The situation when a two-chamber refrigerator Indesit continues to freeze food in the lower compartment, but stops cooling the upper chamber, often taking the owner by surprise. Unlike modern models with a No Frost system, where air circulation is forced, in classic units with a weeping evaporator, the cold is distributed differently. Lack of cold in the freezer with the compressor running, this is a specific symptom indicating a violation of the cooling cycle or control problems.
Many users mistakenly They believe that since the lower part of the refrigerator is working properly, it means that the unit is working. However, for two-chamber models, where the evaporator is located in the upper compartment, this is a critical failure. Compressor it may hum, trying to raise the temperature, but the refrigerant does not fulfill its function. Understanding the physics of the process helps to quickly identify a malfunction and avoid damage to products.
In this article we will analyze in detail the main reasons for the failure of the upper chamber, from simple adjustments to complex technical faults. You will learn how to independently carry out initial diagnostics and in which cases calling a technician becomes the only solution. Timely response can save the compressor from overload and extend the life of the equipment.
The operating principle of a two-chamber Indesit refrigerator
To understand why the upper chamber stopped freezing, you need to briefly consider the device of a classic Indesit with a drip defrosting system. In such models, the evaporator, which directly produces cold, is physically located at the top, behind the back wall of the freezer. This is where freon boils and absorbs heat from the chamber.
The lower refrigerator compartment is cooled due to natural convection or, in some modifications, a small channel for supplying cold air. Therefore, if the compressor is working properly, but there is no cold anywhere, this is one problem, and if it is cold only at the bottom, but warm at the top, this indicates that the problem is localized in the evaporator area. Refrigerant circulation it is broken in the circuit responsible for the upper compartment.
It is important to note that that in models with one compressor and one cooling circuit, temperature separation occurs due to a thermostat. It reads the temperature in one of the chambers (usually the refrigerator) and turns off the motor when the target is reached. If thermostat is faulty, the compressor may not turn on at all or work without stopping, not providing the required cold.
⚠️ Attention: In Indesit refrigerators with the No Frost (full) system, the principle is different: there is one common evaporator, and if the top does not freeze, This means the fan is not working or the air supply channel is clogged. This article is focused mainly on classic models with a weeping system.
Differences in design also determine diagnostic methods. In units where the freezer is on top, it is the primary consumer of cold. If you notice that the food in the upper compartment has begun to thaw, and there is no frost on the back wall or, conversely, a “fur coat” has formed, these are the first signals to check the technical condition.
Faults in the thermostat and temperature sensors
One of the most common reasons why the upper chamber Indesit stops freezing is failure of the thermostat (thermostat). This component is responsible for turning the compressor on and off depending on the temperature inside the chambers. If the contacts inside the thermostat have oxidized or the membrane has lost its senses, the circuit does not close and the compressor simply does not start.
In models with electronic control, instead of a mechanical thermostat, temperature sensors (NTC thermistors) are used. Their resistance changes depending on the heat, and the control board reads these readings. If the sensor in the upper chamber “lies” and shows that it is -30°C, although in fact it is +5°C, the control module will not give a command to cool.
- 🔧 Mechanical click: When you turn the thermostat knob, a clear click should be heard, indicating a short circuit contacts.
- 🌡️ Jumps in readings: Electronics can show normal temperature when it is actually warm in the chamber.
- 🚫 Constant operation: The compressor hums without interruption, but does not freeze, since the system does not receive a stop signal.
Diagnostics of the thermostat often requires testing the contacts with a multimeter in a cool state. If, as the temperature drops, the resistance does not change or contact does not appear, the part must be replaced. For electronic modules, the accuracy of the readings is important, since even a small sensor error can throw off the operating algorithm of the entire unit.
Problems with refrigerant: freon leakage and blockages
If the compressor is running, buzzing, but the upper chamber is not cooled, there is a high probability refrigerant leaks. Freon circulates in a closed circuit, and if a microcrack appears in the system (often in the foamed part of the housing or in the condenser), the pressure drops. The refrigerant becomes insufficient to boil in the evaporator of the upper chamber and create cold.
Another option is clogged capillary tube. An ice plug may form in the circulation system (due to moisture in the circuit) or blockage with oil wear and compression products. In this case, there is freon, the pressure in the system may even be increased, but the circulation through the evaporator of the upper chamber is completely stopped.
The symptoms of these two problems are similar, but there are nuances. If there is a leak, the compressor may run almost non-stop, trying to get up to temperature, and the condenser (grid at the back) will be lukewarm or cold. If clogged, the condenser may be hot and the evaporator cold only at the very beginning, immediately after stopping the engine.
Is it possible to refill freon yourself?
Independent refilling is impossible without special equipment (vacuum pump, pressure gauge station, scales). In addition, you need to know exactly the type of freon (R134a or R600a) and its amount in grams. An attempt to refuel “by eye” will lead to either a lack of cold or a breakdown of the compressor.
Repair in the event of a leak or blockage requires calling a technician. It is necessary to find the location of the damage, solder it, replace the filter drier and refill the system. This is a complex technical procedure that requires qualifications.
Faulty compressor and start relay
Compressor is the heart of the refrigerator, creating pressure for the movement of freon. If it is faulty, the upper chamber will not freeze. However, often the problem lies not in the motor itself, but in the start-up relay. This device helps the engine start and protects it from overloads.
If the relay is stuck or burnt out, you can hear characteristic clicks every few minutes: the compressor tries to start, hums for 1-2 seconds, a click is heard, and it goes silent. In this mode, no cooling occurs. It is also possible that the relay is “stuck” in the on state, and the motor hums constantly, but does not develop the required pressure.
An interturn short circuit of the compressor windings is a more serious problem. In this case, the engine may hum but not turn, or may not turn over with enough power. You can check the compressor by measuring the resistance of the windings with a multimeter, but an accurate diagnosis of performance (whether it pumps or not) can only be made using a pressure gauge.
Violation of tightness and problems with seals
Sometimes the reason for the lack of cold is trivial - a violation of the seal of the chamber. If sealing rubber the door of the upper chamber is worn out, dirty or deformed, warm air from the room constantly enters the freezer. The compressor simply does not have time to freeze out this amount of heat.
This is especially common in two-chamber models, where the freezer door opens less often, and the owner may not immediately notice that it is not completely closed. The problem may also be that the door is skewed due to improper installation or wear of the hinges.
You can check the tightness with a simple test with a sheet of paper. Clamp the sheet with the door around the perimeter: if it pulls out too easily without resistance, then the fit is broken. In places of poor fit, ice may form, which further interferes with closure.
Diagnostics and table of symptoms
To simplify troubleshooting, we offer a summary table that will help compare the symptoms of your Indesit probable cause. Pay attention to the behavior of the compressor and the condition of the rear wall.
tr>
| Symptom | Probable cause | Nature of compressor operation |
|---|---|---|
| The top does not freeze, the bottom works | Leakage freon / Clogged | Works without stopping or for a long time |
| Silence, there is no cold anywhere | Thermostat / relay is faulty | Won’t turn on |
| Clicks, buzzing no | The starting relay has burned out | Trying to turn on |
| Frost only at the entrance of the tubes | Lack of freon | Works as usual |
Using this table, you can narrow your search. However, remember that a visual inspection does not always give a 100% guarantee. For example, micro leakage can only be detected using a leak detector, and the exact resistance of the windings can only be measured with a device.
☑️ Primary diagnostics of the refrigerator
When you need to call a technician
There are a number of situations when self-repair is not only ineffective, but also dangerous. If diagnostics indicate problems with the sealed circuit (leaks, blockages), professional equipment is required. Craftsmen use nitrogen to purge the system, vacuum pumps to remove moisture, and scales for precise filling.
You should also contact a specialist if you need to replace the compressor. This is a complex operation, including soldering copper pipes, installing a new motor-compressor group and refueling. An error in the sequence of actions can lead to the fact that the new compressor will burn out in a few days.
⚠️ Attention: Opening the foam housing to look for a leak in the evaporator is an extreme measure. This is often not economically feasible, as the cost of labor and materials can exceed half the cost of a new refrigerator. In such cases, the technician may suggest installing an external evaporator (“crying” on the back wall), which is cheaper, but will change the appearance of the chamber.
You should not ignore the warranty period. If your refrigerator is less than 1-3 years old (depending on the region and conditions of purchase), any independent repair will deprive you of the right to free service. In this case, call an authorized specialist is the only correct solution.
Prevention and care of the cooling system
To avoid situations where the upper chamber stops freezing, it is important to follow the operating rules. Avoid overloading the freezer: if food is packed too tightly, air circulation is disrupted and the compressor works harder. This is especially true for models with Low Frost or mixed type of cooling.
Check the condition regularly. seals. Wipe them with a soft damp cloth, removing crumbs and sticky dirt. Once every six months, it is useful to lubricate the rubber with a special silicone lubricant so that it does not dry out and crack. Once a year, it is recommended to carry out a complete defrosting manually. This will remove the ice that the system has not had time to remove and give the compressor a rest.
Also keep an eye on defrosting. Although Indesit with a drip system it defrosts automatically; once a year it is recommended to do a complete defrost manually. This will remove ice that the system did not have time to remove and give the compressor a rest.
What to do if the refrigerator has defrosted and stopped freezing?
If you have defrosted the refrigerator, but after turning it on it does not get cold for a long time (more than 4-6 hours), there may be ice left in the system or a power surge has occurred. turned off for 2-3 hours, then turn it on. If after 24 hours there is no cold, there is a technical problem.
Is it possible to use the refrigerator if the upper chamber does not freeze?
It is not recommended to operate the unit in this mode. the freezer will begin to deteriorate, creating a favorable environment for bacteria.
How often do you need to change the freon in the Indesit refrigerator?
Freon is not a consumable material. In a working, sealed circuit, it circulates for decades without replacement. If refilling is required, it means that there is a leak that needs to be fixed - just “add gas” without finding the cause. a temporary and often harmful measure.