not a breakdown. In models No Frost the heat exchanger is located on the sides, and their heating to 40–50°C is normal.

FAQ: answers to frequently asked questions