Situation when two-chamber Indesit refrigerator continues to freeze food in the lower compartment, but stops cooling the upper chamber, this is one of the most common problems faced by owners of household appliances. This phenomenon often causes confusion, as the compressor hums, the indicators may be on as usual, but the temperature in the main compartment rises to room temperature. This behavior of the equipment indicates a violation of the circulation of the refrigerant or a failure in the control system.
In most cases, the reason lies not in a complete breakdown of the unit, but in the failure of one of the key components responsible for the distribution of cold. Indesit two-chamber models are designed so that the main cold is produced in freezer and then transferred upstairs. If this process is interrupted, you end up with a working freezer and a non-functioning refrigerator. Understanding the physics of the process helps to quickly diagnose a malfunction.
Before calling a technician, it is worth carrying out an initial diagnosis to eliminate common operating errors or simple malfunctions. Often the problem can be solved without expensive repairs if you notice the first signs of failure in time. However, ignoring the symptoms can lead to spoilage of products and more difficult restoration of equipment.
Problems with the No Frost system and freezing of the evaporator
If your Indesit refrigerator is equipped with a system No Frost, then the most likely reason for the lack of cold in the upper compartment is freezing of the evaporator. In such models, cold air is forced by a fan through ducts. Over time, a “coat” of ice grows on the evaporator, which is located behind the back wall of the freezer. This ice blocks the operation of the fan or blocks the air ducts, which is why the cold simply does not reach the upper chamber.
Symptoms of this malfunction often appear cyclically: the refrigerator can work normally for several days, and then the upper chamber begins to warm up. If you defrost the unit completely (turn it off for 24 hours with the doors open), the problem may temporarily disappear, but after a week or two it will happen again. This is a sure sign that the defrosting system is not coping with its functions.
In the defrosting system, several components are responsible for the serviceability, the failure of any of which leads to ice accumulation:
- ❄️ Defrost heating element —a heating element that should melt ice on the evaporator; if it burns out, the ice does not melt.
- ⏱️ Timer or control board is a device that gives the command to turn on the defrost mode; in case of failure, the command is not received.
- 🌡️ Defrost sensor —thermostat that controls the temperature of the evaporator; if it “lies”, the system does not understand that it needs to be heated.
⚠️ Attention: Attempts to chip ice manually using a knife or other sharp objects are strictly prohibited. You can damage the thin tubes of the evaporator or break the tightness of the system, which will lead to a freon leak and expensive repairs.
For an accurate diagnosis, you need to “get” to the evaporator by removing the back panel in the freezer. A visual inspection will show whether there is ice there. If ice is present and the heating element is cold when the defrost mode is on, then the problem is in the electric circuit of the heater.
Compressor malfunctions and loss of performance
In models with one compressor, which make up most of the range Indesit, the motor works on both compartments at the same time. If the compressor is worn out, it may continue to hum and create pressure, but its power will only be enough to maintain a low temperature in a small freezer volume. There is no longer any cold left for the large chamber. This condition is called loss of performance.
It is difficult to diagnose such a problem at home, since outwardly the compressor appears to be working. It may not even turn off, working in constant mode. However, if you listen, you will notice that the nature of the sound has changed, or the operating time has become continuous. Motor-compressor is the heart of the refrigerator, and its efficiency decreases over the years of operation.
Another reason for poor compressor operation may be the failure of the start-up relay. This small element is responsible for starting the engine. If the relay is faulty, the compressor may struggle to start, click on and off, or may not operate at full capacity. In some cases, replacing the relay solves the problem without replacing the motor itself.
It is important to understand the difference between a complete failure of the compressor and its partial failure. In the first case, the refrigerator is silent and does not freeze anywhere. In the second, the freezer is working, and the refrigerator compartment is warm. It is the second case that often confuses users, since the equipment seems to be functioning.
Refrigerant leak and system blockage
One of the most serious reasons why Indesit refrigerator stopped freezing in the upper compartment is a freon leak or blockage of the capillary tube. The refrigerant circulates in a closed circuit, and if its quantity decreases, the pressure in the system drops. As a result, the freon completely evaporates at the beginning of the circuit (in the freezer), without reaching the evaporator of the upper chamber.
Clogging of the system often occurs due to moisture or debris getting into the circuit. At the point where the capillary tube narrows, an ice plug or oil clot forms, which blocks the flow of gas. The symptoms are very similar to a leak: the freezer is freezing, but the top compartment is warm. Only a technician with a pressure gauge can distinguish one problem from another.
The main signs of a leak or blockage:
- 🔇 The compressor runs longer than usual or does not turn off at all.
- 🌡️ The condenser grille (at the back or on the sides) remains cold or warm only partially.
- 💧 The appearance of swelling on the inner wall of the refrigerator (at the place where it was sealed by the factory).
If you notice that rust spots or swelling appear on the back wall inside the refrigerator compartment, this is almost guaranteed to indicate that the evaporator built into the body has leaked. In models Indesit this, unfortunately, is a common problem due to corrosion of thin metal.
⚠️ Attention: Freon leakage often occurs in the foamed part of the body. Repair in this case requires the installation of a new external evaporator (“crying” inside), since it is not economically feasible to open the factory foam and look for a microcrack.
Malfunctions of the thermostat and temperature sensors
Electronics of modern refrigerators Indesit relies on sensor readings. If the thermostat (mechanical models) or air sensor (electronic models) sends incorrect data, the compressor may shut down prematurely. It “seems” to him that it is already quite cold in the freezer, although in fact the temperature there is still high, and in the refrigerator compartment it is completely room temperature.
In mechanical models, the capillary tube of the thermostat is responsible for the adjustment. If it has lost its seal or has moved, the refrigerator will not turn on when commanded. In electronic models with a display, the problem is solved by replacing the sensor, which is usually located on the back wall or in the air duct.
Checking the thermostat is often carried out by elimination. If, when the thermostat contacts are closed, the refrigerator begins to freeze normally in both chambers, then the regulator is faulty. However, such diagnostics require disassembling the equipment and observing electrical safety measures.
It is also worth checking the settings. Sometimes users accidentally set the minimum cooling power or activate the “holiday” mode, which can have different effects on the operation of the cameras depending on the specific model Indesit.
Problems with the damper and fan (for models with one evaporator)
In some modifications of two-chamber refrigerators, cold is supplied to the top through a special damper controlled by an electric drive. If this damper is stuck in the closed position or the drive motor is burned out, air simply does not enter the refrigerator compartment. The freezer operates in normal mode, since it is a source of cold.
A similar situation occurs with the air circulation fan. If the fan blades are frozen or the motor is burned out, cold air remains in the freezer and does not mix with the warm air from the upper chamber. This is typical for systems No Frostwhere air movement is the only way to cool the upper compartment.
To check you need to:
- Open the freezer door and press the light button (or hold it down) to simulate closing.
- Listen, whether the fan starts.
- Check whether the air duct is blocked by food or ice chips.
How to check the damper manually?
To check the mechanical damper, it is often necessary to remove the plastic cover of the air duct. Move the damper manually - it should move freely, without jamming. If it is jammed with ice, it will require complete defrosting. If the mechanism is physically broken, replace the unit.
Diagnostics and table of main symptoms
To systematize the information and help you navigate the possible causes, we have compiled a summary table. It will help compare the symptoms of your Indesit refrigerator with the most likely malfunction.
| Symptom | Probable cause | Difficulty of repair | Need a technician |
|---|---|---|---|
| The freezer is working, the top is warm, you can hear the sound of a running fan | The damper is faulty or the channel is frozen | Average | Desirable |
| Ice is frozen in the freezer, the top does not freeze | Failure of the defrost system (heating element, timer, sensor) | Average | Yes |
| The compressor is hot, runs non-stop, cold no | Freon leak or blockage | High | Required |
| The refrigerator turns on and turns off immediately | The starting relay is faulty or thermostat | Low | You can do it yourself |
This table is for informational purposes only. An accurate diagnosis can only be made by a specialist using diagnostic equipment. Do not try to open the sealed circuit yourself.
What you can do yourself before the technician arrives
If you find that Indesit refrigerator has stopped freezing in the upper chamber, do not panic. There are a number of actions that you can take yourself to make it easier for the technician to diagnose or, at best, solve the problem on your own. The first step should always be complete defrosting.
Unplug the refrigerator, remove all food and leave the doors open for at least 24 hours (preferably two days). This is necessary so that the ice in the hidden channels and on the evaporator completely melts. Often after such a procedure, the equipment begins to work properly, which confirms the version of a failure of the defrosting system.
During defrosting, check:
- 🔌 The integrity of the power cord and the tightness of the plug in the socket.
- 🧹 The cleanliness of the condenser grille at the back (dust worsens heat exchange).
- 🚪 Tightness of the rubber door seals (cold escapes through the cracks).
☑️ Checklist before calling a technician
If after full After defrosting and turning on, the refrigerator began to work normally, but after 5-7 days the situation repeated itself, which means that one of the elements of the defrosting system (heating element, sensor, timer) requires replacement. You can operate the equipment in this mode, but you will have to defrost it manually regularly.
⚠️ Attention: Technical characteristics and location of parts may vary depending on the specific series Indesit. Before ordering spare parts, be sure to check the article numbers with the data on the nameplate of your device or in the official documentation.
When an urgent call to a specialist is necessary
There are situations when independent actions are not only useless, but can also cause harm. If you hear a hissing sound (freon escaping), see oil under the refrigerator, or smell a burning smell, immediately unplug the appliance. In such cases, minutes count to prevent more serious breakdowns or a fire hazard.
A technician is also needed if, after defrosting, the refrigerator does not turn on at all or turns on for a few seconds and clicks. This indicates problems with the compressor or electrical part that require professional tools for repair. Replacing the compressor - a complex procedure that requires evacuation of the system and charging with freon.
Do not forget that proper maintenance extends the life of the equipment. Regular washing, checking seals and timely defrosting (if the model is not No Frost) will help avoid many problems. However, if the service life of the parts has come to an end, high-quality repairs will return a second life to the Indesit refrigerator. Keep the receipt and warranty card. Even if the warranty has expired, having documents about previous repairs will help the technician quickly understand the service history of your unit. refrigerator Indesit second life.
In conclusion, the problem “the freezer works, but the refrigerator does not” can be solved in 90% of cases. The main thing is to correctly determine the cause: whether it lies in banal freezing, a gas leak, or failure of electronics. Competent diagnostics will save you time and money.
Is it possible to operate a refrigerator if the upper chamber does not freeze?
Short-term operation is possible, but undesirable. The compressor will work harder, trying to gain temperature, which will lead to overheating and accelerated wear. In addition, the products in the upper chamber will quickly deteriorate.
How much does it cost to repair a defrost system in Indesit?
The cost depends on the region and the specific faulty part (heating element, sensor or timer). Typically, replacing elements of the defrosting system falls into the middle price segment of repairs, since it does not require work with freon, but requires disassembling the freezer.
Why, after defrosting, did the refrigerator stop freezing again after a week?
This is a classic sign of a malfunction of one of the components of the automatic defrosting system. Ice again accumulates on the evaporator and blocks the channels. It is necessary to replace the failed element (most often it is a heating element or sensor).
Is it possible to replace the compressor yourself?
Theoretically, it is possible if you have the skills and tools (burner, vacuum pump, pressure gauge station). However, without experience, there is a high risk of poor-quality soldering, moisture getting into the system, or incorrect filling with freon, which will completely disable the equipment.