The situation when Indesit refrigerator does not turn offis one of the most alarming for the owner of household appliances. The continuous hum of the motor-compressor not only creates discomfort due to noise, but also indicates a serious malfunction of the cooling system. If you notice that the equipment has stopped pausing in operation, you need to react urgently to avoid complete failure of the expensive unit.
Constant operation of the compressor leads to its overheating and accelerated wear of parts. In two-chamber models, such as the popular series Indesit EF or Indesit C, the cooling system is more complex than in single-chamber analogues, which requires a careful approach to diagnostics. Ignoring the problem can lead to the fact that repairs will cost much more than timely elimination of the malfunction.
In this article we will take a detailed look at why two-chamber refrigerator works without interruptions and how to determine the cause of the breakdown. We will consider both external factors that can be eliminated independently, as well as complex technical malfunctions that require the intervention of a specialist.
External factors and operating errors
Before sounding the alarm and calling a technician, it is worth excluding trivial causes associated with improper operation. Often users themselves create conditions under which compressor they are forced to work in increased mode. First of all, check the location of the equipment: if the refrigerator is close to the wall or in a niche, air circulation is disrupted.
The second common reason is a violation of the chamber seal. If sealing rubber the door is worn out, dirty or deformed, warm air constantly flows inside. Sensors detect an increase in temperature and command the motor to work without stopping to compensate for heat loss.
It is also worth paying attention to the operating mode and workload of the chambers. If you have just placed a large amount of warm food in the refrigerator, the appliance will run longer than usual until it reaches the set parameters. However, if the “Super Freeze” mode (usually indicated by a snowflake or a button with a snowflake image) was turned on accidentally and not turned off, the motor will run continuously.
- 🚫 Violation of the gap between the back wall of the refrigerator and the wall (less than 5 cm).
- 🚫 Damage to the magnetic door seal or entry of unauthorized persons items.
- 🚫 Leaving the door ajar for a long time.
- 🚫 Setting the temperature in the main compartment too low.
It is important to consider that in the summer, when the room temperature is high, the load on the refrigerator naturally increases. If the room is hotter +25...+28°C, the refrigerator can work almost non-stop, and this will be the norm for maintaining cold.
Malfunctions of the thermostat and sensors
One of the most likely technical reasons why Indesit refrigerator does not turn off is failure thermostat. This component is responsible for controlling the temperature inside the chambers. Older models use a mechanical thermostat, which, if broken, can “stick” in the “on” position, constantly supplying voltage to the compressor.
In more modern two-chamber models with a system No Frost or Total No Frost electronic sensors are responsible for the temperature regime (thermistors). If the sensor in the refrigerator or freezer compartment transmits incorrect data that the temperature is not low enough, the electronic control module will not give the command to turn off the motor.
How to check the thermostat yourself?
For a mechanical thermostat, you can try gently tapping its body or temperature controller. If after this the refrigerator turns off, the problem is stuck contacts. However, this is a temporary measure that requires replacing the part.
Replacing a thermostat or sensor requires certain skills. In models with electronic control, it is often necessary not only to replace the element, but also to calibrate or reflash the control board. If you are not confident in your abilities, it is better not to risk it.
⚠️ Attention: An attempt to independently replace the electronic sensor without disconnecting the device from the network can lead to a short circuit and failure of the main control module.
A symptom of a malfunction of the thermostat is often not only continuous operation, but also the absence of a characteristic click when trying to adjust temperature. If you turn the regulator knob, but there are no clicks, and the motor continues to hum, most likely the problem is in this unit.
Problems with refrigerant (freon) and leaks
If Indesit two-chamber refrigerator works without interruptions, but it cools poorly or does not cool at all, there is a high probability of a leak refrigerant. Freon circulates through a system of tubes, picking up heat. When its amount in the system drops below a critical level, the compressor tries to compensate for the lack of pressure and works for wear, trying to reach the target temperature.
A leak can occur anywhere in the circuit: in the evaporator, condenser or in the places where the tubes are soldered. Microcracks often form due to corrosion, especially if the equipment is located in a damp room or in a kitchen with an aggressive environment. It is almost impossible to visually notice a freon leak, since it is a colorless and odorless gas.
An attempt to simply “add freon” without finding and eliminating the leak will not give a long-term result. The gas will come out again after a while, and the compressor will continue to operate in emergency mode. Professional repair includes finding the place of depressurization, soldering and vacuuming the system before refilling.
| Symptom | Probable cause | Actions |
|---|---|---|
| Humming, but not cold | Complete freon leak | Call a technician to find the leak |
| Humming, weak cooling | Partial leak or blockage | Diagnostics of pressure in the system |
| Humming, warm inside | Compressor malfunction | Checking the start relay |
| Gets very hot on the sides | Clogged capillary tube | Cleaning the refrigerant system |
It is important to understand that working in the “perpetual motion” mode when there is a refrigerant leak quickly damages the compressor itself. The motor overheats, the oil in it loses its properties, and as a result, the entire unit needs to be replaced, which is often not economically feasible.
Clogged capillary tube
Another technical reason why two-chamber refrigerator may not turn off is a clogged capillary tube. This is a thin element of the system through which the refrigerant enters the evaporator. Over time, clots may form in the oil circulating along with freon, or moisture may enter the system and freeze in the form of an ice plug.
If clogged, the circulation of the refrigerant is disrupted. The pressure at the compressor inlet drops and the outlet pressure rises. Sensors detect the absence of cold in the chamber, and the motor runs continuously. A characteristic sign of such a malfunction is that the condenser (heat exchanger) can be hot only at the beginning or, conversely, cold, and the compressor itself operates very loudly and overheats.
☑️ Primary diagnostics before calling a technician
Removing the blockage requires professional equipment. The technician must “push” the system with nitrogen under high pressure or replace the entire capillary tube. It is impossible to carry out this procedure independently without a vacuum pump and a pressure gauge station.
⚠️ Attention: Do not try to break through the blockage by mechanical force or by heating the pipes with an open fire. This could lead to an explosive situation or damage to other elements of the refrigeration system.
Failure of the compressor and start relay
The most expensive problem is the malfunction of the motor-compressoritself. If the motor windings are damaged or a turn-to-turn short occurs, the compressor may operate but not produce the required power. As a result, it is not able to create sufficient pressure for a normal cooling cycle and works non-stop.
Often the problem lies not in the motor itself, but in the starting relay. This device is responsible for starting the engine. If the relay is “stuck” or burnt out, it can constantly supply current to the windings, preventing the compressor from going into standby mode or, conversely, preventing it from starting (in this case, a hum and click is heard, but the motor does not turn).
Replacing a compressor is a complex process, including:
- 🔧 Pumping out the remaining freon from the system.
- 🔧 Dismantling the old compressor (cutting the tubes).
- 🔧 Soldering the new unit and filter drier.
- 🔧 Evacuating the system and charging with refrigerant.
In some cases, especially in older models Indesit, replacing the compressor can cost comparable to buying a new refrigerator. Therefore, the diagnosis must be accurate: sometimes the problem is solved by replacing a cheap starting relay, and not the entire motor.
Failures in the electronic control module
Modern two-chamber refrigerators Indesit are controlled electronically. If the main control module (board) fails, it may send incorrect commands to the actuators. For example, the “brain” of a refrigerator may “think” that the temperature in the chamber is high and keep the compressor on, even if the sensors are working.
The cause of the failure may be a power surge, moisture on the contacts, or a manufacturing defect. Symptoms can be different: the refrigerator does not respond to buttons, unnecessary indicators are on, or, as in our case, the compressor does not turn off.
Electronics diagnostics are carried out using a special tester. In some cases, flashing the module or resetting the settings to factory settings helps. To do this, you may need to enter the service menu. The path to it is often hidden and depends on the model, for example, simultaneously pressing the Freeze and Alarm buttons for a few seconds.
How to reset the settings?
Try to unplug the refrigerator from the outlet for 15-20 minutes. This action will reset the electronic module. If the problem was a software failure, operation may return to normal.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions
How long should an Indesit refrigerator work and how long should it rest?
In normal operation, the cycle is approximately: 15-20 minutes of work and 20-40 minutes of rest. The ratio of work and rest time depends on the load of the chambers, the room temperature and the frequency of door openings. If the work time significantly exceeds the rest time, this is a cause for concern.
Is it possible to use the refrigerator if it does not turn off before the technician arrives?
For a short time - it is possible if the food does not spoil. However, long-term operation in this mode is dangerous. If you notice that the compressor is hot and warm inside, it is better to turn off the appliance from the network, defrost it and wait for a specialist so as not to completely burn out the motor.
Why did the refrigerator start working non-stop after defrosting?
If after defrosting The refrigerator does not turn off, perhaps you turned on the fast freezing mode and forgot it turn off. The second reason is that there is ice left in the system, which has blocked the sensor or clogged the channels. Let the appliance remain turned off for a few more hours.
Does the amount of food in the refrigerator affect its operating time?
Yes, it does. An empty refrigerator cools faster, but also heats up faster when the door is opened. A fully loaded refrigerator holds cold better (food acts as cold accumulators), but the initial cooling of a large mass of warm food will require a lot of time and continuous operation of the compressor.
What to do if the situation has not changed after replacing the freon?
This suggests that the reason is not in the amount of refrigerant, but in another unit: the compressor, a clogged system or electronics. Repeated, more in-depth diagnostics are required with measurement of consumption currents and pressure in the circuits.