The situation when Indesit refrigerator turns on, makes the usual sounds of operation, but does not get cold inside, is familiar to many owners of this equipment. Externally, the unit may look serviceable: the light is on, the motor is humming, but the food begins to deteriorate, and there are no signs of frost or cold on the walls. This is a classic symptom of a refrigerant circulation disorder or a control system failure.
In contrast to the complete silence of the device when the compressor does not work, here the problem lies deeper in the “insides” of the system. Italian brand famous for its reliability, but even time-tested models have failures, especially after 7-10 years of operation. Understanding why the refrigerator does not freezewill allow you to avoid panic and unnecessary expenses on calling a technician to diagnose basic things.
The first thing to do is to assess the scale of the disaster. If the freezer compartment is still cold and the refrigerator compartment is warm, or both chambers are working at half capacity, the troubleshooting algorithms will be different. It is critically important not to try to disassemble the back panel with the compressor if you are not confident in your skills in working with electricity and pressure. Let's look at the main reasons why the equipment ceases to perform its main function.
Tightness failure and refrigerant leak
The most common reason why Indesit refrigerator stops freezing is a banal freon leak. The cooling circuit is a closed system of copper or aluminum tubes. Over time, the metal corrodes, or microcracks appear at the soldering points, especially if the unit has been moved frequently. The gas evaporates, and the compressor simply has nothing to drive through the system.
It is almost impossible to visually notice a leak, since freon is colorless and odorless. However, an indirect sign is that compressor works non-stop, trying to gain temperature, but the refrigerator compartment remains warm. In modern models with the No Frost system, this is also accompanied by the absence of the characteristic noise of air circulation.
- 🔍 The compressor hums continuously, without turning off for rest.
- ❄️ It may be a little cooler in the freezer than in the main compartment, but there is no ice.
- 🔥 The condenser grille at the back remains cold or barely warm.
- 💨 No characteristic gurgling or hissing inside the case.
⚠️ Attention: Self-charging with freon is impossible without special equipment and a vacuum pump. An attempt to simply “add gas” without finding and eliminating the leak will lead to repeated failure in a few days.
Why does freon leak in Indesit?
Often the cause is corrosion of the foamed circuit (tubes passing inside the walls of the housing) or mechanical damage during defrosting with a sharp object. In models with a weeping system, the evaporator is hidden behind the back wall, and it is very easy to break through it if you are not careful in cleaning it.
Malfunction of the compressor and start relay
If the refrigerant is in place, but there is no cold, you should listen to the operation of the motor. Compressor this is the heart of the refrigerator. There are times when it turns on, makes a few buzzing sounds, clicks, and turns off. This is a sure sign that the thermal protection has tripped or has failed starting relay.
The relay is responsible for starting the engine. If its contacts are burnt or the mechanism is jammed, the motor cannot start fully. In some cases, a distinct metallic clanging sound can be heard. Replacing this part is an inexpensive procedure and is often performed by craftsmen at home in one visit.
A more serious problem is the interturn short circuit of the windings of the compressor itself. In this case, the unit may hum, but not create the necessary pressure to compress the gas. Indesit models Often equipped with Aspera or Danfoss compressors, which are considered repairable, but replacing them requires qualifications.
☑️ Diagnostics compressor
The capillary tube is clogged and the thermostat is working
Sometimes the system is sealed and the motor is working properly, but circulation is interfered with clogging. A piece of oxide, a piece of solder, or a clot of oil may become stuck in a narrow capillary tube. This creates a plug that prevents freon from entering the evaporator. The symptoms are similar to a leak: the compressor runs for a long time and overheats, but there is no cold.
The second culprit is thermostat (or temperature sensor in electronic models). If he “lies” and tells the control unit that the chamber is already -20°C, then the command to turn on the compressor simply will not be received. In mechanical Indesit models, this is solved by replacing the thermostat; in electronic models, diagnostics of the sensors is required.
| Symptom | Probable cause | Nature of motor operation |
|---|---|---|
| Heat everywhere, the motor is silent | Thermostat is faulty | Won't turn on at all |
| It hums, but doesn't freeze | Freon leak or blockage | Works without stops |
| Clicks and turns off | Problem with the starting relay | Short switching on |
| Freezes slightly | Compressor wear | Long-term operation |
Problems of the No Frost and defrosting system
If you have Indesit No Frostthen the reason for the lack of cold may lie in the defrost system. The evaporator, which is supposed to cool the air, becomes covered with a “coat” of ice. The fan cannot drive air through the ice monolith, and warm air enters the chamber.
Three elements are responsible for the defrosting process: Defrost heating element, defrost sensor and timer (or an electronic module). If the heating element burns out, the ice does not melt. If the sensor is faulty, it does not give a command to turn on the heater. As a result, after several cycles of operation, the evaporator is completely blocked by ice.
Often owners notice that after complete defrosting (turning off the refrigerator for 24 hours) it starts working perfectly, but after 1-2 weeks the problem returns. This is a 100% sign of a malfunction of the defrost system.
- 🧊 A layer of snow or ice is visible on the back wall of the freezer.
- 🌬️ The fan is noisy or does not rotate due to ice on the blades.
- 💧 At the bottom of the refrigerator (in tray) there may be a lot of water.
- ❄️ The refrigerator freezes only after a long defrosting.
⚠️ Attention: Do not try to chip the ice with a knife or sharp objects! You can damage the evaporator, which will lead to an immediate leak of freon and expensive repairs with sealing of tubes.
Failures in the electronic control module
Modern refrigerators Indesit are controlled electronically. The control board may fail due to power surges, moisture, or simply aging capacitors. In this case, the “brains” of the refrigerator may incorrectly read sensor readings or may not supply voltage to the compressor.
Often an error code lights up on the display (if there is one) or the temperature indicators blink. However, in simple models there may be no external signs of board failure. Diagnostics requires testing the board elements with a multimeter.
Sometimes the problem is solved by flashing or replacing the module. Getting into the board yourself without a circuit diagram and experience with electronics is dangerous - you can completely “kill” the control unit.
Mechanical damage and wear of seals
Although it sounds trivial, a loose door or a worn one can create the illusion of a breakdown. Warm air constantly flows inside, and even a working refrigerator does not have time to cool it. The compressor works for wear, trying to compensate for the heat gain. seal can create the illusion of failure. Warm air constantly flows inside, and even a working refrigerator does not have time to cool it. The compressor is working hard, trying to compensate for the heat gain.
Check the integrity of the rubber around the perimeter of the door. There should be no cracks, creases or dirt that would interfere with a tight fit. Also check if the door is skewed - this is a common problem after long-term use or improper transportation.
If the door is skewed, cold air falls down and flows out, and warm air rises up. In this case, the products in the upper part of the refrigerator compartment will spoil first, even if the unit is working properly.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Why does the Indesit refrigerator freeze only after defrosting?
This is a classic sign of a malfunction of the defrost system in No Frost models. Most likely, the heating element of the evaporator burned out, or the defrost sensor or timer failed. Ice builds up on the evaporator, blocking air circulation. After manual defrosting, the ice melts and the system works again until a new “coat” grows.
How much does repair cost if freon is lost?
The cost consists of finding the leak, eliminating the malfunction (sealing the tube or replacing the evaporator) and refilling with refrigerant. Depending on the complexity of access to the leak site, the price may vary. The technician will tell you the exact amount only after on-site diagnostics.
Is it possible to operate a refrigerator if it does not freeze?
It is strictly not recommended. If the problem is a leak, the compressor will run non-stop trying to build up temperature, causing it to overheat and burn out. This will turn a simple repair into a complex compressor replacement. It is better to turn off the device before the technician arrives.
How can you tell that the compressor has burned out?
If you hear a click when you turn it on, the motor hums for 5-10 seconds, then there is a second click and silence, while the relay housing or the compressor itself gets very hot - most likely the problem is in the start relay.