Sudden cessation of operation of the refrigerator Indesit or, conversely, its endless operation without shutting down, often indicates a failure of the thermostat. This small but critical element controls the on and off cycles of the compressor, maintaining the set temperature. If you notice that the food in the chamber has begun to deteriorate or, on the contrary, freeze, and a “coat” of ice has formed on the back wall, the problem most likely lies in the thermoregulation system.
Independently replacing the thermostat on the refrigerator Indesit is a task that is quite realistic to perform at home, having a minimum set of tools and basic skills in working with technology. This will allow you to significantly save on service center services, the cost of which often consists not only of the price of the spare part, but also of expensive diagnostics and a technician’s visit. However, it is important to understand that any intervention in the electrical circuit requires compliance with safety precautions and attention to detail.
In this article we will analyze in detail the process of diagnosing a malfunction, selecting a compatible analogue and step-by-step replacement of the temperature sensor. You will learn how to properly dismantle the old unit, install a new one and check the performance of the system after repair. A properly carried out procedure will return your refrigerator to its previous efficiency and extend the life of the compressor.
Symptoms of malfunction and diagnostics of the thermostat
Before you begin disassembling the unit, you need to make sure that the problem really lies in the thermostat, and not in a freon leak or a compressor malfunction. Thermoregulator (thermostat) is an electrical switch that opens the circuit when a certain temperature is reached and closes it when it rises. If this mechanism “sticks” in one position, the refrigerator stops responding correctly to changes in heat inside the chamber.
One of the main symptoms of a breakdown is the continuous operation of the motor-compressor. You can hear the characteristic hum of the unit without rest breaks, while the temperature in the refrigerator compartment can drop below zero, turning vegetables into ice blocks. In this case, the contacts inside the thermostat are most likely “burnt” in the closed state, and the device does not receive a signal that the desired cold temperature has already been reached.
⚠️ Attention: If the compressor is running continuously and there is heat inside the chamber, this may indicate a refrigerant leak. In such a situation, replacing the thermostat will not help - professional refilling with freon is required.
The opposite situation is also possible: the refrigerator is silent, the light inside is on, but there is no cold. The compressor does not start because the thermostat “thinks” that it is already cold enough inside and does not supply voltage to the motor start relay. Sometimes the cause of silence is a break in the capillary tube of the sensor or oxidation of the contacts. For an accurate check, technicians often use the method of shorting the wires going to the thermostat, but this must be done with caution.
Visual inspection can also provide clues. If you have dismantled the unit and see melting marks on the body, traces of burning or mechanical damage to the rod, then the part definitely requires replacement. It is also worth checking the condition of the capillary tube: there should be no creases, cracks or signs of corrosion that could disrupt the transmission of gas pressure inside the bellows.
Preparation of tools and selection of new spare parts
To successfully carry out repair work, you will need to prepare a workplace and the necessary tools. Replacing the thermostat on models Indesit usually does not require complex equipment; a standard home repair kit is sufficient. It is important that the tools are in good working order and that the workplace is well lit, since many fastening elements are located in hard-to-reach places.
You will need the following tools:
- 🔧 Screwdrivers of different types (phillips and flat) for removing panels and terminals.
- 🔪 A stationery knife or scalpel for careful removal of insulation (if necessary).
- 🧤 Gloves to protect hands from sharp metal edges and contamination.
- 🔦 Flashlight for illuminating the interior of the refrigerator compartment.
- 📸 Smartphone for photographing the wiring diagram in front dismantling.
The key point is the correct selection of the replacement part. Thermostats for refrigerators Indesit may differ in the length of the capillary tube, type of mounting and operating temperature range. The most common models are the series TAM (for example, TAM-133, TAM-145) and K-59. The original spare part number is usually indicated on the body of the old thermostat, so be sure to write off the markings before going to the store or ordering online.
⚠️ Attention: Do not use thermostats with an inappropriate temperature range. Installing a sensor from the freezer compartment into the refrigerator compartment will lead to incorrect operation and spoilage of food.
When purchasing, pay attention to the length of the capillary tube. If the new tube turns out to be longer than the old one, it can be carefully twisted into a ring and secured inside the body, but under no circumstances should it be bent or shortened. Shortening the tube will disrupt the volume of gas inside the bellows, and the thermostat will no longer respond correctly to temperature changes.
Removing the old thermostat in the Indesit refrigerator
The replacement process begins with completely disconnecting the refrigerator from the power supply. This is a safety requirement as you will be working with live electrical contacts. After you unplug the cord from the outlet, you need to empty the refrigerator compartment of food and remove all shelves and drawers to provide free access to the back wall.
In most models Indesit the thermostat is located inside the refrigerator compartment, in the upper right corner. It is hidden under a plastic casing, which can also serve as a lampshade for a lighting lamp. To remove this block, carefully pry it with a flat-head screwdriver or knife at the latches. Proceed with caution, as the plastic becomes brittle over time and can crack under strong pressure.
After removing the casing, you will see the thermostat itself with the wires that go to it and a capillary tube coming out of it, which goes deep into the body of the refrigerator. Before disconnecting the wires, be sure to take a photo of the connection diagram or sketch it. The colors of the wires may differ in different modifications, and an error during assembly can lead to a short circuit.
☑️ Checklist before dismantling
Next you need to unscrew the screws securing the thermostat to the housing or to the internal partition. In some models Indesit fastening can be carried out using latches. After removing the fasteners, carefully pull the thermostat out. The capillary tube is fixed in a special hole in the chamber wall; it must be very carefully pulled back into the refrigerator compartment, trying not to damage the insulation or deform the tube itself.
If the tube is stuck or moves with great force, do not pull it sharply. Try turning the thermostat slightly around its axis or using a thin tool to release the passageway. Damage to the capillary will lead to leakage of sensitive gas, and the new, just purchased thermostat will become unusable.
Installation of a new temperature sensor and assembly
Installation of a new thermostat is carried out in the reverse order of dismantling. First you need to pull the capillary tube through the hole in the chamber wall into the refrigerator compartment. The length of the tube immersion must correspond to the design of your refrigerator Indesit; usually it is fixed in a special holder or simply neatly laid along the back wall (evaporator).
It is important to ensure tight contact of the sensitive element with the surface whose temperature it is to measure. In some models, the end of the tube is inserted into a special sleeve or pressed with a bar to the evaporator. If the contact is weak, the thermostat will respond to the air temperature in the chamber with a delay, which will lead to temperature fluctuations.
After fixing the tube, install the thermostat housing on the seat and secure it with screws or latches. Then start connecting the electrical wires. Use the photographs or notes you took earlier to connect each wire to the appropriate terminal. The contacts should fit tightly; if the terminals are oxidized, clean them with fine sandpaper or a file.
⚠️ Attention: Make sure that the wires do not touch the moving parts of the fan (if there is one) and are not pressed by sharp metal edges to avoid chafing the insulation and short circuit.
The final stage of assembly is installation plastic casing and temperature control knob. The handle should fit tightly onto the thermostat rod, without any play. Make sure that when you turn the handle you feel characteristic switching clicks, which indicates the correct operation of the mechanism.
What to do if the handle does not fit?
If the temperature control handle does not fit into place, check to see if there is a piece of the old handle or retainer inside the plastic casing. Sometimes the rod of a new thermostat may be slightly offset relative to the hole in the handle - in this case, you can carefully file the inside of the handle hole, but this must be done extremely carefully so as not to damage the rod itself.
Compatibility table and technical parameters
When choosing a spare part, it is important to focus not only on the model of the refrigerator, but also on the technical characteristics of the thermostat itself. Below is a table with common types of thermostats used in technology Indesitand their main parameters.
| Thermostat model | Mounting type | Tube length (cm) | Temperature range |
|---|---|---|---|
| TAM-133 | On screws | 75-90 | From -24 to +3.5 °C |
| K-59 L1198 | Latch | 80-100 | From -24 to +3.5 °C |
| TAM-145 | On screws | 50-60 | From -16 to +5 °C |
| 17D22-102 | Latches | 70-85 | From -22 to +4 °C |
Please note that the length of the capillary tube in the table is indicated approximately, since in different It may vary slightly between batches. The main rule: the tube should not be shorter than the original. If it is longer, this is not a problem; the excess fits neatly. Also keep in mind that for two-chamber refrigerators with one compressor, thermostats are often used to control the temperature in the refrigeration chamber, starting and stopping the compressor.
Some modern models Indesit can be equipped with electronic temperature sensors that look different and are connected through connectors to the electronic control board. In such cases, a mechanical replacement of the thermostat is not possible - diagnostics of the electronics is required and, possibly, replacement of the NTC sensor itself or the control unit.
Checking functionality and first startup
After completing assembly and connecting all wires, you can proceed to testing. Plug in the refrigerator. In the first minutes after switching on, the compressor should start almost immediately (if the temperature in the chamber is higher than the set one). You should hear the characteristic sound of the motor running and feel the vibration of the case.
Let the refrigerator operate for 30-40 minutes. During this time, the temperature inside the chamber should begin to noticeably decrease. If you have a thermometer, place it in a glass of water and place it on the middle shelf for a more accurate reading. After an hour or two of operation, the temperature should drop to values close to those set on the regulator.
Pay attention to the cyclical operation. The normal mode is when the refrigerator runs for about 10-20 minutes and rests for 20-40 minutes (depending on the load and ambient temperature). If the compressor runs without stopping for a long time, but the cold does not gain, the thermostat may be installed incorrectly or its capillary tube does not have proper contact with the cooled surface.
Also listen for sounds when it turns off. When the thermostat contacts open, you should hear a clear click. The absence of a click when the compressor stops may indicate that the shutdown occurred for another reason (for example, a thermal motor protection relay has tripped), and the problem lies deeper.
Frequent errors during self-repair
Despite the apparent simplicity of the operation, beginners often make mistakes that can negate all efforts or even lead to breakage of the new part. One of the most common mistakes is damage to the capillary tube during installation. Thin metal is easy to punch holes in the case with a sharp edge or to bite with a tool. Repairing such a tube at home is impossible; a complete replacement of the unit will be required.
Another common mistake is incorrect connection of the wires. By mixing up the contacts, you can apply voltage to the wrong circuit, which will cause the lamp, fan, or thermostat itself to burn out. This is why the photographing step before disassembly is critical. Do not rely on memory, especially if you are not an electrician.
Sometimes users forget to check the tightness of the regulator handle to the rod. If the knob turns freely or sits with play, you will not be able to accurately set the temperature. As a result, the refrigerator will either undercool or overcool the food. Make sure that the handle lock (if provided by the design) is in place.
Is it possible to replace the thermostat with a universal analogue?
Yes, in many cases you can install a universal thermostat by selecting one that is suitable in size and temperature range. However, it is important to consider the length of the capillary tube and the type of attachment. Universal models often require additional adjustment to the location.
Why does the new thermostat click, but the compressor does not start?
This may indicate a malfunction of the compressor start relay, the motor itself, or an open circuit between the thermostat and the compressor. It is also possible that the contacts of the new thermostat do not close completely due to a manufacturing defect or incorrect adjustment.
Do you need to defrost the refrigerator before replacing?
Complete defrosting is not necessary if you work quickly. However, if there is a large “coat” of ice on the evaporator, it is better to wait until it melts so that water does not get on the electrical contacts and inside the housing when dismantling the elements.
How often do you need to change the thermostat in an Indesit refrigerator?
The average service life of the thermostat is 5-7 years of active use. However, it may fail earlier due to power surges, mechanical damage or a manufacturing defect. Planned replacement is not required, repairs are carried out only in the event of a malfunction.
Does replacing a thermostat affect the warranty?
If the warranty period for the refrigerator has not yet expired, any independent intervention, including replacing the thermostat, will lead to loss of warranty. In this case, it is strongly recommended to contact an authorized service center.