A sudden cessation of cooling in the fridge compartment Indesit or, conversely, constant operation of the compressor without stopping often indicates a failure of the temperature sensor. This small device, enclosed in a metal flask, is the “eyes” of the control system, telling the motor when to turn on to maintain the cold. If you notice that the food has begun to deteriorate, and ice has appeared on the walls or, on the contrary, it has become too warm, most likely you will need to replace thermostat.
Independent installation of a new regulator is a completely solvable task for a person who knows how to handle a screwdriver and a multimeter. However, the process requires care, since the design of refrigerators Indesit has its own characteristics depending on the model and year of manufacture. Incorrect connection or damage to the capillary tube can lead to a refrigerant leak, which will require professional intervention.
In this article we will analyze in detail the algorithm of actions: from initial diagnostics and selection of a compatible part to the final temperature setting. You will learn how to safely dismantle the old element, check its functionality and correctly install a new one so that your refrigerator works normally again.
Diagnostics of a thermostat malfunction
Before disassembling the unit, you need to make sure that the problem lies in the sensor, and not in the compressor or start relay. The main sign of a malfunctioning thermostat is chaotic operation of the motor. If the compressor hums continuously, without turning off even when it reaches a low temperature, this indicates that the contacts inside the sensor are “stuck” in a closed state.
The opposite situation - the motor does not start at all. In this case, the thermostat does not send a signal to start, “thinking” that the temperature in the chamber is already quite low. You can check the hypothesis by forcibly closing the contacts on the sensor itself (if the design allows) or by temporarily connecting the compressor bypassing the relay. If the motor starts working, the culprit has been found.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any diagnostic work, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply. Working with electrical appliances under voltage is deadly.
It is also worth paying attention to the condition of the capillary tube that extends from the thermostat housing. If traces of oil, swelling or mechanical damage are visible on it, then the bellows has depressurized. Freon has stopped flowing inside, and the sensor is physically unable to respond to temperature changes. Such a part cannot be restored, only a complete replacement is required.
Selection of a suitable thermostat model
Refrigerators Indesit are equipped with sensors from various manufacturers, the most common markings are TAM (Danfoss), K (Klixon) or Ranco. It is critically important to choose an analogue with identical parameters, since there are no universal solutions here. Differences may relate to the length of the capillary tube, the presence of a ground terminal, the type of contacts and the temperature range of operation.
When purchasing, pay attention to the number of contacts. In single-chamber models there are usually two of them, in double-chamber models there are three (the third contact is responsible for the signal light or fan control). If you install a sensor with the wrong temperature range, the refrigerator will either freeze too little or turn the chamber into a freezer.
Thermoregulator correspondence table
Model TAM 133 is often replaced by K 59, but requires checking the length of the tube. Models marked L are usually designed for freezers and have a lower shut-off threshold. Always check the serial part number on the body of the old device.
The length of the capillary tube is another important parameter. Standard sizes range from 0.5 to 3 meters. If the new tube is longer than the old one, you can carefully twist it into a ring and place it behind the back wall of the refrigerator, being careful not to pinch it. Shortening the tube is strictly prohibited, as this will disrupt the volume of the working fluid and the calibration of the sensor.
Necessary tools and preparation
To successfully replace the thermostat, you will need a minimum set of tools that can be found in the arsenal of any home craftsman. The main requirement is accuracy, since plastic fastening elements in old refrigerators Indesit can be fragile.
- 🔧 Screwdrivers: cross and flat (of different sizes) for removing panels and terminals.
- 🔍 Flashlight: for illuminating the interior of the refrigerator cameras.
- 🧤 Gloves: preferably fabric with a rubberized coating, so as not to leave traces of grease and protect your hands.
- 📏 Pliers: for carefully removing the sensor from its seat.
Prepare the work area in advance. The refrigerator must be completely defrosted. If ice remains inside, it may damage wiring or interfere with access to fasteners during disassembly. It is also recommended to take a photograph of the wiring diagram before disconnecting them, so as not to mix up the contacts during assembly.
Removing the old thermostat
The process of removing the sensor in refrigerators Indesit usually begins with dismantling the upper part of the refrigerator compartment. Depending on the design, the thermostat may be located under the top cover inside the camera or behind the rear panel outside.
If the regulator is located inside, remove the lamp shade and the top cover. Often it is held on by latches that need to be carefully pressed out with a flat-head screwdriver. After removing the cover, you will see the sensor itself, mounted in a plastic case. Disconnect the temperature control knob by pulling it towards you and unscrew the fastening screw.
Carefully remove the thermostat housing. Now you need to disconnect the capillary tube from the evaporator. It can be secured with a clip or simply inserted into the hole. Proceed slowly: the tube is very thin and breaks easily. After freeing the tube, unscrew the wires from the terminals and remove the grounding jumper, if any.
☑️ Dismantling procedure
Installation and connection of a new sensor
Installation of a new thermostat is carried out in the reverse order of dismantling. First of all, install the capillary tube into the seat on the evaporator. It must fit tightly to the surface in order to correctly read the temperature. If the kit includes a fixing clip or heat-conducting paste, be sure to use them.
Fix the sensor body in place and connect the wires according to the photograph or diagram taken earlier. Usually standard colors are used, but it is better to double-check the markings on the terminals. Make sure the connections are secure and not loose. Install the adjustment knob on the thermostat shaft until it clicks or stops.
| Stage | Action | Important nuance |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Installing the tube | Do not bend under sharp angle |
| 2 | Fixing the case | Do not overtighten the plastic screws |
| 3 | Connecting wires | Checking with photos before assembly |
| 4 | Installing the handle | Before characteristic click |
After assembling all the panels and returning the refrigerator to its original position, you can proceed to testing. Plug in the unit. The first start may take some time, as the system needs to get into operating mode.
Configuring and checking operation
After installing a new thermostat, correct configuration is required. The temperature control knob Indesit usually needs to be set to the middle position (number 3 or 4). Do not immediately set the maximum cold, this will create unnecessary stress on the new compressor and sensor.
Let the refrigerator operate for several hours. During this time, it should gain temperature and turn off. If the motor runs continuously for more than 2-3 hours and does not turn off, the sensor may be set to too low a temperature or installed incorrectly. In some models, calibration is available through a special hole on the regulator body.
⚠️ Attention: Technical characteristics and arrangement of elements may vary depending on the specific series of the refrigerator Indesit. Always check the technical documentation of your model.
Check the installation for tightness. If you smell gas or see oily stains where the tube is attached, immediately turn off the device and call a technician. This may indicate damage to the system during installation.
Frequent errors during replacement
One of the most common mistakes is damage to the capillary tube when removing the old sensor carelessly. Metal becomes brittle with time and low temperatures. Also, beginners often forget about grounding, which can lead to the accumulation of static electricity and malfunction of the electronics.
Another mistake is ignoring the length of the tube. If you "stuff" excess length inside the chamber, it may interfere with the door or food, and may be damaged when closing. A correctly twisted tube should be located in the technical compartment outside the useful volume.
Do not forget that the thermostat is a mechanical device. Sudden impacts or falls may disrupt its calibration. Keep the new part in the original packaging until installation and only grasp it by the body, avoiding pressure on the tube.
Questions and answers (FAQ)
Is it possible to use a thermostat from another brand, for example, Atlant?
The use of analogues is only possible if the geometric dimensions and length are completely identical capillary tube, contact type and temperature range. However, experts recommend using original spare parts Indesit or proven analogues (Danfoss, Klixon), since calibration may differ from one manufacturer to another, which will lead to incorrect operation of the refrigerator.
Why does the refrigerator not turn off after replacing the thermostat?
There may be several reasons: the temperature range is incorrectly set, capillary the tube does not fit tightly to the evaporator, or a sensor with inappropriate parameters is installed. It is also worth checking whether ice has formed at the place where the tube is attached, which distorts the temperature readings.
Is it necessary to vacuum the system when replacing the thermostat?
No, vacuuming is only required when repairing the refrigerant circulation system (compressor, condenser, evaporator). The thermostat is located outside the circuit and does not come into contact with the freon inside the tube, so the seal of the cooling system does not break when replacing it.
How to understand that the thermostat is “lying”?
If you set the average temperature, but the food freezes, or set it to the minimum, but the chamber is warm, the sensor does not work correctly. For an accurate check, you will need an external thermometer, which is placed in the chamber next to the sensor and the readings are compared with the actual operation of the compressor.