The situation when a refrigerator Indesit works without interruption is familiar to many owners of equipment of this brand. The compressor hums around the clock, without stopping for a minute, which leads to a sharp jump in energy bills and an increased risk of serious breakdown of the unit. In normal mode operation cycle it should be interrupted: the equipment gets cold, turns off and “rests” until the next time it is turned on, but if this does not happen, the system has failed.
Often users notice the problem too late, when ice has already formed inside the chambers or food begins to freeze. Constant operation of the motor indicates that it control system does not receive a signal to reach the desired temperature, or is physically unable to achieve it due to leakage or wear of parts. Ignoring this symptom is almost guaranteed to lead to expensive repairs with the replacement of expensive components.
In this article we will analyze in detail the mechanical and electrical causes of such a malfunction, explain why sensors can “lie” and how to quickly diagnose the problem on your own. It is important to understand that Indesit this is a reliable, but sensitive to voltage fluctuations and operating conditions, equipment that requires careful attention to the first signs of discomfort during operation.
Operation errors and external factors
Before sounding the alarm and calling a technician, it is necessary to eliminate trivial errors in using the refrigerator. Often the reason for continuous work is the user himself, who unknowingly creates conditions under which compressor he is forced to work non-stop. For example, if you have just placed a large amount of warm food or a pot of soup in the chamber, the equipment will work hard trying to cool the volume.
It is also worth checking the tightness of the fit rubber seal to the housing. If the door does not close tightly, warm air from the room constantly enters, the temperature sensor detects the heating and does not give a command to turn off the motor. Even a microscopic gap of 1-2 millimeters can disrupt the entire cooling cycle.
It is important to take into account the location of the unit in space. If Indesit stands close to a wall or in a niche without the necessary clearance for ventilation, heat transfer is disrupted. The compressor overheats, and the condenser on the back wall does not have time to cool, which forces the electronics to keep the motor on longer than expected.
⚠️ Attention: Never install the refrigerator closer than 5-7 cm from the wall or furniture. Heat dissipation failure is a “silent killer” of the compressor, which can burn out from overheating within a few months of such operation.
Malfunctions of the thermostat and temperature sensors
One of the most common reasons why Indesit does not turn off is the exit from building thermostat (thermostat). This element is responsible for closing and opening the electrical circuit depending on the temperature inside the chamber. If the contacts are “stuck” in a closed state or the sensitive element has lost its properties, the shutdown signal simply does not arrive at the start relay.
In models with electronic control (No Frost) (thermistors) are responsible for this process. They may give incorrect readings if their resistance has changed due to aging or oxidation of the contacts. The electronic module “thinks” that it is still +15°C in the chamber, and drives the compressor, although in fact it is already -10°C. temperature sensors (thermistors). They may give incorrect readings if their resistance has changed due to aging or oxidation of the contacts. The electronic module “thinks” that it is still +15°C in the chamber and drives the compressor, although in fact it is already -10°C there.
Diagnostics of a mechanical thermostat often requires its replacement, since these components are practically irreparable. In electronic models, the integrity of the wiring going to the sensor is first checked, and only then the resistance of the element itself is checked with a multimeter.
How to check a thermostat with a multimeter?
To check a mechanical thermostat, it must be removed and “ringed” with a tester. In the “on” position, the resistance should be zero (the circuit is closed). If you place the thermostat sensing tube in a container of ice, the circuit should open (infinite resistance). If this does not happen, the part is faulty.
Problems with the refrigerant: freon leak
The situation when the refrigerator Indesit hums, but does not give cold (or gives very little) often indicates refrigerant leakage. Freon circulates in a closed loop, and if its quantity decreases, the pressure in the system drops. The compressor works, trying to build up the required pressure, but due to the lack of working fluid, the temperature does not drop to the set values, and the cycle is not interrupted.
Leaks can occur in places where pipes are soldered, in the evaporator (especially if it was damaged with a knife during defrosting) or in the condenser due to corrosion. A telltale sign is that the engine is hot, and the tubes coming from it remain warm or cold instead of being hot.
It is important to understand that you cannot simply “add gas” to the system. It is necessary to find the location of the leak, eliminate it, and only then fill the circuit with a strictly standardized amount refrigerant. If you ignore the search for a hole, in a month the situation will repeat.
Clogged capillary tube and filter-drier
Another technical reason for endless work is clogging of the capillary tube. This is the thinnest channel through which liquid freon is supplied to the evaporator. Over time, microscopic particles of oxides or ice (wet blockage) can form in the system, which block the flow of refrigerant.
The pressure before the blockage increases, and after it, it drops. The compressor begins to work with overload, trying to push freon, but the circulation is disrupted. As a result, the evaporator does not cool evenly, the sensor does not detect the cold, and the motor does not turn off. Often, gurgling or whistling is heard in the area of the rear wall.
To eliminate this malfunction, a professional flushing the system nitrogen and replacement of the filter-drier are required. The filter retains moisture and debris, and if it is clogged, its capacity drops to zero.
☑️ Diagnosis of system blockage
Wear of the compressor and starting relay
The most expensive and serious problem is the physical wear of the relay itself compressor. Over time, the engine loses its performance: the piston group wears out, the valves no longer hold pressure. It works, hums, but does not create sufficient pressure for effective boiling of freon in the evaporator.
Often, together with the motor, it fails start relay. If the relay contacts are burnt or it is “stuck,” the compressor may not start the first time or, conversely, may not turn off on time. In older models Indesit relays are often the reason why the refrigerator hums for 5 seconds and clicks, or hums continuously.
If the compressor runs non-stop, it gets very hot. This can lead to thermal breakdown of the windings. If you smell a burning smell or see that the motor housing is hot to the point where it is impossible to touch it, the equipment must be immediately de-energized.
⚠️ Attention: If the compressor operates for more than 24 hours without a break, the risk of its wedge (piston jamming) increases many times over. Replacing a compressor is a complex and expensive repair, comparable in cost to buying a new refrigerator.
Comparative table of symptoms and causes
To make it easier for you to navigate the nature of the malfunction, we have prepared a summary table. It will help compare the behavior of your Indesit with the most likely breakdown.
| Symptom | Probable cause | Difficulty of repair | Do you need freon |
|---|---|---|---|
| Humming, warm inside | Freon leak | High | Yes |
| Buzzing, slightly freezing | Clog capillary | Average | Yes (partially) |
| Humming, very cold | Thermostat faulty | Low | No |
| Buzzes, clicks, does not start | Start relay / Compressor | Medium/High | No |
| Works, but does not turn off | Seal / Thermal sensor | Low | No |
When you need to call a technician
You can replace the thermostat yourself, clean the condenser, or rehang the door if the geometry of the case is broken. However, when it comes to finding leaks, evacuation of the system and filling with freon, you cannot do without special equipment and skills. sealed circuit, finding leaks, evacuating the system and filling with freon, you cannot do without special equipment and skills.
Unprofessional intervention in the cooling system often leads to the fact that instead of replacing the sensor, you have to change the compressor. Craftsmen use pressure gauge manifolds, leak detectors and vacuum pumps to ensure long service life of equipment after repair.
If your Indesit works without stopping, do not delay diagnostics. The sooner you detect the problem, the higher the chances of saving the main components of the unit and avoiding buying a new refrigerator.
Is it worth repairing an old Indesit?
Repair makes sense if the refrigerator is less than 7-8 years old and the compressor has not burned out. If the equipment is older than 10 years and requires replacement of the motor or complex soldering of the circuit, it is more economically feasible to consider purchasing a new model, since the life of the remaining components (plastic, wiring) is also coming to an end.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
How long should an Indesit refrigerator work normally?
Under normal conditions, the work cycle is approximately 15-20 minutes of work and 20-30 minutes of rest. The work factor (KW) is usually around 0.3-0.4. If the refrigerator works for 40 minutes and rests for 10, this is already a cause for concern, especially in the summer.
Can the refrigerator not turn off due to the heat in the room?
Yes, if the room temperature is above +30°C, it is more difficult for the refrigerator to give off heat. Work cycles are lengthened and rest periods are reduced. However, it should still turn off completely. If the room is +25°C, and the motor does not stop, this is a breakdown.
What to do if the refrigerator does not turn off after defrosting?
After complete defrosting, the refrigerator may require 2-4 hours of continuous operation to reach operating temperature conditions and freeze food. If it hums for more than 6-8 hours without a break after turning on, check the thermostat or the presence of a leak.
Why does the new Indesit refrigerator work non-stop?
When turned on for the first time, the new unit can work up to 24 hours without shutting down. This is necessary for the initial cooling of the entire volume of the chambers and freezer. Do not load it with food in the first hours, let it gain cold.