The situation when the refrigerator Indesit stops turning off, but the cold remains inside, often causes confusion among owners. It would seem that the equipment is performing its function, but continuous operation of the compressor is a signal of a serious failure in the control or heat exchange system. If the unit hums for days on end, this leads to overload of the motor, excessive consumption of electricity and the risk of rapid failure of expensive components.
Continuous operation of the compressor can be caused by both trivial operating errors and complex technical malfunctions. Thermostat, sensors, refrigerant leaks or problems with the seal - these are the main suspects in this story. It is important for owners to understand that ignoring the problem at an early stage often leads to a complete replacement of the compressor or No Frost system.
In this article we will look in detail at why yours Indesit behaves this way, how to carry out the initial diagnostics yourself and in which cases calling a technician is the only correct way decision. Let's look at the symptoms specific to this brand and how to eliminate them.
Primary diagnostics: external factors and settings
Before sinning to break internal components, it is necessary to exclude the human factor and operating conditions. Often the reason lies in the fact that the refrigerator simply cannot reach the set temperature due to external conditions. Check that the unit is not standing next to heating radiatorsa stove or in direct sunlight. High ambient temperatures cause the compressor to work hard.
The second important aspect is the tightness of the chamber. If the door is not closed tightly, warm air constantly enters. The control system detects an increase in temperature and does not give a command to stop the motor. Inspect the rubber seal round the perimeter of the door: there should be no cracks, creases or adhering debris.
⚠️ Attention: If you have recently defrosted the refrigerator or cleaned it, make sure it is completely dry before turning it on. Residual moisture on the sensors can distort temperature readings.
It is also worth checking the temperature settings. In the summer or when the chambers are fully loaded with products, users often turn the regulator to the maximum. For models Indesit with mechanical control, this can be dangerous, since the thermostat may not open the circuit at extremely low settings.
Failures of the thermostat and temperature sensors
One of the most common reasons for the endless operation of the refrigerator is failure thermostat (thermostat). This device is responsible for turning the compressor on and off depending on the temperature in the chamber. If the contacts inside the thermostat are “stuck” in the closed position, the motor will work constantly, even if a “coat” of ice has already formed in the chamber.
In modern models Indesit with a system No Frost and electronic control, the thermostat function is performed by air temperature sensors. Their breakdown or oxidation of the contacts leads to the fact that the control module does not receive a signal that the target values have been reached. As a result, the compressor continues to freeze, ignoring the real situation in the chamber.
How to check the thermostat with a multimeter?
To check, you need to remove the thermostat, put the multimeter in dial mode and connect the probes to the contacts. At room temperature the chain should ring. If you place the thermostat sensing tube in a cold environment (such as a frost or freezer), the circuit should break. If this does not happen, the part is faulty.
Symptoms of sensor malfunction are often accompanied by blinking indicators on the control panel or the appearance of errors on the display. However, in older models, the only sign will be the continuous hum of the motor and excessive cooling of the products until they freeze.
Problems with the defrosting system in No Frost refrigerators
If your Indesit is equipped with a No Frost system, then the continuous operation of the compressor may be associated with a violation of the defrost cycle evaporator. Normally, the ice that forms on the evaporator behind the hidden panel should be thawed regularly Heating element defrost. If this process is disrupted, the ice cocoon grows and blocks the circulation of cold air.
The fan begins to drive air through the ice plug, the cooling efficiency drops, and the temperature sensor commands the compressor to work longer. Over time, ice can reach the fan or damper itself, which will lead to the appearance of extraneous noise and crackling.
The main elements of the defrost system that can fail:
- ❄️ defrost heating element - burns out and stops heating, the ice does not melt.
- 🌡️ Defrost sensor - incorrectly reads the temperature and does not give a command to turn on the heating.
- ⏱️ Defrost relay (timer) - does not switch the refrigerator to defrost mode.
Diagnostics often require complete defrosting of the unit within 24 hours. If after this the refrigerator started working in a normal cycle (turns on and off), and a week later the problem returned, the diagnosis of “malfunction of the defrost system” is confirmed.
Freon leakage and violation of the tightness of the circuit
Paradoxical, but common situation: the refrigerator does not turn off because freon (refrigerant) has partially evaporated through a microcrack. It would seem that if there is less gas, the freezing should be worse. But the logic of the automation is different: the temperature sensor does not record the required minimum, since the cooling capacity has dropped, and commands the motor to work without interruption.
In such cases, the compressor may be hot to the touch, and in the freezer the temperature will be higher than normal, although the compressor hums for hours. In models with one compressor and one circuit, this can lead to food leaking in the refrigerator compartment, and in the freezer there will be only -6...-8°C instead of the required -18°C.
⚠️ Attention: Self-filling the refrigerator with freon is impossible without special equipment and skills. If a leak is diagnosed, a search for the location of the damage, soldering and evacuation of the system are required.
Signs of a refrigerant leak:
- 📉 The temperature in the chambers is higher than the set temperature, despite the operation of the motor.
- 🔥 The compressor gets very hot and does not cool down during pauses (which there are none).
- 💧 The appearance of swelling on the side walls (in the place where the tubes foam) or oily spots near the compressor.
Compressor wear and problems with the start relay
The refrigerator motor is the heart of the system. Over time, its resources are depleted. If the compressor has exhausted its service life, it may lose power and be unable to create the necessary pressure in the system. In an attempt to compensate for the lack of pressure and achieve the set temperature, it works continuously.
It is also worth paying attention to starting relay. If its contacts are burnt or the mechanism is stuck, the compressor may not start the first time or work intermittently, which is perceived as constant noise. In some cases, the relay simply does not open the power supply circuit of the windings after starting the engine.
Comparative table of symptoms of malfunctions:
| Malfunction | Temperature in the chambers | Compressor behavior | Additional symptoms |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thermostat/Sensor | Strongly below normal (freezing) | Works without stopping | Ice on food, no cyclicity |
| Freon leakage | Above normal (undercooling) | Works without stopping | Hot condenser, weak cold |
| Defrosting system | Uneven | Works longer than usual | Ice behind the rear wall, fan noise |
| Door seal | Above normal | Frequent switching on | Ice on the ends of the door, condensation |
The influence of a clogged capillary system
Another technical reason why the refrigerator Indesit does not turn off is clog in the capillary tube. Not only freon circulates in the system, but also microscopic oil particles and oxidation products. Over time, they can accumulate in a narrow place in the capillary, preventing the normal flow of refrigerant.
When clogged, the pressure in the system is disrupted. The compressor works at its limit, trying to “push” gas, but the cooling capacity drops. The temperature sensor does not see the required value and keeps the motor on. A characteristic sign is that the condenser (grid at the back) may only be partially hot or be cold, although the compressor itself is hot.
☑️ Initial check before calling a technician
When professional repairs are necessary
Only external causes can be eliminated on your own: rehang the door, replace the seal, defrost the unit or change the thermostat in simple models (if you have the skills). However, if we are talking about filling with freonreplacing a compressor, repairing a control board or eliminating a clogged capillary, you cannot do without the intervention of a specialist.
Attempts to independently repair complex equipment Indesit without experience often lead to worsening the situation. For example, incorrectly replacing a defrost heating element can lead to melting of plastic parts or even a fire. In addition, modern refrigerators require precise adjustment of parameters after replacing components.
⚠️ Attention: Work related to breaking the tightness of the refrigeration circuit (soldering, refueling) should be carried out only by certified craftsmen using professional equipment. Violation of the technology will lead to rapid breakdown of the new compressor.
If you notice that the refrigerator has been running continuously for more than 24 hours, and simple methods (defrosting, checking the door) did not help, it is advisable to contact a service center. Long-term operation of the motor without rest reduces its service life significantly and can lead to expensive repairs.
Prevention and proper care of Indesit equipment
What will extend the life of your refrigerator and prevent situations with continuous operation? First of all, regular defrosting (even for the No Frost system, a preventive shutdown is recommended once a year). It is also important not to overload the chambers with food, leaving space for air circulation.
Keep the condenser at the back of the refrigerator clean. Dust and animal hair settling on the grill impair heat transfer. The compressor has to work harder to release heat to the environment. Cleaning the back of the unit with a vacuum cleaner once every six months is an excellent habit.
Myth about winter operation
There is an opinion that the refrigerator can be kept on the balcony in winter. This is not true. The oil in the compressor thickens at low temperatures, which leads to dry starting and rapid wear. In addition, the sensors may not work correctly in the cold.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
How long should an Indesit refrigerator operate normally?
Under normal conditions, the operating cycle is approximately 15-20 minutes of work and 20-30 minutes of rest. The working time coefficient is usually 0.4-0.6 (that is, 40-60% of the time he should stand). If it works for 40 minutes and rests for 2, this is already an alarming sign.
Can the refrigerator not turn off due to the heat in the room?
Yes, if the room temperature exceeds +30...+32°C, heat transfer is disrupted. The condenser does not have time to cool down, and the refrigerator will work almost without interruption, trying to maintain the cold inside. This is an emergency mode for equipment.
What to do if after defrosting the refrigerator still does not turn off?
If after 24 hours of defrosting and turning it on in an empty state (without food), after 2-3 hours of operation it does not turn off, then the problem is technical (thermostat, leak, sensor). It is necessary to call a technician for diagnostics.
Is it dangerous to leave the refrigerator running without stopping?
Yes, it is dangerous. The compressor is not designed for 24/7 operation without rest cycles. This leads to overheating of the windings, oil degradation, jamming of the piston group and, ultimately, to engine combustion. The risk of a wiring fire also increases.