The situation when your favorite refrigerator Indesit suddenly stops performing its main functions always takes you by surprise. You open the door, and there is melting chicken and warm milk instead of the usual cold. There is no need to panic at such a moment, since in most cases the problem lies in understandable physical processes or easily fixable breakdowns.
Before calling a technician or looking for a service center, it is necessary to carry out an initial diagnosis. Often lack of cold in one of the chambers does not mean that the compressor is broken. Perhaps the protection has tripped or the temperature regime has been disrupted due to external factors. In this article we will analyze in detail why Indesit it could fail and what to do first.
Understanding the operating principles of your model will help save time and money. Two-compressor single-circuit systems also behave differently when they fail. We will look at the main components of the unit that most often fail and explain how to check them without special equipment.
Checking external factors and operating mode
The most commonplace, but often ignored reason is incorrect installation or accidental change of settings. If the refrigerator Indesit stops freezing, first check to see if it is standing close to the wall or radiator. Poor ventilation the condenser leads to overheating of the motor and the system stops.
You should also pay attention to the temperature controllers. Someone in the household could accidentally move the handle or press the button in Ecomode. In models with electronic control, sometimes there is a failure in the board, which can be eliminated by a simple reboot.
Make sure that the door closes tightly. Even a microscopic gap allows warm air to penetrate inside, causing the unit to work for wear. Over time, the seal may lose elasticity or become dirty.
- 🔍 Check the tightness of the magnetic tape around the entire perimeter.
- ❄️ Make sure that products do not block the flow of cold air inside the chamber.
- 🔌 Inspect the power cord for kinks and damage insulation.
Malfunctions of the defrosting system in No Frost models
If your Indesit is equipped with a system No Frostthen the main reason for the lack of cold is often a failure in the evaporator defrost cycle. In such refrigerators, frost freezes on a hidden heat exchanger and periodically thaws thanks to the heater. If this process is disrupted, the ice coat blocks air circulation.
As a result, the fan circulates air, but it does not cool, as it is blocked by ice. The user hears the motor running, but the chamber is warm. To diagnose, you will need to remove the back panel in the freezer and visually assess the amount of ice.
The main culprits here are Defrost heating element, a defrost sensor or a timer (in mechanical models). If the heating element burns out, the ice does not melt and gradually clogs the channels. Replacing these elements requires disassembling the back wall, but is quite doable at home if you have a multi-mbra.
- 🧊 Extensive ice on the back wall of the freezer is a sign of a problem with defrosting.
- 🔇 The fan may hum or stop, resting the blades on the ice.
- ⏱️ On and off cycles may become shorter or longer than usual.
Problems with the compressor and start relay
The heart of any refrigerator is compressor. If it is silent or makes strange clicking sounds but does not start, the problem may be with the start relay or the motor itself. In refrigerators Indesit there are often compressors that are sensitive to power surges.
When you try to start, you can hear a characteristic click, followed by silence. This means that the thermal protection turns off the motor because it cannot start. A common cause is jamming of the piston group or failure of the starting winding.
⚠️ Attention: If the compressor is hot to the touch (temperature above 80-90 degrees) and does not start, do not try to start it repeatedly. This can lead to complete burnout of the windings and expensive repairs.
It is also worth checking the starting relay, which is placed on the contact group of the compressor. There is a posistor inside it, which often burns out. Replacing it is inexpensive and often solves the “clicking” problem.
How to check the start relay?
Remove the relay from the compressor contacts and shake it. If you hear a ringing or knocking sound inside, the ceramic element has cracked and needs to be replaced. Visually inspect the contacts for burning.
Freon leakage and blockage of the capillary system
When freon leakoccurs in the refrigerant circulation system, the cooling capacity drops to zero. Freon is a gas that is colorless and odorless, so it is difficult to detect visually. In refrigerators Indesit leaks often occur in the foamed part of the case or in places where tubes are soldered.
Signs of a leak are: the compressor works constantly, without turning off, trying to gain temperature, but the chambers are warm. The condenser (grid at the back) may be barely warm or cold, although it should be hot.
Another similar problem is clogged capillary tube. Oil breakdown products or moisture entering the system form a plug. Freon does not circulate and cold does not enter the evaporator. In this case, it is often necessary to purge the system and replace the filter-drier.
| Symptom | Possible cause | Nature of compressor operation |
|---|---|---|
| Heat in both chambers | Freon leakage | Works without stopping |
| There is cold, but weak | Partial blockage | Works with intermittently |
| Ice only at the evaporator | Fan malfunction | Works normally |
| Clicks and silence | Fault relay/compressor | Start attempts |
Malfunctions of the thermostat and temperature sensors
Thermostat or electronic sensor is responsible for turning the compressor on and off. If this element fails, it may not “see” that the chamber has become warm and may not give the command to start cooling. thermostat (thermostat) or electronic sensor. If this element fails, it may not “see” that the chamber has become warm and may not give the command to start cooling.
In mechanical models Indesit the thermostat is a device with a capillary tube that is attached to the evaporator. If the contacts inside the relay break, the circuit does not close. You can check it by closing the contacts directly: if the refrigerator is working, it means the thermostat needs to be replaced.
In electronic models, they are responsible for the temperature NTC sensors. They change their resistance depending on the temperature. If the sensor shows incorrect values (for example, that the chamber is -10°C, although there is +5°C), the control board will not turn on the compressor.
- 📉 The thermostat may “stick” in the “Off” position.
- 🔌 Oxidation of contacts in sensor connectors disrupts signal transmission.
- 🌡️ Displacement of the thermostat sensitive tube leads to incorrect readings.
Fan failure evaporator
In systems No Frost a fan is responsible for circulating cold air. If it stops rotating, cold air remains in the freezer compartment (or at the evaporator) and does not enter the refrigerator compartment at all.
Often the fan stops due to freezing of the bushing or failure of the electric motor. You may hear it trying to start, humming but not spinning, or it will be completely silent.
To check, you need to get to the fan, usually located behind the back panel in the freezer. It is important to check whether ice or a foreign object is preventing the rotation of the blades.
⚠️ Attention: Before checking the electrical components of the fan, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply to avoid electric shock.
Frequently asked questions and answers (FAQ)
Why the Indesit refrigerator humming, but not freezing?
A humming sound indicates that the compressor is trying to work, but there is no cold. This could be a sign of a freon leak when the engine is idling, or a problem with the start relay that is preventing full power from starting. It is also possible that the compressor may jam.
How long does the refrigerator keep cold after defrosting?
After complete defrosting and turning on Indesit it takes from 2 to 6 hours to reach operating temperature, depending on the model and the load of the chambers. At this time, you should not load food so as not to load the compressor.
Is it possible to operate the refrigerator if it has stopped freezing?
For a short time - yes, for diagnostics. However, prolonged operation of a faulty unit (especially with a freon leak or a non-working fan) can lead to combustion of the compressor, which will make repairs economically unfeasible.
What to do if there is ice in the freezer and heat in the refrigerator compartment?
This is a classic sign of a malfunction of the defrost system in No Frost models. An ice plug is blocking the air supply channels. It is necessary to defrost the refrigerator (for at least 24 hours) and check the defrost heating element and sensors.
How often do you need to defrost an Indesit refrigerator?
Models with the system No Frost do not require regular defrosting, it is enough to wash them 1-2 times a year. Drip systems (crying effect) also do not need frequent defrosting, but preventive maintenance once every 6-12 months will extend the service life.