Situation, when Indesit refrigerator stops turning off and works without interruption, is familiar to many owners of this equipment. In normal mode, the unit should periodically stop, allowing the motor to rest and the temperature inside the chambers to stabilize. If the compressor hums for days on end, this is a sure sign of a serious malfunction in the cooling or control system.
Ignoring this problem can lead to overheating of the engine, its complete failure and spoilage of food. Indesit, like any other equipment, has its own resource, but often breakdowns occur long before its expiration due to external factors or wear of individual components. Understanding why this happens will help you make the right decision: call a technician or try to fix the problem yourself.
In this article we will analyze in detail the main reasons for continuous operation, diagnostic methods and troubleshooting methods. It is important not to panic, but to check each component sequentially in order to accurately determine the source of the problem.
The main reasons for the continuous operation of the compressor
The most obvious, but often ignored reason is a violation of the tightness of the circuit. If warm air from the outside enters the chamber, temperature sensor records an increase and commands the motor to work more intensely. In models Indesit with a No Frost system, this may be due to a loose door or a damaged seal.
Another common scenario is a refrigerant leak. When the amount of freon in the system decreases, the cooling efficiency decreases. The compressor tries to compensate for the lack of cold by constant operation, but cannot achieve the specified parameters. This is one of the most dangerous situations, since the motor can burn out from overload.
It is also worth considering the influence of external factors. If the refrigerator is located next to the battery, in direct sunlight or in a niche without ventilation, heat exchange is disrupted. Condenser does not have time to cool down, and the system operates in emergency mode.
⚠️ Attention: If you notice that the rear grill of the refrigerator hot, but warm inside, but the motor hums constantly - this may indicate a clogged capillary tube or a freon leak. Do not try to repair the circulation system without special equipment.
Malfunctions of the thermostat and sensors
In classic models Indesit with electromechanical control, the thermostat is responsible for turning the motor on and off. This device measures the temperature in the evaporator and opens the electrical circuit when the required values are reached. If the contacts of the thermostat are “stuck” or the sensitive element has lost its properties, the circuit will not break and the compressor will work endlessly.
In more modern models with electronic control, the control function is performed temperature sensors (thermistors). They transmit data to the control module, which in turn controls the compressor relay. Failure of any of the sensors (chamber, evaporator, defrost) can lead to erroneous commands and continuous operation.
Diagnostics of the thermostat is possible at home. To do this, you need to remove it and check the contacts with a tester in dial mode. When the temperature of the sensing tube changes, the contacts should click. If there is no click or the contacts ring constantly, the part requires replacement.
Problems with the refrigerant and circulation system
A freon leak is not just a loss of gas, it is a change in the physics of the entire system. In refrigeration circuit a certain pressure must be maintained. When gas escapes through microcracks (often in the foamed part of the housing or in soldering areas), the compressor works hard, trying to create the necessary pressure, but to no avail.
Another problem is a clogged capillary tube. Clots may form in the oil and freon circulation system, clogging the narrow channel. This creates an “air lock” effect: the compressor pumps, but the refrigerant does not circulate. The pressure at the inlet of the compressor drops and it does not turn off.
To eliminate these problems, professional intervention is required. The technician must find the location of the leak or blockage, eliminate it, evacuate the system and fill Indesit with new freon in a strictly defined quantity.
Wear of the compressor and start relay
Itself compressor may also be the culprit of the problem. Over time, the piston group wears out, the rings lose their tightness, and engine performance drops. It continues to work, but does not create enough pressure to turn off the sensor.
The starting relay is a device that starts the motor and protects it from overloads. If the relay is faulty, it may not open the start winding circuit or may continuously supply voltage to the compressor even when it is not needed. In older models Indesit relays often fail due to voltage surges.
Checking the relay is carried out by visual inspection (for carbon deposits, melting) and testing the contacts. Replacing this part is one of the simplest and cheapest procedures in refrigerator repair.
Symptoms of a compressor malfunction
If the motor gets very hot, hums with a metallic tint or vibrates more than usual, and does not turn off, the resource of the piston group is probably exhausted. In this case, it is easier and cheaper to replace the entire compressor than to try to repair it.
The influence of the No Frost mode and the defrost system
In refrigerators Indesit 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, a “coat” of ice builds up on the evaporator. The air stops circulating, the temperature in the chamber rises, and the motor runs without stopping.
Visually this may not be noticeable, since the evaporator is hidden behind a plastic panel. However, if you remove the back wall of the freezer, you can see a monolith of ice. In this case, the refrigerator requires complete defrosting (at least 24 hours) and repair of the defrost unit.
Often owners confuse the symptoms: the refrigerator hums, but does not freeze. This is a classic sign that the evaporator is clogged with ice and does not release cold, although the compressor is working hard.
⚠️ Attention: Do not try to chip the ice from the evaporator with a knife or sharp objects! You can puncture thin evaporator tubes, which will lead to an immediate leak of freon and expensive repairs.
Diagnostics and fault table
To make it easier to find the cause, we have compiled a table that will help compare symptoms with probable breakdowns. Please note that an accurate diagnosis can only be made by a specialist using a pressure gauge manifold and a leak detector.
| Symptom | Probable cause | Difficulty of repair |
|---|---|---|
| Compressor is hot, no cold | Freon leak or blockage | High (requires a technician) |
| The engine hums, but does not start | Faulty starting relay | Low (can yourself) |
| The refrigerator does not turn off, but freezes | Thermostat/sensor is faulty | Medium |
| Ice on the back wall of the freezer | System failure defrosting (No Frost) | Medium/High |
| Continuous operation after defrosting | Loss of seal tightness | Low (seal replacement) |
Using this table, you can preliminary assess the scale of the disaster. If the problem lies in the electrics (relay, thermostat), you can often solve it yourself. If the problem is in the circuit (freon, compressor), it is better not to take risks.
Procedure for detecting a malfunction
If you find that your Indesit does not turn off, do not rush to disassemble the unit. Do a basic check first. Make sure the doors close tightly and the seals are clean and flexible. Check to see if the refrigerator is too close to the wall or heat sources.
Try to defrost the refrigerator completely. Leave it turned off with the doors open for a day. This will help prevent the formation of ice plugs in the No Frost system. If, after switching on, the operating mode returns to normal, the problem was in the ice.
If simple measures do not help, proceed to a more in-depth diagnosis. You will need a multimeter and, possibly, new replacement parts.
☑️ Primary diagnostic checklist
When you need to call a technician
There are situations when self-repair inappropriate or dangerous. If diagnostics require opening the foamed part of the housing, finding a freon leak or replacing the compressor is a job for professionals. Specialized tools and soldering skills are necessary here.
It is also worth contacting service if the situation has not changed after replacing the thermostat or relay. This indicates a more complex malfunction in the electronic module or hydraulic system. An attempt to charge freon yourself without evacuation of the system is guaranteed to result in a breakdown of the compressor within several months.
Remember that timely repairs are cheaper than buying a new refrigerator. Do not bring the equipment to a state where repairs become economically unfeasible.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
How long should an Indesit refrigerator work and how long should it rest?
In normal mode, the operating cycle is approximately 15-20 minutes of work and 20-40 minutes of rest. The working time ratio is usually around 40-50%. If the refrigerator runs for 50 minutes and sits for 10 minutes, this is already a sign of overload.
Is it possible to operate the refrigerator if it does not turn off?
For a short time, it is possible, but not for long. Constant operation leads to overheating of the compressor windings and melting of the insulation. As a result, the motor will burn out. In addition, food can spoil due to incorrect temperature conditions.
Why did the refrigerator start working continuously after defrosting?
Perhaps there is ice left in the system that did not have time to melt, or during the defrosting process you damaged the tube or sensor. The cause may also be moisture getting on the thermostat contacts. Let the unit stand turned off for another 10-12 hours.
Replacing the thermostat will solve the problem if the refrigerator does not freeze?
Only if the reason is a stuck contact. If it doesn’t freeze due to a freon leak, replacing the thermostat will not help - the motor will run forever, but there will be no cold. We need comprehensive diagnostics.
Is it dangerous that the compressor is very hot?
Yes, it is dangerous. The normal temperature of the housing of a working compressor is up to 70-80°C (the hand is tolerable, but it hurts to hold). If the body is hot to such an extent that the water hisses or cannot be touched, overheating occurs and the motor may jam.