The Indesit refrigerator does not turn on or does not freeze: reasons and solutions

Has your refrigerator Indesit stopped working, won't turn on or won't cool food? Do not rush to call a specialist - in 60% of cases the problem can be fixed on your own. In this article we will analyze all possible reasonsfrom the trivial (the plugs were knocked out) to the serious (the motor-compressor burned out), and also give step-by-step instructions for diagnostics and repair.

Models Indesit (for example, C 132 G, TN 118, B 18) are reliable, but even they are not immune to breakdowns. Problems especially often arise after 5–7 years of use or due to improper care. We will focus on typical "diseases" this brand and tell you how to recognize them by external signs - without disassembling the equipment.

Important: if the refrigerator Indesit does not work after a power outage, power surge or moving, first check power and settings. In 30% of cases, the problem is solved in 5 minutes.

1. No power: why the Indesit refrigerator does not turn on at all

If the refrigerator does not respond to pressing buttons, the indicators do not light up and no sounds are heard - first check power supply. This is the most common cause of an “imaginary” breakdown.

Start by inspecting the socket and plug:

• 🔌 Check the socket: connect another device to it (for example, charging a phone). If it does not work, the problem is in the socket or machine.
• 🔧 Inspect the plug: melted contacts, cracks or a burning smell indicate a short circuit. In this case, the plug needs to be replaced.
• ⚡ The machine is in the panel: if the plugs are knocked out, turn them on again. If the machine knocks out again when you connect the refrigerator, there is a short circuit in the wiring or compressor.

If everything is in order with the socket and plug, but the refrigerator Indesit still does not turn on, check power cord. Often it frays at the base or near the fork. To do this:

1. Disconnect the refrigerator from the network.
2. Carefully inspect the cord for damage.
3. Try moving the cord at the base - if the refrigerator starts to turn on/off, the problem is a broken wire.

⚠️ Attention: if the power cord is damaged do not use twists or electrical tape this may cause a fire. Only replace with a new cord with the appropriate characteristics (cross-section not less than 1.5 mm², length no more than 2 m).

If after all the checks the refrigerator still does not work, the problem may be in starting relay or thermostat —read about this in the following sections.

2. The starting relay has burned out: how to check and replace

The starting relay is a small box that is attached to the compressor. She is responsible for starting the engine. If the relay is burned out, the refrigerator Indesit can:

• 🔄 Turn on for 1-2 seconds and immediately turn off (a click is heard).
• 🔇 Not respond to the connection to the network at all (if the contacts are burned out).
• 🔥 Warm up in compressor area (during a long attempt to start).

To check the relay:

1. Disconnect the refrigerator from the mains.
2. Remove the back cover (if the model has an open compressor) or the bottom panel (if the compressor is closed).
3. Find the relay - it is black or a gray box with wires attached to the compressor.
4. Carefully remove the relay (a screwdriver may be required).
5. Shake it - if you hear a knock or the spring rattles, the relay is faulty.

Also inspect the relay contacts on subject melting or blackening. If they are, the part must be replaced. The new relay must be of the same modelthe same as the original one (the number is indicated on the body). For popular models Indesit (for example, C 132 G, B 18) suitable relays DANFOSS 103N0010 or ASCO 115.

⚠️ Attention: when replacing relay do not touch the compressor tubes - this can lead to freon leakage. If you are not confident in your abilities, it is better to call a specialist.

If after replacing the relay the refrigerator started working, but after a while it turned off again, the problem may be in compressor or thermostat.

3. The thermostat (temperature regulator) is faulty

The thermostat is the “brain” of the refrigerator that controls the temperature. If it is broken, the refrigerator Indesit may:

• ❄️ Not turn on at all (if the thermostat is stuck in the "off" position).
• ❄️➡️❄️ Work without stopping (if the thermostat is stuck in the "on" position).
• 🌡️ Incorrectly maintain the temperature (in the freezer +10°C, and in the refrigerator -5°C).

To check the thermostat:

1. Find the thermostat knob (usually inside the refrigerator, on the right or top).
2. Turn it to maximum cooling (usually the "5" or "MAX" position).
3. Listen: if the compressor starts, the thermostat is working.
4. If the compressor does not start, unplug the refrigerator and remove the thermostat protective cover.
5. Check wires for breakage or oxidation.

To accurately diagnose the thermostat, you will need a multimeter. How to check:

1. Remove the thermostat and find two contacts (usually they are marked with the numbers "3" and "4").
2. Put the multimeter into resistance test mode (200 Ohms).
3. At room temperature, the resistance should be 0 Ohm (contacts closed).
4. Place the thermostat in cold water - if it is working, the contacts will open and the resistance will become infinite.

If the thermostat does not pass the test, it needs to be replaced. For models Indesit thermostats are suitable K59-L1431 (for single-chamber) and K59-L2553 (for double-chamber). The cost of the part is from 800 to 1500 rubles.

4. Compressor failure: how to recognize and what to do

The compressor is the “heart” of the refrigerator. If it burns out, the refrigerator Indesit:

• 🔇 does not turn on at all (no sounds, no lights).
• 🔄 Turns on for 1-2 seconds and turns off with a loud click.
• 🔥 Gets very hot in the motor area (you can get burned).
• 💨 Warm air blows instead of cold.

To check the compressor:

1. Disconnect the refrigerator from the mains.
2. Remove the back cover (if the model has an open compressor).
3. Inspect the compressor for melting, oil leaks or burning smell.
4. Check the resistance of the windings using a multimeter:
   • Resistance between contacts C-S (starting winding) - 20–40 Ohm.
   • Resistance between C-R (working winding) - 10–20 Ohm.
   • Resistance between S-R — infinity (open).

If the resistance is different from the norm or the compressor buzzes, but does not startit needs to be replaced. Indesit models after 2015 are often equipped with Embraco EGX 90H or Secop (Danfoss) NL compressors 11F, which are interchangeable at the same power.

⚠️ Attention: replacing a compressor is a complex procedure that requires evacuating the system and filling with freon. This cannot be done without special equipment. If the diagnostics showed a compressor malfunction, it is better to contact a service center.

The cost of a new compressor for Indesit is from 5,000 to 12,000 rubles, plus 3000–5000 rubles for replacement and refueling work.

What will happen if you do not replace a burnt-out compressor?

If you leave a faulty compressor, the refrigerator will not only not freeze, but can also become dangerous:

- Overheating of the motor can lead to to fire (especially if the insulation of the windings has burned out).

- Damaged windings can cause short short circuit in the network.

- If the compressor “jams”, this can damage starting relay and other elements of the circuit.

5. Freon leak: signs and what to do

Freon is a refrigerant that circulates through the system and provides cooling. If it leaks, the refrigerator Indesit:

• ❄️➡️🌡️ Stops freezing, but the compressor works without stopping.
• 🧊 Frost does not form on the back wall (in models with a drip system).
• 🔊 You can hear gurgling or hissing in the tubes (with a strong leak).
• 🛠️ The condenser (grid at the back) remains cold.

Causes of freon leakage:

• 🔧 Mechanical damage to the tubes (for example, when moving the refrigerator).
• 🕳️ Corrosion of aluminum tubes (in older models).
• 🔥 Overheating of the compressor, leading to depressurization of the system.

It is difficult to independently determine the freon leak, but you can try:

1. Disconnect the refrigerator and defrost it.
2. Wipe the back wall and tubes with a soapy solution.
3. Turn on the refrigerator and observe: if there appear bubblesthere is a leak.

If there is a leak confirmed do not turn on the refrigerator - this can lead to compressor failure. You need to:

1. Find the location of the leak (most often this is solder joints or evaporator).
2. Eliminate the damage (solder, replace the tube).
3. Evacuate the system (remove moisture and air).
4. Fill in new freon (for Indesit usually used R-134a or R-600a).

⚠️ Attention: freon R-600a (isobutane) explosive if there is a leak in a closed room. If you smell gas, immediately ventilate the room and do not turn on electrical appliances until the leak is eliminated.

The cost of refilling freon is from 2500 to 5000 rubles (depending on the model). If the leak occurs in the evaporator (inside the chamber), repairs may be more expensive due to the need for disassembly.

6. Failure of the electronic control module. data-i="237">In modern models

In modern models Indesit (for example, BIAA 13, DF 5200) the electronic control unit is responsible for operation. If it burns out, the refrigerator may:

• 📛 Not turn on, but the indicators on the panel are on.
• 🔄 Independently reboot.
• 🌡️ Show errors on the display (for example, F01, F05).
• 🎛️ Do not respond to button presses.

Causes of module failure:

• ⚡ Power surge in network.
• 💧 Moisture ingress (for example, during defrosting).
• 🕰️ Natural wear and tear (unit service life is 7–10 years).

To check the module:

1. Disconnect the refrigerator from network.
2. Remove the top or back panel (depending on the model).
3. Find the control board (usually it is in a plastic box).
4. Inspect it for blackened elements, swollen capacitors or traces of oxidation.

If damage is visible on the board, it needs to be replaced. For models Indesit modules are suitable EBM 3300 or EBM 3500 (depending on the year of manufacture). The cost of a new unit is from 3000 to 7000 rubles.

If the board is visual. is intact, but the refrigerator does not work, try reset the settings:

1. Disconnect the refrigerator from the network for 10 minutes.
2. Turn it back on and simultaneously press the buttons Super Cool and Super Freeze (if any) to 5 seconds.

⚠️ Attention: if after replacing the module the refrigerator still does not work, the problem may be in firmware. In this case, you will need to reflash the board at the service center.

7. doors to the fan

If all the main components are working, but the refrigerator Indesit still does not work properly, check:

• 🚪 Sealing rubber: if it is torn or has lost elasticity, warm air penetrates inside and the refrigerator cannot reach the desired temperature. The rubber band can be replaced independently (cost - from 500). rubles).
• 🌀 Fan (in models with No Frost): if it does not spin, the freezer will work, but the refrigerator will not. Check to see if the fan is clogged with ice or debris.
• 🔋 Temperature sensor: if it fails, the refrigerator may not turn on or, conversely, work without stopping. This is checked with a multimeter (the resistance should change as the temperature changes).
• ⚡ Fuse: in some models Indesit there is a thermal fuse that trips when it overheats. It looks like a small glass tube with wires. Test it with a multimeter - if there is no resistance, replace it.

Also pay attention to operating conditions:

• The refrigerator must be on a flat surface (check the level).
• The gap between the wall and the back wall of the refrigerator is at least 5 cm.
• Do not place the refrigerator next to the radiator or stove.

If after all checks, the problem is not solved, perhaps the problem is factory defect (relevant for new refrigerators). In this case, contact the service center Indesit under warranty.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about non-working refrigerators Indesit

The Indesit refrigerator does not turn on, but the light inside is on. What is the reason?

If the light is on, but the compressor does not start, the problem may be in:

• Start relay (clicks, but the motor does not spin).
• Thermostat (does not give a signal to turn on).
• The compressor winding is broken (checked with a multimeter).

First check the relay, then the thermostat. If they are working, the compressor is most likely burned out.

The Indesit refrigerator is working, but it doesn’t freeze. What should I do?

Causes:

• Freon leak (the compressor runs without stopping, but does not cool).
• Clogged capillary tube (the refrigerator blows warm air).
• Malfunction fan (in models with No Frost).
• Failure of the temperature sensor.

You can check the fan and sensor yourself. For the rest, you need a technician.

After defrosting, the Indesit refrigerator does not turn on. Why?

Possible reasons:

• Water has got on the electronic module (you need to dry the board with a hairdryer).
• The fan has frozen (in models with No Frost - defrost it manually).
• The thermostat has burned out due to a sudden change in temperature.

Disconnect the refrigerator for 24 hours to drying. If it doesn’t help, diagnose the module and thermostat.

The Indesit refrigerator clicks, but does not start. What is this?

Clicks indicate operation. start relay. Reasons:

• The relay is faulty (needs to be replaced).
• The compressor is jammed (check the winding resistance).
• Low voltage in the network (less than 180 V).

Replace the relay first. If it doesn’t help, check the compressor.

How much does it cost to repair an Indesit refrigerator?

The cost depends on the breakdown:

Breakage	Repair cost (rub.)
Replacing the start relay	1500–2500
Replacing the thermostat	2000–3500
Refilling freon	3000–5000
Replacing the compressor	8000–15000

Prices include labor and spare parts. In regions, the cost may differ.