Indesit refrigerator does not cool, but the freezer works: 7 reasons and what to do

Have you opened the refrigerator Indesitand the food in the main chamber is warm, although the freezer is working as usual? This problem is more common than it seems - and does not always require calling a specialist. In 60% of cases, the malfunction is associated with clogging of the capillary tube, breakdown of the thermostat or improper operation of the fan (in models with No Frost). But there are other, less obvious reasons - from the failure of the control board to the banal icing of the evaporator.

In this article we will analyze all possible reasons why the Indesit refrigerator does not cool, but the freezer works fine- from the simplest (which you can fix yourself in 10 minutes) to the complex (requiring the intervention of a specialist). You will also find step-by-step diagnostic instructions, checklists for testing and tips on how to avoid repeated breakdowns. If your model is with No Frost, Frost Free or a classic drip system, there are solutions for every case.

1. A clogged capillary tube is the most common cause

In 45% of cases when the refrigerator Indesit does not cool, but the freezer works, clogged capillary tubeis to blame. This thin copper tube is responsible for supplying refrigerant (freon) to the evaporator of the refrigerator compartment. Over time, particles of oil, moisture, or freon decomposition products accumulate in it, forming a plug. As a result, the refrigerant does not enter the main chamber, but continues to circulate in the freezer.

How does this manifest itself:

• 🔹 The freezer freezes as usual, but in the refrigerator compartment the temperature is above +10°C.
• 🔹 The compressor runs non-stop or turns on too often.
• 🔹 The condenser (the grill at the back of the refrigerator) heats up evenly only in the lower part.

What should I do? If you are not a master do not try to clean the tube yourself this requires special equipment (hydraulic press, vacuum pump) and skills. But you can check the assumption:

Unplug the refrigerator for 12 hours (defrost)|Check the temperature of the condenser with your hand - if the top is cold and the bottom is hot, this is a sign of a blockage|Listen to the compressor: if it is clogged, it runs louder and longer than usual|Pay attention to the ice in the freezer — if there is too much of it, this is an indirect sign of a problem with the circulation of freon -->

⚠️ Attention: Some “masters” suggest breaking through the blockage by heating the tube with a blowtorch. This is extremely dangerous - you can damage the system or cause a freon leak. It is better to call a certified specialist with equipment to flush the system.

2. Malfunction of the thermostat (thermostat) of the fridge compartment

The thermostat is the “brain” of the fridge compartment. It measures the temperature and sends a signal to the compressor to turn on/off. If the thermostat is broken, the compressor can simply not receive the command cool the main chamber, although the freezer continues to work (it has its own separate sensor).

Signs of a broken thermostat:

• 🔧 The refrigerator compartment does not cool at all, but the freezer is operating in normal mode.
• 🔧 When you turn the thermostat knob (if it is mechanical), you cannot hear the relay click.
• 🔧 The compressor turns on rarely or does not turn on at all (in models with one compressor).

How to check the thermostat yourself:

1. Disconnect the refrigerator from the network.
2. Remove the protective casing from the thermostat (usually it is located inside the chamber, behind the plastic panel).
3. Disconnect the wires from the thermostat and short them together (if the model is mechanically controlled).
4. Turn on the refrigerator - if the compressor is running, The thermostat is faulty.

⚠️ Attention: In refrigerators with a system No Frost the thermostat is often combined with a defrost timer. If you only replace the thermostat and the problem was with the timer, the problem will remain. In such cases, it is better to contact a specialist for a comprehensive diagnosis.

3. Problems with the fan in No Frost systems

If your Indesit equipped with a system No Frost (or Frost Free), then the fan is responsible for circulating cold air between the chambers. When it breaks, the freezer continues to freeze, but the refrigerator compartment remains warm - simply because cold air does not enter it.

Causes of fan failure:

• 🌀 Icing of the blades (due to a malfunction of the defrost system).
• 🌀 Wear of bearings or fan motor.
• 🌀 Damage to the control board that supplies power to the fan.

How to diagnose:

1. Disconnect the refrigerator and defrost it for 12-24 hours.
2. After defrosting, turn on the refrigerator and listen - if the fan does not make noise, it means it is not working.
3. Check whether the fan blades rotate manually (if not, mechanical blocking by ice is possible).

No Frost|Frost Free|Drip (manual defrosting)|I don’t know-->

4. Freon leak in the refrigeration circuit

Refrigerant leak is one of the most serious malfunctions. It can occur due to pipe corrosion, mechanical damage (for example, when moving the refrigerator) or soldering defects. As a result, freon leaves the system, and the compressor begins to “drive air” without creating the necessary pressure for cooling.

Signs of freon leakage:

• 💨 The compressor works non-stop, but the refrigerator compartment does not cool.
• 💨 The condenser (rear grill) remains cold even after prolonged operation.
• 💨 Oil stains are visible on the tubes or in soldering areas (freon comes out along with oil).

What to do? Freon leak impossible to fix on your own —required:

1. Detecting the location of the leak (using a leak detector or foam).
2. Repairing the damage (soldering, replacing the tube).
3. Evacuation of the system and refilling with new freon.

What is the danger of a freon leak?

Freon is non-toxic, but its leak leads to two problems:

1. The compressor wears out and can burn out in 1–2 weeks.

2. Moisture enters the system, which accelerates corrosion and leads to repeated leaks.

⚠️ Attention: If you suspect a freon leak, do not turn on the refrigerator prior to repair. Operating a compressor without refrigerant leads to its overheating and failure (the cost of replacing a compressor is 3-4 times higher than eliminating a leak).

5. Failure of the control board or sensors

In modern models Indesit (for example, Indesit ITF 118, Indesit BIAA 13) the electronic control board is responsible for the operation of both cameras. If it fails or individual elements burn out, the refrigerator compartment may stop cooling, and the freezer may stop working as usual.

Causes of board failure:

• ⚡ Power surges in the network.
• ⚡ Short circuit in the sensor circuit.
• ⚡ Failure of capacitors or relays on the board.

How to diagnose:

• Check whether the indicators on the control panel are lit. If not, the fuse or the board itself may have burned out.
• Listen to see if the board makes a crackling or crackling noise (a sign of broken capacitors).
• If the refrigerator gives an error (for example, F01, F04), decipher it according to the instructions for the model.

What do? Repairing the board yourself is only possible if you have skills in soldering and diagnosing electronic circuits. In other cases, the following is required:

• Replacement of the board (if key elements are burned out).
• Re-flashing (if the problem is in the software).
• Replacement of sensors (if the board is working, but receives incorrect signals).

6. Icing of the evaporator in the refrigerator compartment

If yours Indesit has a drip defrosting system, the problem may lie in icing of the evaporator. Over time, ice builds up on it, blocking air circulation and preventing cooling. The freezer works normally, since it has a separate circuit.

Causes of icing:

• ❄️ Incorrect installation of the refrigerator (skewed, close to the wall).
• ❄️ Frequent opening of the door or its loose closing.
• ❄️ Clogged drainage hole (water does not drain, but freezes on the evaporator).

How to fix:

1. Defrost the refrigerator for 12–24 hours.
2. Check the door seal - if it is damaged, replace it.
3. Clean the drainage hole (you can use a wire or a special brush).
4. Make sure the refrigerator is level (use a level).

⚠️ Attention: If ice appears on the evaporator again after 1–2 weeks, the problem may be faulty thermostat or freon leak. In this case, defrosting will only give a temporary effect.

7. Clogged drainage system or malfunction of the damper

In refrigerators with a system No Frost or Frost Free cold air from the freezer enters the main chamber through a special damper. If it gets stuck in the closed position (due to icing or drive failure), the refrigerator compartment will stop cooling.

The problem may also be clogged drainage systems - if the water does not drain into the pan, it freezes and blocks the air ducts.

How to check:

• Turn off the refrigerator and defrost it.
• Check whether the damper between the chambers moves freely (in models Indesit it is usually located in the upper part of the refrigerator compartment).
• Clean the drainage hole and tube (you can use a syringe with warm water).

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about a non-working Indesit refrigerator

Is it possible to fill freon into an Indesit refrigerator yourself?

No. Refilling freon requires special equipment (vacuum pump, pressure manifold, freon cylinder) and skills. Incorrect refueling can lead to compressor damage or refrigerant leak after a few months. It is better to contact a specialist.

Why, after defrosting, the Indesit refrigerator does not cool, but the freezer works?

Probable reasons:

1. During defrosting, the thermostat or temperature sensor could be damaged.
2. If the refrigerator No Frostcould burn fan or defrost timer.
3. Possible leakage freon due to corrosion of tubes (especially if the refrigerator is old).

First, check whether the fan is working (in models with No Frost) and whether the evaporator is iced up. If everything is in order, call a technician for diagnostics.

How much does it cost to repair an Indesit refrigerator if the refrigerator compartment does not work?

The cost depends on the reason:

• 💰 Replacement of the thermostat: 1,500–3,000 rubles.
• 💰 Cleaning the capillary tube + refilling freon: RUB 3,500–6,000
• 💰 Control board replacement: RUB 4,000–8,000
• 💰 Freon leak repair: RUB 2,500–5 000 rub. (depending on the location of the leak).

⚠️ Prices are relevant for Moscow and the region. In regions, the cost may differ by 20–30%.

Can an Indesit refrigerator not cool due to incorrect network voltage?

Yes. If the network voltage is lower 190 V or higher 240 V, the compressor may not work correctly:

• At low voltage it does not create the required pressure for cooling.
• If high, it overheats and turns off due to protection.

Solution: use voltage stabilizer (especially relevant for rural areas or old houses).

What to do if the Indesit refrigerator does not is cooling, and the freezer is working, and the light is blinking?

A flashing light (or an error on the display) usually indicates:

• 🚨 Faulty temperature sensor (needs replacement).
• 🚨 Problems with the control board (needs diagnostics).
• 🚨 Icing of the evaporator (defrost the refrigerator for 24 hours).

Look at the error code in the instructions for your model - this will help more accurately determine the problem.