The situation when your two-chamber refrigerator stops turning off is familiar to many owners of Indesit equipment. The hum of the compressor, which does not subside for hours and sometimes days, becomes an intrusive background in the apartment and causes natural concern for the safety of the motor.
Continuous operation of the unit is not just noise, it is a signal that the cooling system cannot reach the set temperature parameters. In an attempt to “catch up” with the required degrees, compressor works into wear and tear, which inevitably leads to its overheating and early failure if measures are not taken.
In this article we will analyze in detail the main malfunctions that lead to this behavior of the equipment. You will learn how to independently carry out initial diagnostics and in which cases calling a technician becomes inevitable.
Malfunctions of the temperature sensor and thermostat
One of the most common reasons why Indesit refrigerator buzzing non-stop is the incorrect operation of the thermostat. It is this unit that is responsible for sending a signal to the compressor about the need to stop when the required temperature is reached in the chambers.
If the thermostat is “stuck” in the “on” position or its contacts are oxidized, the circuit does not open. In models with electronic control, this function is responsible temperature sensor, which could fail or transmit distorted data to the control module.
⚠️ Attention: An attempt to independently replace the thermostat in an electronically controlled refrigerator (where there is a display) may lead to the need to reflash the board or completely replacement.
To check a mechanical thermostat, it is often necessary to test it with a multimeter at different temperatures. In electronic systems, diagnostics are carried out by measuring the resistance of the sensor and checking the readings with a table of ratings.
Refrigerant leakage and violation of the tightness of the circuit
If you notice that refrigerator it works constantly, but at the same time it does not freeze well or has stopped cooling food altogether, most likely there is a freon leak. There is not enough refrigerant in the system to remove heat from the chambers.
The compressor tries to compensate for the lack of gas by continuous operation, but physically cannot create the necessary pressure. Often in such cases, you can hear the motor running intermittently or making strange sounds while trying to start.
A leak can occur in the solder joints of the tubes, in the foamed part of the housing (evaporator) or in the condenser. Finding a leak on your own without special equipment (leak detector) is almost impossible.
- 🔍 Visual inspection of the tubes at the back of the refrigerator for oil stains.
- 🔍 Checking the swelling of the rear wall inside the freezer.
- 🔍 The presence of frost in only one corner evaporator.
Restoring the tightness is a complex process that requires evacuation of the system and filling with new gas in compliance with the exact dosage.
Problems with sealing rubber bands
It would seem that a simple rubber strip around the perimeter of the door plays a critical role. If seal does not fit tightly, warm air from the room constantly enters the chamber.
The control system detects the increase in temperature and commands the compressor to work harder. Since the heat flow is constant, the refrigerator simply does not have time to cool down to the desired temperature and does not turn off.
You can check the tightness with a simple test with a sheet of paper. Clamp the sheet with the door around the entire perimeter: if it pulls out too easily or falls out, then there is a gap in this place.
How to restore the fit of the elastic?
If the elastic has simply come off, it can be glued. If it becomes stiff or deformed, try warming it with a hairdryer (without overheating!) or soaking it in boiling water for a couple of minutes to make it more elastic.
The problem is often solved by thoroughly washing and degreasing the contact surface. However, if the rubber has lost its elasticity and cracked, a complete replacement of the seal will be required. Malfunctions of the compressor and start relay. The most expensive unit is this. If it is worn out, its performance decreases. The mechanism tries to work, but does not create enough pressure in the system for a normal cooling cycle. replacing the seal.
Compressor and start relay malfunctions
The most expensive unit is motor-compressor. If it is worn out, its performance decreases. The mechanism tries to work, but does not create enough pressure in the system for a normal cooling cycle.
Also, the reason for continuous operation can be a stuck start relay. In this case, the compressor may hum, but not start, or work without the possibility of stopping due to a violation of the electrical control circuit.
Diagnostics of the compressor includes measuring the current strength of the windings and checking the outlet pressure. If the motor hums, but does not start, and at the same time knocks out the plugs, this is a clear sign of an interturn short circuit.
| Symptom | Probable cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| It buzzes, but is silent (not starts) | The compressor is jammed or the relay is burned out | Replacing the relay or compressor |
| Works, but does not freeze | Freon leak | Search for leaks and refueling |
| The body gets very hot | Overheating of the motor or clogged capillary | Cleaning the system or replacing the filter |
Clogged capillary tube
In the circulation system There is a very narrow section of the refrigerant - a capillary tube. Over time, oil oxidation products or moisture may accumulate in it, turning into an ice plug.
When clogging freon cannot fully circulate throughout the circuit. The pressure at the compressor outlet increases, but there is not enough pressure in the evaporator. The unit works at the limit of its capabilities, trying to push through the plug.
A characteristic sign is that the condenser (grid at the back) may only be partially hot, while the rest of the system remains cold. Eliminating the blockage requires purging the system with nitrogen under high pressure.
The influence of the fast freezing mode and settings
Before sounding the alarm, it is worth checking the settings your Indesit. Many models are equipped with a Super Freeze function. In this mode, the refrigerator is forced to work without stopping in order to quickly freeze large quantities of food.
If you accidentally activated this mode (the corresponding indicator is often on), the unit will work continuously until you turn off the function manually or until the set timer has passed (usually up to 72 hours).
It is also worth checking whether the temperature control is set to the maximum value. In the hot season or when the chambers are fully loaded, the refrigerator may not cope and work almost without interruption.
Rules of operation and placement of equipment
Sometimes the reason lies not in the breakdown, but in the operating conditions. If the refrigerator is placed close to a wall or furniture, the air circulation around the condenser is disrupted..
Overheating of the heat exchanger leads to the fact that the system cannot effectively transfer heat to the room. The compressor is forced to work longer to cool the freon before the next cycle.
In addition, placing the refrigerator next to itself (battery, stove, in direct sunlight) creates an additional thermal load that the standard cooling system may not be able to cope with.
- ❄️ Maintain a gap of at least 5-10 cm from the back wall to the wall.
- ❄️ Do not place hot foods inside the cells.
- ❄️ Defrost the refrigerator regularly if you have a No Frost model with clogged drainage holes.
☑️ Diagnostics before calling a technician
When you need to call a specialist
If simple methods (defrosting, checking settings, cleaning the condenser) did not help, and the Indesit refrigerator continues to work without interruption, professional diagnostics are required. Especially if you hear extraneous sounds or see oil under the unit.
Complex repairs associated with replacing a compressor, finding a leak, or resoldering pipes require special tools and skills. Independent intervention in a sealed circuit often leads to the final breakdown of the equipment.
A timely call to a technician will help save money: repairs at an early stage (for example, replacing a thermostat) will cost much less than replacing a compressor that has burned out due to overload.
Is it possible to leave the refrigerator running without stopping overnight?
Short-term operation without stopping (for example, after loading food or defrosting) is acceptable. However, long-term operation (a day or more) without breaks leads to overheating of the compressor windings and a reduction in its service life. If the equipment does not turn off for more than 12 hours, this is a malfunction.
Why is the refrigerator humming, but there is no cold?
This is a classic sign of a freon leak or a clogged capillary system. The compressor runs idle, driving the remaining gas or trying to overcome a plug, but heat exchange does not occur. You need to call a technician to find a leak and refill it.
How long should an Indesit refrigerator rest?
Normally, the work and rest cycle depends on the load and room temperature. Typically the refrigerator runs for about 15-20 minutes and rests for 20-40 minutes. If the operating time significantly exceeds the rest time, and the unit does not turn off for hours, this is a sign of a problem.
Is the constant hum of the refrigerator dangerous?
Yes, it is dangerous, first of all, for the device itself. Constant operation without rest cycles leads to engine overheating, oil burnout and eventual jamming of the piston group. For household members, constant noise can become a source of stress and sleep disturbance.