The situation when Indesit refrigerator stops turning off and hums for days on end frightens any owner. This is not just an annoying noise that disturbs sleep, but also a direct signal that the cooling system is working in emergency mode. The unit tries to reach the set temperature, but due to some malfunction or external factor, the desired cold inside the chambers does not occur.
If you notice that the compressor Indesit hums continuously, the first thing you need to do is assess the scale of the problem. Sometimes the reason lies in the banal carelessness of the owners, and in other cases it is required complex repairs replacement of expensive components. It is important not to ignore this symptom, since prolonged operation of the engine for wear and tear can lead to its complete combustion, which will significantly increase the cost of restoring the equipment.
In this article we will analyze in detail all the possible reasons for the continuous operation of the refrigerator, from simple operating errors to serious technical breakdowns. You will learn how to carry out initial diagnostics yourself and in what cases you need to call a specialist. If the compressor is hot to the touch and does not turn off for more than 12 hours, this almost always indicates a loss of refrigerant or an electronic malfunction.
Primary diagnostics: simple reasons
Before To panic and look for a service center number, it is worth excluding trivial factors. Often, users themselves create conditions under which refrigerator compartment cannot cool to the desired degree. In such cases, the equipment is in good working order, but works in increased mode due to operating errors.
One of the most common reasons is a loose door fit. If the rubber seal is dirty, deformed, or simply interferes with a fold of clothing, warm air constantly enters the chamber. Sensors detect the temperature increase and command the compressor to work without interruption. Check the cleanliness of the rubber and the tightness of the door closure around the entire perimeter.
It is also worth paying attention to the location of the products. If you have just loaded Indesit a large amount of warm food or a pot of soup into the refrigerator, it will take a long time for the refrigerator to return to normal. During this period, the unit will hum continuously, trying to cool the entire volume.
- 🚪 Check if anything is preventing the door from closing tightly (dishes, bags).
- 🌡️ Make sure the thermostat is not turned to the maximum (positions 6 or 7).
- 🍲 Do not put hot foods directly into the chamber, let them cool to room temperature.
- 💨 Move the refrigerator away from the wall to ensure air circulation around the condenser.
If after eliminating these factors the situation has not changed and the motor continues to work without pauses, then the problem is of a technical nature. Next, we will look at more serious breakdowns that require intervention.
Malfunctions of the thermostat and sensors
One of the key parts that controls the cycle of turning the compressor on and off is thermostat (thermostat). It is he who “tells” the motor when it needs to stop, since the temperature inside has reached normal. If this element fails, the contact inside it may “stick” in the closed position, and the shutdown signal simply will not be received.
In models with a system No Frost and electronic control, the role of a thermostat is performed by air temperature sensors. They are located in different areas of the refrigerator and freezer compartments. If one of the sensors “lies” and shows that it is warm inside, the controller will keep the compressor on. Diagnostics of such elements requires a multimeter and electrical knowledge.
⚠️ Attention: Before replacing the thermostat or sensors, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply. Working with live electrical wiring is life-threatening!
Symptoms of a malfunctioning thermostat are often accompanied by the fact that the food in the refrigerator compartment begins to freeze, and an ice coat forms in the freezer, although the motor hums constantly. This is a sure sign that the system “does not see” the cold and continues to freeze.
How to check a thermostat with a multimeter?
To check a mechanical type thermostat, you need to remove it and ring the contacts. In normal conditions (at room temperature), the contacts should be closed. If you place the thermostat sensitive tube in cold water or frost, the contacts should open and the device will indicate an open circuit. If this does not happen, the part is faulty.
Freon leakage and problems with circulation
If Indesit refrigerator works without stopping, but it is warm inside the chambers, there is a high probability of a refrigerant (freon) leak. Gas can escape through microcracks in the evaporator, which are formed due to corrosion or mechanical damage during inaccurate defrosting.
If there is insufficient amount of freon, the pressure in the system drops. The compressor works, trying to pump through what is left, but the required cold is not there. Sensors detect high temperatures and do not give a command to stop. As a result, the motor overheats and the food spoils.
Another problem in this category is clogged capillary tube. Even if there is freon in the system, it cannot circulate due to a plug formed from the breakdown products of oil or moisture. The symptoms are similar to a leak: the motor is humming, the condenser (grid at the back) may be only partially cold or warm, but it is warm inside.
| Symptom | Probable cause | Actions |
|---|---|---|
| Motor is hot, warm inside | Freon leak | Call a technician to find a leak and refill |
| Cold condenser | Clogged system or leak | Diagnostics of pressure in the system |
| Audible gurgling | Lack of freon | Checking the tightness of the circuit |
| Frost only at the entrance to evaporator | Partial blockage | Purge or replace filter drier |
Eliminating leaks and blockages is a complex process that requires special equipment: a vacuum pump, a pressure gauge station and freon supplies. It is almost impossible to deal with this on your own.
Wear of the compressor and start relay
The heart of any refrigerator is compressor. Over time, its resource is exhausted. The piston group wears out, compression drops, and the engine is physically unable to create the pressure necessary for efficient circulation of the refrigerant. It works at the limit of its capabilities, but does not turn off, since the task is not completed.
Often, together with the compressor, it fails starting relay. This small element is responsible for starting the engine. If the relay is “stuck” or burnt out, the contacts may not open, and current continues to flow to the motor windings, even if it has already warmed up and should stop.
Signs of problems with the compressor:
- 🔊 Loud, unusual hum or knocking during operation.
- 🔥 Strong heating of the motor housing (impossible to touch with your hand).
- ⚡ Frequent attempts to start followed by a click and stop (if the relay is working properly, but the motor does not pull).
- 📉 Decrease in cooling performance during continuous work.
If diagnostics showed that the compressor “does not pull” pressure, it must be replaced. Operating a refrigerator with a faulty motor can lead to a short circuit and fire.
Problems with the defrost system (No Frost)
In refrigerators Indesit No Frost Continuous operation of the compressor is often associated with a malfunction of the automatic defrost system. If a “coat” of ice builds up on the evaporator in the freezer, it blocks the channels through which cold air should enter the refrigerator.
As a result, there may be a cold wall in the freezer, but there is warmth in the main chamber. The sensor in the refrigerator compartment does not detect the cold and keeps the compressor on. In this case, the fan may hum louder than usual or stop spinning due to ice.
Three main elements are responsible for the defrosting process:
- A defrosting heating element —a heating element that melts the ice.
- Thermal fuse —protects against overheating Heating element.
- Defrost timer (or electronic module) - starts the defrosting cycle.
⚠️ Attention: If you defrosted the refrigerator manually (left it with the doors open for 24 hours) and it worked fine, but a week later the problem repeated itself - this is a 100% malfunction of the defrost system.
For diagnostics, you need to remove the back panel in the freezer and check the integrity of the heating element and thermal fuse with a multimeter. Often it is the fuse that burns, breaking the circuit, or the heating element itself.
☑️ Diagnostics of the No Frost system
When you need to call a technician
Independent repair of the refrigerator is possible only in cases of replacement thermostat, relay or defrost components if you have electrical skills. However, there are situations when the intervention of an unqualified user will only cause harm.
Be sure to call a specialist if:
- 🛠️ You need to work with freon (filling, soldering pipes, searching for leaks).
- 🔌 You can hear a burning smell or see smoke from compressor area.
- ❄️ After complete defrosting (24 hours), the refrigerator still does not freeze.
- 📟 The display shows error codes that cannot be reset.
A professional technician will conduct a full diagnosis, check the pressure in the system, the current consumption of the motor and circuit tightness. This will allow you to accurately determine the cause and avoid unnecessary costs for replacing serviceable parts.
Remember that Indesit refrigerator is a complex device. Correct and timely diagnosis will extend its service life and keep your products fresh. Do not allow equipment to operate in emergency mode for a long time.
Is it possible to use a refrigerator with a faulty thermostat?
You can use a refrigerator with a faulty thermostat only in emergency cases and under constant supervision. You will have to manually turn the unit on and off via the outlet while monitoring the temperature inside. Long-term operation in this mode is dangerous: food can deteriorate from freezing or heat, and the compressor will quickly fail from overload.
Why does the refrigerator hum, but does not freeze after defrosting?
If after complete defrosting (more than 24 hours) the refrigerator Indesit turned on, worked for a couple of hours, and then stopped freezing again and began to hum without interruption, this indicates a freon leak or a blockage. The ice you defrosted was only a consequence of past work, not the cause. Now that there is no ice, it has become clear that the system does not create cold due to the lack of refrigerant.
How long should the compressor rest between starts?
In normal operation, the Indesit refrigerator compressor works for about 10-20 minutes, followed by a pause (rest) lasting from 15 to 40 minutes, in depending on the chamber load and room temperature. If the rest cycle is less than 5 minutes or absent completely, this is a sign of a malfunction.
Can a dirty capacitor cause continuous operation?
Yes, it can. If the condenser grille on the back wall of the refrigerator is clogged with dust, animal hair or fluff, heat exchange is disrupted. Freon does not cool down properly, the pressure in the system increases, and cooling efficiency decreases. The compressor is forced to work longer to compensate for poor heat dissipation. Regular cleaning of the condenser with a vacuum cleaner or brush helps to avoid overloads.