The situation when a refrigerator Vestel works without interruption is familiar to many owners of this popular Turkish appliance. The constant hum of the compressor not only increases your energy bills, but also creates a constant background noise that interferes with your rest. Moreover, working “to wear” significantly reduces the life of expensive equipment, leading to rapid failure of the main components.
The main reason lies in the disruption of heat exchange or failures in the temperature control system. The unit simply does not receive a signal that the set temperature has been reached inside the chambers, and continues to pump in cold. In some cases, the problem is solved by simple defrosting, in others it requires serious repair replacement of parts.
In this article we will analyze in detail the main causes of the malfunction, methods for self-diagnosis and symptoms that require the intervention of a professional technician. Understanding the operating principles of your Vestel will help you avoid unnecessary expenses and extend the life of the device.
Malfunctions of the thermostat and temperature sensors
The most common culprit of continuous operation is the thermostat (thermostat). This is a mechanical or electronic device that controls the temperature inside the refrigerator compartment. If the thermostat contacts are “stuck” in the closed position or the electronic one has failed, the compressor will work indefinitely, since the control circuit does not open. sensor, the compressor will run indefinitely because the control circuit does not open.
In models with electronic control, the NTC sensoris responsible for temperature control. If it breaks down, the control board receives an incorrect signal about high temperature, and the motor-compressor does not receive a command to stop. Diagnostics of the electronic module requires a multimeter to check the resistance of the sensor at different temperatures.
To check the mechanical thermostat, you can temporarily close its contacts directly. If after this procedure the refrigerator begins to turn on and off cyclically (the operation will be controlled by an emergency sensor, if there is one, or you will have to monitor it manually), then the problem is in the thermostat.
- 🔌 Symptoms: The compressor hums constantly, the food in the refrigerator freezes or, conversely, it is too warm if the thermostat is “lying” in the other direction.
- ❄️ Localization: In mechanical models, the thermostat is often located inside the chamber under the lamp shade or on an external panel.
- ⚙️ Solution: Replacement of the faulty element with an analogue with identical parameters and capillary tube length.
⚠️ Attention: Before replacing the thermostat, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply! Working with live electrical components is deadly.
Refrigerant leakage and system leakage
If a microcrack has formed in the circulation system freon the refrigerant gradually evaporates. The compressor tries to compensate for the lack of cold by working in increased mode. However, due to low pressure in the system, the cooling efficiency drops, and the set temperature is simply not achieved.
It is difficult to visually notice a leak, since freon is a colorless and odorless gas. An indirect sign may be swelling of the back wall of the refrigerator or the appearance of oily spots at the site of damage to the pipeline. Leaks often occur in the foamed part of the body, which makes independent repair almost impossible without special equipment.
Why can’t you just add freon?
Refilling without finding and eliminating the leak is a temporary measure. The gas will escape again through the crack, and the compressor will burn out from working in a vacuum or overload.
If freon leaks completely, the compressor may run “idle”, overheat and hum louder than usual. In this case, the motor-compressor does not turn off because the temperature sensor detects heat, but there is no refrigerant to remove it.
- 📉 Signs: Weak cooling, hot side walls (or lack of heating where it should be), lack of characteristic gurgling in the tubes.
- 🔍 Diagnostics: Carried out by a technician using a leak detector or using nitrogen pressure testing.
- 🛠️ Repair: Searching for leaks, soldering, evacuating the system and charging with new refrigerant.
Problems with sealing rubber and heat loss
A tight door fit is the key to energy efficiency. If seal (the cuff) is worn out, dirty or deformed, warm air from the room constantly enters the chamber. The temperature sensor detects an increase in degrees and commands the compressor to work without stopping.
You can check the tightness with a simple test with a sheet of paper. Clamp the sheet with the door in different places around the perimeter. If the paper falls out freely or is pulled out without resistance, it means that the seal is broken in that area. Pay special attention to the corners of the door, where the rubber most often comes off.
Sometimes the problem is solved by thoroughly washing the seal with warm water and soap to remove sticky residue. If the rubber has lost its elasticity and become hard, you can try softening it with a special spray for rubber or warming it with a hairdryer, but the most effective way is replacement cuffs.
- 🚪 Defects: Cracks, tears, loss of shape, displacement of the seal from the seating groove.
- 🌡️ Impact: The constant flow of heat forces the compressor to work at its limit.
- 💡 Advice: When installing a new door or hinges, check the tightness of the fit to avoid distortions.
Faults in the compressor and start relay
The motor-compressor itself can also be the cause of the problem. If piston mechanism or the valve group fails, the compressor may hum, but not create the necessary pressure for freon circulation. As a result, cold is not generated and the cycle is not interrupted.
The starting relay is a device that starts the engine. If its contacts are burnt or the mechanism is jammed, the compressor may not start (a clicking and humming noise is heard) or, conversely, may not turn off if the relay is “stuck” in the “on” position.
| Symptom | Probable cause | Necessary actions |
|---|---|---|
| Humming without cooling | Freon leak or compressor breakdown | Call a technician for diagnostics |
| Constant operation, there is cold | Thermostat malfunction or sensor | Checking/replacing the thermostat |
| Clicks and attempts to start | Malfunction of the starting relay | Replacing the relay (do it yourself) |
| The compressor is very hot | Overload, condenser contamination | Cleaning the radiator, checking ventilation |
It is important to monitor the temperature of the compressor housing. If it is hot to the point where it is impossible to touch it, this is a signal of a critical overload. Operation in this mode will quickly lead to burnout of the motor windings.
The influence of the No Frost mode and the defrost system
In refrigerators Vestel with a system No Frost continuous operation is often associated with a malfunction of the defrost system. If the defrost heating element, timer or defrost sensor fails, the evaporator becomes coated with ice. This ice crust blocks the circulation of cold air.
Air does not enter the chamber, the temperature sensor shows “warm”, and the compressor works without interruption, trying to cool the volume. At the same time, the freezer may be colder than normal, and the refrigerator compartment may be warm.
☑️ Diagnostics of the No Frost system
To confirm the diagnosis, complete defrosting of the unit within 24 hours is often required. If after turning on the refrigerator worked normally, but after 1-2 weeks the problem recurred, it means that one of the elements of the defrosting system is faulty and requires replacement.
- 🧊 Symptom: Ice on the back wall inside the freezer (under the plastic panel).
- ⏱️ Timer: In older models, for switching modes “cooling/defrosting” is answered by a mechanical timer.
- 📟 Electronics: In modern models everything is controlled by module controlswhich can generate an error.
⚠️ Attention: Do not try to pick ice from the evaporator with a knife or sharp objects. You can damage the freon tubes or the heating element, which will lead to expensive repairs.
Operation errors and external factors
Sometimes the reason lies not in the breakdown, but in improper use. If the refrigerator Vestel is installed close to the wall or in a niche without gaps for ventilation, heat transfer is disrupted. The condenser (grid at the back) does not have time to cool down, and the operating efficiency drops.
The temperature in the room also affects. If the refrigerator is located next to a radiator, stove, or in direct sun, it will work longer. In summer, in hot rooms without air conditioning, an increase in the operating time of the compressor is a normal reaction of equipment to high external temperatures.
Check the temperature settings. If you accidentally set the “Super Freeze” mode or set the minimum temperature (+1...+2°C), the compressor will work almost constantly, especially if the door is often opened.
- ☀️ Heating: Direct sunlight significantly increases the load on the unit.
- 🍲 Hot: Putting hot dishes inside makes the refrigerator work in enhanced mode.
- 🚪 Open door: A loose door or the habit of keeping it open for a long time upsets the temperature balance.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
How long should a Vestel refrigerator operate normally?
In normal operation at a room temperature of +25°C, the refrigerator operates approximately 30-40% of the time (cycle: 10-15 minutes on, 20-25 minutes off). In summer or under high load, the operating time can increase to 50-60%.
Is it possible to operate the refrigerator if it does not turn off?
For a short time (several hours on a hot day) - it is possible. But long-term operation without breaks (more than 18-20 hours a day) leads to overheating of the compressor, drying out of the oil and rapid wear of rubbing parts. This may result in the motor burning out.
Why does the refrigerator still not turn off after defrosting?
If complete defrosting (24 hours with the doors open) does not help, then the problem is technical: freon leak, malfunction of the thermostat, sensor or compressor. Diagnostics with tools is required.
Where can I find the error code on a Vestel refrigerator?
In models with a display, error codes can be displayed in the form of alphanumeric combinations (for example, E1, F2). The decoding of the codes for your specific model Vestel needs to be found in the user manual, since they may differ for different series.
Is it dangerous if the compressor is hot?
The compressor is always hot during operation (up to 60-80°C). It is dangerous if it is so hot that it hurts to touch, or if it is hot, but the refrigerator itself does not cool. This is a sign of overload or lack of freon.