The situation when Indesit refrigerator stops freezing, and the food in the freezer begins to defrost, always takes you by surprise. Most often, owners are faced with the fact that the main department continues to operate as normal, keeping it cold, while the freezer turns into a compartment for storing simply chilled items. This is a classic symptom indicating a violation of the refrigerant circulation or a malfunction in the temperature control system.
Before calling a technician, it is worth carrying out an initial diagnosis, since in some cases the problem lies in trivial things that can be fixed independently in a matter of minutes. However, if we are talking about complex technical faults, such as a leak freon or compressor failure, you cannot hesitate. Understanding the operating principle of your model Indesit will help you quickly determine the search vector for the problem and save time on communicating with the service center.
In this article we will look in detail why freezer compartment may stop gaining temperature, how to distinguish a software failure from a hardware failure and what steps are necessary take steps to restore the functionality of the unit. Do not ignore the first signs of malfunction, as long-term storage of food at the wrong temperature can lead to their spoilage.
Primary diagnosis: simple reasons
If you find that the refrigerator Indesit does not freeze, the first step is to exclude the human factor and external influences. Often the reason lies not in the breakdown of parts, but in improper operation or violation of the equipment placement conditions. Carefully inspect the unit and analyze recent events associated with its use.
Check whether the temperature setting has been accidentally changed. One of the household members could have touched the regulator by setting the minimum cooling mode, or there was a power surge that disrupted the settings of the electronic module. Also make sure that the equipment is level: skewed housing can disrupt the tight fit of the doors, which will cause the cold to evaporate faster than it is produced.
Pay attention to the tight fit of the freezer door. If the sealing rubber is dirty or deformed, warm air will constantly flow inside. The compressor will work hard, trying to compensate for the heat gain, but it will never reach the desired temperature in the freezer. This is a common reason why Indesit refrigerator it hums, but does not freeze.
There is a simple test to check the tightness: close the door on a piece of paper clamped around the perimeter. If the paper pulls out too easily without resistance, the seal is not doing its job and needs to be replaced or cleaned. It is also worth checking whether something is blocking the ventilation holes inside the chamber, if we are talking about the system No Frost.
Problems with defrosting and the No Frost system
One of the most common reasons why the freezer in refrigerators Indesit with the system No Frostdoes not freeze is failure in the evaporator defrost cycle. During operation, ice accumulates on the heat exchanger, which must periodically thaw. If this process is disrupted, the ice block blocks the ventilation ducts, and cold air simply does not enter the chamber. In such cases, the defrost sensor often fails. The heating element may burn out, stopping heating the evaporator, and the sensor may “freeze” in a position where it “thinks” that there is no ice and does not give a command to turn on the heating. The result is the same: the evaporator becomes overgrown with a “fur coat”, the fan circulates air, but there is no cold. Diagnostics of these elements requires testing with a multimeter.
In such cases it often fails Defrosting heating element or defrost sensor. The heating element may burn out, stopping heating the evaporator, and the sensor may “freeze” in a position where it “thinks” that there is no ice and does not give a command to turn on the heating. The result is the same: the evaporator becomes overgrown with a “fur coat”, the fan circulates air, but there is no cold. Diagnosis of these elements requires testing with a multimeter.
How to check the defrosting heating element?
To check, you need to get to the evaporator, remove the heating element and test it with a multimeter in resistance measurement mode. If the device shows a break (infinity), the heating element is faulty and requires replacement. Also check the integrity of the wires going to the heating element.
Another culprit may be a timer or an electronic control module that does not switch the refrigerator to defrost mode. In models Indesit with electronic control, failures in the board occur less frequently than mechanical failures of heating elements, but they cannot be excluded. If you hear the fan working with effort or making strange sounds, this is a sure sign of freezing of the ducts.
☑️ Checking the No Frost system
It is important to understand that if the problem is in the defrosting system, then simply defrosting the refrigerator for 24 hours can temporarily solve the problem. The ice will melt, the water will go away, and the cold will appear again. However, if the heating element or sensor is faulty, after a week or two the story will repeat itself, since ice will clog the system again.
Refrigerant leakage: signs and consequences
If after complete defrosting within 24 hours Indesit refrigerator it stops freezing again and the freezer does not gain temperature, with a high degree of probability There was a freon leak. The refrigerant circulates in a closed circuit, and if a micro-hole has formed somewhere, the gas gradually evaporates. Without a sufficient amount of freon, heat exchange does not occur.
Leakage can occur as a result of corrosion of tubes (especially in the foamed part of the body), mechanical damage during transportation or poor-quality factory soldering. It is often impossible to visually notice a leak, since freon is odorless and colorless. An indirect sign can be the black condenser tube at the back of the refrigerator: normally it should be hot, but if there is a leak, it remains cold or slightly warm.
⚠️ Attention: Self-refilling the refrigerator with freon without finding and eliminating the leak is a temporary measure. The gas will leave again after a short time, and the compressor may burn out due to idling and lack of cooling.
Symptoms of a lack of refrigerant appear gradually. First, the freezer begins to freeze worse, then the cold disappears completely, and the compressor works non-stop, trying to compensate for the lack of cooling capacity. In modern models Indesit this may be indicated by a flashing temperature indicator or a sound signal.
Faults of the compressor and start relay
The compressor is the heart of the refrigerator, creating pressure for the circulation of the refrigerant. If Indesit refrigerator it does not freeze, and the compressor is silent or makes clicking sounds, the problem may be in the start relay or the motor itself. The relay is responsible for starting the engine, and if its contacts are burnt or the mechanism is jammed, the compressor will not start.
Often a compressor malfunction is indicated by a characteristic sound: a loud click, followed by a hum for several seconds, and again a click (attempt to start). This indicates that the engine is trying to start, but the starting winding does not work or the motor is jammed. In this case, it is necessary to replace the start-up relay, which is a relatively inexpensive procedure.
| Symptom | Possible cause | Sound character |
|---|---|---|
| The compressor is silent | The relay, thermostat or module is faulty | Silence or quiet clicks |
| Buzzes for 5-10 seconds and turns off | The compressor is jammed or the relay is burned out | Strained humming and clicking |
| Works continuously | Freon leakage or loss of performance | Uniform hum without stopping |
| Strong vibration and noise | Wear of compressor suspension | Rumbling and knocking |
If the compressor works, but does not create the necessary pressure (lost performance), then formally it is in good working order, but functionally no longer suitable. In this case freezer compartment there will be no freezing, even if the tubes are cold. This often happens in older models where the valves or piston group are worn out.
Clogged capillary tube
Another technical reason why Indesit may stop freezing is a clogged capillary tubes. Inside the freon circulation system there is a very narrow section - a capillary, where a pressure difference is created. Over time, oil breakdown products may form in the system or moisture may enter, which turns into an ice plug.
If clogged, freon cannot circulate freely throughout the circuit. You may notice that the compressor is running, the condenser is hot, but the evaporator in the freezer is only partially cold or completely warm. Often, a gurgling or hissing sound is heard coming from inside the housing, which indicates the movement of gas through an obstacle.
⚠️ Attention: Cleaning the capillary tube requires special equipment for nitrogen purge and vacuum. At home, this operation is almost impossible to perform efficiently.
Often the blockage is accompanied by increased pressure in the system, which creates additional load on the compressor. If the plug is not removed in time, the motor may burn out from overheating. Therefore, if you hear uncharacteristic sounds and see a lack of cold when the engine is running, it is better to contact a specialist.
Failures in the operation of the temperature sensor and module
In modern refrigerators Indesit with electronic control, the control module and sensors (thermistors) are responsible for the temperature regime. If the sensor located in the freezer gives incorrect readings (for example, it reports that it is -20°C, when in fact it is +5°C), the module will not turn on the compressor.
There may also be a failure in the “electronic brain” of the refrigerator itself. Power surges in the network could damage the elements of the board, and it would no longer process signals correctly. In such cases, sometimes a complete reset of the settings (reboot) helps, but if the problem is in the hardware, you will need to replace the sensor or resolder the module.
You can diagnose a sensor malfunction by measuring its resistance at different temperatures. It should change smoothly. If the resistance “jumps” or shows an open/short circuit, the part must be replaced. In two-chamber models, it is the freezer compartment sensor that often fails, since it operates under more extreme conditions.
When you need to call a technician
Independent repair is only possible in case of simple malfunctions: replacing the seal, defrosting, replacing a lamp or, in rare cases, a starting relay (if you have the skills). All other situations related to the violation of the tightness of the circuit, replacement of the compressor or repair of electronics require the intervention of a professional.
The technician will arrive with the necessary equipment: leak detector, vacuum pump, burner and pressure gauges. This is the only way to accurately determine the location of the leak, clean the system, replace the filter drier and fill the refrigerator with the correct amount of refrigerant. Attempts to save on calling a technician in case of complex breakdowns often lead to the final failure of the equipment.
Is it worth repairing an old refrigerator?
If the refrigerator is more than 10-12 years old and the compressor needs to be replaced or the foamed part of the case needs to be replaced, the cost of repair can be up to 70-80% of the price of a new device. In such cases, it is more economically feasible to buy new equipment.
Remember that regular maintenance, timely defrosting and careful handling will extend the life of your Indesit refrigerator. If you notice the first signs of unstable operation, do not wait for the food to completely defrost - react immediately. This will save your budget and provide your family with fresh food.
Why doesn’t the freezer freeze, but the refrigerator works?
This is a classic sign of a single-circuit cooling system with a freon leak or clog. The refrigerator compartment is cooled last along the circuit, so if there is a shortage of freon, the cold simply does not reach it, while in the freezer (where the evaporator) residual cold may still remain or it disappears first, depending on the design.
How long does it take to defrost the refrigerator when it freezes?
For complete melting of the ice in the system No Frost and evaporation of moisture from hard-to-reach places requires at least 24 hours. Defrosting for 2-3 hours is often insufficient, and after turning on the ice plug prevents operation again after a couple of days.
Is it possible to use a refrigerator if it does not freeze?
You can use the unit as a storage cabinet. But you cannot leave it plugged in if the compressor is faulty or there is a freon leak, as this will lead to the motor burning out. If the cold has disappeared, it is better to turn off the device until the technician arrives.
How often do you need to change the seal on the door?
The service life of the seal is 5-7 years. However, it needs to be changed when it wears out: if cracks appear, it becomes rigid or no longer holds the door tightly. Regular washing with warm water and soap prolongs the life of the rubber.