The Indesit freezer is working, but the refrigerator is not: 7 reasons and what do

You opened the refrigerator Indesit, and there was room temperature, although the freezer was freezing properly? This is one of the most common malfunctions of the brand’s two-chamber models. In 80% of cases, the problem is solved without calling a technician, but to do this you need to accurately determine its source.

In this article we will analyze 7 key reasonswhy the freezer works but the refrigerator does not - from banal icing to breakdown of the electronic module. You will learn how to diagnose a malfunction yourself, which components to check first, and when professional repairs are really required. We will pay special attention to models Indesit with a system No Frost and drip defrosting - their “weak points” are different.

Important: if your refrigerator is under warranty, any independent intervention (except defrosting and cleaning) can void it. Check the warranty period in the documents before starting work.

1. A clogged drain hole is the most common cause

In models with drip defrosting system (for example, Indesit DF 4180 or BIAA 13), the water formed when the evaporator defrosts flows down the back wall into the drain hole. If it becomes clogged with crumbs, mold or ice, liquid accumulates at the bottom of the refrigerator compartment and freezes, blocking the circulation of cold air.

How does this manifest itself:

• 🔹 The freezer freezes, the refrigerator does not (or poorly cools).
• 🔹 There is ice or a “fur coat” on the back wall of the refrigerator compartment.
• 🔹 Under the vegetable drawers there are puddles of water.

What to do:

1. Unplug the refrigerator and defrost it for 10-12 hours (do not use a hairdryer or hot water - this may damage the seals!).
2. Clean the drainage hole (located on the back wall above the water collection tray) using a cotton swab or a special brush.
3. Rinse the hole with warm water and soda (1 tablespoon per 200 ml).

Defrost the refrigerator completely|Remove ice and water from the bottom of the chamber|Clean the hole with a brush|Rinse the drainage with soda solution|Wipe the chamber dry-->

If after defrosting the problem recurs after 1-2 weeks, the cause may be deeper - in malfunction of the defrosting system or clogged drain tube (blowing with compressed air is required).

2. No Frost fan breakdown

Models Indesit with a system No Frost (for example, Indesit ITF 118 or SB 167) are equipped with a fan that distributes cold air from the evaporator across both chambers. If the fan breaks or is blocked by ice, the cold stops flowing into the refrigerator compartment, and the freezer continues to work.

Signs of a fan malfunction:

• 🔊 The refrigerator has become quieter (no characteristic fan noise).
• ❄️ In the freezer compartment - excess ice on the back wall.
• 🌡️ The temperature in the refrigerator is rising, in the freezer it is normal.

How to check:

1. Unplug the refrigerator and defrost it for 24 hours.
2. Remove the back panel at freezer (unscrew the screws or remove the latches).
3. Check whether the fan blade rotates manually. If not, it may be blocked by ice or the motor has burned out.

How to get to the fan in Indesit No Frost

In most models, the fan is located behind the back panel of the freezer. To remove it:

1. Turn off the refrigerator and defrost.

2. Remove all shelves and drawers from the freezer.

3. Unscrew the screws (usually 4-6 pieces) or press out the plastic latches around the perimeter of the panel.

4. Carefully remove the panel - behind it you will see the evaporator and the fan (black or gray impeller).

⚠️ Attention: If the fan does not rotate even after defrosting, do not try to “unwind” it by force. This may damage the blades or motor. In this case, the fan needs to be replaced (the part costs ~1,500–2,500 RUR).

3. Malfunction of the thermostat or temperature sensor

In refrigerators Indesit it is responsible for temperature regulation thermostat (in mechanical models) or temperature sensor (in electronic ones). If they fail, the compressor may not turn on to cool the refrigerator compartment, although the freezer continues to work.

How to recognize the problem:

• 🔧 The refrigerator is not cooling, but there is light inside is on.
• 🔊 The compressor does not start or runs without stopping.
• 📉 The temperature in the refrigerator compartment is rising, in the freezer it is stable.

Diagnostics:

1. For mechanical models: Locate the thermostat (usually located next to the temperature control knob) and test it with a multimeter in resistance mode. At room temperature, the resistance should be ~0 Ohm, when cooled - infinity.
2. For electronic models: the temperature sensor is checked in the same way. Its resistance should change when heating/cooling.

If you are not confident in your skills in working with a multimeter, it is better to call a specialist. Incorrect replacement of the thermostat can lead to overheating of the compressor its failure.

4. Freon leakage or clogged capillary tube

If there is warm air in the refrigerator compartment and the freezer is working normally, it is possible refrigerant (freon) leakage or clogged capillary tube. In this case, the compressor cannot “pump” freon throughout the entire circuit, and the cold does not reach the refrigeration compartment.

Signs of a freon leak:

• 🔧 The compressor runs without stopping or turns on for a short time.
• 🧊 The condenser (grid on the back wall) does not heat up.
• 💧 Oil on the floor under the refrigerator (a sign of a serious leak).

What do:

This is one of the most difficult breakdowns that cannot be eliminated on your own. You will need:

1. Find the location of the leak (most often in places where the tubes are soldered).
2. Fix the leak and fill the system with freon.
3. Check operation compressor.

⚠️ Attention: Working with freon requires special equipment and certification. Do not try to refill the refrigerator yourself - this is dangerous to health (freon is toxic) and can lead to compressor breakdown.

Repair cost: from 3,500 to 6,000 rubles (depending on the model and amount of work).

5. Failure of the compressor or start relay

If the freezer is working but the refrigerator is not, the problem may lie in compressor malfunction or start relay. In two-compressor models Indesit (for example, Indesit ITF 119), each compartment has its own compressor. If the refrigerator compartment compressor burns out, the freezer continues to freeze.

Signs of compressor failure:

• 🔊 The compressor does not start (no characteristic humming).
• 🔌 The starting relay clicks, but the motor does not start.
• 🌡️ The temperature in the refrigerator is rising, in the freezer it is normal (in two-compressor models).

Diagnostics:

1. Turn off the refrigerator and remove it from the niche (if it is built-in).
2. Remove the back cover to gain access to the compressor.
3. Check the start relay: if you hear a knock when shaking, it is faulty.
4. Ring windings of the compressor with a multimeter (the resistance between the contacts should be 20–40 Ohms).

Replacement cost:

• Start relay - ~800–1,500 ₽.
• Compressor - from 4,000 to 7 000 ₽ (depending on the model).

6. Problems with the electronic control module

In modern models Indesit (for example, Indesit EF 18 or SBA 16) is responsible for cold distribution. electronic control module. If it fails, the fan, compressor or sensors may malfunction.

Symptoms of module malfunction:

• 📱 The display shows errors (for example, F01, F04 or H).
• 🔄 The refrigerator turns on/off randomly.
• 🌡️ The temperature in the chambers does not correspond to the set temperature.

What to do:

1. Try resetting the settings: unplug the refrigerator for 10 minutes, then turn it on again.
2. If the error repeats, check the code in the instructions (for example, F01 often means a problem with the temperature sensor).
3. If repeated failures require flashing or replacing the module (~3,000–5,000 ₽).

⚠️ Attention: Parts of the electronic module are sensitive to static electricity. If you decide to replace it yourself, be sure to use an antistatic wrist strap and work on a grounded surface.

7. Loss of door seal

If the rubber seal on the refrigerator door is worn out or is deformed, warm air penetrates inside, and the temperature rises, despite the operation of the compressor. The freezer continues to freeze, since its door is sealed.

How to check the tightness:

• 🔍 Close the door and shine a flashlight along the seal. If light is visible, there is. gaps.
• 📄 Place a sheet of paper between the door and the body. If it pulls out easily, the seal is faulty.

What to do:

1. Clean the seal from dirt and grease (use a soap solution).
2. If the elastic band is deformed, try restoring its shape with a hair dryer (heat to 60–70°C and shape it with your hands).
3. If there is severe wear, replace the seal (cost ~1,000–2,500 ₽).

What to do if nothing helps?

If you have checked all possible causes, but the refrigerator Indesit still does not cool, and the freezer is working, there may be a problem. in:

• 🔧 Clogged filter-drier (replacement and recharging of freon is required).
• 🧊 Evaporator malfunctions (for example, corrosion of tubes).
• 📡 Power circuit failure (check the fuses and wiring).

In such cases, you cannot do without professional diagnostics. Contact the service center Indesit or a trusted technician. The average cost of a comprehensive repair is from 2,500 to 8,000. ₽.

Remember: the longer the refrigerator operates in a faulty state, the higher the risk compressor breakdown —and this is the most expensive part of the repair.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions

The freezer is freezing, but the refrigerator is not - is it possible to use the refrigerator in this condition?

For a short time (1-2 days) it is possible, but not recommended. If the problem is a freon leak or a compressor malfunction, further operation can lead to complete failure of the refrigeratorIn addition, food in the refrigerator compartment quickly. will deteriorate.

How much does it cost to repair if the refrigerator compartment does not work, but the freezer does?

The cost depends on the reason:

• Replacement of the thermostat/sensor - 1,200–2 000 ₽.
• Cleaning the No Frost system - 2,000–3,500 ₽.
• Refilling freon - 3,500–6,000 ₽.
• Replacement of the compressor - 4,000–7 000 ₽.

The technician will name the exact price after diagnostics.

Is it possible to fill the refrigerator with freon yourself?

No. For refilling you need special tool (vacuum pump, pressure manifold), soldering skills and work. with refrigerant. Incorrect charging can lead to compressor explosion or freon poisoning.

Why after defrosting the refrigerator does not cool, but the freezer works?

Probable causes:

1. Clogged drainage hole (water does not drain, ice forms).
2. Failure of the No Frost fan (if ice blocks the blades).
3. Malfunction of the defrost sensor (in No Frost systems).

Try defrosting the refrigerator again for 24 hours. If that doesn’t help, call a technician.

How often do you need to defrost an Indesit refrigerator with No Frost?

The manufacturer claims that the systems No Frost do not require defrosting. However, in practice it is recommended:

• Defrost once a year to remove dust and mold.
• Check the drainage hole every 6 months.

If the refrigerator begins to “leak” or does not cool well, defrost it for 12–24 hours.