The situation when Indesit refrigerator stops turning off causes panic in any owner. The humming of the motor for days on end, the freezing of ice on the back wall and an increased electricity bill are the first alarm signals indicating a malfunction of the cooling system. Indesit equipment famous for its reliability, but even it is not immune from wear of parts or external factors that disrupt the thermodynamic cycle.
Continuous operation of the compressor does not mean that the unit has completely broken down, but this symptom absolutely cannot be ignored. At best, you will be faced with an overextended engine life, at worst, complete damage to products and failure of expensive components. Understanding the reasons will help you make the right decision: call a technician or try to fix the problem yourself.
In this article we will analyze in detail the mechanics of the process, explain why the on-off cycle is broken, and provide an algorithm for diagnostics. Normal operation mode implies that the compressor runs for 20-40 minutes, followed by a pause lasting from 15 to 40 minutes, depending on the chamber load. If this rhythm is broken, you need to look for the culprit.
Primary diagnostics: external factors and settings
Before grabbing tools or looking for a service center, it is worth eliminating trivial operating errors. Often the reason lies not in a breakdown, but in improper operating conditions. Check whether it is Indesit refrigerator too close to the wall, blocking air access to the condenser. Dust and animal hair that clog the grille at the back also cause the motor to wear out.
The second important point is the temperature regime. If you have recently set the regulator to maximum (usually division 5 or 6, or mode Super Freeze), the equipment will try to achieve unrealistically low temperatures. Thermostat simply will not receive a signal that the goal has been achieved and will not give a command to stop.
It is also worth remembering whether you loaded a large amount of warm food into the chamber. If yes, then continuous operation for several hours is a normal situation for rapid cooling of the volume.
⚠️ Attention: If after defrosting and correctly installing the temperature controller the situation does not change within 24 hours, the problem is of a technical nature.
Faults in the defrost system and sensors
One of the most common reasons for endless operation in models with the system No Frost is a failure in the defrost system. If the evaporator becomes overgrown with a “coat” of ice, heat exchange is disrupted. The air temperature sensor in the chamber detects that there is not enough cold and sends a signal to the compressor to continue working, not knowing that the evaporator is blocked by ice.
Several elements are involved in the defrost chain: a heater, a defrost sensor and a timer (or electronic module). Failure of any of them leads to the fact that the ice does not melt, the fan stops moving air, and the motor hums without interruption. In models with a drip system (“crying wall”), a similar role is played by the temperature sensor, which could be “stuck” in the “on” position.
Symptoms of a faulty defrost sensor
The sound of a running fan is heard, but no cold enters the chamber, or the fan hums, but does not spin due to ice. A thick layer of ice is visible on the back wall.
To check these elements, a continuity test with a multimeter is required. The heater resistance must be within normal limits (usually several hundred ohms), and the sensor must change resistance as the temperature changes. If you do not have the skills to work with electrical appliances, it is better not to take risks.
Problems with the compressor and start relay
The heart of the refrigerator is the compressor. If it runs non-stop but there is no or little cold, there may be a loss of performance. The piston group could be worn out, and the engine is simply not able to create the necessary pressure in the system to reach the set temperature.
Often the culprit is starting relay. This small block is responsible for starting the engine. If its contacts are burnt or the mechanism is stuck, the compressor may hum, but not start, or operate in emergency mode without shutting down. In older models Indesit relays often fail first.
| Symptom | Probable cause | Sound character | Complexity repair |
|---|---|---|---|
| Buzzes, clicks and turns off | Faulty starting relay | Loud click every 2-5 minutes | Low (part replacement) |
| Works quietly, cold no | Freon leak | Almost silent operation or hissing | High (search for leaks, refilling) |
| Humming constantly, there is cold | Faulty thermostat | Even hum without pauses | Average (sensor replacement) |
| Strong vibration and noise | Compressor wear | Knocking, rattling | High (motor replacement) |
If the compressor is hot to the touch (burns your hand) and the refrigerator does not freeze, this is a sure sign of a refrigerant leak or capillary tube blockage. The motor tries to compensate for the lack of pressure by constant operation.
Refrigerant leakage and system blockage
Freon is a working fluid that transfers heat. If a microcrack has formed in the circuit (often in the foamed part or in soldering areas), the gas gradually evaporates. The pressure drops, and compressor, trying to maintain the temperature regime, it works non-stop. Over time, there will be very little cold.
Clogging of the capillary tube is a less common but possible problem. It occurs due to moisture entering the system (an ice plug is formed) or due to clogging with oil breakdown products. In this case, there is freon, but it does not circulate through the system.
⚠️ Attention: Independent refilling with freon is impossible without special equipment and skills. Evacuation of the system and precise dosage of the refrigerant are required.
Malfunction of the thermostat or electronic module
The thermostat is the “brain” that decides when to turn the engine on and off. In mechanical models Indesit this is a simple “tablet” with a tube that is inserted into the evaporator. If the membrane inside the thermostat has lost its elasticity or the tube has become depressurized, the contacts simply will not open.
In models with electronic control (where the temperature is set in degrees on the display), the role of the thermostat is performed by thermal sensor the main control module. If the sensor is lying, transmitting incorrect data about the temperature in the chamber, the module will keep the compressor on. The control board itself can also “glitch”, supplying constant voltage to the motor windings.
Replacing a mechanical thermostat is a simple procedure and accessible to a home craftsman. Electronic sensors are also easy to change, but require precise selection of resistance. The most difficult thing is to diagnose a malfunction of the control module itself.
☑️ Diagnosis of the thermostat
Environmental influences and seasonal factors
Many users forget that the climate class of the refrigerator matters. If Indesit refrigerator with class N (normal, from +16 to +32°C) is installed in an unheated garage in winter or in a kitchen where it is +35°C in summer, it will work at its maximum capacity. In hot weather, heat exchange is difficult, and pauses between starts are shortened or disappear.
In winter, if the refrigerator is on the balcony, the oil in the compressor may thicken, and the freon will not evaporate properly. This leads to incorrect operation and increased wear. Not all models are designed to operate at subzero ambient temperatures.
In addition, direct sunlight falling on the body or proximity to the stove/battery creates local overheating. Sensors react to high temperatures inside the chamber, causing the cooling system to work more actively.
When you need to call a technician
There are a number of symptoms in which self-repair is not only useless, but also dangerous. If you hear hissing, smell something burning, or see that the compressor is running but the condenser remains cold, this is a reason to call service. Also, the help of professionals is needed when replacing a compressor or searching for a leak in a foamed circuit.
The master has the necessary tools: leak detectors, vacuum pumps, pressure gauge stations. An attempt to “add freon” without eliminating the leak will solve the problem only for a couple of weeks, after which the situation will repeat itself, and the compressor may burn out completely due to operation without cooling.
⚠️ Attention: Opening a sealed circuit without a license and skills can lead to the release of flammable gases (isopentane), used as refrigerants in modern models.
Is it worth repairing an old refrigerator?
If the refrigerator is more than 10-12 years old and requires a compressor replacement or complex repair of the defrost system, it is often more economically feasible to purchase a new model. Repairs can amount to up to 70% of the cost of a new unit.
Prevention and care of Indesit equipment
To extend the life of your refrigerator, regularly clean the condenser from dust. This can be done with a vacuum cleaner or a soft brush once every six months. Monitor the condition of the seals: wash them with warm water and soap and lubricate them with silicone if they begin to dry out.
Do not forget to defrost the chambers (if not No Frost) at least once a year. Even a thin layer of ice of 5 mm reduces the efficiency of heat transfer by 15-20%, causing the motor to work longer. Proper operation is the key to long service life of equipment.
By following these simple rules, you minimize the risk of sudden breakdowns. However, if a problem has already arisen, competent diagnostics will help save time and money.
Why is the Indesit refrigerator humming, but not freezing?
Most likely, there is a freon leak or a clogged capillary tube. The compressor is running, but the refrigerant is not circulating. You need to call a technician to find a leak and refill it.
Is it possible to operate the refrigerator if it does not turn off?
For a short time - yes, to preserve food. But long-term non-stop operation (more than 24 hours) will lead to overheating of the compressor and its combustion. You need to find the reason.
How to check the thermostat at home?
You need to remove the terminals from the thermostat and connect them directly. If the refrigerator starts working and starts freezing, and then (after opening) does not turn off, the problem is in the thermostat. If it doesn’t work at all, the problem is in the motor or relay.
How long should the refrigerator rest between cycles?
Normally, the rest time should be from 30% to 50% of the total cycle time. That is, if he worked for 20 minutes, he should rest for at least 10-15 minutes. Constant operation without pauses is an emergency mode.