The situation when the refrigerator Indesit after defrosting or disconnecting from the network does not start for a long time is one of the most stressful for the owner. Normal pause before restarting the compressor is usually from 10 to 20 minutes, which is due to need equalizing pressure in the system and cooling the motor windings. If this interlude lasts for several hours or the device is completely silent, emitting only quiet clicks, this indicates a malfunction of critical components.
In most cases, the problem lies not in a breakdown of the motor itself, but in a malfunction of the controls or starting valves. The brand's refrigeration equipment Indesit is famous for its reliability, but electronics and mechanical sensors wear out over time. Understanding the physics of the process helps to quickly localize the fault and avoid costly repairs that may be required if the first symptoms are ignored.
The first thing to do is to conduct a visual inspection and initial diagnostics. Often the cause of the delay is a simple lack of power or a malfunction of the thermostat. Do not rush to call a technicianuntil you rule out the simple options described in this guide. A careful analysis of accompanying signs, such as light in the chamber or characteristic sounds, will help determine the vector of further actions.
The principle of operation of the compressor protection system
To understand why the refrigerator Indesit “thinks” for a long time before starting, you need to understand the work of his heart - the compressor. This is a sealed unit that does not like sudden pressure changes. After stopping the engine, high discharge pressure remains in the system. If you start the piston group instantly, the engine will not be able to overcome the resistance and will burn out. That is why a delay timer is built into the design, which blocks the start until the condition is normalized. thermal relay and a delay timer that block the launch until the state returns to normal.
In models with a system No Frost or static cooling, this process is controlled by a thermostat or an electronic module. They read the temperature in the evaporator and give a start command only when the refrigerant has been completely redistributed throughout the circuit. If this cycle is disrupted, for example, due to sticking contacts or oxidation of the board, the refrigerator will wait indefinitely.
⚠️ Attention: Attempts to artificially speed up the start-up by frequently plugging it in and out of the socket can lead to failure of the start relay and burnout of the compressor windings.
Modern inverter models Indesit use more complex soft start algorithms. Here the delay may be software, set by the manufacturer to save the life of parts. However, even in such cases, the pause rarely exceeds 30 minutes in normal operation.
Why does the compressor hum, but does not start?
If you hear a hum, but it does not start, it means that the starting relay is trying to start the motor, but cannot. This often indicates an interturn short circuit or jamming of the piston group.
Malfunctions of the thermostat and temperature sensors
One of the most common reasons why the refrigerator Indesit does not turn on for a long time is the failure of the thermostat. This mechanical or electronic sensor is responsible for monitoring the temperature inside the chambers. If its contacts have oxidized or the capillary tube has lost sensitivity, the “brain” of the refrigerator simply does not receive a signal that it is time to start cooling.
In older mechanically controlled models, the thermostat is a device with a bellows. Over time, the gas inside the bellows may evaporate or the spring may weaken. As a result, the contacts do not close and the compressor power circuit remains open. In electronic models Indesit thermal sensors are responsible for this function, which may give incorrect resistance readings.
Diagnostics of the thermostat requires care. For mechanical models, the exclusion method is often used: the contacts are closed directly. If after this procedure the refrigerator starts immediately, it means that the regulator is faulty and requires replacement. However, this method is only suitable for a temporary check.
- 🔍 Symptoms: The chamber is warm, the light is on, but the compressor is silent or runs non-stop without turning off.
- 🛠️ Check: It is necessary to ring the thermostat contacts with a multimeter in ohmmeter mode at different temperatures.
- ❄️ Nuance: In two-chamber models Indesit there may be two sensors: one for the refrigerator compartment, the other for the freezer.
It is important to consider that in refrigerators with a system No Frost The temperature sensor is often located in the air duct. If it is covered with a layer of frost or dirt, its readings will be distorted, which will lead to incorrect operation of the entire unit.
Problems with the starting relay and protective device
The start relay is a small but critical element that is located directly on the compressor housing. Its task is to apply a powerful impulse to the starting winding of the engine at the moment of start and turn it off after gaining speed. If the relay is faulty, the refrigerator Indesit may hum for a long time, click, but never start, or turn on with a long delay after cooling.
Inside the relay there is an inductance coil or a posistor (thermistor), which degrade over time. A posistor may lose its properties and not provide the necessary initial resistance, which is why no current flows to the starting winding. Mechanical relays with a coil often suffer from burnt contacts, which creates a high contact resistance.
A protective thermal relay, which is often combined with a starting one, is designed to turn off the compressor when it overheats. If the bimetallic strip inside it is deformed, it can open the circuit prematurely, preventing the motor from even trying to start. Cooling down of such a relay takes time, which creates the illusion of a long switch-on.
⚠️ Attention: When replacing a starting relay, it is important to choose a model with exactly the same electrical characteristics as the original. Installing an unsuitable relay can lead to the compressor burning out.
You can check the functionality of the relay by gently shaking it near your ear. If you hear ringing or rolling parts inside, it means the mechanism is destroyed. The condition of the contacts is also visually assessed: black carbon deposits indicate a breakdown.
Refrigerant leak and capillary blockage system
If the technical components are working properly, but the refrigerator Indesit still does not start or works with very long pauses, the problem may lie in a violation of the tightness of the circuit. A freon leak causes the pressure in the system to drop below a critical level. The thermostat “sees” that the temperature is not decreasing and gives a command to work, but the pressure sensor (if there is one) or the compressor itself cannot start the cycle.
Clogged capillary tube is another common cause. Oil circulates in the system, which oxidizes over time, or moisture gets in there, forming ice plugs. This creates resistance that the compressor cannot overcome when starting. As a result, the thermal protection is triggered, and after cooling the cycle is repeated.
Diagnostics of leaks at home is difficult, as it requires special equipment - a leak detector or a soap solution to search for micro-holes. Often leaks occur in the foamed parts of the housing or in the places where the capacitor is soldered.
| Symptom | Freon leakage | System clogged | Normal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Compressor operation | Hums, but does not start or works without stopping | Starts with difficulty, turns off quickly | Works cyclically, without overheating |
| Condenser temperature | Cold or warm partially | Hot to the point of blockage, then cold | Evenly warm along the entire length |
| Sounds | Hissing (sometimes) | Gurgling, bubbling | Uniform hum |
| Idle time | May not turn on at all | Long pause before restarting | 10-20 minutes |
It is important to note that self-refueling refrigerator Indesit freon is impossible without a vacuum pump and scales. Attempts to “add gas” through a puncture often lead to the final failure of the equipment.
Failures in the electronic control module
In modern models Indesit with electronic control (display on the door), the main control module is responsible for turning on the compressor. This is the “brain” of the refrigerator, which processes signals from all sensors. If the compressor control triac on the board burns out or there is a failure in the firmware, the start command may simply not be received.
Often the reason for a long turn-on is a power surge in the network. Electronics Indesit are sensitive to changes, and the protective elements on the board may go into standby or blocking mode. In some cases, a complete reset helps by disconnecting from the network for 15-20 minutes.
Oxidation of the contacts of the connector going from the module to the compressor can also create high resistance. The current passes, but its strength is not enough to reliably start the engine. A visual inspection of the board often reveals blackened tracks or swollen capacitors.
- ⚡ Symptoms: Errors may appear on the display, or, conversely, the screen goes blank when trying to start.
- 🔌 Action: Check the integrity of the wires going to the module and the absence of traces rodents.
- 💧 Risk: Moisture that gets on the board (for example, from melt water) causes a short circuit of the tracks.
Repairing the electronic module requires the qualifications of a radio engineer. It is often cheaper and more reliable to replace the entire board with an original or compatible one.
Mechanical damage and wear of the compressor
The worst scenario is wear of the compressor itself. Over time, the rubbing parts inside the HDA wear out and compression decreases. The engine tries to start, hums, heats up, but cannot create the necessary pressure. The thermal relay detects overheating and turns off the power. After cooling, history repeats itself.
It is also possible for the piston group to jam. This occurs when running without refrigerant (dry running) or when moisture enters the system, causing corrosion of internal parts. In this state, the motor shaft cannot turn, and the starting relay endlessly tries to move it until it burns out.
You can diagnose a mechanical breakdown by a characteristic sound. If you hear a loud metallic clanging or knocking sound when starting up, followed by a shut-off click, the compressor most likely needs to be replaced. Vibration of the housing can also be excessive.
⚠️ Attention: Operating the refrigerator with a faulty compressor is unacceptable. This can lead to a fire in the wiring or start relay due to constant overloads.
Replacing a compressor is a complex procedure that requires opening the circuit, soldering, vacuuming and refilling. It can only be done efficiently in a service workshop.
☑️ Diagnostics before calling a technician
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
How long should the Indesit refrigerator “rest” after defrosting?
After complete defrosting, the refrigerator Indesit requires 2 to 4 hours to reach operating temperature. However, the compressor itself should start within 15-30 minutes after being plugged into the network. If the startup does not occur for more than an hour, this is a sign of a malfunction.
Is it possible to turn on the refrigerator immediately after transportation?
If the refrigerator was transported in an upright position, 2-3 hours of settling is sufficient. If it was tilted more than 40 degrees or placed on its side, you must wait at least 8-12 hours (or better yet, a day) for the oil to drain into the compressor crankcase. Turning on before this time is guaranteed to lead to water hammer and breakdown.
Why does the refrigerator click but does not turn on?
The click is the sound of the start relay or thermal protector operating. If the clicks are repeated at intervals of several minutes, but there is no start, it means that the starting relay cannot start the motor, or the compressor itself is jammed. Diagnostics of the starting pair is required.
Does the voltage in the network affect the startup time?
Yes, low voltage in the network (below 190-200 Volts) does not allow the compressor to develop sufficient torque to start. In such cases, the refrigerator may hum for a long time, try to start, and then turn off due to protection. It is recommended to use a voltage stabilizer.