The situation when the refrigerator Indesit stops freezing in the freezer always takes you by surprise. Products begin to melt, and a puddle appears on the shelves, which indicates serious problems with the cooling system. The owner is faced with the need to urgently save supplies and look for the cause of the malfunction in order to avoid expensive repairs.
Modern models, whether Indesit C 132 G or older series, work on a similar principle, but have their own design features. Most often, the problem lies not in the food product itself, but in a technical failure of one of the units of the unit. Understanding how the refrigeration circuitworks will help you quickly determine the source of the problem.
In this article we will analyze in detail the main reasons why Indesit stopped freezing, and we will tell you what actions you can perform yourself, and when it is better to call a specialist. It is important not to panic and consistently check all possible options, starting with the simplest ones.
Primary diagnostics: simple reasons and settings
Before sounding the alarm and looking for a service center phone number, it is worth eliminating trivial operating errors. It often happens that the refrigerator Indesit is working properly, but operates in an incorrect mode due to lost settings or incorrect loading. Thermoregulator could have been accidentally dislodged, or the door does not fit tightly due to adhered ice.
Check whether the air circulation channels inside the chamber are blocked. If you have just loaded a large amount of warm food, the system takes time to get up to operating mode. In models with the system No Frost it is important that the ventilation holes are not clogged with bags or containers.
⚠️ Attention: If you notice that the rubber seal on the freezer door is dirty or deformed, clean it or replace it immediately. A loose fit leads to constant entry of warm air, causing the compressor to wear out and the freezer not to freeze.
Make sure that the appliance is installed level. If Indesit is skewed, the self-closing door mechanism may not work. Use a building level to check that the installation is level. It is also worth listening: does the compressor work at all compressor and whether the sound of the fan is heard.
⚠️ Attention: The design of door hinges and the tightness of the seals may vary depending on the specific series Indesit. We recommend checking the technical features of your model in the official user manual, as adjustment nuances may change.
Sometimes the problem is solved by simple defrosting. If a “fur coat” has formed in the chamber, this blocks heat transfer. Unplug the device and leave it open for at least 12-14 hours. This will allow the ice to completely melt and the system to thaw.
Malfunctions of the No Frost defrosting system
If, after completely defrosting, the refrigerator Indesit stops freezing again after a couple of days, the problem most likely lies in the automatic defrosting system. In units with No Frost the evaporator is hidden behind a plastic panel, and the ice on it is not visible to the eye. However, its excess blocks the cold air supply channels.
Several key elements are responsible for the defrosting process: Evaporator heating element, a defrost sensor and a timer (or electronic control module). If at least one of them fails, the ice does not melt, builds up as a block and blocks the operation of the fan. As a result, the cold simply does not enter the chamber.
How to check the heating element with a multimeter?
To check the heating element, you need to remove the back panel in the freezer, get to the heater and ring its contacts. The resistance of a working heating element is usually from 200 to 400 Ohms. If the device shows a break (one on the left on the screen) or zero, the element is faulty.
A frequent breakdown is the burnout of the heating element. In this case, the ice on the evaporator does not melt at all. The defrost sensor may also get stuck, which “thinks” that the temperature is already high and does not turn on the heating. Electronics Indesit in such cases often gives an error, blinking indicators.
To replace elements of the defrosting system, partial disassembly of the freezer will be required. It is necessary to remove the back wall, free the evaporator from ice (carefully without damaging the tubes!) and install new parts. This is a more complex repair that requires skills in working with power tools.
☑️ Diagnostics of the No Frost system
Refrigerant leakage: signs and consequences
One of the most unpleasant reasons, why Indesit doesn’t freeze, there is a leak freon. The refrigerant circulates in a closed circuit, and if a microcrack appears in the system, the gas gradually evaporates. Without a sufficient amount of freon, heat transfer is impossible, and the temperature in the chamber rises.
Leakage can occur anywhere: in sealed condenser tubes, in the evaporator, or even in solder joints. This often happens due to metal corrosion, especially if the refrigerator is located in a damp room or in a kitchen with an aggressive environment. Also, the tubes can be damaged mechanically by inaccurate defrosting with a knife.
| Symptom | Description of the symptom | Probability |
|---|---|---|
| Compressor humming | The motor runs constantly, not turning off | High |
| Temperature | The freezer is above -9°C, the main chamber is warm | High |
| Appearance | Blisters on the walls, oily spots at the back | Medium |
| Frost | Uneven freezing of the evaporator (pieces) | High |
It is difficult to diagnose a leak visually; it often requires the use of a leak detector or a soap solution with the casing removed. If you heard a characteristic hissing sound or felt a specific smell (although modern freon often does not smell), this is an alarming signal.
It is almost impossible to fix the leak and refill the refrigerator yourself Indesit . Special equipment is required: a vacuum pump, a pressure gauge station and scales for accurate gas dosing. In addition, you need to find the leak and solder it.
Problems with the compressor and start relay
Compressor is the heart of the refrigerator Indesit. It is he who pumps freon through the system. If the engine hums but does not start, or clicks and then immediately stops, the problem may be with the start relay or the engine itself. The relay is responsible for supplying a starting pulse and protection against overloads.
A common situation: you hear a loud click, then the hum lasts 5-10 seconds, and again there is a click - the motor stalls. This is a classic symptom of a faulty start relay or a stuck compressor. In the first case, the repair is inexpensive and simple, in the second, replacement of an expensive unit is required.
You can check the relay by carefully removing it from the compressor contacts and shaking it. If you hear the sound of broken glass or ceramics inside, the part definitely needs to be replaced. You can also “ring” the relay with a resistance tester. For models Indesit relays of the series R6 or R600.
⚠️ are often used. Attention: Before any manipulations with the electrical part of the refrigerator, be sure to unplug the power cord from the outlet! Electric shock when checking a relay or compressor under voltage is deadly.
If the compressor hums smoothly, but there is no cold, it may have lost performance (valve group wear). In this case, pressure is not created in the system and freon does not circulate. This can only be determined by a pressure gauge by connecting it to the service pipe.
Clogged capillary tube
Another technical reason why Indesit does not freeze is clogging of the capillary tube. This is a thin copper pipeline where the refrigerant is throttled. If there is moisture in the system, it turns into an ice plug exactly in the narrowest place, blocking the freon flow.
Also, the blockage can be caused by oil oxidation products or dirt from poor-quality previous repairs. The symptoms are similar to a leak: the compressor works, but there is no cold. However, if there is a blockage, you can often notice that the condenser (grid at the back) is only partially hot or, on the contrary, cold.
To remove the blockage, technicians use high-pressure nitrogen pressing or use a special cleaning liquid. This procedure cannot be performed at home without professional equipment. Attempts to warm the tube with a hairdryer can help temporarily if the plug is icy, but will not eliminate the cause of moisture ingress.
It is important to understand that the presence of moisture in the system is the result of a violation of the filling technology or a long-term leak. Therefore, after cleaning, it is necessary to evacuate the system for a long time (at least 30-40 minutes) to remove water vapor.
Malfunction of the thermostat or control module
In older models Indesit mechanical thermostatis responsible for the temperature. This is a device with a capillary tube that senses the temperature in the chamber. If the thermostat is “stuck” in the “Off” position or its contacts have oxidized, the signal to start the compressor is simply not received.
In modern models with electronic control (Indesit Full No Frost), the thermostat function is performed by temperature sensors (thermistors). They transmit data to the electronic control module. If the sensor is lying or breaks, the “brains” of the refrigerator may think that there is cold, and not turn on the motor, or display an error on the display.
You can check a mechanical thermostat by closing its contacts directly (temporarily!). If the refrigerator is working, the thermostat is at fault. With electronic sensors it is more difficult: you need to know their resistance at a certain temperature and compare it with the readings of a multimeter. Resistance tables differ for different models Indesit.
The most difficult case is the failure of the control module itself. If moisture gets on the board or a power surge occurs, it may no longer control the compressor and fans correctly. Repairing the module requires knowledge of electronics and soldering SMD components.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Why does the Indesit freezer work, but the main compartment does not?
Most often this indicates a freon leak or blockage. The refrigerant passes through the freezer first, so it stays cold longer. There may also be a problem in the system No Frost: if the air supply channel from the freezer to the main compartment is frozen, the cold simply does not flow there.
How long should Indesit defrost last?
To completely melt the ice and evaporate moisture from hard-to-reach places, it is recommended to leave the refrigerator turned off with the doors open doors for at least 12, and preferably 24 hours. Short-term defrosting of 2-3 hours is often insufficient for systems. No Frost.
Is it possible to operate a refrigerator if it does not freeze?
It is strictly not recommended. If the cause is a freon leak, the compressor will run non-stop, trying to gain temperature, and will burn out from overheating in a few hours or days. This will turn an inexpensive repair into a compressor replacement.
What does a flashing alarm indicator mean on Indesit?
A flashing indicator (often red) signals that the temperature in the chamber has risen above the permissible limit. This can happen either after loading warm products or during a malfunction. If after defrosting and checking the settings the indicator continues to blink, diagnostics of the sensors is required.