The Indesit refrigerator does not freeze: 7 reasons and what to do to restore operation

Your Indesit suddenly stopped freezing, and a thaw began in the freezer? Do not rush to call a specialist - in 60% of cases the problem can be fixed on your own. This article will help you figure out why the refrigerator does not cool to the required temperatureeven if the compressor is running and the light inside is on. We will consider both obvious reasons (thermostat adjustment, drainage blockage) and hidden malfunctions (freon leakage, fan failure) that require professional intervention.

Features of refrigerators Indesit (models C 132 G, TN 116, DF 4180 etc.) - sensitivity to voltage drops and a tendency for the evaporator to freeze up if used incorrectly. If your unit refuses to freeze, but at the same time the compressor is humming or the temperature indicator is flashing, most likely the problem lies in one of 7 systems. Go through our checklist to accurately determine the source of the problem and assess whether you can handle the repair without a specialist.

We warn you right away: if the refrigerator Indesit does not freeze because refrigerant leaks or compressor breakdown, independent repairs are fraught with aggravation of the problem. In such cases, special equipment (vacuum pump, leak detector) and certified freon are required. However, in 40% of cases, little things are to blame - from a loose door to an electronics failure, which can be easily fixed at home.

1. Checking the obvious reasons: what to do first

Before disassembling the refrigerator, eliminate external factors that could trigger the failure. Start with basic checks:

• 🔌 Power and socket: Make sure that the plug is firmly inserted into the socket and that the voltage in the network is stable (normal for Indesit — 220-240 V). If there are frequent surges in the house, connect the refrigerator through a stabilizer.
• 🚪 Door closure tightness: Check the sealing rubber - if it is dirty or deformed, warm air gets inside and the compressor cannot cope with the load. Wipe the rubber band with soapy water and inspect for cracks.
• ❄️ Defrosting mode: In models with No Frost (for example Indesit ITF 118), the automatic defrosting cycle may have triggered. Wait 1-2 hours - if the problem disappears, then the system is working correctly.
• ⚙️ Thermostat settings: Make sure that the temperature regulator has not gone to minimum. The optimal value for the freezer is -18°C, for the refrigerator - +4°C.

If all of the above is in order, but the refrigerator Indesit still does not freeze, proceed to diagnosing the internal systems. Pay attention to the nature of the compressor operation:

• 🔊 The compressor does not turn on —an electrical problem (thermostat, relay, control board).
• 🔄 The compressor works without stopping —a freon leak or a clogged capillary tube is possible.
• ⚡ The compressor turns on and immediately turns off —the start-up relay is faulty.

⚠️ Attention: If the refrigerator Indesit with the system No Frost stops freezing, and ice has appeared on the back wall of the freezer - this is a sign of breakdown fan or defrost heater. Do not try to break off the ice with a knife - this may damage the evaporator!

2. Diagnostics of the thermostat and temperature sensors

The thermostat (or thermostat) is the “brain” of the refrigerator, which controls the temperature and sends signals to the compressor. If it fails, the compressor either does not turn on at all or operates chaotically. In models Indesit the thermostat is usually located:

• In the refrigerator compartment - behind the plastic panel next to the light bulb (for example, in Indesit BIA 18).
• In the freezer compartment - under the top shelf (in models with No Frost).

To check thermostat:

1. Unplug the refrigerator and remove the food.
2. Remove the protective cover of the thermostat (usually secured with latches or screws).
3. Disconnect the wires from the thermostat terminals and short them together (simulating a low temperature signal).
4. Turn on the refrigerator - if the compressor is working, the thermostat is faulty and requires replacement.

In modern models Indesit (for example, ITF 118 W) instead of a mechanical thermostat, electronic temperature sensoris used. multimeter:

• Turn the tester into resistance measurement mode (200 Ohm).
• At room temperature, the resistance of the sensor should be within 5-7 kOhm.
• Place the sensor in ice - the resistance should increase to 20-30 kOhm.

Disconnect the refrigerator from the network

Remove the sensor protective panel

Disconnect the connector sensor

Measure the resistance with a multimeter

Compare the readings with the norm-->

⚠️ Attention: If you replaced the thermostat, but the refrigerator Indesit still does not freeze, check wiring between the thermostat and compressor. Often the contacts oxidize or fray, which leads to false signals.

3. Problems with the compressor: why it does not pump cold

The compressor is the “heart” of the refrigerator, which pumps freon through the system. If it is faulty, the refrigerator Indesit stops freezing, even if the light is on and the fan is on. do

To check compressor yourself:

1. Turn off the refrigerator and remove it from the niche.
2. Remove the protective casing from the compressor (usually secured with 4 screws).
3. Test the windings with a multimeter:
   • Resistance between terminals C-S (starting winding) - 20-40 Ohm.
   • Resistance between C-R (working winding) - 10-20 Ohm.
   • The resistance between S-R is the sum of the two previous values.

If there is no resistance or tends to zero, the windings are burned out, the compressor must be replaced.

If the compressor is working, but the refrigerator Indesit does not freeze, the problem may lie in start-protection relay. This is a small box attached to the compressor. If the relay malfunctions, the compressor either does not start or operates jerkily. Check the relay:

• Remove the relay and shake - if you hear a knock, this is a sign of mechanical wear.
• Ring the contacts: between terminals L i M resistance should be 0 Ohm.

4. Freon leak: how to recognize and what to do

Refrigerant leakage is the most insidious malfunctionit develops gradually, and the refrigerator Indesit can “die” in a few days. The first signs:

• The compressor works without stopping, but the temperature in the chambers does not drop.
• The condenser (grid on the rear wall) remains cold.
• On the tubes or in oil stains are visible in soldering areas (freon leaves along with the oil).

The most vulnerable places for leaks in refrigerators Indesit:

• 🔧 Places where pipes are soldered (especially in models with a bottom freezer).
• 🧊 Freezer evaporator —over time corrodes due to condensation.
• 🔄 Filter drier - may crack due to vibration.

If you suspect a leak, do the following:

1. Disconnect the refrigerator and defrost it for 12 hours.
2. Inspect all tubes for oil smudges or greenish deposits (a sign of copper corrosion).
3. If you find damage, do not try to solder it yourself for this you need an argon welding machine and experience working with refrigeration equipment.

⚠️ Attention: After eliminating the leak, the system must be vacuum refilled with new freon. If this is not done, moisture and air inside the tubes will lead to repeated failure in 1-2 months. In workshops, they use a vacuum pump and a leak detector for this.

How to check for freon leaks without equipment?

If you do not have a leak detector, you can use a soap solution:

1. Prepare a thick solution of water and soap (or dishwashing detergent).

2. Apply it with a brush to suspicious areas of the tubes.

3. If there is a leak, bubbles will begin to appear.

This method only works for large leaks - small cracks cannot be detected this way.

5. Capillary tube clogged: how to clean the system

The capillary tube is a thin channel through which freon enters the evaporator. Over time, it can become clogged due to:

• 🔥 Overheating of the compressor - in this case, the oil decomposes and forms a sediment.
• 💧 Moisture ingress into the system (for example, if freon is not charged correctly).
• 🧲 Metal shavings —appears when the compressor wears out.

Signs of a blockage:

• The compressor works, but the condenser (grid at the back) remains cold.
• Temperature in freezer compartment higher -10°C, despite the continuous operation of the motor.
• The capillary tube (thin copper tube in front of the evaporator) feels icy to the touch only at the beginning, and then warm.

Cleaning the capillary tube at home is possible, but requires accuracy:

1. Turn off the refrigerator and bleed off the freon (by carefully unscrewing the filling tube).
2. Unsolder the capillary tube from the filter drier and evaporator.
3. Blow the tube with nitrogen under pressure 10-15 atm (you can use a car compressor with an adapter).
4. If the blockage does not clear, replace the capillary tube or filter drier.
5. Solder the system, vacuum and fill with a new one freon.

⚠️ Attention: When cleaning the capillary tube Do not use water or alcohol - they leave moisture, which later will lead to corrosion. Only dry nitrogen or inert gas is suitable for purging.

6. No Frost system breakdowns: fan and heater

If your refrigerator Indesit is equipped with a system No Frost (models ITF 118, ITN 167 etc.), but has stopped freezing, the problem may lie in:

• 🌀 Fan —it distributes cold air through the chambers. If the blades are frozen or the motor is burned out, the cold does not flow.
• 🔥 Defrost heater - it turns on 2-3 times a day to melt the ice on the evaporator. If it breaks down, the evaporator freezes and the air stops circulating.
• 🧊 Defrost timer — controls the defrost cycle. If it breaks, the heater does not turn on and ice builds up.

How to diagnose a breakdown:

1. Checking the fan:
   • Unplug the refrigerator and remove the back panel in the freezer camera.
   • Try to turn the fan blades by hand - if they do not rotate, it means the bearing is jammed.
   • Ring the winding of the fan motor - the resistance should be 200-500 Ohm.

Check heater:

• The heater is located under the evaporator (metal tube with a nichrome spiral).
• Measure its resistance with a multimeter - the norm 20-60 Ohm.
• If the resistance tends to infinity - a spiral burned out.

If the fan or heater is faulty, they need to be replaced. To do this:

• Order parts according to the refrigerator model (for example, Indesit ITF 118 a fan is suitable C00268733).
• Turn off the refrigerator, remove the panel and disconnect the faulty element.
• Install a new part, observing the polarity of the connection.

7. Problems with electronics: control board and display

In modern models Indesit (for example, Indesit EWT 267) the electronic control board is responsible for the operation of the refrigerator. If it fails, the refrigerator may:

• Do not respond to temperature settings.
• Turn on the compressor for a few seconds and turn it off. it.
• Show errors on the display (for example, F05 - a problem with the sensor, F07 - a fan malfunction).

Frequent causes of board failure:

• ⚡ Power surges - even a single jump up to 300 V can burn the microcircuits.
• 💦 Condensation —if the board is located at the bottom of the refrigerator, moisture may get on it.
• 🐭 Rodents —mice often gnaw the wires leading to the board.

Independent repair of the board is possible if you have experience with a soldering iron:

1. Remove the board (usually it is located under the top cover of the refrigerator or behind the display).
2. Inspect it for blackened elementsswept capacitors or burnt tracks.
3. Test the circuits with a multimeter, comparing with the working circuit (its can be found by refrigerator model).
4. If you find burnt parts (resistors, transistors), unsolder them and replace them with similar ones.

If the board is severely damaged, it is easier to replace it entirely. The cost of a new board for Indesit is from 3,000 to 8,000 rubles, depending on the model. When replacing:

• Disconnect the refrigerator and take a photo of all connectors before disconnecting.
• Install the new board and connect the wires, observing the polarity.
• Turn on the refrigerator and reset the settings (usually hold down the button Super Cool 5-10 seconds).

⚠️ Attention: If after replacing the board the refrigerator Indesit still does not freeze, check firmware. In some cases, the board needs to be reflashed using a special programmer (this can be done at the service center).

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about Indesit refrigerators

The Indesit refrigerator hums, but does not freeze - what is the reason?

If the compressor works, but the refrigerator does not cools, the reasons may be the following:

• Freon leak - the compressor hums, but no cold is produced without refrigerant.
• Clogged capillary tube - freon does not circulate through the system.
• Thermostat malfunction - the compressor turns on, but does not receive a signal about the need for cooling.

First, check to see if the evaporator (the back wall of the freezer) is frozen. If there is a thick layer of ice on it, there is a problem in the system No Frost (fan or heater).

Is it possible to fill the refrigerator with freon yourself?

Theoretically yes, but in practice it is risky. For refueling you need:

• A vacuum pump (to remove moisture from the system).
• A manometric manifold (to control pressure).
• A cylinder with freon (for Indesit usually used R-134a or R-600a).
• Leak detector (to check the system for leaks).

Without experience, it is easy to refill the system or leave moisture inside, which will lead to repeated failure. If you decide to refill yourself, be sure to use dry nitrogen to purge the tubes before. pumping freon.

Why does the Indesit refrigerator not freeze, but the freezer works?

This is a typical problem for two-chamber models Indesit with one compressor Reasons:

• Malfunction of the magnetic valve — he switches the freon flow between chambers. If the valve is jammed, the cold only goes into the freezer.
• Clog in the refrigeration tube chambers - freon does not flow into the evaporator of the refrigeration compartment.
• Problem with the fan (in models with No Frost) - cold air does not enter the refrigerator compartment.

To check the valve, turn off the refrigerator and try to manually switch it (usually it is located next to the compressor - If the valve does not click -). it needs to be replaced.

How much does it cost to repair an Indesit refrigerator if it does not freeze?

The cost of repair depends on the cause of the breakdown:

Type of malfunction	Cost of repair (rub.)
Replacing the thermostat	1 500 — 2 500
Repairing the compressor	3 500 — 6 000
Fixing leaks + refilling with freon	4 000 — 8 000
Replacing the control board	3 000 — 7 000
Cleaning the capillary tube	2 000 — 4 000

If the refrigerator is more than 7 years old, it is sometimes cheaper to buy a new one than to repair the old one. For example, replacing a compressor in Indesit older than 2015 can cost 70% of the cost of a new refrigerator.

How to defrost an Indesit refrigerator if it does not freeze?

If the refrigerator does not freeze due to icing of the evaporator, perform forced defrosting:

1. Disconnect the refrigerator from the mains.
2. Remove all food and shelves.
3. Open the doors and leave the refrigerator for 12-24 hours (depending on the amount of ice).
4. Speed up the process by placing a pan of hot water inside (not boiling water!).
5. After defrosting, wipe the chambers with a dry cloth and turn on the refrigerator.

If the problem persists after defrosting, then the reason is not the ice, but one of the malfunctions described above.