The situation when Indesit refrigerator stops turning off causes panic among many owners of household appliances. A compressor that hums continuously not only creates constant noise, but also significantly increases energy bills, and can also signal serious breakdowns within the cooling system. Understanding the reasons for this operation is necessary to take timely measures and prevent food spoilage.
Often users notice the problem too late, when the unit has already been operating in high-speed mode for several hours or even days. It is important to understand that continuous operation of the engine is not the norm, but a sign that the refrigerator cannot reach the set temperature or the sensors are transmitting incorrect data.
In this article we will examine in detail the main causes of the malfunction, from simple operating errors to complex technical failures. You will learn how to carry out initial diagnostics yourself and in what cases calling a technician becomes inevitable.
External factors and operating errors
Before sinning to break internal components, it is necessary to exclude trivial factors. Often the refrigerator does not turn off due to a violation of the rules of placement or operation, which can be easily corrected independently without calling a specialist.
One of the most common reasons is a violation of the temperature regime in the room. If the kitchen is located next to the radiator, in direct sunlight, or is simply too hot in the summer, the compressor simply does not have time to cool the chambers to the required values.
⚠️ Attention: Do not install the refrigerator close to the wall. The gap between the rear grille and the wall should be at least 5-7 cm for normal air circulation.
It is also worth checking the tightness of the door. If sealing rubber is worn out, dirty or deformed, warm air constantly enters the chamber. The temperature sensor detects heating and prevents the compressor from going into rest mode.
Another important point is loading cameras. If you place a large amount of warm food in the refrigerator or leave the door open for a long time, the unit will take a long time to return to temperature. In this case, continuous operation for several hours is a normal reaction of the system.
Failures of the thermostat and temperature sensors
If external factors are excluded, the next probable cause is failure of the thermostat (thermostat). This element is responsible for controlling the temperature inside the chambers and sends a signal to turn off the compressor when the set parameters are reached.
In older models Indesit with mechanical control, the thermostat is a device with a capillary tube. Over time, the tube may lose its seal, the gas will evaporate, and the contacts will no longer open. As a result, the motor runs without stopping.
In modern models with a system No Frost and electronic control, the role of a thermostat is performed by sensors (thermistors). They may give incorrect readings due to oxidation of the contacts, broken wiring, or internal damage to the sensor itself.
How to check a thermostat with a multimeter?
To check a mechanical thermostat, it must be removed. In a warm state, the contacts should be closed (the multimeter shows 0 Ohm or makes a squeak). When placing the sensor in a cold place (for example, in a freezer), the circuit should open (infinite resistance). If there is no break, the part is faulty.
Replacing a thermostat or sensor is a procedure that requires care. In electronic models, it is often necessary not only to replace the element, but also to reflash or reset errors in the control unit.
Problems with the defrost system (for No Frost models)
In refrigerators Indesit No Frost continuous operation of the compressor is often associated with a malfunction of the evaporator defrost system. If the heater, defrost timer or defrost sensor fails, a “coat” of ice builds up on the evaporator.
The ice blocks the circulation of cold air, and the sensor in the chamber does not detect a decrease in temperature. The compressor continues to hum, trying to cool the volume, but the cold simply does not enter inside due to the ice plug.
- 🧊 The defrost heating element has burned out: the heating element stops heating, the ice does not melt.
- ⏱️ The timer is faulty: the system does not go into defrost mode as required time.
- 🌡️ Defrost sensor: gives an incorrect signal about the evaporator temperature.
Diagnostics often require complete defrosting of the refrigerator within 24 hours. If, after connecting to the network, the unit started working in normal cyclic mode, and a week later stopped turning off again, the problem is definitely in the defrosting system.
☑️ Diagnostics of the No Frost system
Refrigerant leak and problems with the compressor
One of the most serious and expensive problems is freon leak. When the amount of refrigerant in the circuit decreases, the cooling efficiency decreases. The compressor is forced to work constantly to compensate for the lack of cooling capacity, but the temperature still does not drop to normal.
When there is a leak, you can often notice that the condenser (grid at the back) heats up unevenly or remains cold. A characteristic whistling sound may also appear at the gas outlet, although often the leak occurs in the foamed part of the housing and is invisible.
Another reason is wear of the housing itself. compressor. If the motor valves are worn out, it cannot create the necessary pressure in the system. The engine hums, but does not pump freon with the required force. In this case, the unit will also work without interruption.
| Symptom | Probable cause | Difficulty of repair |
|---|---|---|
| The refrigerator is humming, but not cold | Freon leak / Clogged | High |
| Compressor is hot, clicking | Faulty start relay | Low |
| Works without stopping, there is cold | Thermostat is faulty | Medium |
| Ice in the freezer, warm in the chamber | Problems with defrosting (No Frost) | Average |
⚠️ Attention: Work on finding leaks and refilling with freon requires special equipment and a license. It is almost impossible to eliminate a leak in the foamed part of the case on your own.
Malfunctions of the electronic control module
In modern models Indesit with electronics, the “brain” of the entire system is the control module. If elements on the board burn out, tracks oxidize, or a software failure occurs, the command to turn off the compressor may simply not be received.
Often this happens after power surges in the network. Visually, traces of burning, swollen capacitors or black dots may be visible on the board. However, sometimes the breakdown is hidden.
Repairing the module requires soldering skills and knowledge of electronics. It is often easier and more reliable to replace the entire board by selecting an analogue according to the markings. However, before replacing, it is worth checking the chain of sensors, since the module could fail precisely because of a short circuit in one of them.
Consequences of continuous operation of the refrigerator
Ignoring the problem when The refrigerator runs constantlyleads to negative consequences. First of all, the compressor itself suffers: due to the lack of rest cycles, it overheats, the oil loses its properties, and the motor can burn out.
The load on the wiring in the house also increases. High-intensity direct current can lead to heating of the outlet or even melting of the wires if the wiring is old.
Don't forget about the products. If the reason for continuous operation is a freon leak or a breakdown of the defrost system, then the temperature in the chambers may be higher than normal, which will lead to food spoilage and the growth of bacteria.
Often asked questions (FAQ)
How long should the Indesit refrigerator work and how long should it rest?
In normal mode, the operating cycle is approximately 15-20 minutes of work and 10-15 minutes of rest. However, this depends on the camera load, room temperature and model. The main thing is the presence of periods of silence.
Is it possible to operate the refrigerator if it does not turn off?
For a short time - yes, for example, when loading a large amount of food. But if the mode does not return to normal within 6-8 hours, operation should be stopped to avoid compressor breakdown.
Why did the refrigerator start working non-stop after defrosting?
You may have damaged the sensor during defrosting or there is air/humidity left in the system. The thermostat could also fail due to a sharp temperature change or old age.
How to understand that the compressor has burned out?
The compressor may hum, but not start (you can hear clicks), or work with severe overheating and no cold. The technician will make an accurate diagnosis using a pressure gauge and tester.