The situation when your Indesit refrigerator stops turning off can cause panic and fears for the safety of products. Continuous operation of the compressor not only significantly increases energy bills, but also indicates that the cooling system is operating in emergency mode. In two-chamber models, this is especially noticeable, since the load on the unit increases when trying to cool two compartments at once.
Before calling a technician or running to the store for new equipment, it is important to carry out an initial diagnosis. Often the reason lies in trivial things that can be eliminated on your own in a few minutes. However, ignoring the problem can lead to complete failure of the compressorcompressor, the repair of which will be very expensive.
In this article we will analyze in detail the mechanical and electrical causes of incorrect operation, and will also help you understand when specialist intervention is really necessary. A correct understanding of the processes inside of the refrigerator compartment will allow you to avoid unnecessary expenses.
⚠️ Attention: If you smell burning or see sparking in the compressor area, immediately unplug the device and do not try to turn it on again until an electrician arrives.
Primary diagnostics: simple reasons for constant operation
The most common reason that two-chamber refrigerator works without interruption lies not in a breakdown, but in a violation of operating rules. First of all, check whether the doors fit tightly to the body. If the rubber seal is worn out, dirty or simply deformed, warm air constantly flows inside.
The temperature sensor detects an increase in degrees and commands the compressor to work harder. As a result, the unit hums around the clock, trying to compensate for the heat gain. It is also worth checking whether you left the door ajar for a long time or whether you loaded too much warm food into the chamber.
- 🔍 Check that the sealing rubber is clean and free of cracks.
- 🌡️ Make sure that the thermostat is not turned to maximum freezing mode.
- ❄️ Assess whether a “snow coat” has formed on the back wall.
- 🔌 Check whether the air supply hose is kinked (for No Frost models).
If a visual inspection does not reveal obvious violations, move on to more complex technical reasons. Sometimes the problem lies in incorrect installation of the device.
Malfunctions of the defrosting system in No Frost models
Owners of modern two-chamber models Indesit No Frost typically have a problem with the defrosting system. If the refrigerator stops turning off, but continues to freeze (albeit worse), most likely, one of the elements of the evaporator defrosting circuit has failed.
In normal mode Defrost heating element it turns on on a timer and melts the ice on the evaporator. If the heating element is burned out, the defrost sensor or thermostat is faulty, the ice does not melt. The evaporator becomes overgrown with a “fur coat”, which blocks the cold air circulation channels. The fan circulates air, but no cold enters the chamber, and the compressor works non-stop.
⚠️ Attention: In some regions, the composition of the water and voltage drops may affect the service life of the sensors. It is recommended to check the technical specifications of the parts being replaced with the manufacturer's official manuals.
To confirm this hypothesis, you need to defrost the refrigerator manually for 10-12 hours. If after switching on it works normally, but after a few days the situation repeats, the problem is guaranteed to be in the defrost system.
Refrigerant leakage: signs and consequences
One of the most serious problems is freon leak. The refrigerant circulates in a closed circuit, and in a working refrigerator its amount does not change for years. However, mechanical damage to the tubes or corrosion can compromise the tightness of the system.
When there is a leak, the pressure in the system drops, and the compressor tries to compensate for the lack of cold, working at the limit of its capabilities. A characteristic sign is that the freezer compartment can work, but the refrigerator compartment cannot, or the cold will be weak throughout the entire volume.
Another sign is that the condenser (grid at the back or side walls) is hot only at the beginning or, conversely, completely cold. There may also be swelling of the inner wall of the refrigerator at the sealing site of the evaporator.
Problems with the thermostat and temperature sensors
The thermostat (thermostat) is the “brain” that commands the compressor to turn on and off. If your Indesit has a mechanical regulator, it may lose calibration over time or become stuck in the “On” position.
In models with electronic control, temperature is controlled temperature sensors (NTC thermistors). If the sensor “lies” and shows that it is warm in the chamber, although it is already minus, the control board will not give the command to stop the engine. Replacing these elements usually does not require complex equipment.
Thermostat diagnostics are often carried out by the method of elimination. If when you turn the control knob to the “0” or “Off” position the compressor does not stop, it means that the contacts inside the thermostat are welded or jammed.
- 🔧 A mechanical thermostat can be checked by closing the contacts directly.
- 📉 The electronic sensor is checked for resistance with a multimeter.
- 🔄 Replacing the thermostat is one of the most common repair procedures.
The malfunction of this unit is dangerous because the refrigerator may not only not turn off, but also freeze all the food, turning vegetables into ice blocks.
Wear of the compressor and start relay
The most expensive part of the refrigerator is compressor. Over time, its motor life is exhausted, the piston group wears out, and the device loses performance. It continues to hum, but does not create the necessary pressure for freon circulation.
Often the starting relay fails along with the compressor. This is a small device that helps the engine start. If the relay is faulty, the compressor may hum, click, try to start and immediately stall, or work continuously without developing power.
It is difficult to determine compressor wear without a pressure gauge station, but an indirect sign is a quiet, monotonous hum without the characteristic operating sounds of gas circulation, as well as the lack of heating of the condenser.
Comparative table of symptoms and solutions
For ease of diagnosis, we will collect the main symptoms of malfunctions in a single table. This will help you quickly navigate the situation and understand what problem you are facing.
| Symptom | Probable cause | Difficulty of repair | Necessary actions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Humming, but does not freeze | Freon leak / Clogged | High | Call a technician, refill |
| Freezes, but does not turn off | Thermostat is faulty / Sensor | Average | Replacing the sensor or thermostat |
| Ice in the freezer, no cold | No Frost system failure | Average | Replacing the heating element, timer or sensor |
| Buzzing and clicking | Faulty starting relay | Low | Replacing the relay |
| Warm inside, door open | Fit tightness / Seal | Low | Replacement of rubber band or adjustment |
Remember that timely contacting specialists in case of complex breakdowns (leakage, compressor replacement) often saves the budget, since it prevents collateral damage to other components.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
How long should an Indesit two-chamber refrigerator work and how long should it rest?
In normal operation, the compressor operating coefficient is about 30-40%. This means that for 10-15 minutes of work there should be 20-25 minutes of rest. However, these figures depend on the temperature in the room and the load in the chambers with food.
Is it possible to operate a refrigerator if it does not turn off, but freezes?
For a short time - yes, if you are waiting for the technician. But long-term operation without stopping will lead to overheating of the compressor windings and its combustion. In addition, this will significantly increase energy consumption.
Why did the refrigerator start working after defrosting, but a day later it stopped turning off again?
This is a classic sign of a malfunction of the defrosting system in No Frost models. The ice again blocked the evaporator, and the cold stopped flowing into the chamber. The heating element or sensors need to be replaced.
Does the temperature in the room affect the operation of the refrigerator?
Yes, if the room is hotter than +30°C, it is more difficult for the refrigerator to release heat, and the operating time of the compressor increases. If the room is colder than +10°C (for example, on a balcony in winter), the refrigerator may not turn on at all or work intermittently.
Is it necessary to change freon if the refrigerator has simply not been turned off for a long time?
No, freon is not a consumable item. It is changed or refilled only if a leak is detected or after repair work has been carried out on the circuit when the gas has been bleed.