The Indesit refrigerator does not cool well: reasons and what to do

Has your refrigerator Indesit suddenly become worse at cooling food, and the ice is melting in the freezer? This problem occurs both in older models Indesit BIA 18 or Indesit DF 4180, and in new inverter refrigerators of the Indesit ITFseries. Before calling a technician, understand the possible causes - many of them can be eliminated on your own without expensive repairs.

In this article we will examine in detail 10 main reasons for poor operation of the refrigeratorfrom banal fan clogging to serious compressor breakdowns. You will learn how to check the thermostat, detect a freon leak, and when exactly it is time to contact a service center. And for owners of models with the system No Frost we have prepared a separate section with typical problems of this technology.

Let us warn you right away: if the refrigerator turns on for 5-10 seconds and immediately turns off, this almost always indicates a malfunction of the start-up relay or compressor - here without a professional diagnostics are indispensable. In all other cases, try going through our checklist.

1. Clogged ventilation system (for No Frost models)

Refrigerators Indesit with a system No Frost (for example, Indesit ITF 118 or Indesit BIAA 13) are especially sensitive to clogged ventilation ducts. If the air does not circulate normally, the temperature in the chambers begins to rise, and the compressor works non-stop, trying to compensate for the lack of cold.

The first sign of a problem is freezing of the back wall of the freezer when the main compartment is warm at the same time. This happens because ice blocks the flow of cold air from the evaporator. In modern models Indesit with electronic control (for example, Indesit ITF 161) with such a malfunction, an error may appear on the display F04 or F05.

• 🔍 How to check: Disconnect the refrigerator from the mains, defrost it completely (not less than 12 hours). After turning on, listen - if the fan does not make noise, it means it is blocked by ice or broken.
• ⚙️ How to fix: Clean the drainage hole at the bottom of the back wall (use a cotton swab or a special brush). If ice forms again after 1-2 days, the defrosting heater is faulty.
• ⚠️ What not to do: Do not try to break off the ice with a knife - you risk damaging the evaporator and causing a freon leak.

2. Malfunction of the thermostat or electronic unit

The thermostat (or thermostat) is the “brain” of the refrigerator that controls the temperature. In models Indesit with mechanical control (for example, Indesit ST 167) it looks like a round knob with a dial. In electronic refrigerators (Indesit ITF 119), it is replaced by a temperature sensor, which transmits data to the control board.

Signs of a thermostat failure:

• 🔄 Compressor does not turn on in general or works without stopping;
• ❄️ In the freezer compartment a thick layer of ice has formed, and in the main compartment it is too warm;
• 📉 The temperature in the refrigerator does not correspond to the installed one (for example, set +4°C, but actually +10°C).

To check the thermostat in mechanical models:

1. Disconnect the refrigerator from the mains.
2. Remove the thermostat protective cover (usually secured with one screw).
3. Short the two wires going to the thermostat (usually red and brown).
4. Turn on the refrigerator - if the compressor works, the thermostat is faulty.

How to check the temperature sensor in electronic models?

In refrigerators Indesit with a display (for example, Indesit ITF 161) when the sensor malfunctions, an error F02 or F03is often displayed. For accurate diagnosis, you need to measure the resistance of the sensor with a multimeter:

1. Turn off the refrigerator.
2. Find the sensor (usually attached to the evaporator or back wall).
3. At room temperature (+20°C) the resistance should be ~5-7 kOhm.
4. Place the sensor in a glass of cold water - the resistance should increase to ~27-30 kOhm.

If the indicators do not change, the sensor must be replaced.

⚠️ Attention: In refrigerators Indesit with electronic control (series ITF, BIAA) with Replacing the temperature sensor may require flashing the board. Without this, the new sensor will give incorrect readings.

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

Freon is a refrigerant that circulates through the refrigerator system and provides cooling. Leakage can occur due to corrosion of tubes (especially in older models Indesit before 2010), mechanical damage or manufacturing defects. The main symptom is the compressor works without stopping, but there is no cold.

Other symptoms of freon leak:

• 🔊 Compressor humming louder than usual, but the refrigerator does not freeze;
• 🧊 Condenser (grid on the back wall) remains cold (normally it should heat up);
• 💧 Appears under the refrigerator oily puddle (freon is mixed with oil from the compressor).

It is impossible to eliminate the leak on your own - special equipment is required to evacuate the system and refill freon. However, you can check for leaks using a soap solution:

1. Unplug the refrigerator and move it away from the wall.
2. Apply soap solution to all pipe connections (especially in solder areas).
3. If bubbles appear, there is a leak.

⚠️ Attention: If the leak occurs in the foamed part of the refrigerator (for example, in the wall), repairs may be unprofitable - the technician will have to open the case, and this often costs more than a new refrigerator.

4. Problems with the compressor: why it doesn’t cool

The compressor is the “heart” of the refrigerator, which pumps freon through the system. In models Indesit most often there are three problems with the compressor:

1. Interturn short circuit — the compressor hums, but does not start (or works for 5-10 seconds and turns off);
2. Wear of the piston group —the compressor works, but does not creates the required pressure (the refrigerator freezes slightly);
3. Motor jammed —the compressor shows no signs of life, the protection is triggered.

To diagnose the compressor:

• 🔧 Turn off the refrigerator and remove the back cover.
• 📊 Check the resistance of the windings with a multimeter:
  • Between contacts C (common) and S (start) - ~20-30 Ohm;
  • Between C and R (run) - ~10-15 Ohm;
  • Between S and R —the sum of the two previous values.
• ⚡ If the resistance is 0 or ∞ - the winding is burned out.

In refrigerators Indesit with an inverter compressor (series ITF), an error F07is often encountered, which indicates a motor malfunction. In this case, the compressor must be replaced - it cannot be repaired.

Disconnect the refrigerator from the mains

Check the start-up relay (ring the coil)

Measure the resistance of the compressor windings

Rotate the compressor shaft manually (should rotate without jamming)

Check the pressure in the system (a pressure manifold is required)

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5. Incorrect installation of the refrigerator

If the refrigerator Indesit does not freeze well from the moment of installation, the problem may lie in incorrect placement. Here's what is important to check:

• 📏 The gap between the wall and the refrigerator — must be at least 5 cm (for models with a capacitor on the back wall) or 10 cm (for models with No Frost). If the gap is smaller, the heat is not removed and the compressor overheats.
• ☀️ Direct sunlight or close proximity of the battery —increases the temperature in the chamber by 2-3°C. In refrigerators Indesit with an energy consumption class A+ and higher, this can lead to constant operation of the compressor.
• ⚖️ Uneven floor - if the refrigerator is tilted, the door may not close tightly, allowing warm air to pass through. Check the level or place a glass of water on the top cover - if the water overflows, you need to adjust the legs.

In models Indesit with electronic control (for example, Indesit ITF 161), if the compressor overheats, the display may show error F08. In this case, the refrigerator automatically turns off before the motor cools down.

6. Clogged capillary tube

The capillary tube is a thin channel through which freon enters the evaporator. In refrigerators Indesit it often becomes clogged due to moisture getting into the system (for example, when freon is not charged correctly) or exfoliated oil particles. Signs of a blockage:

• ❄️ The freezer is working normally, but the refrigerator compartment does not cool;
• 🔄 The compressor runs without stopping, but the condenser (grid at the back) remains cold;
• 💦 Condensation forms on the back wall of the refrigerator compartment To diagnose a clogged capillary tube, the technician uses a manometric manifold. If the discharge pressure is higher than normal and the suction pressure is lower, this confirms the problem. The blockage is eliminated by purging with nitrogen or replacing the capillary tube..

To diagnose a clogged capillary tube, the technician uses a manometric manifold. If the discharge pressure is higher than normal and the suction pressure is lower, this confirms the problem. The blockage is cleared by purging with nitrogen or replacing the capillary tube.

In refrigerators Indesit with a system No Frost clogging the capillary tube is often accompanied by an error F04 - this indicates problems with circulation refrigerant.

⚠️ Attention: Do not try to clean the capillary tube yourself - without special equipment you risk damaging the system and causing a freon leak. This work requires evacuation and recharging of the refrigerant.

7. Malfunction of the start-up protection relay

The start-up protection relay is responsible for starting the compressor and protecting it from overheating. In refrigerators Indesit it is usually located next to the compressor and is a small black box with wires. Signs of a relay malfunction:

• 🔊 Compressor buzzes, but does not start (relay clicks are heard);
• 🔄 Compressor turns on 1-2 seconds and turns off;
• 💥 When the compressor starts the machine is activated in the electrical panel.

To check the relay:

1. Disconnect the refrigerator from network.
2. Remove the relay from the compressor (usually secured with one screw or latch).
3. Test the relay coil contacts with a multimeter - the resistance should be ~50-100 Ohms.
4. Check the contacts for melting or carbon deposits.

If the relay is faulty, you can replace it yourself - the main thing is to choose an analogue with the same parameters. For refrigerators Indesit relay types are suitable DANFOSS 103N0022, Ranco K59 or Lg 6.3A (depending on the compressor model).

How to choose a replacement for the start-up relay?

On the relay body there is usually a marking, for example:

- Indesit 4812 374 20500 - original relay for models BIA 18, BIAA 13;

- DANFOSS 103N0022 - universal relay for compressors Embraco i Secop;

- Lg 6.3A - suitable for inverter compressors in series ITF.

If there is no marking, take a photo relay and show it in a spare parts store - the seller will help you choose an analogue by appearance and number of contacts.

8. Problems with the door seal

A worn or dirty seal allows warm air into the chamber, causing the compressor to work without stopping. In refrigerators Indesit the seal usually lasts 5-7 years, after which it loses elasticity. Signs of a problem:

• 🔍 You can see on the door a gap between the seal and the body;
• 🧊 Condensation or ice is forming on the walls of the refrigerator data-i="246">📈 The compressor runs;
• 📈 The compressor is running longer than usual (normal work/rest cycle is 1:1).

To check the seal, use test with a sheet of paper:

1. Insert a sheet of paper between the seal and the body.
2. Close the door.
3. Pull the sheet - if it comes out without effort, the seal needs to be replaced.

In models Indesit with a magnetic seal (for example Indesit ITF 119) the problem may lie in the weakening of the magnet. In this case, the seal must be completely replaced - it is impossible to repair it.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about Indesit refrigerators

🔧 Why does the Indesit refrigerator work non-stop, but does not freeze?

This is a typical symptom freon leaks or clogging of the capillary tube. The compressor tries to bring in the cold, but due to a lack of refrigerant or blockage of its circulation, the temperature does not drop. Another possible reason is thermostat malfunction, which does not turn off the compressor. For diagnostics, check:

• Condenser temperature (should heat up);
• Presence ice on the evaporator (for models No Frost);
• Temperature sensor resistance (for electronic models).

If the compressor is hot, but there is no cold, there is most likely a freon leak.

❄️ Why is there ice in the freezer, but warm in the refrigerator?

This problem is typical for refrigerators with one compressor and two cooling circuits (for example, Indesit BIA 18). Reasons:

1. Clogged capillary tube refrigeration compartment;
2. Faulty magnetic valvewhich switches cold between chambers;
3. Freon leak in the refrigeration compartment circuit.

In models with No Frost to blame blocked fan - defrost the refrigerator for 24 hours.

💡 How to reset error F04 on an Indesit refrigerator?

Error F04 indicates problems with refrigerant circulation (clogged capillary tube, freon leak or compressor malfunction). To reset the error:

1. Turn off the refrigerator. from the network for 10 minutes;
2. Turn it back on - if the error appears again, diagnostics is needed;
3. For models with a display (for example, Indesit ITF 161) press and hold the button Super Cool 5 seconds.

If the reset did not help - contact the service.

🔌 Is it possible to replace the compressor in the Indesit refrigerator yourself?

Theoretically yes, but in practice it is a complex and dangerous procedureYou will need:

• Special equipment for evacuating the system;
• Refilling freon (type R134a or R600a, depending on the model);
• Soldering copper tubes (risk of leakage).

Without experience, you risk damaging the new compressor or causing a freon leak. The average cost of replacing a compressor in the service is from 7,000 ₽ (including refills).

🛠️ How much does it cost to repair an Indesit refrigerator?

The cost depends on the type of fault (prices are valid for 2026):

Type of repair	Cost (₽)
Replacing the thermostat	1 500 — 2 500
Replacing the start-up relay	1 200 — 2 000
Eliminating freon leakage + refilling	4 500 — 8 000
Replacing the compressor	7 000 — 12 000
Replacing the door seal	2 000 — 3 500

In regions, prices may differ by 15-20%. The technician will tell you the exact cost after diagnosis.