The situation when an externally working refrigerator Indesit continues to hum and light a light, but inside it ceases to be cold, is familiar to many owners of household appliances. This is a classic scenario, indicating that the electrical part of the unit is functioning, the motor-compressor starts, but the process of generating cold is disrupted. In two-chamber models, this is especially noticeable: food in the freezer can begin to melt, and in the refrigerator compartment it can quickly deteriorate at room temperature.
You shouldn’t panic at such a moment, but you shouldn’t delay diagnostics either. The absence of cold when the engine is running often indicates a refrigerant leak or mechanical failure of the circulation units. Understanding exactly how your unitbehaves will help the technician quickly determine the cause of the malfunction when calling.
In this article we will analyze in detail the main reasons why a two-chamber refrigerator Indesit stops freezing, and we will explain what steps need to be taken first. We will consider both simple operating errors and complex technical malfunctions that require professional intervention.
Primary diagnostics and checking settings
Before talking about serious repairs, it is necessary to eliminate basic errors. Often, users accidentally change settings or place products incorrectly, which blocks air circulation. In two-chamber models with a No Frost or Low Frost system, this is critically important, since air must move freely between the chambers.
Check the control panel. It is possible that the temperature mode was accidentally changed to minimum or the fast freezing function was turned on, which, during prolonged operation, can lead to failures in the compressor control algorithms. Also make sure that the door closes tightly and the seal does not let heat in from the outside.
Pay attention to the location of the products. If you packed the shelves tightly against the back wall, you could be blocking the air ducts. In models Indesit with forced circulation, this leads to the fact that the temperature sensors read incorrect data and the compressor does not work correctly.
Malfunctions of the defrost system (Defroster)
One of the most common reasons why a two-chamber refrigerator Indesit works, but does not freeze, the defrost system is failing. In units with No Frost frost constantly forms on the evaporator. Periodically it must be thawed using a heater. If this process is disrupted, the evaporator becomes overgrown with a “fur coat” that blocks the flow of cold air.
Visually it may look like this: the compressor hums almost non-stop, trying to catch up with the temperature, but the chambers are warm. Over time, ice can completely block the air passages. In such cases, it is often necessary to completely defrost the unit within 24 hours to remove the ice plug.
⚠️ Attention: If after complete defrosting (24 hours with the doors open) the refrigerator started working normally, but after 1-2 weeks the situation repeated itself, the problem is precisely in the defrosting system components (heating element, timer, defrost sensor).
To diagnose the defrost system, the technician will need to ring the heater and thermostat circuit. In models Indesit often the fuse itself Defrost heating element or the fuse that protects the system from overheating fails. Replacing them is a standard repair procedure.
☑️ Symptoms of defrosting system breakdown
Freon leak and seal failure
If the refrigerator Indesit hums, but does not freeze in any of the chambers, and at the same time the condenser (grid at the back) remains cold or barely warm, with a high degree of probability a refrigerant leak has occurred. Freon is a working fluid that circulates through the system, taking away heat. Without it, the compressor simply wastes gas.
Leaks in modern models often occur in the foamed part of the housing or in the places where the evaporator tubes are soldered. This is a serious problem, since it is extremely difficult to find the leak in a foamed circuit. Often, experts suggest installing an external evaporator ("crying" one on the back wall inside the chamber), which is a temporary or compromise solution.
| Symptom | Probable cause | Heat exchanger (rear) | Sound of operation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complete absence of cold | Complete leak of freon | Cold | Even humming |
| Weak cold | Partial leakage | Warm only partially | Intermittent |
| There is cold, but weak | Clogged capillary | Hot at the compressor | Quiet, with gurgling |
It is important to understand that you cannot simply “add freon”. First, you need to find and eliminate the leak, evacuate the system, and only then fill it with new gas in a strictly defined amount. Violation of the refueling technology will lead to rapid breakdown of the compressor.
Problems with the compressor and starting relay
The situation when the engine hums but does not start (a click and buzz is heard, then a click and silence) indicates problems with the starting mechanism or the compressor itself. In two-chamber refrigerators Indesit often one compressor is used for two chambers, and its malfunction stops the operation of the entire unit.
Most often the start-protection relay fails. This is an inexpensive item that you can replace yourself if you have electrical skills. However, if after replacing the relay the situation does not change, or the compressor hums "pull-in" and gets very hot, it is possible that the windings or the piston group are jammed. turn-to-turn short circuit windings or jamming of the piston group.
How to check the compressor without tools?
Disconnect the refrigerator from the network. Remove the casing at the back where the compressor is located. Carefully remove the start relay (black or white plastic barrel on the compressor contacts). Shake the relay: if you hear a ringing sound inside (like a broken light bulb), it means it is faulty and requires replacement.
Replacing a compressor is a complex and expensive process that requires special equipment for soldering and refilling. In some cases, the cost of such repairs can be up to 70% of the price of a new refrigerator, so the feasibility of restoration must be assessed individually.
Clogged capillary tube
Another technical reason why a refrigerator Indesit stops freezing is a clogged capillary tube. This is the thinnest channel through which freon is supplied to the evaporator. Over time, oil oxidation products or paraffin plugs may form in the system, which block the flow of refrigerant.
Symptoms of a blockage are often similar to a freon leak: there is no cold or it is very weak. However, if clogged, the condenser (grid at the back) may only be hot in the first half, while the second half remains cold. A characteristic gurgling sound may also be observed during operation.
⚠️ Attention: It is impossible to clean the capillary tube yourself at home. Professional purging with nitrogen under high pressure and replacement of the filter-drier are required.
To eliminate this malfunction, the technician connects a special press, purges the system and changes the filter-drier, which retains moisture and debris. If purging does not help, it may be necessary to replace a section of the capillary tube or the entire evaporator.
Malfunction of the thermostat or electronic module
In older models Indesit a mechanical thermostat is responsible for the temperature, in new ones - an electronic control module and sensors (thermistors). If the thermostat is “stuck” in the “off” position, the compressor simply will not receive a command to start, although the unit itself will be plugged in.
In electronic models, the “board” itself can fail. It stops supplying voltage to the compressor or reads the temperature sensors incorrectly. Diagnostics in this case requires testing the sensors with a multimeter and checking the output voltage on the module.
Replacing the thermostat is one of the simplest and cheapest procedures. The electronic repair module is not always suitable; its complete replacement is often required, which should also be taken into account when calculating the cost of restoring equipment.
Frequently asked questions and answers (FAQ)
How long does it take for an Indesit refrigerator to get cold after defrosting?
Usually a two-chamber refrigerator takes from 2 to 6 hours to reach operating temperature after complete defrosting. It is not recommended to load products at this time. If after 6-8 hours the cold does not appear, then there is a technical malfunction.
Is it possible to operate a refrigerator if it hums, but does not freeze?
Long-term operation in this mode is harmful for the compressor, since it works without rest and cooling (cooling often occurs due to passing freon). This may cause the windings to burn out. It is better to turn off the device before the technician arrives.
Why is there cold in the freezer, but warm in the refrigerator compartment?
In two-chamber models, this often indicates a problem with the air supply damper (if the control is electronic) or that the No Frost system is partially clogged with ice, and cold air does not pass into the upper chamber. It is also possible that the temperature sensor in the refrigerator compartment may fail.
Is it necessary to change the compressor if a freon leak occurs?
Not always. If the leak is recent and the compressor has not been idle for a long time, it can be saved. The technician must carry out troubleshooting: check the winding resistance and oil pressure. If the compressor is “alive,” only change the evaporator or seal the leak.