The situation when in the refrigerator Indesit the upper chamber stops cooling, and the freezer continues to operate in normal mode, is one of the most common and at the same time alarming for owners.
Unlike old models with two compressors, modern two-chamber units often use a single refrigerant circulation system, where the failure of one element disrupts the temperature balance in the entire device.
Understanding the operating principle of your model No Frost or system Total No Frost will be the first step to successfully restoring functionality without calling a technician.
⚠️ Attention: If you notice that the back wall of the refrigerator compartment is covered with a thick layer of ice or, conversely, has become absolutely warm, this is a signal of a critical violation of air circulation or refrigerant.
Fundamental differences between Indesit cooling systems
In order to correctly diagnose a breakdown, you need to clearly understand what type of defrosting system is installed in your unit Indesit, since the troubleshooting algorithms will be radically different.
In models with drip system (weeping wall) the cold in the upper chamber comes directly from the evaporator located behind the rear panel, and the violation is often associated with the thermostat.
Units with the system No Frost rely on forced air circulation through a hidden evaporator, where the fan and air supply ducts become a critical element.
- ❄️ The drip system requires periodic manual defrosting and is sensitive to the state of the thermostat.
- 💨 The No Frost system is fully automated, but is vulnerable to drainage blockages and fan breakdowns.
- 🔄 Combined systems may have separate circuits, which complicates diagnostics freon leaks.
You can determine the type of system by looking at the technical data sheet or examining the back wall of the refrigerator compartment: the presence of a visible ribbed radiator indicates a drip type, and a smooth plastic panel hides the system No Frost.
Owners should take into account that in models with low location of the freezer compartment cold air is supplied upward through special channels, and any obstacle on this path will lead to overheating of the products.
Diagnostics of the thermostat and temperature sensors
The most likely reason that the upper part of the refrigerator does not work Indesitis the failure of the thermostat or electronic temperature sensor, which stops sending a signal to the compressor to turn on.
In mechanical models, the thermostat is a device with a bellows that responds to changes in freon pressure in the capillary tube, and its breakdown is often accompanied by clicks or complete silence of the unit.
Electronic sensors in models Indesit with a display can display erroneous readings if their resistance has gone beyond acceptable limits, which is why the “brain” of the refrigerator believes that the temperature is normal.
To check a mechanical thermostat, it is often necessary to temporarily close its contacts in order to force the compressor to start and check for the appearance of cold.
⚠️ Attention: When replacing a thermostat, it is critical to use a model with an identical marking, since even a slight difference in the temperature range of operation will lead to spoilage of food or freezing of the evaporator.
How to check a thermostat with a multimeter?
To check, you need to remove the thermostat, immerse its sensitive part in water with ice and ring the contacts. If, when cooling, the contact does not open (or does not close, depending on the type), the part is faulty and requires replacement.
Symptoms of a sensor malfunction often manifest themselves in the chaotic behavior of the refrigerator: it can work non-stop, trying to achieve non-existent cold, or not turn on at all.
Replacing the sensor in modern models Indesit usually does not require complex tools, but requires care when dismantling plastic panels.
Problems with the fan in the No Frost system
If your Indesit is equipped with a system No Frostthen for the circulation of cold air from the freezer to the refrigeration compartment is answered by a special fan.
Stopping this unit leads to the fact that cold air remains in the freezer, and the upper part of the unit gradually warms up to room temperature.
The reason for the stop can be either mechanical jamming of the blades with ice, or combustion of the electric motor winding or broken contacts in the power circuit.
- 🔇 Complete absence of fan operation noise when the compressor is on.
- 🧊 The presence of ice on the blades, preventing rotation.
- 🔌 Oxidation of the contacts on the motor connector.
Diagnostics should begin with a visual inspection: get to the fan by removing the back panel in the freezer and check the ease of rotation of the blades manually.
If the fan hums but does not spin, the grease in the bearings may have dried out, and the unit requires replacement or urgent lubrication with a heat-resistant compound.
☑️ Checking the fan
A violation of this logic may indicate problems with the control module, which is not sending the correct signals to the actuators.
Freon leak and capillary tube blockage
More serious technical problems such as refrigerant leak or blockage capillary system, often manifest themselves precisely in uneven cooling of the chambers.
If freon leaks, its quantity is not enough for the entire cycle, and the cold first stops flowing to the most remote or upper parts of the evaporator.
Clogging the capillary tube with oxidation products or moisture creates a plug that prevents normal circulation of freon, which leads to similar symptoms.
| Symptom | Probable cause | Characteristic symptom |
|---|---|---|
| The freezer is freezing, the top is warm | Leakage freon | Swollen rear wall, no hissing when punctured |
| Compressor runs non-stop | Leak or blockage | Hot condenser, cold evaporator |
| Frost only at the entrance to the tubes | Capillary blockage | Local freezing, the rest is clean |
It is almost impossible to eliminate a leak or high-quality blockage on your own, since this requires a vacuum pump, a pressure gauge station and a reserve freon.
Attempts to simply add gas without finding and eliminating the cause of the leak will only give a short-term effect, after which the problem will return.
⚠️ Attention: Freon used in refrigerators forms toxic compounds upon contact with an open flame, therefore it is strictly forbidden to solder pipelines without first evacuating the system.
Faults in the control module and electrical wiring
Modern refrigerators Indesit are controlled by complex electronics, and malfunctions in the operation of the control module can lead to incorrect distribution of cold.
A software failure or damage to the tracks on the board can block the supply of voltage to the defrost heaters or fan, leaving the upper chamber without cooling.
Often the problem lies not in the board itself, but in the oxidized contacts of the cables connecting the module with sensors and actuators mechanisms.
Diagnostics of electronics requires special knowledge and equipment, so if you suspect a module, it is better to contact professionals.
However, you can simply reboot the system yourself by unplugging the refrigerator from the network for 15-20 minutes.
- 🔌 Disconnecting from the network to reset controller errors.
- 🔍 Inspecting the wires for melting or chewing by rodents.
- 🧹 Cleaning the connector contacts from oxides with alcohol.
If after a reboot the situation has not changed, and the sensor diagnostics have not revealed any problems, the likelihood of a malfunction of the main controller increases.
In some cases, the control module may partially work, turning on the compressor, but ignoring signals from the temperature sensors in the refrigerator compartment.
Operating rules and prevention of breakdowns
Compliance with operating rules significantly extends the life of the refrigerator Indesit and reduces the risk of problems with cooling the upper part.
Frequently opening doors, loading hot products or loose fit seals force the unit to work at the limit of its capabilities, which accelerates the wear of components.
Regular defrosting (even for systems No Frost once a year) helps clear hard-to-reach places from hidden ice.
Keep the drainage hole clean: its clogging leads to the accumulation of water, which freezes and blocks the air circulation channels.
Do not install the refrigerator close to the wall, ensuring the necessary clearance for the condenser to operate efficiently.
How often should defrost Indesit refrigerator?
Models with a drip system require defrosting as ice accumulates (usually every 3-6 months). It is recommended to defrost No Frost systems completely (with a shutdown for a day) once a year for hygiene and prevention of hidden frost.
Is it possible to use a refrigerator if the top does not freeze?
Short-term use is possible for storing products that do not require deep cold, but long-term operation with a malfunction can lead to overheating of the compressor and its failure.
Why, after defrosting, did the upper part stop cooling again?
This indicates that defrosting eliminated the symptom (ice jam), but not the cause. Most likely, the defrost sensor, heating element or thermostat is faulty, and the ice jam will form again after a few days.
Is it worth repairing the old Indesit or buying a new one?
If you need to replace the compressor or control module in the old model, the cost of repair can reach 70% of the price of a new unit, which makes buying new equipment a more rational decision.