The situation when the refrigerator Indesit stops freezing in upper compartment, often takes the owner by surprise. There may be blocks of ice in the freezer, and food on the top shelf is already spoiling due to above-zero temperatures. This is a classic symptom of impaired refrigerant circulation or problems with the defrost system.
Before calling a technician, it is worth carrying out an initial diagnosis, since in half of the cases the cause lies in trivial things that do not require expensive intervention. However, ignoring the problem can lead to failure of the compressor, which will require a major overhaul.
In this article we will analyze in detail all the possible reasons why Indesit refrigerator it freezes poorly on top, and we will explain how to determine the malfunction of a specific unit. We will consider both simple operating errors and complex technical breakdowns that require replacement of parts.
Problems with the door and seal
The most commonplace, but common reason for the lack of cold in the upper compartment is a loose fit of the door. If warm air from the room constantly enters the chamber, the cooling system does not have time to cool it. First of all, check whether food or dishes are preventing the door from closing tightly.
Carefully inspect the rubber seal around the perimeter of the door. Over time, the rubber loses elasticity, cracks or moves away from the body. If the seal is dirty, it must be thoroughly washed with warm water and soap, as grease and adhered dirt will impair the seal.
To check the seal, you can use a simple test with a sheet of paper. Clamp the sheet with the door in different places around the perimeter and try to pull it out. If the paper is pulled out without effort, it means that in this place seal does not fit and requires replacing or adjusting the hinges.
⚠️ Attention: If you notice that the door is skewed or the hinges are sagging, do not try to forcefully slam it. This will lead to further destruction of the seal and increase the load on the compressor.
Often the problem is solved by simply adjusting the position of the refrigerator. Make sure the equipment is level and not tilted backwards. When blocked, the door may open spontaneously or not close completely under its own weight.
Faults of the No Frost and defrosting system
Models Indesit with the system No Frost or Total No Frost are subject to specific breakdowns, associated with ice freezing inside the housing. If the evaporator located behind the rear wall is covered with a “fur coat,” cold air simply cannot enter the fridge compartment through the air ducts.
The cause of ice fouling is most often the failure of one of three elements: the defrost heating element, the defrost thermostat or the timer (in older models) / electronic control module. If the heating element burns out, the ice does not melt and blocks ventilation. If the thermostat is faulty, it does not give a command to turn on the heating.
This problem can be diagnosed by characteristic signs: swelling or ice may appear on the back wall inside the refrigerator, and the fan may hum or go silent due to icing of the blades. In some cases, the refrigerator begins to freeze normally only after complete defrosting for 24 hours, but after a couple of days the problem returns.
How to check the defrosting heating element?
To check the heating element, you need a multimeter. You need to test the heater coil for resistance. If the device shows a break (infinity), the heating element is faulty and requires replacement. You should also check the integrity of the wires going to the heater, as they often rot due to temperature changes.
If you decide to defrost manually to temporarily restore operation, consider an important nuance. In models with No Frost you cannot use a hairdryer or hot water to speed up the process, as you can damage the plastic parts and evaporator tubes.
Freon leak and capillary system blockage
A more serious reason why the upper chamber does not freeze is a refrigerant leak (freon) or clogged capillary tube. Unlike defrost problems, the symptoms here are different. When there is a freon leak, the compressor works almost non-stop, trying to gain temperature, but there is no cold in any of the chambers, or it is very weak.
When the capillary system is clogged or there is a leak, the following picture is often observed: the freezer works normally (or even too much), and the refrigerator compartment is warm. This happens because the refrigerant does not reach the evaporator of the upper chamber or circulates in a small circuit.
Detecting a leak visually is difficult, since freon is colorless and odorless. However, you can pay attention to the following signs:
- ⚙️ The compressor hums continuously, without turning off even at night.
- 🌡️ The condenser grille at the back of the refrigerator remains cold or heats up unevenly.
- 🧊 Ice appears in the freezer only at the entrance tubes or in one corner.
- 🔊 The appearance of hissing or gurgling sounds when the unit is operating.
It is impossible to eliminate a leak or blockage on your own. You need to call a technician who will pressurize the system with nitrogen, find the location of the damage, seal it and fill the refrigerator with new freon. Operating equipment with a leak can lead to the compressor burning out due to overheating.
Malfunction of the thermostat or temperature sensor
In refrigerators Indesit thermostats (in mechanical models) or air sensors (in electronic ones) are responsible for temperature regulation. If the thermostat is out of order and “stuck” in the “off” position, the compressor simply will not receive a signal to start.
In models with electronic control (Indesit NBA, Indesit DS and other series with a display), the temperature sensor of the refrigerator compartment often fails. It can show the control module that it is already -10°C in the chamber, although in fact it is +15°C. Naturally, the compressor will not turn on in this case.
You can check the mechanical thermostat by closing its contacts directly. If after this procedure the refrigerator starts working and starts freezing, it means the regulator is faulty. In electronic models, diagnostics are carried out with a multimeter by measuring the resistance of the sensor at different temperatures.
Replacing the thermostat is a procedure available to a home handyman. It is important to choose an analogue with exactly the same parameters, otherwise the refrigerator will not work correctly: it will either freeze too much or not turn off at all.
Failures in the operation of the compressor and start relay
The compressor is the “heart” of the refrigerator. If it does not start or works intermittently, the upper chamber will not receive the necessary cold. Often the culprit is not the motor itself, but start relay or the capacitor.
If you hear a click, an attempt to start the motor, and then another click and silence, this is a sure sign of a faulty start relay or compressor windings. The relay is an inexpensive part that is easy to replace. If the problem is in the motor windings, the compressor will need to be replaced.
In two-compressor models Indesit (where there are separate motors for the freezer and refrigerator), the situation is simpler: if only the top does not freeze, it means that it is the upper compressor or its control electronics that has failed.
It is also worth checking network voltage. If there are strong voltage drops, the electronics can go into protection, blocking the start of the compressor. Installing a voltage stabilizer will help extend the life of equipment in conditions of an unstable power supply.
Fault diagnosis table
For convenience, we systematize the main symptoms and probable causes in the table. This will help you quickly navigate the problem.
| Symptom | Probable cause | Difficulty of repair | Necessary actions |
|---|---|---|---|
| The refrigerator is humming, but not freezes | Freon leak, blockage | High (requires a technician) | Call a specialist, refill with freon |
| Ice on the back wall inside | Faulty defrost system | Medium | Replacement of heating element, defrost thermostat |
| Compressor does not turn on | Thermostat, relay, module | Average | Chain continuity, replacement relay/thermostat |
| Heat only from above | Capillary clogged, leakage | High | Cleaning the system, vacuuming |
| Door not adjacent | Wear of the seal | Low | Replacing the seal, adjusting the hinges |
Algorithm of actions when a problem is detected
If you find that in the upper The camera is warm, don't panic. Follow a clear algorithm to minimize product losses and correctly diagnose breakdowns. First, evaluate external factors, then move on to technical checks.
Save the products first. If repairs will take time, move perishable items to another location or use refrigerants. After this, disconnect the refrigerator from the network for safe diagnostics.
☑️ Primary diagnostic plan
If defrosting for 10-12 hours did not help, and the cold did not appear after turning it on again, then the problem is technical. In this case, you need to arm yourself with a multimeter to check the electrical circuits or call a specialist.
⚠️ Attention: Never try to break through the ice plug in the channel with a knife or screwdriver. Damage to the evaporator channel will lead to immediate release of freon and moisture into the system, which will make repairs very expensive.
Remember that regular maintenance of the refrigerator Indesit extends its service life. Timely defrosting, cleaning the condenser from dust and checking the seals will help avoid sudden breakdowns at the most inopportune moment.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
How long should defrosting last if the refrigerator does not freeze?
For complete defrosting ice in the system No Frost and evaporation of moisture from hard-to-reach places requires at least 10-12 hours, and it is better to leave the refrigerator turned off for a day. Short-term defrosting for 2-3 hours often does not give results, since the ice remains in the channels.
Is it possible to use a refrigerator if it freezes slightly on top?
It is not recommended to operate the equipment in this mode. If the cause is a freon leak, the compressor will work hard, trying to compensate for the lack of refrigerant, which will lead to its combustion. If the reason is in the defrosting system, the ice can completely block the channels, and the cold will disappear completely.
Why did the refrigerator start working after defrosting, but a week later it stopped again?
This is a classic sign of a malfunction of the automatic defrosting system (heating element, sensor or timer). By defrosting the refrigerator manually, you temporarily remove the ice plug, but since the automation does not work, the ice builds up again within a few days, blocking air circulation.
Where can I find the model of my Indesit refrigerator to order spare parts?
The model and serial number are indicated on a silver sticker inside the refrigerator compartment (usually on the side wall or on the ceiling) or on the rear wall of the housing. Look for a code starting with letters (for example, Indesit NBA 18 FK).
Is it dangerous to change the thermostat yourself?
Replacing the thermostat is safe if you unplug the refrigerator from the mains. However, it is important to correctly install the capillary tube of the new thermostat into the evaporator so that it correctly reads the temperature. An installation error can lead to incorrect operation refrigerator.