The upper chamber of the Indesit refrigerator does not freeze: reasons and solutions

Refrigerator owners Indesit with the system No Frost or drip defrosting often encounter a problem when the upper chamber (freezer compartment) stops freezing, but the lower one continues to work. This malfunction can manifest itself in different ways: from poor cooling to no cold at all, while the compressor is humming and the light inside is on. In 80% of cases, the problem is solved without calling a specialist - it is enough to correctly diagnose the cause.

In this article we will look at why the top of the refrigerator does not freeze 7 most common reasons, according to which the upper part of the refrigerator does not freeze Indesit, including models C 132 G, DF 4180, TN 3305 and others. You'll learn how to check the thermostat, fan, evaporator, and electronics, and when to call for service. All instructions are adapted for users without special skills - with photos, diagrams and step-by-step videos (links to official sources are provided in the relevant sections).

Before starting repairs, make sure that the refrigerator correctly connected to the network (voltage 220–240 V) and the socket is working. If after a power outage (for example, during a power surge) the upper chamber stops freezing, wait 2-4 hours - perhaps the system is simply defrosting after an emergency shutdown.

1. Clogged No Frost system: why the fan does not blow cold air

In refrigerators Indesit with the system No Frost (models DF 5200, TN 3305, BIAA 13 etc.), cooling of the upper chamber is provided by a fan that drives air through the evaporator. If it stops working, the freezer compartment loses its cold, and in the lower chamber the temperature may remain normal.

Signs of clogging:

• 🔊 The fan does not make noise (normally a slight hum should be heard when the door is opened).
• ❄️ On the back wall freezer, a thick layer of ice or frost.
• 🌡️ The temperature in the upper chamber is higher +5°C, although the compressor is running non-stop.

To check the fan, unplug the refrigerator and defrost it at 10–12 hours. After turning on, listen: if the fan does not start, the problem may be:

• 🛠️ Icing of the blades —ice blocks rotation.
• 🔌 Malfunction of the fan motor (burnt out winding).
• 📡 Failure of the defrost sensor (the defroster does not turn on the evaporator heating).

How to remove the blockage:

1. Disconnect refrigerator and remove all the food.
2. Remove the back panel of the freezer (usually secured with 4-6 screws).
3. Remove the ice from the evaporator and fan blades plastic scraper (not metal!).
4. Check whether the fan rotates manually. If not, replace it.

2. Malfunction of the thermostat or temperature sensor

If the upper chamber Indesit does not freeze, but the compressor runs non-stop, the problem may lie in thermostat (for models with mechanical control) or temperature sensor (for electronic refrigerators). These elements are responsible for signaling the compressor about the need for cooling.

How to check the thermostat:

1. Find the thermostat - in mechanical models (Indesit C 132 G, C 138 G) it is located inside the chamber, under the plastic cover.
2. Remove the protective casing and inspect the contacts for oxidation or breakage.
3. Ring the thermostat with a multimeter in resistance test mode. At room temperature, the resistance should be 0 Ohm (contacts closed).

For electronic models (Indesit DF 4180, BIAA 13), diagnostics of the temperature sensor will be required:

• 🔧 Turn off the refrigerator and remove control panel.
• 📊 Find the sensor (usually attached to the evaporator or back wall).
• 🔍 Check its resistance: when +20°C it should be within 4–6 kOhm.

What to do if the thermostat is working, but the refrigerator is not freezing?

If the thermostat rings, but the upper chamber does not cool, check compressor relay or control board. In 30% of cases, the problem lies in oxidized relay contacts, which block the signal to start cooling.

In Indesit refrigerators with electronic control (BIAA, DF series), a faulty temperature sensor can cause an error F04 or F05 on the display. If you see such a code, replace the sensor - it is cheaper than repairing the board.

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

One ​​of the most serious breakdowns is refrigerant (freon) leak. It occurs due to corrosion of the evaporator tubes or mechanical damage (for example, due to careless defrosting). Without freon, the compressor runs “idle”, and the upper chamber does not cool.

Signs of a leak:

• ⏳ The compressor works non-stop, but there is no cold.
• 🔥 The refrigerator body in the compressor area hot (overheating due to lack of cooling).
• 🛢️ There are oily stains on the back wall or under the refrigerator (freon mixed with oil).

It is impossible to eliminate the leak on your own - it is required special equipment to vacuum the system and charge it with freon. However, you can check for a leak:

1. Turn off the refrigerator and defrost it.
2. Inspect copper tubes on the back wall - look for green stains (copper oxidation) or oil stains smudges.
3. If you find a damaged area, do not try to solder it this is a temporary solution. Contact the service.

4. Compressor failure: why it hums but does not freeze

The compressor is the “heart” of the refrigerator. If it it hums, but does not create pressure for circulation of freon, the upper chamber will not be cooled. In models Indesit with one compressor (for example, C 132 G) this leads to a complete lack of cold in the freezer, and in two-compressor models (TB 18) only the upper part may not work.

How to diagnose a compressor malfunction:

• 🔊 The compressor is humming, but does not heat up (normally should be warm).
• 🕒 Works without stopping or turns off after 1–2 minutes (overheating protection is triggered).
• 🔌 When checking with a multimeter, the resistance of the windings does not correspond to the norm (20–40 Ohm for working, 10–20 Ohm for starting).

If the compressor is faulty, it must be replaced. Service centers Indesit offer two options:

5. Problems with the control board: errors and failures

In modern refrigerators Indesit (series BIAA, DF) electronic control boardis responsible for the distribution of cold. If it fails, the upper chamber may stop freezing, although the compressor and fan are working.

Symptoms of board failure:

• 📛 Errors appear on the display: F01, F02, F07.
• 🔄 The refrigerator spontaneously turns on/off.
• ⚡ After a power surge, the upper chamber stopped working.

What to do:

1. Disconnect the refrigerator from the network at 5–10 minutes - sometimes it helps reboot.
2. Check fuse on the board (it may burn out due to a power surge).
3. If the board is burnt or visible swollen capacitors, replacement is required.

6. Capillary tube clogged: why freon does not circulate

The capillary tube is a thin channel through which freon enters the evaporator. If it becomes clogged (due to moisture, oil or debris), the refrigerant cannot circulate and the upper chamber stops freezing. Signs of a clog: Condenser (grid on the back wall) Although the compressor works.

Signs of a blockage:

• 🧊 Condenser (grid on the back wall) cold, although the compressor is running.
• ⏱️ The compressor turns on 5-10 seconds and turns off (protection is activated).
• 🔧 After turning off the refrigerator you can hear hissing sound (freon tries to pass through the blockage).

It is impossible to eliminate a blockage in the capillary tube at home - it is required special equipment to flush the system with nitrogen. In the service, this procedure is performed together with the replacement of the filter-drier (cost: 3,000–5,000 rubles.).

Is it possible to clean the capillary tube yourself?

No. Attempts to blow through the tube with a compressor or wire lead to damage. In 100% of cases, this ends in more expensive repairs. leakage of freon and more expensive repairs.

7. Mechanical reasons: seal, door, overload. data-i="228">Sometimes the upper chamber does not freeze due to

Sometimes the upper chamber does not freeze due to banal reasonsnot related to breakdowns:

• 🚪 Not tightly closed door - the seal is worn out or dirty.
• 📦 Overload with food —air circulation is disrupted.
• ☀️ The refrigerator is located next to the radiator or stove —the compressor cannot cope with the load.

How eliminate:

• 🧼 Wipe the seal warm water and soap and check its integrity. If the rubber is cracked, replace it.
• 📏 Check the gap between the door and the body - it should be the same around the entire perimeter.
• 🔄 Unload the freezer: between the products there should be 2–3 cm for air circulation.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about a non-working Indesit freezer

❓ Refrigerator Indesit does not freeze on top, but the light is on and the compressor is working. What's the matter?

Most likely the problem is Fan No Frost (if the model has this system) or clogged capillary tube. Turn off the refrigerator for 10 hours to defrost.

❓ Error F04 on the display. What does this mean?

Error F04 in refrigerators Indesit points to faulty freezer temperature sensor. Check its resistance with a multimeter. If the sensor is faulty, replace it (cost: 800–1,500 rub. data-i="262">❓ Is it possible to fill freon into an Indesit refrigerator yourself?).

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

No. Refilling freon requires vacuum pumpa gauge manifold and a certified refrigerant. Incorrect filling can lead to compressor explosion gas leak.

❓ Why does the upper chamber not freeze, but the lower one works?

In refrigerators with one compressor (Indesit C 132 G) this indicates a blockage in the freezer cooling system or fan breakdown. In models with two compressors (Indesit TB 18) the compressor of the upper chamber may fail.

❓ How much does it cost to repair if the upper part does not freeze?

The cost depends on the reason:

• Replacement of the No Frost fan: 2,000–3,500 rubles.
• Replacement of the thermostat/sensor: 1,500–2,500 rub.
• Elimination of freon leak: 5,000–8,000 rub.
• Replacement of the compressor: 8,000–12,000 rub.

If none of the described methods helped, contact authorized Indesit service center. In Moscow and the regions there are loyalty programs for owners of equipment older than 5 years - repairs can cost 20-30% less. Check the current conditions on the manufacturer's website.