The situation when you open the door refrigerator Indesit and see a light bulb on, but there is warmth inside, and the characteristic hum of the motor is not heard, is familiar to many owners of this equipment. There is light, which means that electricity is supplied to the network, the socket is working, and the power cord is intact. However, the absence of cold when the lighting is working indicates that the circuit is broken precisely in the place responsible for starting the Indesit refrigerator compressor. Such a malfunction cannot be ignored, since defrosting of food occurs quickly, and further attempts to turn on the device can lead to more serious damage. Most often, the problem lies in one of the elements of the starting or engine control system. In this article we will analyze in detail the main reasons why compressor.
Such a malfunction cannot be ignored, since defrosting of food occurs quickly, and further attempts to turn on the device can lead to more serious damage. Most often, the problem lies in one of the elements of the starting or engine control system. In this article we will examine in detail the main reasons why unit is silent, and how to carry out an initial diagnosis.
The first thing to do is listen. If, after plugging in, you hear a quiet click, followed by a hum that lasts a few seconds, and then another click and silence, this is a classic symptom of a startup attempt. If there is absolute silence and the engine doesn’t even try to twitch, the circle of suspects narrows down to thermostat or wiring. Let's look at each possibility in detail.
Malfunction of the starting relay and starting capacitor
One of the most common reasons why Indesit refrigerator stops freezing when the lamp is on is the failure of the starting relay This small black or white box, attached to the compressor housing, is responsible for providing the impulse to start the engine. Inside it there is a coil and contacts that can burn or stick over time.
If the relay is faulty, it simply does not close the circuit of the motor winding, and the compressor remains motionless, although current continues to flow to the light bulb unhindered. Some models also use a starting capacitor, which helps the engine gain speed. Its breakdown also leads to the fact that the motor hums, but does not start, or is completely silent.
⚠️ Attention: Before removing the relay, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply! A residual charge may remain inside the device, and careless handling of electrical components is dangerous.
To check the relay, it must be carefully removed from the compressor contacts. Often it is enough to simply shake it near your ear: if it rattles inside like a rattle, then the mechanism is damaged and requires replacement. Also inspect the contacts for carbon deposits - black color indicates that sparking has disrupted the conductivity.
Problems with the thermostat (thermostat)
The thermostat is the “brain” that decides when to turn the compressor on and off based on the temperature inside the chambers. If this device fails and its contacts open, the electric current simply does not reach the engine, although there is enough to illuminate the circuit. As a result, the light is on and the refrigerator does not work.
With a mechanical control, the thermostat is usually located inside the refrigerator compartment or behind a plastic panel. You can check it by shorting the two wires coming from it directly (temporarily!). If after this procedure the compressor hums and the cold starts, then the culprit has been found - the thermostat needs to be replaced. Indesit models With a mechanical control, the thermostat is usually located inside the refrigerator compartment or behind a plastic panel. You can check it by shorting the two wires coming from it directly (temporarily!). If after this procedure the compressor hums and it gets cold, then the culprit has been found - the thermostat needs to be replaced.
Modern models can be equipped with an electronic control module, where the role of a thermostat is performed by a temperature sensor (thermistor). In this case, a breakdown of the sensor or a break in the wire going to it leads to the fact that the module “thinks” that the temperature is normal and does not give a start command.
How to distinguish a mechanical thermostat from an electronic one?
A mechanical thermostat has an adjustment knob with numbers from 1 to 5 or 7. Electronic control implies the presence of a display on the door or panels where the temperature is set in degrees Celsius. In electronic models, the “thermostat” is controlled by a board, and diagnostics require calling a technician with a tester.
The compressor or its windings burned out
The most unpleasant scenario is the failure of the compressor itself. The engine can burn out due to a power surge, prolonged operation in extreme conditions, or simply due to exhaustion. If the winding burns out, the current stops passing through the motor, and it does not respond to the supply of voltage, while the lighting circuit remains intact.
You can diagnose this at home using a multimeter. It is necessary to “ring” the motor windings for resistance and breakdown to the housing. If the device shows infinity (open) or, conversely, zero (short circuit), the compressor is faulty. Also a sign may be a specific burning smell emanating from the motor.
Replacing a compressor is a complex technical procedure that requires a vacuum pump, freon and special tools for soldering copper tubes. It is almost impossible and dangerous to carry out this repair on your own without experience and equipment.
| Symptom | Probable cause | Difficulty of repair | Need for a technician |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clicking, buzzing 5-10 sec, silence | Compressor or relay jammed | Average | Desirable |
| Complete silence, lamp on | Thermostat or open circuit | Low | No (often) |
| Burning smell, no reaction | Burnt motor winding | High | Yes, definitely |
| The motor hums, but does not start | Start relay or capacitor | Low | No |
Control module malfunction (for No Frost models)
V refrigerators Indesit No Frost an electronic control module is responsible for the operation of all systems. This is a “computer” that receives signals from sensors and gives the command to turn on the compressor. If the triac on the board that controls the motor burns out, or a track breaks, the motor will not start, even if all other components are working.
Often the cause of module failure is voltage drops in the network or moisture ingress. Visually, traces of burning, swollen capacitors or blackening may be visible on the board. However, even if the board is externally intact, a failure could occur inside the microcircuits.
⚠️ Attention: Repairing electronic boards requires deep knowledge in radio electronics. Attempts at soldering without the appropriate experience can lead to the complete failure of an expensive module.
Diagnostics of the module is usually carried out by the method of elimination: all sensors and actuators are checked, and if they are normal, and the command is not received, the “brains” of the refrigerator are at fault. In some cases, flashing helps, but more often the entire board needs to be replaced.
Mechanical jamming of the compressor
Sometimes the electrical part of the engine is working properly, current is supplied to the windings, but the motor cannot start due to a mechanical blockage. The piston group inside the compressor may have jammed due to oil production, foreign particles, or wear of parts. In this case, the engine tries to start, hums, but physically cannot turn over.
There is a popular method of “reanimating” a jammed compressor by applying increased voltage directly to the starting winding, but this method is extremely risky. Success is about 50%, and the probability of finally finishing off the unit or starting a fire is very high.
If the compressor is jammed tightly, the only way out is to replace it. It is impossible to operate the refrigerator with a blocked motor, as it will consume huge current, overheat the wiring and can lead to a fire.
☑️ Primary diagnostics of the refrigerator
Operation errors and external factors
Before you panic and look for replacement parts, it is worth eliminating trivial errors. Sometimes the refrigerator Indesit does not turn on because it was installed or configured incorrectly. For example, if the temperature control is accidentally turned to the “0” or “Off” position, the compressor will not work, although the light will light up.
It is also important to consider the operating conditions. If the refrigerator has just been brought from the cold or after horizontal transportation, it needs time (from 2 to 24 hours) to adapt the oil in the compressor. Switching on earlier than this may result in water hammer and breakdown.
Check that the door is tightly fitted. Some models have a door opening sensor that blocks the start of the compressor if the system “thinks” that the door is open (although usually in this case the indicator lights up and the operation is not completely blocked, but there are exceptions).
When it is necessary to call a technician
Despite the possibility of self-diagnosis, there are situations when professional intervention is inevitable. If you've checked the outlet, thermostat and relay, but the refrigerator is still silent, there's likely a deeper problem. Especially if we are talking about a system No Frost or an inverter compressor.
A master is needed if opening the refrigeration circuit is required (replacing the compressor, filter drier, eliminating freon leaks). These jobs require licenses, special equipment and skills. Attempts to do this yourself will lead to loss of warranty and damage to property.
Also, calling a specialist is justified if you do not have the skills to work with a multimeter and electrical circuits. Incorrect diagnosis can lead to the purchase of unnecessary spare parts and loss of time.
Why does the refrigerator buzz for 5 seconds and turn off?
This is a classic sign of a faulty start relay or an attempt to start a jammed compressor. The motor receives an impulse and begins to move, but due to a mechanical obstacle or lack of starting torque, the protection opens the circuit. The relay needs to be replaced or the motor repaired.
Is it possible to temporarily operate a refrigerator with a non-working thermostat?
Technically, it is possible if you manually turn it on and off from the outlet as needed. However, this is inconvenient and unsafe, since you can forget to turn off the device, and the food will freeze, or, conversely, spoil. It is better to replace a cheap thermostat right away.
How much does it cost to replace a compressor with Indesit?
The cost consists of the price of a new engine, the work of a technician, the cost of freon and consumables. On average, this is a significant portion of the price of a new refrigerator. It is often more economically feasible to buy new equipment if the old one is more than 10 years old.
The light is on, but the fan does not work - what is it?
In No Frost systems, this may mean a breakdown of the blower fan itself or a malfunction of its power supply circuit. In this case, the compressor can work, but the cold does not enter the chamber due to the lack of air circulation. Check if the evaporator is frozen.