Has the refrigerator stopped turning off or, conversely, stopped freezing, although the compressor is running? In most cases, the culprit of this behavior is the one who is out of order thermostat. This small device is responsible for maintaining the set temperature inside the chambers, opening the compressor power circuit when the required values are reached. If you encounter a similar problem in your equipment Indesit, do not rush to call a technician - you can often perform this operation yourself, saving a significant amount.
Before you start disassembling, you need to make sure that the problem lies precisely in the thermostat, and not in a freon leak or a malfunction of the starter relay A characteristic sign of a regulator failure is the endless operation of the motor without shutdown cycles or a complete lack of starting, even if the regulator knob is set to maximum. In this article, we will analyze in detail the process of diagnosing and replacing the element so that your Indesit works like new again.
To perform the work, you will need a minimum set of tools: a Phillips screwdriver, a flat-head screwdriver, a multimeter (tester) and, possibly, pliers. It is important to understand that any work with electrical appliances requires compliance with safety measures, so the first step should always be disconnecting the device from the power supply. Do not ignore this rule, since the risk of electric shock when disassembling under voltage is too great.
Diagnostics of a thermostat malfunction
The first step should always be an accurate diagnosis. Symptoms may be similar to other breakdowns, so it is important to rule them out. If the refrigerator Indesit hums, but does not cool, or freezes too much, forming an ice crust on the back wall, most likely the problem is in the thermostat contacts. It is also worth paying attention to the adjustment knob: if it scrolls freely and does not make a characteristic click when turning, the mechanism could be physically broken.
To check the thermostat, it must be removed from its seat. Depending on the model Indesit, access to it can be through a plastic cover inside the camera or through the back cover from the outside. After removal, disconnect the wires (after photographing the connection diagram) and test the contacts with a tester. In the “on” position, the circuit should ring, and when the sensor is placed in the cold (for example, in the freezer), it should open.
If the multimeter shows no resistance (break) in both positions or, conversely, rings constantly even in the cold, the part requires replacement. Sometimes the cause may be oxidation of the contacts, but given the cost of a new thermostat, repairing the old one is often impractical. New thermostat will ensure stable operation and extend the life of the compressor, which suffers from overloads due to faulty automation.
Preparation for replacement and selection of spare parts
Choosing the right spare part is a critical moment. Thermoregulators for Indesit may differ in the length of the capillary tube, the type of contacts and the presence of additional leads. For example, for models with a system No Frost thermostats with three contacts are often used, where the third is responsible for the signal lamp or defrosting. Using an unsuitable part may result in incorrect operation or impossibility of installation.
⚠️ Attention: When purchasing, pay attention to the markings. The numbers at the end of the article often indicate the length of the capillary tube. If the tube is too short, you will not be able to position the sensor correctly; if it is too long, it will have to be rolled into a ring, which may affect the accuracy of the readings.
Before starting work, prepare the workplace. You will need good lighting as the interior recesses of the refrigerator are darkened. Find a container for defrosting in advance if the process requires defrosting the evaporator. Also make sure you have insulating tape or heat shrink to insulate the connections, although modern models often use ready-made connectors.
Do not forget to defrost the refrigerator before starting active operations if there is a lot of ice in the chamber. Water may get on electrical contacts or damage interior trim. Let the unit stand with the doors open for at least a few hours so that all the condensation evaporates and the mechanism completely warms up to room temperature.
Removing the old thermostat in Indesit refrigerators
The dismantling process depends on the location of the thermostat. In most models Indesit with manual defrosting, it is located inside the refrigerator compartment, behind a plastic panel or directly under the adjustment knob. In models No Frost access is often through the rear wall from the outside, next to the compressor. Let's consider the most common option - internal installation.
First remove the temperature control knob. It can simply pull towards itself or have a fixing screw under a decorative plug. Carefully pry up the plastic trim with a flathead screwdriver, being careful not to damage the fragile plastic, which can be dry on older refrigerators. Under the cover you will see the thermostat housing screwed into the chamber wall.
- 🛠️ Unscrew the mounting screws holding the thermostat housing using a Phillips screwdriver.
- ❄️ Carefully pull the capillary tube out of the hole in the wall, straightening its coils inside the chamber so as not to damage thin metal.
- ⚡ Remove the wires from the contact group, having first remembered or photographed their location.
In some cases, the capillary tube can be secured with special clamps on the evaporator. They need to be carefully unbent. The main thing here is not to use excessive force so as not to deform the tube, since there is an environment sensitive to damage inside. If the tube is still pinched, the thermostat will not work correctly.
☑️ Tools and steps for dismantling
Connection diagrams and installation of a new regulator
Installation of the new element is carried out in the reverse order of dismantling. However, here lies the main nuance: the correct connection of the wires. Indesit thermostats usually use color coding, but this may vary depending on the year of manufacture and the specific series. The standard diagram involves connecting the mains wire and the wire going to the compressor.
If your thermostat has three contacts, the third is usually for the indicator lamp. An error in the connection may result in the refrigerator not starting or the light being on constantly. Below is a table with color codes, but always check the markings on the body of your part.
| Wire color | Designation | Function |
|---|---|---|
| Red / Orange | L | Phase from the mains (input) |
| Black / Brown | C | To the compressor (output) |
| Green / Yellow | - | Ground (case) |
| Blue / White | L (lamp) | Indicator lamp (if equipped) |
Insert the capillary tube of the new thermostat into the same hole from which you removed the old one. The length must match. Inside the chamber, straighten the tube along the evaporator, securing it in the standard grooves. Do not bend the tube at an acute angle. After this, connect the wires according to your diagram and secure the housing with screws.
⚠️ Attention: Make sure that the sensing element (the can at the end of the tube) fits tightly to the surface of the evaporator. If it hangs in the air, the refrigerator will work with great interruptions or will not reach the desired temperature.
Setting up and checking operation after replacement
After assembling all the elements and connecting to the network, do not expect an instant result. Refrigerator Indesit needs time to reach operating mode. Typically the first cooling cycle takes 2 to 6 hours. At this time, do not open the doors frequently and do not load food to allow the unit to reach temperature.
Checking operation consists of monitoring cycling. The compressor should turn on, cool the chamber to a specified level and turn off. If the refrigerator has worked for several hours and has not turned off, it may be necessary to adjustment with a screw, which is often located on the thermostat housing or accessible through a special hole. Turning the screw clockwise usually increases the shutdown temperature (the unit will cool more).
What to do if the refrigerator does not turn off after replacement?
If the refrigerator operates without interruption for more than 12 hours, check the tightness of the capillary tube. If the tube dangles, the sensor does not sense real cold and does not give a command to turn off. Also, the cause may be a defective new thermostat or a freon leak, which replacing the thermostat will not eliminate.
Pay attention to the formation of ice. If a “fur coat” more than 5-7 mm thick appears on the back wall, and the compressor rarely turns off, it means the shutdown temperature is too low. It is necessary to slightly loosen the tension of the regulator spring by turning the knob towards lower values or tightening the adjusting screw.
Typical mistakes in self-repair
Independent repair is always a risk of making a mistake due to inattention. One of the most common problems is damage to the capillary tube during installation. Thin copper easily breaks when bent, making the thermostat unusable. If you accidentally took a bite or severely crushed the tube, the part will have to be changed again, since it is impossible to restore the tightness at home.
Another common mistake is ignoring cleaning the contacts. If you are using an old connector or twisting wires, make sure the connection is secure. Poor contact will result in heating, melting of the insulation and possible fire. All connections must be tightly fixed in the terminals or properly soldered and insulated.
- 🚫 Do not install the thermostat “by eye” without checking its operation with a tester before installation.
- 🚫 Do not leave wires dangling inside the chamber - they can damage the door or food.
- 🚫 Do not ignore grounding if it is provided for in the design of your model Indesit.
An attempt to repair an old thermostat by disassembling its sealed housing is also considered a mistake. There is gas or liquid under pressure inside, and damage to the integrity of the housing permanently disables the device. Repair of the thermostat is only possible by replacing the entire assembly.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to use a thermostat from another manufacturer, for example, TAM or K59?
Yes, this is possible if the overall dimensions, capillary tube length and temperature response range match. However, standard thermostats Indesit (often marked Ranco or Orbital) are guaranteed to be suitable in terms of fastenings and characteristics. When using analogues, it may be necessary to modify the fasteners.
Why does the new thermostat click, but the refrigerator does not turn on?
The click means that the mechanics are working and the contacts are trying to close. If the compressor is silent, the problem may be with the start relay, the compressor itself, or a lack of voltage at the thermostat input. Check the integrity of the wires and the presence of 220V at the terminals.
Is it necessary to evacuate the system after replacing the thermostat?
No, replacing the thermostat does not require opening the freon circuit. You are only working with the electrical part. Evacuation and refilling with freon are only needed when repairing leaks or replacing a compressor.
How can you tell if the thermostat is lying and showing the wrong temperature?
For accurate diagnosis, you need an external thermometer. Place it in a glass of water on the middle shelf. If the refrigerator turns off when the thermometer shows +10°C, but should be at +4°C, then the calibration is broken and an adjustment with a screw or replacement is required.