The Indesit refrigerator does not freeze, but the freezer works: what to do?

Has your refrigerator Indesit stopped cooling food in the main chamber, but the freezer compartment continues to work as if nothing had happened? This is one of the most common malfunctions of two-chamber models, and it can have both simple and complex reasons. In 80% of cases, the problem can be fixed on your own without resorting to expensive repairs.

In this article we will look at why the refrigerator all possible reasonsaccording to which the refrigerator Indesit (including popular series No Frost, C 132, BIAA 13 and others) stops freezing when the freezer is running. You will learn how to diagnose, which parts most often fail, and when you really should call a repairman. And most importantly, we will give step-by-step instructions to troubleshoot problems with your own hands, if possible.

Let's start with the simplest: perhaps your refrigerator is simply not configured correctly or requires defrosting. But if this is not the case, you will have to dig deeper - from a clogged capillary tube to a breakdown of the electronic control unit.

1. Check the basic settings and operating conditions

Before disassembling the refrigerator or looking for a breakdown, make sure that the problem does not lie in obvious things. Often, users themselves create conditions under which the main chamber stops cooling, but the freezer continues to work.

First, check temperature mode. In models Indesit with electronic control (for example, Indesit DF 4180 or Indesit BIAA 13), the thermostat may have gone wrong or the mode may have been activated Super Cool, which turns off the cooling of the main chamber. In mechanical models (for example Indesit C 132), the problem may be in the incorrect position of the thermostat knob.

• 🔹 Temperature in the refrigerator compartment should be in the range +2°C...+6°C. If the value is set lower +2°C, the compressor may not be able to cope with the load.
• 🔹 Vacation mode (if any) turns off refrigerator compartment, leaving only the freezer running. Check if it is accidentally activated.
• 🔹 Door closure tightness. If the seal is worn out or the door does not fit tightly, warm air penetrates inside and the refrigerator does not have time to cool.
• 🔹 Overload with food. If the chamber is filled to capacity, air circulation is disrupted and the temperature rises.

Also pay attention to external conditions:

• 🔥 The refrigerator is located next to the stove, radiator or in direct sunlight rays?
• 🔌 Is the voltage in the network stable? Electricity surges can disrupt settings.
• 🧊 How long have you defrosted your refrigerator? In models with No Frost ice can accumulate in hidden places, blocking the air channels.

2. Clogged capillary tube: how to diagnose and eliminate

One ​​of the most common reasons why the refrigerator Indesit does not freeze, but the freezer works - clogging of the capillary tube (thin copper tube through which freon circulates). Over time, particles of oil, moisture or dirt accumulate in it, which leads to deterioration of heat transfer and an increase in temperature in the refrigerator compartment.

How to understand that the blockage is to blame?

• ❄️ The freezer is freezing too much (perhaps even stronger than usual).
• 🔥 The compressor runs without stopping or turns on very often.
• 💧 Condensation on the back wall of the refrigerator compartment (in models without No Frost).
• 🔊 Characteristic "gurgling" or unusual sounds when work.

If you suspect a blockage, you can try clean the system yourself, but this requires care. You will need:

1. Disconnect the refrigerator from the mains and defrost it (at least 12 hours).
2. Find the capillary tube (it goes from the compressor to the evaporator).
3. Use a hairdryer or hot water to heat the entire length of the tube (this will help dissolve the blockage).
4. Connect the refrigerator and check the operation.

Defreeze the refrigerator at 12+ hours|

Check the temperature in the freezer (should not be lower than -18°C)|

Listen to the operation of the compressor (should not work without interruption)|

Inspect the back wall for condensation|

Try to warm it up capillary tube with a hairdryer (carefully!) -->

⚠️ Attention! If after warming up the tube the problem does not disappear, do not try to clean it mechanically (with wire, needle, etc.) - this may damage the system. In this case, it will be necessary flushing with refrigerant, which should be done by a technician.

3. Malfunction of the thermostat or temperature sensor

In refrigerators Indesit responsible for temperature regulation thermostat (in mechanical models) or temperature sensor (in electronic ones). If they fail, the compressor may not receive a signal to cool the refrigerator compartment, although the freezer continues to operate.

How to check thermostat?

1. Disconnect the refrigerator from the network.
2. Remove the protective casing from the thermostat (usually it is located next to the temperature control knob).
3. Ring the contacts with a tester in the resistance test mode. At room temperature, the resistance should be 0 Ohm (contacts). closed).
4. Place the sensor in cold water - the resistance should change.

In electronic models (for example, Indesit BIAA 13), the temperature sensor may be faulty if:

• 📉 On the display shows an incorrect temperature (for example, +20°C at real +10°C).
• 🔄 The refrigerator spontaneously turns on and off the cooling.
• 🚨 An error appears on the panel (for example, F04 or F05 depending on the model).

If the thermostat or sensor is faulty, it must be replaced in mechanical models (the cost of the thermostat for Indesit is from 500 to 1500 rubles). In electronic cases, it is better to contact a specialist, since the control unit will need to be reflashed.

How to temporarily bypass a faulty temperature sensor?

If the refrigerator is electronic and the sensor is faulty, you can temporarily connect a new sensor in parallel with the old one (without disconnecting the latter) until you replace the part completely. However, this method is only suitable for experienced ones. users!

4. Problems with the fan and the No Frost system

In models Indesit with the system No Frost (for example, Indesit DF 5200 or Indesit ITF 118) for cold circulation air responds fan. If it breaks, the cold stops flowing into the refrigerator compartment, although the freezer continues to work.

Signs of fan malfunction:

• 🌀 There is no air circulation in the refrigerator compartment (you can check by placing your hand near the ventilation holes).
• 🔇 The refrigerator has become quieter than usual (the fan does not make noise).
• ❄️ Ice forms in the freezer (the fan does not distribute the cold evenly).

How to check the fan?

1. Unplug the refrigerator.
2. Remove the back panel in the freezer camera (usually it is secured with latches or screws).
3. Find the fan and check if it rotates freely. If the blades do not spin or spin with difficulty, the problem is in the bearings or the motor.
4. Test the motor winding with a tester (the resistance should be in the range 200–500 Ohm).

If the fan is faulty, it must be replaced. Cost of a new fan for Indesit - from 1000 to 2500 rubles. Also check if the fan is frozen due to ice - in this case, defrosting will help.

5. Freon leak: how to recognize and what to do

If the refrigerator Indesit does not freeze, and the freezer works poorly or intermittently, it is possible freon leak. This is a serious malfunction that requires the intervention of a specialist, but it can be diagnosed independently.

Signs of a freon leak:

• 🔥 The compressor works without stopping, but there is no cold.
• 🧊 The condenser (grid on the back wall) does not heat up.
• 💨 The temperature in the freezer is higher -10°C, although previously it was -18°C.
• 🛠️ Oil stains are visible on the tubes or in soldering areas (freon leaves along with the oil).

The most common cause of leakage is corrosion of the tubes (especially in older models) or mechanical damage (for example, when moving the refrigerator). If you find oil traces or rust on the tubes, do not turn on the refrigerator - this may lead to compressor breakdown.

What to do?

• 🛑 Immediately unplug the refrigerator.
• 🔍 Inspect the tubes for damage (especially in bends).
• 📞 Call a technician for repairs leakage detection, soldering tubes and filling freon.

⚠️ Attention! Self-filling freon without special equipment is dangerous. Incorrect dosage or moisture getting into the system can lead to damage! the compressor is faulty.

6. Failure of the compressor or start relay

If the freezer is working, but the refrigerator compartment is not cooling, the problem may lie in compressor or starting relay. In two-compressor models Indesit (for example, Indesit T 16), a separate compressor is responsible for the refrigeration chamber, and its failure will lead to exactly this symptom.

How to check the compressor?

• 🔊 Listen to whether the compressor turns on. If it does not start at all, the problem is in the relay or winding.
• 🔥 Touch the compressor after 10-15 minutes of operation. If it is cold, there is no freon. circulates.
• 📊 Measure the resistance of the windings with a tester (the values should be within 20–40 Ohm).

Frequent causes of compressor failure:

If the compressor is faulty, it replacement will cost (depending on the model). In some cases, it is cheaper to buy a new refrigerator, especially if yours is more than 10 years old. 5000–10,000 rubles (depending on model). In some cases, it is cheaper to buy a new refrigerator, especially if your Indesit more than 10 years.

7. data-i="234">In modern models

In modern models Indesit (for example, Indesit BIAA 13 or Indesit DF 5200) electronic control unitis responsible for the distribution of cold. If it fails, the refrigerator compartment may stop cooling, although the freezer will continue to work.

Signs of a malfunction of the control unit:

• 📱 The display shows errors (F01, F02, F07 etc.).
• 🔄 The refrigerator turns on/off spontaneously modes.
• 💡 Does not respond to button presses.
• 🔌 Does not restore settings after a power outage.

What to do?

1. Try reset settings (turn off the refrigerator for 10 minutes, then turn it on again).
2. If the error remains, check the contacts of the control unit (the cable may have come loose).
3. If the unit is faulty, it will have to be replaced (cost ~3000–6000 rubles).

⚠️ Attention! Do not try to repair the electronic unit yourself - this may lead to a short circuit. Entrust this to a specialist.

Frequent questions about malfunctions of the Indesit refrigerator

❓ Why does the refrigerator compartment in the Indesit No Frost refrigerator not work, but the freezer freezes?

In 90% of cases this is due to fan malfunction (does not spin or is frozen) or clogging air ducts ice. There may also be problems with the temperature sensor or electronic unit. Start by defrosting the refrigerator for 24 hours - if the problem does not go away, check the fan and sensors.

❓ Is it possible to fill freon into an Indesit refrigerator yourself?

No, it is dangerous! To fill freon you need special equipment (vacuum pump, pressure manifold, freon cylinder). Incorrect filling can lead to compressor failure or explosion (freon under pressure!). Contact a specialist.

❓ How much does it cost to repair an Indesit refrigerator if the refrigeration chamber does not work?

The cost depends on reasons:

• 🔧 Replacement of the thermostat: 1000–2000 rub. (with work).
• 🌀 Replacement of the fan: 1500–3000 rub.
• 🧊 Elimination of freon leakage + refilling: 3500–6000 rub.
• 🖥️ Replacement of the electronic unit: 4000–7000 rub.
• ⚙️ Replacement of the compressor: 6000–12000 rub.

If the refrigerator is more than 8–10 years old, repairs may be unprofitable.

❓ How to check if the compressor is working in an Indesit refrigerator?

Turn on the refrigerator and listen:

• 🔊 If the compressor it buzzes, but not starts the problem is in the start relay.
• 🔥 If the compressor is hot and does not turn off —there may be a freon leak or an interturn short circuit.
• ❄️ If the compressor works, but there is no cold —clogging of the capillary tube or malfunction of the thermostat.

You can also check the resistance of the windings with a tester (should be 20–40 Ohm).

❓ What what to do if after defrosting the Indesit refrigerator does not cool?

If after defrosting the refrigerator compartment does not work and the freezer freezes:

1. Check whether the mode is turned on cooling (the settings may have gone wrong).
2. Make sure that fan (in models No Frost) is not blocked by ice.
3. Listen to the compressor - if it does not start, the problem is in the relay or itself compressor.
4. If all else fails, call a technician to diagnose freon leak or electronic unit.