The situation when Indesit refrigerator stops turning off causes panic among many owners. The hum of a compressor that does not subside for hours, and sometimes even days, is a sure sign that there is a failure in the cooling system. The unit tries to compensate for the lack of cold by working non-stop, which inevitably leads to overheating of the motor and a sharp increase in electricity bills.
Understanding the cause of the malfunction requires a careful analysis of the behavior of the equipment. Sometimes the problem lies in a trivial outside temperature, which is higher than acceptable, or in a door that is not tightly closed. However, most often we are talking about more serious technical problems, such as a refrigerant leak or failure of sensors.
In this article we will look in detail why Indesit refrigerator it hums without interruption and what needs to be done first. You will learn how to carry out initial diagnostics yourself and in which cases you can’t do without calling a specialist.
⚠️ Attention: If the compressor housing (the black “barrel” at the back) is heated to such an extent that it is impossible to touch it, immediately disconnect the device from the network. Further operation in this mode may lead to fire or final failure of the engine.
The main reasons for the continuous operation of the compressor
To understand why the refrigerator operates constantly, you need to consider the physics of the process. The compressor turns on when the sensor detects an increase in the temperature inside the chambers above the set value. If the shutdown cycle does not occur, it means that the system “thinks” that the cold has not been achieved, or it is physically unable to create it.
One of the most common reasons is a violation of the tightness of the circuit. If a microcrack has formed in the system, freon begins to evaporate. The pressure drops, and the motor tries to compensate for this by endless work, but the temperature does not drop to the desired values. In such cases refrigerant leak requires professional intervention with finding the location of the damage and refilling.
Another common scenario is a breakdown of the thermostat. This element is responsible for sending a signal to turn the engine on and off. If the contacts are “stuck” in the “on” position, the compressor will work until the bitter end, even if an ice shell has already formed inside. In models with electronic control, this is responsible control module, which can also malfunction.
Diagnostics of the thermostat and temperature sensors
If you notice that the refrigerator does not turn off, the first thing you should do is check the thermostat. In mechanical models this is a rotary knob with a scale, in electronic models it is a touch panel. The malfunction of this unit leads to the fact that the circuit does not open, and the compressor receives current continuously.
To check the mechanical thermostat, it is often necessary to remove it and “ring” it with a multimeter at different temperatures. If the device shows a resistance of zero ohms even in the cold, it means that the contacts are tightly closed. In modern models Indesit with a system No Frost air sensors are responsible for the temperature regime, which can oxidize or fail.
Where is the thermostat in the Indesit refrigerator?
In most models, the thermostat is located inside the refrigerator compartment. It can be built into the lampshade or located on the side wall. In some cases, to access it, it is necessary to remove the top cover of the refrigerator body.
It is also important to consider the condition of the door seal. If the rubber has dried out or a foreign object has gotten into it, warm air constantly enters the chamber. The sensor detects the heating and commands the compressor to work more actively. Check whether the door fits tightly around the entire perimeter.
Freon leakage and problems with the cooling system
When the refrigerator hums, but does not cool properly, there is a high probability of a refrigerant leak. Freon circulates through the tubes, taking heat from the chambers. If there is a shortage of substance, the efficiency of heat exchange drops, and the equipment goes into emergency mode of constant operation.
It is difficult to determine a leak visually, since the gas is colorless and odorless. However, indirect signs can be:
- 🧊 The appearance of swelling on the walls of the evaporator or freezer.
- ❄️ Uneven cooling: cold in one corner, warm in the other.
- 🔥 Hot condenser (grid at the back) only in the top part, and not over the entire area.
- 💨 A characteristic hissing sound during operation, indicating a gas escape.
It is impossible to eliminate the leak on your own. Special equipment is required for vacuuming the system and filling freon a certain brand. Attempts to simply add gas without looking for a hole will lead to repeated breakdown after a short time.
Failures of the compressor and start relay
The most expensive breakdown is considered to be failure of the engine itself. compressor. If the motor is worn out, its power may not be enough to create the required pressure in the system. It will work continuously, trying to “catch up” the temperature, but the efficiency of such work will be minimal.
Often the culprit of the problem is the starting relay. This small element is responsible for starting the engine. If the relay is “stuck” or burned out, the compressor may either not start at all, or work intermittently and hum without stopping. Replacing the relay is an inexpensive and quick procedure.
Pay attention to the nature of the noise. If the hum is replaced by a metallic clang, knocking or loud rumble, this indicates mechanical destruction of the components inside the motor. In this case, an urgent replacement of the unit is necessary.
The influence of external factors and operating rules
The reason does not always lie in the breakdown of parts. Sometimes Indesit refrigerator does not turn off due to improper operating conditions. For example, installing the device next to a battery, stove, or in direct sunlight forces it to work at its limit.
The temperature in the room is also critically important. If the room is hotter than +30°C, the standard climate class of the equipment may not cope with the load. In such conditions, the compressor rest cycle is reduced to a minimum or disappears completely.
Check the following points:
- 🚪 Are the doors tightly closed and are the shelves at the very edge not overloaded?
- 🌡️ Is the refrigerator not standing too close to the wall (a minimum gap is needed 5-7 cm).
- 🧊 Have you loaded a large amount of warm products at the same time?
- 💨 Is the condenser at the back (black grill) clogged with dust, which impairs heat transfer.
☑️ Initial check before calling a technician
Table of symptoms and possible malfunctions
To simplify diagnostics, we suggest using a summary table. It will help you navigate the nature of the problem and the expected breakdown.
| Symptom | Probable cause | Difficulty of repair |
|---|---|---|
| Humming, but no cold | Leakage freon, clogged capillary | High (needs a technician) |
| Works non-stop, inside "Arctic" | Thermostat is faulty | Medium (sensor replacement) |
| Buzzes, clicks, does not start | Starting relay burnt out | Low (replacement of relay) |
| Motor housing gets very hot | Compressor wear, interturn short circuit | High (motor replacement) |
| Works without stopping in summer | High ambient temperature, dirty condenser | Low (cleaning, rearranging) |
⚠️ Attention: Characteristics and location of parts may vary depending on the specific model Indesit. Before disassembling, be sure to check the technical documentation of your device or find a diagram using the exact model number (PNC) indicated on the nameplate inside the chamber.
When you need to call a professional technician
If simple methods, such as defrosting during the day and checking the door tightness, did not help, and the refrigerator continues to work without interruptions, it’s time call specialists. Especially if you notice oily stains under the equipment or smell a specific chemical odor.
Independent repair of the cooling system is prohibited by law in many countries due to environmental regulations regarding freon. In addition, for work you need a vacuum pump, a pressure gauge station and skills in soldering copper tubes.
The technician will conduct a full diagnostic, check the pressure in the system, the integrity of the motor windings and the serviceability of the electronics. Only after this can you say for sure what is cheaper: repairing the old unit or buying a new one.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
How long should the Indesit refrigerator work, and how long should it rest?
In normal mode, the operating ratio is approximately 30-40%. This means that for 10-15 minutes of work there should be 20-25 minutes of rest. If the rest cycle is completely absent for more than 2 hours, this is a malfunction.
Can the refrigerator not turn off due to the defrost button sticking?
Yes, in some models the forced defrost button may get stuck when pressed, which blocks the signal about the end of the cycle or, conversely, makes the system think that a defrost process is in progress, disrupting the operating algorithms compressor.
Why does a new refrigerator work constantly on the first day?
When first turned on or after a long defrosting, the equipment takes time (up to 24 hours) to reach operating mode and freeze the entire volume of air and food. If after 24 hours there are no breaks in work, this is a cause for concern.
Is it dangerous to leave a running refrigerator unattended?
Yes, it can be dangerous. Constant operation leads to overheating of the wiring and the compressor itself, which creates a risk of short circuit and fire. If you are leaving for a long time, it is better to turn off the faulty appliance.