Indesit refrigerator lower chamber does not freeze: 7 reasons and what do

Have you opened the freezer Indesitand there, instead of the expected icy cold, there is warmth, melted food and puddles on the shelves? The problem with the lower chamber is one of the most common malfunctions in two-chamber refrigerators of this brand. Unlike breakdowns of the upper compartment, where the thermostat or seal is often to blame, freezer failure is usually associated with more serious components: compressor, evaporator or refrigerant circulation system.

In this article we will look 7 main reasons why the lower chamber of the Indesit refrigerator stopped freezing, from banal icing to failure of the electronic unit. You will learn how to diagnose a problem based on indirect signs (noise, temperature, indicator behavior), what breakdowns you can fix yourself, and when it’s time to call a professional. We will also provide step-by-step instructions for checking key components - without disassembling the case and special tools.

Spoiler: in 60% of cases, it is not the refrigerator itself that is to blame, but operating errors. But if the freezer has not been working for several days, and the upper chamber continues to cool, most likely the problem is freon leak or clogged capillary tube. Read on to accurately determine the source of the problem.

1. Checking obvious reasons: what to do before disassembling

Before committing complex breakdowns, eliminate trivial factors. Start by inspecting the freezer:

• 🔌 Power and socket: Make sure that the refrigerator is connected to the network. Check the outlet with a multimeter or by connecting another device (for example, a phone charger). In models Indesit with a display, if there is no power, the screen goes blank, but in mechanical versions (for example, Indesit BIA 18) there may be no signs.
• ❄️ Icing of the evaporator: If there is a thick layer of ice on the back wall of the freezer (more than 1-2 cm), this blocks air circulation. In refrigerators with a system No Frost ice forms when the fan or defrost timer malfunctions.
• 🚪 Sealing rubber: Check whether the door fits tightly. Place a sheet of paper between the body and the seal - if it falls out, the seal is broken. In models Indesit older than 2015, the rubber often hardens and cracks.

If everything is in order, but the freezer still does not freeze, proceed to diagnosing the compressor and cooling system. Pay attention to operation noise:

• 🔇 Silence: The compressor does not turn on - the start relay or motor may be damaged.
• 🔊 Hum without stopping: The compressor works, but does not turn off. The reason is a freon leak or a clogged capillary tube.
• 💥 Clicks and crackling: Compressor protection is triggered due to overheating or short circuit.

2. The compressor works, but does not freeze: freon leak or blockage

If the motor is humming, but the lower chamber does not cool, and the upper chamber is working normally - this is a classic sign loss of refrigerant or clogging in the system. In refrigerators Indesit with one compressor (models C 132, BIAA 13), freon circulates through two circuits: first it cools the freezer, then the refrigerator compartment. If there is a leak, the pressure drops, and the freezer remains without cold, but the upper compartment is still “holding on.”

How to check:

1. Disconnect the refrigerator from the network and defrost it for 10-12 hours.
2. After turning on, listen: if the compressor runs without stopping for more than 30 minutes, but the freezer does not cool, there is little or no freon.
3. Inspect the back wall (after removing the protective panel): oily stains or rust on the tubes indicate the location of the leak.

In models c No Frost (for example, Indesit ITF 118) blockage often occurs in filter drier —it becomes clogged with oil decomposition products. Signs:

• The compressor is hot, but does not turn off.
• The condenser (grid at the back) remains cold.
• In the freezer the temperature is not lower than +5°C, despite the maximum mode.

3. Compressor malfunctions: how to diagnose without tools

The compressor is the “heart” of the refrigerator. If it doesn't start or doesn't work properly, the freezer won't cool. In models Indesit most often they fail:

• 🔧 Start relay: Responsible for starting the engine. If there is a breakdown, clicks are heard, but the compressor does not start.
• 🔥 Motor windings: When there is an interturn short circuit, the compressor heats up, but does not create pressure. A characteristic sign is that the thermal protection is triggered after 5–10 minutes of operation.
• ⚡ Capacitors: In inverter models (for example, Indesit EWD 8140), electrolytic capacitors on the control board fail.

Quick check:

1. Unplug the refrigerator.
2. Remove the back cover (in most models it is secured with 4-6 screws).
3. Find the compressor (black cylinder with tubes) and the relay (the box on it).
4. Pull the relay towards you - if it is easily removed, check the contacts for oxidation.

If the relay is intact, but the compressor does not start, try direct launch (only for experienced users!):

1. Disconnect the relay from the compressor.
2. Connect the motor directly to the network (phase → to the common contact, zero → to the working winding).
3. If the compressor starts working, the relay is to blame. If not, the motor is faulty.

What happens if you start the compressor without a relay?

Without a starting relay, the motor will not receive an initial impulse and will not be able to overcome the refrigerant resistance. This can lead to overheating of the windings and final failure of the compressor.

4. Problems with the thermostat and sensors

In refrigerators Indesit the temperature in the freezer is responsible for:

• 🌡️ Thermostat (in mechanical models, for example, Indesit ST 167): Regulates the on/off of the compressor. If it breaks down, the freezer either does not cool or freezes.
• 📡 Temperature sensor (in electronic models, for example, Indesit ITF 118 W): Transmits data to the control board. If the sensor is lying, the control unit gives incorrect commands.
• ⏱️ Defrost timer (in systems No Frost): Controls the defrost cycle. When stuck in defrost mode, the evaporator becomes covered with ice and the freezer stops working.

How to check the thermostat:

1. Find the thermostat knob (usually inside the freezer or on the top panel).
2. Turn it to maximum. If the compressor does not turn on within 5-10 minutes, the thermostat is faulty.
3. For an accurate check, remove the terminals from the thermostat and short them together. If the compressor starts working, change the thermostat.

In electronic models (Indesit with a display), a sensor malfunction manifests itself as follows:

• An error flashes on the screen (for example, F04 or F07 —see table below).
• The freezer turns on and off without visible reasons.
• The temperature on the display does not correspond to the real one (check with a thermometer).

5. No Frost system failures: fan, heater, timer

In refrigerators Indesit with the system No Frost (models ITF, EWD), the freezer stops working due to malfunctions in the automatic defrosting system. Three key components:

• 🌀 Fan: Drives cold air from the evaporator. If it is broken, the freezer does not cool, and the compressor runs idle.
• 🔥 Defrost heater: Melts the ice on the evaporator. If it breaks down, the evaporator freezes and the air does not circulate.
• ⏳ Defrost timer: Controls defrost cycles. If stuck in defrost mode, the fan will not turn on.

Fan diagnostics:

1. Turn off the refrigerator and defrost it.
2. Remove the back panel in the freezer (usually attached to latches).
3. Check whether the fan rotates freely. If not, replace it.
4. Connect the refrigerator and listen: if the fan does not make noise after 10-15 minutes of operation, check its power supply with a multimeter.

Checking the heater and timer:

• If the evaporator is covered with ice, but the fan is working, the heater is to blame.
• If the ice does not melt even after manually starting defrosting (turn the timer knob clockwise until it clicks), replace the timer.

Inspect the fan for icing|Check the rotation of the blades manually|Start forced defrosting (turn the timer)|Ring the heater with a multimeter (resistance 20–40 Ohm)-->

6. Electronic control unit: when the board is to blame

In modern models Indesit (for example, Indesit ITF 118 W, EWD 8140) the electronic unit is responsible for the operation of the freezer. Its malfunctions manifest themselves as follows:

• 📛 Errors on the display: Codes F05, F07, F08 indicate a firmware failure or damaged tracks.
• 🔄 Spontaneous reboots: The refrigerator turns on and off for no reason.
• ❄️ Inadequate cooling: The freezer freezes and then defrosts.

What to do:

1. Unplug the refrigerator for 10 minutes - sometimes “reboot” helps.
2. Check the board contacts for oxidation (especially if the refrigerator was in a damp room).
3. If burnt elements are visible on the board (blackened resistors, swollen capacitors), it needs to be replaced.

In models before 2018, the boards often failed due to power surges. If you do not have a stabilizer, install it - this will extend the life of the refrigerator.

7. When to call a repairman: 3 cases when amateur work is dangerous

Some breakdowns require professional repairs. Here's when you shouldn't take risks:

1. Freon leak: Charging refrigerant requires special equipment and certification. An error when refilling can lead to a repeated leak or breakdown of the compressor.
2. Clogged capillary tube: Cleaning requires a vacuum pump and experience. Independent attempts (for example, blowing with air) often end in rupture of the tube.
3. Replacing a compressor: Requires soldering of tubes, evacuation of the system and precise dosage of freon. Without experience, you can damage a new compressor.

Average cost of repairs in service centers (for 2026):

• Refilling freon: 3,500–6,000 ₽.
• Replacement of the compressor: 7,000–12,000 ₽ (including work and refrigerant).
• Repair of the control board: 2,500–5,000 ₽.

How long does the refrigerator last after repair?

If With high-quality refilling of freon or replacement of the compressor, the refrigerator will last another 5–7 years. If the problem is in the control board or sensors, the risk of repeated breakdown is higher - up to 30% within a year.

⚠️ Attention: If the refrigerator Indesit is under warranty, do not disassemble it yourself! Opening the case or seals will void the warranty. Contact an authorized service center - the repair will be free.

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

The freezer does not freeze, but the light inside is on - what's the matter?

The light is on from a separate lamp that is not connected to the cooling system. There may be several reasons:

• The compressor does not work (check the relays and windings).
• Freon leak (the compressor hums, but does not cool).
• Failure of the control board (in electronic models).

Start by checking the compressor - if it does not heat up or vibrate, the problem is in it or in the power supply.

The Indesit refrigerator beeps and the red light is blinking - what does this mean?

In most models Indesit a red light and a beep indicate:

• Increase in temperature in the freezer (for example, due to an open door).
• Sensor malfunction (error code F02).
• Clogged drainage system (water accumulates under the drawers).

Try to defrost the refrigerator for 12 hours. If the signal remains, check the sensor or a fee.

Is it possible to turn on the refrigerator if the freezer is not working?

If the upper chamber cools normally, but the freezer does not, you can use the refrigerator, but with caution:

• Do not store perishable foods (meat, fish, ice cream) in the freezer.
• Do not load the compressor - set the cooling mode to medium.
• Monitor the temperature: if the upper chamber begins to heat up, turn off the refrigerator and call a technician.

Prolonged operation in this mode can lead to compressor breakdown.

How much does the repair cost? freezers in the Indesit refrigerator?

The cost depends on the breakdown:

Type of repair	Price (₽)
Replacement of the thermostat	1 500–2 500
Replacement of fan No Frost	2 000–3 500
Refilling freon	3 500–6 000
Replacing the compressor	7 000–12 000

Prices are valid for Moscow and the regions for 2026. In service centers Indesit repairs may cost 10–20% more.

How to defrost an Indesit freezer if it does not turn off?

If the freezer does not defrost due to a broken timer or heater:

1. Unplug the refrigerator.
2. Remove all food and shelves.
3. Place a pan of hot water (not boiling water!) in the freezer or use a hairdryer at minimum power.
4. After 1-2 hours, remove the ice with a plastic spatula (not metal!).
5. Wipe dry and turn on the refrigerator.

If ice forms again within a week - system repair is required No Frost.