The situation when freezer compartment properly freezes food, and in the main chamber the temperature rises to room temperature, is one of the most common problems of equipment owners Indesit. This does not mean that the device has completely failed, since the compressor continues to work, trying to create cold. However, a disruption in the circulation of the refrigerant or a failure in temperature control leads to spoilage of food in the upper compartment.
Many users mistakenly believe that if the motor is humming, then repair is not required, and expect that the system will recover itself. In fact, ignoring the problem can lead to failure of an expensive compressor due to constant operation without shutting down. Diagnostics malfunction requires consistent elimination of simple causes before calling a technician.
In this article we will analyze the main components responsible for the distribution of cold in two-chamber refrigerators, and We will determine which breakdowns can be fixed on your own, and where specialist intervention will be required. Understanding the operating principle of your model Indesit will help save time and money.
The principle of operation of the cooling system and cold distribution
To understand why it is warm, you need to know the basic principle of operation of the unit. Most models of the refrigerator compartment heat, you need to know the basic operating principle of the unit. Most models Indesit use one compressor that drives freon along a single circuit. First, the refrigerant passes through the evaporator in the freezer, where it boils and takes away heat, after which it is sent through tubes to the main chamber or to the back wall.
If the system is working correctly, cold air is distributed evenly. In models with the system No Frost a fan is responsible for this, which pumps cooled air from the freezer into the refrigerator compartment through special channels. If the model is a drip type, then the cold is transmitted through the inner wall and natural convection.
Violation of this balance, when there is ice below (or above, depending on the design) and heat in the other compartment, indicates a physical barrier to the refrigerant or air, or an error in reading the temperature sensors.
Checking the thermostat and sensors temperature
The first element that should be checked is thermostat (thermostat). It is he who commands the compressor to turn on or off depending on the temperature inside the chambers. If the thermostat is “stuck” in the “off” position or shows incorrect data, the compressor may not start often enough to cool the main compartment, although the freezer is still cold inertia.
In modern models Indesit with electronic control instead of a mechanical thermostat are used temperature sensors (NTC). Their failure leads to the fact that the electronic control module receives false information that there is already cold in the chamber and does not start the cooling cycle. You can check the health of the sensor with a multimeter by measuring its resistance at different temperatures.
⚠️ Attention: Before replacing the thermostat or sensors, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply. Working with live electrical components is life-threatening.
Often the problem lies not in the sensor itself, but in oxidation of the contacts or breakage of the wiring going to it. Visual inspection of the wiring harnesses inside the chamber may reveal kinks or damage to the insulation by rodents.
Problems with the defrost system (No Frost)
If yours Indesit equipped with a system No Frostthe most likely reason for the lack of cold in the main chamber when the freezer is running is a malfunction of the defrost system. Ice builds up on the evaporator, blocking the channels through which the fan should supply cold air to the refrigerator compartment. As a result, the fan circulates air, but it cannot pass through the ice plug.
Three main components are responsible for the defrosting process: defrost heating element, defrost sensor (defrost timer) and thermal relay. If any of these elements fails, the ice does not melt, building up with each compressor cycle. Outwardly, this may not be noticeable, since the evaporator is hidden behind a plastic panel.
How to defrost a refrigerator to check?
Disconnect the device from the network, open the doors and leave it for at least 12 hours (preferably for a day). Do not use a hairdryer or hot water to speed up the process, as this may damage the plastic and evaporator tubes. If, after complete defrosting, the refrigerator worked normally for 5-7 days, and then the problem repeated itself, it’s definitely in the defrosting system.
Diagnostics of the heating element is carried out by calling with a tester. The resistance of a working heater is usually several hundred ohms. If the device shows a break (one on the screen), the heating element requires replacement.
It is also worth checking fan. If its blades are frozen to the body due to ice or the motor burns out, air circulation will be completely absent. In some cases, the fan may make noise or hum, but not rotate at the required speed.
Freon leakage and blockage of the capillary tube
More serious problems are associated with a violation of the tightness of the circuit or its patency. If there is a leak in the No Frost or drip system, the refrigerant becomes insufficient to cool both compartments. Since the freezer compartment is located closer to the beginning of the circuit (or has priority), it can still freeze, while the freon simply does not reach the refrigerator compartment or does not have time to release the cold. freon, there is not enough refrigerant to cool both compartments. Since the freezer compartment is located closer to the beginning of the circuit (or has priority), it can still freeze, while the freon simply does not reach the refrigerator compartment or does not have time to release the cold.
Signs of a leak are often:
- 🧊 The compressor works continuously, without shutting down, trying to dial temperature.
- 🔥 The condenser (rear grill or side walls) remains cold or warm only partially.
- 💧 The appearance of oily spots at the leak site (if the tube is accessible).
Other mechanical failure - clogged capillary tube. Oil breakdown products or moisture entering the system can crystallize and clog the narrow channel. The symptoms are similar to a leak: the compressor works, but there is no cold. Only a technician with a manometric manifold can distinguish a blockage from a leak by measuring the pressure in the system.
⚠️ Attention: Self-filling with freon or attempting to solder the tubes without evacuating the system is prohibited. This requires special equipment and skills.
If a leak or blockage is confirmed, a comprehensive repair is required: searching for the location of the damage, soldering, replacing the filter-drier and refilling with new gas. In case of a leak in the foamed part of the case (inside the walls), repair is often not economically feasible.
Faults of the compressor and start relay
Although the compressor is the “heart” of the refrigerator, its breakdown does not always mean a complete stop. Sometimes compressor it may work, but not develop sufficient power to pump freon throughout the entire circuit (turn-to-turn short circuit of the windings). In this case, the pressure is only enough for the small circuit of the freezer.
It is also worth paying attention to starting relay. If it is faulty, the compressor may struggle to start, click and stall, or run intermittently. However, if the freezer freezes well, it means that the compressor still starts and pumps, so the problem is most likely not in the electrics of the motor, but in the hydraulics of the circuit.
To diagnose the condition of the compressor, you can use current clamps by measuring the current consumed. If the current is significantly lower than the nominal current indicated on the tag, this indicates low compressor performance.
☑️ Diagnostics before calling a technician
Table of main faults and symptoms
For ease of diagnosis, let’s summarize the main symptoms in a table. This will help you quickly navigate the nature of your breakdown Indesit.
| Symptom | Probable cause | Difficulty of repair | Necessary actions |
|---|---|---|---|
| The freezer is freezing, in The refrigerator is warm, there is no frost on the back wall | Malfunction of the thermostat or sensor | Low | Replacing the thermostat/sensor |
| The sound of the fan is heard, but there is no cold | Icing of the evaporator (No Frost system) | Average | Checking the heating element, timer, defrost relay |
| The compressor hums continuously, the condenser is cold | Leakage freon or blockage | High | Looking for leaks, soldering, refilling |
| There is water in the refrigerator compartment, food spoils | Clogged drainage hole | Low | Drainage cleaning |
As can be seen from the table, many problems can be solved, but require correct diagnosis. Incorrect replacement of parts (for example, replacing a compressor due to a freon leak) will only lead to unnecessary expenses.
What to do if nothing helps: call a technician
If you checked the thermostat, made sure the fan was working, and even did a complete defrost, but Indesit refrigerator still does not cool the main chamber, most likely the problem is hidden. This could be a micro-leak in the foamed part of the case or a complex blockage.
To solve such problems, professional equipment is required: a leak detector, a vacuum pump, pressure gauges and a set of tools for soldering. Attempts to solve the problem using “folk methods” in the case of freon are ineffective.
When calling a technician, be sure to tell us the model of your refrigerator and all the manipulations you have performed. This will help the specialist take with him the necessary spare parts, such as compressor a specific power or TEN the desired shape.
⚠️ Attention: Specifications and location of components may vary depending on the specific model and year of manufacture. Always check the official manufacturer's documentation for your Indesit series.
Timely repairs extend the life of the equipment. If you ignore the signs of malfunction, the compressor, working non-stop, may burn out, and then repairs will cost 70-80% of the cost of a new refrigerator.
Why does ice freeze in the Indesit refrigerator, but the food is warm?
This is a classic sign of a malfunction of the defrost system in No Frost models. Ice blocks the air supply channels. The fan works, but cold air does not enter the chamber. A check of the heating element and sensors is required.
Is it possible to operate the refrigerator if the freezer is working but the refrigerator compartment is not?
For a short time - yes, to keep food in the freezer. However, prolonged operation in this mode is dangerous for the compressor, which will work without rest. In addition, bacteria will quickly multiply in a warm chamber.
How much does it cost to replace a thermostat in an Indesit refrigerator?
The cost consists of the price of the spare part and the work of the technician. The thermostat itself is inexpensive, but replacing it requires disassembling the housing. It is better to check the exact price in the service centers of your city, as tariffs change.
How to understand that there is a freon leak in the refrigerator?
Main signs: the compressor works constantly and gets very hot, the condenser grille at the back is cold or warm only at the entrance, there is no cold in the chamber. An accurate diagnosis can only be made by a technician with a pressure gauge.
Is it necessary to defrost the Indesit No Frost refrigerator?
The No Frost system involves automatic defrosting. However, manufacturers recommend carrying out preventive defrosting manually 1-2 times a year for hygienic treatment and checking the condition of the units.