The situation when Indesit refrigerator the compressor makes characteristic sounds of operation, but the temperature inside the chamber remains at room temperature is one of the most common and alarming for the owner. You open the door, expecting the usual cold, but instead you are faced with warm air and food that begins to spoil before your eyes. At this moment, it is important not to panic, but to calmly assess the situation, since the reasons can vary from a banal violation of operating rules to a serious technical breakdown.
The humming of the unit indicates that the compressor electric motor is receiving power and is trying to start, but the cooling cycle does not occur. This may mean that the refrigerant is not circulating through the system, or the motor itself is idling due to mechanical jamming. Indesit, like any other equipment, has its weak points, and timely diagnostics will help avoid costly repairs or complete replacement of equipment.
Before calling technician or disassemble the back wall, it is necessary to conduct an initial external inspection. Often the problem lies not in the depths of the system, but in simple things that you can fix yourself in a matter of minutes. Understanding the principle of operation of the refrigeration machine will help you more accurately describe the problem to a specialist, or perhaps even fix the problem on your own without extra costs.
Primary diagnostics: external factors and settings
The first step is to eliminate the human factor and banal errors that are often mistaken for a breakdown. Carefully check whether the thermostat or settings of the electronic control unit are correctly set. Sometimes children may accidentally turn the knob to low, or a power surge may throw off the settings, causing the unit to go into defrost mode. Make sure that the indicators on the panel are lit correctly and do not flash an alarm signal.
The second critical point is the tightness of the door. If the sealing rubber is dirty, deformed, or simply does not make tight contact due to a foreign object, cold air will constantly escape. In this case, the compressor hums continuously, trying to compensate for heat loss, but cannot reach the desired temperature. Wipe the seal with a soft cloth and check if there are any obstacles in its path.
Also pay attention to the location of the refrigerator. If it stands close to the wall or in a niche without gaps for ventilation, heat transfer is disrupted. The compressor overheats and can go into protection, ceasing to cool, although the sound of the engine remains for some time. Indesit requires free space at the back and sides for the condenser to operate effectively.
Finally, remember if you have recently done defrosting or general cleaning. If the refrigerator was turned on too soon after cleaning, moisture could get into the electrical contacts or control system, causing a temporary malfunction. Allow the equipment to dry completely for several hours before drawing conclusions about damage.
- ✅ Check the position of the thermostat knob and the presence of power in the outlet.
- ✅ Inspect the door seal for cracks and dirt.
- ✅ Make sure there is a gap between the back wall and the furniture the gap is at least 5 cm.
- ✅ Avoid direct sunlight on the device body.
Malfunctions of the compressor and start relay
If external factors are excluded, and the refrigerator is humming, but there is no cold, the most likely cause lies in the heart system - the compressor or its piping. The hum can be different: the steady hum of a running engine or an intermittent hum with clicks when the engine tries to start, but immediately stalls. In the second case, most often start relayis to blame. This is a small part that supplies a starting impulse to the motor winding. If it burns out, the compressor hums, but does not start, and after a while the thermal protection is triggered.
A more serious problem is the compressor wedge. Mechanical parts of the engine may have worn out or become caked with oil, causing the piston to become stuck. In this case, the engine hums very loudly and intensely, trying to move, but cannot. Long-term operation in this mode is dangerous: the windings overheat, the insulation melts, and the compressor burns out completely. If you hear strong vibration and smell burning, the equipment must be immediately de-energized.
Sometimes there is a situation when the compressor works, but does not create the necessary pressure. This may be due to loss of valve performance or wear of the piston group. It is difficult to determine this visually; it requires connecting a pressure gauge station. Indesit equipped with various models of compressors (Danfoss, Aspera, Embraco), and each may have its own specific symptoms of a malfunction.
How to check the start relay yourself?
Carefully remove the plastic casing from the back of the refrigerator. Find the black box (relay) at the end of the compressor. Unplug it and shake it. If you hear a ringing sound inside (like broken ceramic), then the relay is faulty and needs to be replaced. This is a common reason why the refrigerator clicks and hums, but does not turn on.
It is important to understand that replacing a compressor is a complex process that requires evacuation of the system and charging with freon. It is impossible to perform this procedure independently without special equipment. If diagnostics indicate the death of the motor, you cannot do without calling a technician.
Refrigerant leak: signs and consequences
One of the most common reasons why the refrigerator does not freezeis a banal freon leak. The refrigerant circulates in a closed circuit, and if a microcrack appears in the tubes or radiator, the gas gradually evaporates into the atmosphere. At the same time, the compressor continues to work and hum, trying to pump what is no longer in the system. Hence the lack of cold when the engine is running.
Where does the leak most often occur? In modern models Indesit with a foamed evaporator (the circuit is built into the walls of the housing), cracks may appear due to metal corrosion under the influence of moisture and reagents. Also vulnerable are the places where the tubes are welded and the condenser itself (the black grille at the back), which can be easily damaged during careless transportation or cleaning. Even a small impact can break the seal.
An indirect sign of a leak may be swelling of the side walls of the refrigerator or the appearance of oily spots under the bottom (although the oil may not leak out, remaining inside the thermal insulation). Another symptom is that the compressor works almost without interruption, trying to gain temperature, but inside it is only a little cooler than in the room.
⚠️ Attention: Freon itself is colorless and odorless, so it is impossible to detect a leak by smell. The use of a soap solution is effective only for large fistulas; microcracks can only be detected with an electronic leak detector or ultraviolet light with the addition of a marker to the oil.
If a leak is confirmed, the technician will have to not only find and seal the hole, but also replace the filter drier, evacuate the system and charge the exact amount of refrigerant. A simple “refill” without eliminating the cause will only give a temporary effect, and after a couple of months the problem will return.
Clogged capillary tube of the cooling system
The third “pillar” on which the problem “hums, but does not freeze” rests is a blockage. There is a very narrow section in the freon circulation system - capillary tube. Its diameter is a fraction of a millimeter, and it is here that the coolant expands sharply as it cools. If there is moisture, dirt or oil breakdown products in the system, they can clog this passage.
When clogged, the compressor begins to work with increased load, trying to push freon through the plug. The humming becomes more strained, and the compressor housing may become very hot. In this case, the condenser (grid at the back) will be hot only at the beginning, and then cold, since the gas does not circulate. The evaporator inside the chamber will also remain warm or covered with frost only at the entrance of the tube.
The blockage can be temporary (ice blockage due to moisture) or permanent (mechanical dirt). The ice plug sometimes thaws on its own if you let the refrigerator stand turned off for a day, but the moisture will not go away and the problem will repeat. Mechanical blockage requires purging the system with nitrogen under high pressure and replacing the filter-drier.
Only a specialist with a pressure gauge can diagnose this malfunction. When connecting the device, the arrow will show high pressure at the discharge and vacuum at the suction, which will confirm the presence of an obstacle in the circuit.
Problems with the thermostat and sensors
The reason does not always lie in the mechanics. Control electronics can also malfunction. If your Indesit has a mechanical thermostat, its failure can lead to the fact that the contacts simply do not close, and there is no signal to start the compressor (although in your case the compressor is humming, which means there is a power circuit, but perhaps the regulator does not give a command to turn off, and the motor is idling, or vice versa - it does not allow it to start fully).
In models with a system No Frost and electronic control, sensors (thermistors) are responsible for the temperature. If the temperature sensor in the chamber “lies” and shows that it is -20°C inside, the controller simply will not start the compressor at full power or will not turn it on at all. However, if the compressor is humming, but there is no cold, perhaps the evaporator sensor is faulty and does not give a shutdown command, or the defrost sensor has blocked the system.
A malfunction of the defrost sensor in No Frost refrigerators is common. If he does not see that the evaporator has warmed up, or vice versa, does not see ice, the work cycle is disrupted. The evaporator becomes overgrown with a “fur coat” that blocks the airflow, and the cold stops flowing into the chamber, although the compressor is humming. Visually, this looks like a lack of cold.
- 🔹 Mechanical thermostat: checked by checking the contacts when the temperature changes.
- 🔹 Electronic module: requires diagnostics with a tester and checking the resistance of the sensors.
- 🔹 Defrost sensor: a common cause of evaporator freezing and shutdown cooling.
Replacing sensors usually does not require opening the freon circuit and is relatively inexpensive. The main thing is to choose an element with the correct resistance rating, since for different models Indesit they may differ.
Comparison of symptoms: diagnostic table
To make it easier for you to navigate the possible cause of the breakdown, we have compiled a summary table. It will help compare the symptoms and understand in which direction to move.
| Symptom | Probable cause | Nature of sound | Difficulty of repair |
|---|---|---|---|
| Buzzes, clicks, does not starts | Start relay / Compressor wedge | Humming for 3-5 seconds, then clicking | Medium / High |
| Humming constantly, no cold | Freon leak | Smooth hum, quieter than usual | High (need freon) |
| Humming, getting hot, not freezing | Clogged capillary tubes | Strained, loud hum | High (needs freon) |
| Works jerkily, no cold | Faulty sensors / electronics | Periodic on/off | Average |
This table is for informational purposes only. An accurate diagnosis can only be made by a specialist after an instrumental examination. Do not try to open a sealed circuit yourself without skills and equipment.
When you need to call a technician
Repairing a refrigerator yourself is only possible at the level of replacing a light bulb, thermostat (in some cases) or a start relay, if you have technical skills. However, if we are talking about freon circuit, it is better not to take risks. Opening the system requires professional tools: a vacuum pump, a pressure gauge station, a burner and scales for accurate filling.
In addition, improper soldering can lead to a fire or explosion, since the system contains oil and gas under pressure. Service center technicians have access to original spare parts Indesit and provide a guarantee for their work. If you hear a loud metallic knock inside the compressor or smell a burning smell, call a specialist immediately.
⚠️ Attention: If you notice that gas with a strong chemical odor is coming from the tubes at the back, urgently ventilate the room. Although modern freons are not toxic in small doses, they displace oxygen, and the oil can be caustic.
Timely repairs are often cheaper than buying a new refrigerator. Many breakdowns, such as a leak in an accessible place or replacing a relay, extend the life of the equipment by several years.
Prevention: how to extend the life of a refrigerator
To prevent the situation when the refrigerator hums but does not freezefrom happening again, it is important to follow the operating rules. Defrost your equipment regularly (if it is not No Frost), wash the drainage hole and keep the condenser at the back clean. Dust and animal hair stuck in the grille cause the compressor to wear out.
Do not put hot dishes in the chamber and do not overload the refrigerator with food. Air circulation must be free. Also monitor the condition of the seal: lubricate it with silicone once every six months so that the rubber does not dry out and crack.
☑️ Monthly check-up of the refrigerator
Following these simple rules will help your Indesit serve faithfully for many years, keeping food fresh and your budget intact.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to operate a refrigerator if it hums, but does not freeze?
It is strictly not recommended. The compressor runs idle or overloaded, which will quickly lead to its combustion. In addition, the products will deteriorate, creating a favorable environment for bacteria.
How much does a repair cost if refilling with freon is needed?
The price depends on the model and the amount of work (searching for leaks, replacing the filter, refilling). This usually makes up a significant part of the cost of a new budget refrigerator, but for middle-class models, repair is advisable.
Why does the refrigerator turn on after defrosting, but does not freeze?
Perhaps moisture has gotten into the electrics, or an ice plug has formed in the system. Let it sit unplugged for another 10-12 hours. If it doesn’t help, you need to call a technician to purge the system.
Does the new refrigerator hum when it is first installed?
When you first turn it on, the compressor may work longer than usual, gaining temperature. This is fine. But if there is no cold at all after 2-3 hours of operation, this is a defect or damage during delivery.