The situation when Indesit refrigerator stops cooling, and its compressor is silent, can take anyone by surprise owner. Silence instead of the usual hum of the motor is the first signal that the cooling cycle has been interrupted and the food is in danger of spoiling. Often users panic ahead of time, believing that the unit has completely failed, but in many cases the problem lies in individual components of the electrical circuit, and not in the very heart of the system.
Before calling a technician or looking for a new unit, it is necessary to carry out an initial diagnosis. Refrigeration equipment brand Indesit is famous for its reliability, but even it has problems with its starting equipment or control system. Understanding the basic principles of operation will help you save a significant amount on diagnostics and, perhaps, perform simple repairs yourself.
In this article we will analyze in detail the main reasons why motor-compressor may not start, and we will propose an algorithm of actions for identifying the malfunction. You will learn how to distinguish a thermostat failure from combustion of the motor windings and why it is important to pay attention to the nature of the clicks when trying to start.
Primary diagnostics and checking the power supply
The most commonplace, but often ignored reason for the refrigerator not working is problems with the supply electricity. If Indesit compressor doesn't make any sounds, hums or vibrates, the first thing to do is make sure that there is actually voltage going to the outlet. Sometimes the problem lies not in the equipment, but in a malfunction of the socket itself or the extension cord to which the device is connected.
Check the tightness of the connection of the plug in the socket. The contacts may have oxidized or become loose, especially if the socket is old. It is also worth inspecting the power cord itself for creases, melting or traces of rodents, which is especially important for appliances located in the kitchen of a private home or in the garage.
⚠️ Attention: If you notice a melted plug or socket, under no circumstances try to turn on the appliance again. This may cause a short circuit and fire. Replace damaged wiring elements before re-use.
To quickly check for voltage, use a simple tester or connect another working electrical appliance, such as a lamp or hair dryer, to the same outlet. If the indicators do not light up and other appliances do not work, the problem is outside the refrigerator.
Malfunction of the thermostat (thermostat)
One of the most common reasons why refrigerator compressor does not turn on is the output The thermostat is faulty. This element is responsible for controlling the temperature inside the chambers and sends a signal to start the engine when it becomes too warm. If the contacts inside the thermostat have oxidized or burned out, the electrical circuit is broken and the motor simply does not receive a command to start.
In models Indesit with mechanical control, the thermostat is usually located inside the refrigeration chamber, often combined with a temperature control knob. In electronic models, this function is performed by a temperature sensor, which can also fail. A symptom of such a breakdown is often the complete silence of the unit with the light on and the fan running (if there is one).
To check the mechanical thermostat, you can carefully close its contacts (after unplugging the refrigerator from the mains!). If after closing the compressor starts, then the problem is in the regulator. However, this method requires caution and basic knowledge of electrical engineering.
- 🔍 Check whether the light inside the chamber is on when the door is opened - this is an indicator of the presence of voltage.
- ❄️ Turn the thermostat knob to maximum and listen for a characteristic click that should start the motor.
- 🔌 Inspect wires going to the thermostat for breaks or melted insulation.
Replacing a thermostat is a relatively simple procedure, but requires the selection of an analogue with identical parameters. An incorrectly selected regulator can lead to incorrect operation or frequent on-off switching.
Problems with the start-up relay
The start-up relay is a small but critical component that is attached directly to the compressor housing. Its task is to provide a powerful impulse to the starting winding of the motor to start it and protect the motor from overloads. If Indesit refrigerator relay faulty, the compressor will either not start at all, or will make a loud click and hum for several seconds, then turn off.
Often the cause of failure is wear of the internal inductor or burnt contacts. In older models, relays can be heavy, with a metal core, while in new ones they can be light, plastic. A characteristic ringing sound when shaking a removed relay often (but not always) indicates its destruction.
How to check a relay with a multimeter?
To check, remove the relay and ring its contacts. The coil resistance should be within normal limits (usually 30-60 ohms), and the contacts should close when the relay is turned over. If the coil is broken or the contacts do not ring, the relay must be replaced.
It is important to understand that a burnt-out relay could be the result of another problem, for example, an interturn short circuit in the motor windings. Therefore, simply replacing the relay does not always guarantee a long-term result if the main motor has hidden defects.
| Symptom | Probable cause | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Humming for 5-10 seconds, then a click and silence | Stuck piston group or burnt relay | Replace the relay, check the compressor |
| Complete silence, light is on | Thermostat malfunction or open circuit | Thermostat and wiring |
| You can hear a crackling sound, there is a burning smell | Short circuit in the wiring or relay | Urgent disconnection from the network, repair |
| The motor hums, but does not start | Low voltage or malfunction of the starting winding | Voltage measurement, checking the windings |
Malfunctions of the motor-compressor
The most serious and expensive problem is the failure of the motor itself motor-compressor. If all previous checks have shown that the circuit, relay and thermostat are working properly, but the engine is silent or hums without starting, the problem is likely internal. This may be a break in the windings, an interturn short circuit, or, as often happens, mechanical jamming of the piston group.
Jagging often occurs due to oil burnout or the formation of an acidic environment inside the circuit during prolonged operation or moisture ingress. In this case, the motor shaft cannot turn, and the starting current increases sharply, which causes the thermal protection to operate.
⚠️ Attention: Attempts to “unwedge” the compressor by applying increased voltage or hitting with a hammer are a dangerous and ineffective method. This may lead to housing depressurization, wiring fire, or personal injury. It is better to immediately consider the option of replacing the unit.
Diagnostics of the windings is carried out using a multimeter. It is necessary to measure the resistance between the contacts on the compressor housing. The normal resistance of the starting and running windings varies depending on the model, but is usually between 10 and 40 ohms. If the device shows infinity (open circuit) or zero (short circuit), the compressor is faulty.
Failures in the electronic control module
Modern refrigerators Indesit with the No Frost system and electronic control depend on the control module (board). It is this “brain” that receives signals from sensors and gives the command to turn on the compressor. If the board fails due to a power surge or moisture, the command simply will not be sent.
Often owners confuse a module failure with a compressor failure. Signs of a problem with the electronics may be chaotic blinking of indicators on the panel, lack of response to buttons, or, conversely, constant operation of the fans with a silent motor.
Diagnostics of the module requires special knowledge and equipment. At home, you can only visually inspect the board for burnt elements, swollen capacitors or traces of soot. Repairing the board is possible, but it is often cheaper and more reliable to replace it entirely.
- 🔌 Check the integrity of the cables connecting the board to the sensors and the compressor.
- 💡 Pay attention to the indication: flashing lights are often an error code.
- 🌊 Inspect the board for the presence of traces of oxidation or water ingress.
The influence of climate class and operating conditions
Do not forget about external factors. If the refrigerator Indesit is installed in an unheated room where the temperature drops below the permissible minimum (specified in the passport, usually +10°C or +16°C), the compressor may not turn on. The oils in the system thicken, and the thermostat “thinks” that it’s already cold in the chamber.
Ventilation also plays an important role. If the unit stands close to the wall or in a niche without gaps, heat transfer is disrupted. The compressor overheats, thermal protection is triggered, and it turns off without turning on again until it cools down completely.
☑️ Checking operating conditions
The climate class of your refrigerator is indicated on the nameplate (usually on the back or inside the chamber). Class SN (subnormal) allows operation up to +10°C, and class N (normal) only up to +16°C. Operation outside of these limits leads to accelerated wear and start failure.
When you need to call a technician
Independent repair is possible at the stage of diagnosing and replacing simple elements like a thermostat or relay. However, if the problem lies in the refrigerant circulation system, the circuit must be evacuated, the filter drier replaced, and refilled with freon. These works require professional equipment and licenses.
A master is also needed if the compressor itself needs to be replaced. This is a complex process that involves soldering copper tubing, removing old refrigerant, and accurately charging new refrigerant. Errors at this stage can lead to repeated breakdowns in a few months.
⚠️ Attention: Independent soldering of pipes and refilling with freon without a vacuum sealer is prohibited. Residual moisture or air in the system will lead to blockage of the capillary and failure of the new compressor.
If you are not confident in your abilities or the diagnostics indicate complex faults, it is better to contact an authorized service center. Professionals will be able to accurately determine the cause and guarantee the quality of the repairs performed.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Why does the compressor click but does not start?
The clicking noise is usually made by the start relay trying to start the engine. If the click is followed by a humming sound and a second click a few seconds later, this indicates that the compressor is trying to start, but cannot. Reasons: motor jamming, faulty start relay or low voltage in the network.
Is it possible to repair the compressor of an Indesit refrigerator?
The compressor itself (sealed unit) cannot be repaired at home. It can only be replaced with a new or used one. Repairs are possible only in specialized workshops for rewinding windings, but the cost of such work often exceeds the price of a new unit.
How long should the compressor operate normally?
The operating time depends on the load of the chambers, the room temperature and the mode. Typically the operating cycle ranges from 10 to 30 minutes, followed by a pause. If the compressor runs non-stop for days, this is a sign of a malfunction (freon leakage, seal wear, thermostat failure).
Does the amount of freon affect the start of the compressor?
Indirectly - yes. If there is a strong freon leak, the pressure in the system drops. Some models of refrigerators with electronics can block the start of the compressor if sensors detect abnormal pressure or temperature parameters, although more often the compressor will simply work longer, trying to gain temperature.