The situation when Indesit refrigerator stops turning off causes natural concern for any owner. The hum of the engine, which does not subside for hours or even days, is the first signal that a failure has occurred in the cooling system. If the unit operates non-stop, this not only leads to a significant waste of electricity, but also creates an excess load on compressorwhich can cause its rapid failure.
Before you panic or call a specialist, it is necessary to carry out an initial diagnosis. Often the reason lies in trivial things: a door that is not tightly closed or an attempt to cool hot foods. However, if you have checked simple factors, and Indesit continues to hum, then the problem lies deeper - in the thermostat, sensors or circuit tightness. Understanding the principles of operation refrigerator compartment will help you more accurately describe the symptoms to a specialist.
In this article we will analyze in detail the main malfunctions that lead to continuous operation of the equipment. You will learn how to distinguish a software failure from a serious mechanical failure.
Primary diagnostics and external factors
Before disassembling the unit, make sure that the operating conditions meet the manufacturer's technical requirements. Sometimes Indesit refrigerator does not turn off due to the fact that it simply cannot reach the set temperature under external environmental conditions. If the equipment is installed too close to the battery, stove, or is in direct sunlight, the cooling system is overloaded.
It is also worth checking the tightness of the fit sealing rubber to the case. Over time, the cuff can become dirty, warped, or stretched, allowing warm air to leak into the chamber. The compressor tries to compensate for the loss of cold and runs non-stop. Check whether the food is preventing the door from closing tightly.
⚠️ Attention: If you have just defrosted the refrigerator or loaded a large amount of warm food into it, continuous operation of the motor for 6-12 hours is a normal reaction of the system to a sharp increase in temperature inside the chambers.
Pay attention to the operating mode. If the Super Freeze (Super Freeze) function is activated, the refrigerator will operate continuously until you manually turn off this mode or the programmed time has passed (usually up to 48 hours). In modern models Indesit No Frost the shutdown occurs automatically, but in older models with mechanical control this function must be turned off independently.
Malfunctions of the thermostat and temperature sensors
One of the most common reasons why Indesit refrigerator does not turn off is the failure of the thermostat (thermostat). This element is responsible for monitoring the temperature inside the chamber and sending a signal to turn off the compressor when the set values are reached. If the thermostat contacts are “stuck” in the “on” position or the insulation is broken, the motor will work constantly.
In models with a system No Frost and electronic control, air sensors are responsible for the temperature regime. There may be several of them: in the refrigerator, in the freezer and in the evaporator area. If one of the sensors transmits incorrect data (for example, it shows that the chamber is +10°C, although it is already -5°C), the control unit will not give a command to stop the engine.
Diagnostics of the thermostat in mechanical models is often carried out by the method of exclusion or testing the contacts with a multimeter. To check sensors in electronic models, special equipment is required that reads error codes. However, if you see flashing indicators or codes like F03 or F06on the display, this is a direct indication of a problem with the temperature sensor.
How to check the thermostat yourself?
To check the thermostat mechanically, you can try gently tapping its body (not too hard!). Sometimes this helps loosen stuck contacts. A more reliable way is to remove the thermostat, immerse its sensitive part in cold water with ice and ring the contacts: they should open when cooled. If this does not happen, the part requires replacement.
Replacing the thermostat is a procedure that can be done with your own hands if you have basic skills. Electronic sensors are also replaceable, but require precise selection according to the article, since their resistance at different temperatures may differ for different modifications Indesit.
Problems with seals and chamber tightness
Violation of the tightness of the refrigeration chamber is an insidious problem that often goes unnoticed in the early stages. If sealing rubber it is damaged, dry or simply contaminated with grease, cold air begins to evaporate, and warm air begins to flow inside. Sensors record the increase in temperature and force the compressor to work in increased mode.
You can check the tightness using a simple test with a sheet of paper. Clamp the sheet of paper around the perimeter with the door. If it pulls out too easily or falls out on its own, it means that the tightness of the seal is broken in this place. Pay special attention to the corners of the door and the area around the handle, where wear occurs most quickly.
- 🧼 Contamination: Grease and sticky food marks prevent the rubber from adhering tightly to the metal. Regular washing with warm water and soap solves the problem.
- 🔥 Deformation: If the rubber is dry or deformed, you can try to “reanimate” it by heating it with a hairdryer or soaking it in hot water, but this is a temporary measure.
- 🔧 Mechanical damage: Cracks, cuts or peeling of rubber require immediate replacement of the seal with an original or high-quality analogue.
In some cases, the problem lies not in the rubber itself, but in the misalignment of the door. If the hinges are weakened or deformed due to the weight of the food, the door warps and the seal is broken. Adjusting the hinges often helps restore normal operation without replacing parts.
Refrigerant leak and capillary system clogged
If Indesit refrigerator it does not turn off, but it cools very little or has stopped freezing at all, there is a high probability of a freon leak. It would seem that logic dictates that if there is a lack of refrigerant, the engine should turn off when it reaches temperature. However, in reality, the opposite is true: the sensors do not detect the required temperature drop, and the compressor hums without interruption, trying to compensate for the loss of refrigerant.
A leak can occur anywhere in the circuit: in the foamed part of the housing, in the evaporator or in the places where the tubes are soldered. Signs of a leak are swelling of the inner wall of the refrigerator, the appearance of rust on the rear grille, or a characteristic hissing sound when punctured (which absolutely cannot be done without skills).
Another technical reason is clogged capillary tube. Oil and freon circulate in the system, and over time, a plug of paraffin-like substances or oxidation products may form in the tube. This interferes with the circulation of the refrigerant. The compressor wears out, trying to push freon through the blockage, but the cooling efficiency drops to zero.
Long-term operation in leak or blockage mode is extremely dangerous for compressor. The motor can burn out due to overheating, as the returning gas cools the motor windings. If you notice that the motor is hot, but there is no cold, immediately disconnect the device from the network.
Wear of the compressor and start relay
The compressor is the heart of the refrigerator, and its wear is a natural process, especially in models that have been in use for more than 7-10 years. If motor-compressor lost its power, it is physically unable to create the necessary pressure in the system to achieve the set temperature. As a result, the refrigerator operates continuously.
Often the starting relay fails along with the compressor. This small element is responsible for starting the engine. If the relay is faulty, the compressor may hum, click, but not start, or, conversely, not turn off if the contacts inside the relay are welded. In older models Indesit relays often have a plastic case that cracks over time.
| Symptom | Probable cause | Required actions |
|---|---|---|
| Humming, clicking, no start | Malfunction of the starting relay or windings | Replace the relay, check the compressor |
| Works constantly, cools poorly | Freon leakage or compressor wear | Searching for leaks, refueling or replacing the motor |
| Severe noise, vibration | Destruction of the compressor suspension | Replacing shock absorbers or motor |
| Shuts down after 1-2 minutes | Thermal protection relay (overheating) | Diagnostics of the engine cooling system |
Replacing a compressor is a complex and expensive process that requires a skilled technician. In most cases, it is more economically feasible to replace the unit with a new one if the old refrigerator has worked for more than 10 years, since the cost of a new motor and installation work can be up to 60% of the price of new equipment.
Failures in the electronic control module
Modern refrigerators Indesit are equipped with electronic control modules that regulate all processes. If the "brain" of the refrigerator malfunctions, it can send incorrect commands to the actuators. For example, the module may not receive a signal that the temperature has been reached or may simply “freeze” in the cooling cycle.
The causes of failures can be different: power surges in the network, moisture on the board, oxidation of contacts or manufacturing defects. In some cases, a simple reboot helps: unplug the refrigerator for 15–20 minutes, and then turn it on again. If the problem was a software glitch, this may help.
⚠️ Attention: Opening the electronic module and attempting to repair it yourself without circuit design and experience can lead to complete failure of the board. If you are not confident in your abilities, it is better to limit yourself to a visual inspection for burnt elements or swollen capacitors.
If after rebooting the refrigerator Indesit starts working without stopping again, professional diagnostics of the module will be required. The technician can reflash the board or replace burned-out radio components, which is often cheaper than buying a new control unit.
☑️ Diagnostics of continuous operation
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
How long does the refrigerator last? Can Indesit work without interruption after being turned on?
After the first turn on or after defrosting, the refrigerator can work continuously from 6 to 12 hours until it reaches the set temperature in all chambers. In Super Freeze mode, the operating time can reach 24–48 hours (depending on the model).
Can the refrigerator not turn off in the summer due to the heat?
Yes, in hot weather, heat exchange is difficult, and the compressor takes more time to cool. However, it should still turn off periodically. If there are no interruptions in operation at all, it means that the system cannot cope with the load due to a malfunction or improper placement.
What to do if the refrigerator hums, but does not freeze?
This is a sign of a serious malfunction: a freon leak, a clogged capillary system, or a loss of compressor performance. You cannot operate the equipment in this mode - you need to disconnect it from the network and call a technician.
How often should you change the thermostat in the refrigerator?
The thermostat does not have a strict service life, but on average it lasts 5–7 years. If the refrigerator begins to turn on and off frequently or, conversely, stops turning off, this is the element that is checked first.