The situation when Indesit refrigerator stops turning off is critical for safety products and the durability of the unit itself. In normal operation, the compressor should turn on and off cyclically, maintaining the set temperature inside the chambers. If the motor hums continuously or the rest periods become too short, this indicates a malfunction in the control system or a refrigerant leak.
Long-term operation without breaks leads to overheating of the main components, in particular, the motor windings and the starting relay. Indesitas well as any other technique has a margin of safety, but it is not infinite. Ignoring the problem can lead to expensive repairs or a complete replacement of the compressor, so it is important to quickly identify the source of the problem.
Owners should remember that the cause is not always due to broken parts. Sometimes the failure is caused by external factors: incorrect installation, too low room temperature or a simple ventilation blockage. In this article we will analyze in detail all possible scenarios, from simple settings to complex technical malfunctions, so that you can understand why your refrigerator does not turn off.
Incorrect settings and operating modes
Before sounding the alarm and calling a technician, it is necessary to eliminate the human factor. Often the reason for continuous operation lies in accidentally activated functions or incorrectly set parameters. Modern models Indesit equipped with electronic control, which allows you to set intensive cooling. If you have turned on the "Super Freeze" or "Max Cool" mode, the compressor will work without stopping until you forcefully disable this function.
It is also worth checking the position of the temperature regulator. If the mechanical thermostat slider is moved to the extreme position or the minimum temperature is set in the electronic menu (for example, +2°C or lower), the unit will strive to achieve this value. In hot weather or when fully loaded with warm products, it may not cope with the task, which is why it will not go to rest.
Pay attention to the tightness of the chambers. If the door is not closed tightly or the seal is damaged, warm air constantly flows inside. Sensors detect the temperature increase and instruct the compressor to work harder. Check if there is anything preventing the door from sealing tightly and make sure that the fast cooling mode is turned off.
⚠️ Attention: Prolonged operation in the "Super Freeze" mode (more than 24 hours) can lead to freezing of food and excessive load on the engine. Use this mode only when you need to quickly freeze a large volume of fresh food.
To reset the settings, try unplugging the appliance for 10-15 minutes. This will allow the electronics to reboot and return to factory settings. If, after turning on in standard mode, the problem persists, then the problem is not in the settings.
Wear of the sealing rubber and problems with tightness
One of the most common reasons why Indesit refrigerator does not turn off is a violation of the tightness of the refrigerator or freezer. The rubber seal (cuff) loses elasticity over time, cracks or becomes deformed. Through the resulting cracks, warm air saturated with moisture penetrates into the chambers. The cooling system perceives this as an increase in temperature and forces the compressor to work continuously.
You can check the tightness using a simple visual method or using a sheet of paper. Clamp the sheet with the door around the perimeter: if it falls out or is pulled out without resistance, it means that the seal does not fit in this place. Also, there may be adhered crumbs or dirt on the rubber that interfere with tight closure.
- 🧼 Contamination: Grease and dust on the surface of the cuff reduce adhesion. Wipe the rubber with warm water and a mild detergent.
- 🔥 Deformation: If the rubber “remembers” its bent position, try heating it with a hairdryer and straightening it, pressing it against the body.
- 🔧 Mechanical damage: Cracks and cuts require full replacing the seal, since gluing gives a temporary effect.
In some cases, the problem is solved by adjusting the door hinges. If the door is warped, even a new seal will not provide a tight seal. Check whether the door is level relative to the body.
⚠️ Attention: When replacing the sealing rubber on models Indesit often it is necessary to install a new cuff with a rigid profile. Installing universal rubber bands may not give the desired result due to the design features of the door.
Malfunctions of the thermostat or temperature sensor
The thermostat (in mechanical models) or temperature sensor (in electronically controlled models) is the “brain” that commands the compressor to turn on and off. If this element fails, it may send incorrect signals. For example, the sensor “thinks” that the chamber is still warm and does not open the circuit, forcing the motor to work without interruption.
In mechanical thermostats, contacts often stick or the bellows lose sensitivity. The thermostat capillary tube that runs inside the chamber may be improperly secured or misaligned, causing it to not read the temperature correctly. In electronic systems Indesit sensors (thermistors) may give erroneous resistance readings due to oxidation of contacts or internal break.
Diagnostics of the thermostat at home is possible, but requires caution. You can try to temporarily close the contacts (to check the operation of the compressor) or, conversely, disconnect them. If the compressor continues to hum when the thermostat is turned off, then the problem is not in it, but in the control circuit or the motor itself.
⚠️ Attention: When working with the electrical circuits of the refrigerator, be sure to disconnect the device from the power supply! Careless handling of the wiring may result in a short circuit or electric shock.
If you find that the thermostat is faulty, it must be replaced with a similar one. For models Indesit it is important to select thermostats with a similar temperature range and capillary tube length.
Freon leakage and problems with refrigerant
Refrigerant (freon) leakage is a serious technical malfunction that often leads to continuous operation of the compressor. When the amount of freon in the system decreases, cooling efficiency decreases. The sensors detect that the required temperature has not been reached and force the compressor to work hard, trying to compensate for the lack of refrigerant.
Signs of a leak can be:
1. Weak cooling or its complete absence.
2. Hot side walls of the refrigerator (normally they should be warm, but not hot).
3. Swelling of the inner rear wall of the refrigerator compartment (evaporator location).
4. Periodic clicks when trying to start the compressor.
It is impossible to eliminate the leak on your own, since special equipment is required to find the location of the damage, solder and refuel the system. Attempts to simply add freon without eliminating the cause of the leak will only give a temporary effect.
⚠️ Attention: Freon used in modern refrigerators can be a fire hazard (for example, R600a). Leak detection and refilling work should only be carried out by a qualified specialist with the appropriate equipment.
Leaks often occur in places where tubes are soldered or in the foamed part of the housing (evaporator). If the foamed evaporator is damaged, repair may not be economically feasible, and it is easier to consider installing an external evaporator ("crying") or purchasing a new unit.
Clogged capillary tube or malfunction of the compressor
Another reason why Indesit refrigerator does not turn off is a clogged capillary tubes. In the freon circulation system, this is the narrowest section where the refrigerant changes from liquid to gaseous. Over time, plugs of moisture, oil or decomposition products may form there, which disrupts circulation.
When clogged, the compressor tries to push freon, working with increased load. This leads to severe overheating of the motor and continuous humming. You can distinguish a blockage from a leak by the temperature of the condenser (the grille at the back): if there is a blockage, it will be hot only at the beginning, and then cold.
A malfunction of the compressor itself is also possible. Worn valves inside the engine reduce its performance. The compressor works, but does not create enough pressure to circulate freon effectively. As a result, the temperature in the chambers does not drop and the cycle is not interrupted.
To diagnose these problems, a pressure gauge station is required. The technician connects the device to the service connection and measures the pressure in the system. Normal pressure readings depend on the type of freon used and the ambient temperature.
| Symptom | Possible cause | Characteristic symptom |
|---|---|---|
| The compressor is hot, does not turn off | Freon leak | Weak cooling, wall swelling |
| The compressor hums, but does not start | Motor jammed | Relay clicks, humming 2-3 seconds |
| Condenser is partially hot | Capillary tube clogged | Normal inlet pressure, low outlet pressure |
| The compressor works, but does not cool | Loss performance | Low pressure in both lines |
Influence of external factors and operating conditions
Do not forget that the operation of the refrigerator is influenced by the conditions in which it is located. If Indesit is installed next to heating devices, in direct sunlight or in a niche without proper ventilation, heat transfer deteriorates. The compressor is forced to work longer to compensate for external heating.
Room temperature also plays a role. Most refrigerators are designed to operate at ambient temperatures between +16°C and +32°C. If the room is colder than +10°C (for example, in an unheated country house in winter), the oil in the compressor thickens, and the thermostat may not read the readings correctly, which leads to failures in the cyclic operation.
Loading the refrigerator with warm foods is another factor. If you put a large pot of hot soup in the chamber, the unit will work in intensive mode for several hours until it cools the volume to the set temperature. This is normal, but if such situations are repeated frequently, the service life of the equipment is reduced.
⚠️ Attention: Installing a refrigerator in a niche requires maintaining clearances. The minimum distance to the walls of the niche should be at least 5-7 cm for free air circulation. Violation of this rule leads to overheating of the condenser.
Check whether the back wall of the refrigerator is too close to the wall. The radiator grille must “breathe”. If space is limited, you can use deflectors or move the unit to a more suitable location.
Diagnostics and troubleshooting methods
To determine exactly why The refrigerator does not turn offit is necessary to carry out sequential diagnostics. Start with simple steps: check the settings, door closure tightness and installation conditions. If no visual problems are found, proceed to the technical inspection.
To check the thermostat, you can use the exclusion method. On mechanically controlled models, the thermostat is often located inside the refrigerator compartment. It can be carefully removed without disconnecting the tube and cooled (for example, by putting it in the freezer for 15-20 minutes). If there is no click after this click, the thermostat is probably faulty.
☑️ Primary diagnostic checklist
If you do not have the skills to work with electrical appliances and tools, it is better not to risk it. Repairing the cooling system requires evacuation and refilling, which cannot be done without professional equipment.
How to check the start relay?
The start relay is located on the side or bottom of the compressor. Take it off, shake it: if it rattles inside, it means it is broken and needs to be replaced. Also check the contacts for carbon deposits.
It is important to understand that constant operation of the compressor is an emergency mode. Operating the refrigerator in this condition for more than a day can lead to burnout of the motor windings.
Prevention and maintenance recommendations
To avoid situations when Indesit refrigerator stops turning off, it is important to regularly carry out preventive maintenance. Once every six months, it is recommended to defrost the unit (if it is not a No Frost system) and thoroughly wash the internal chambers. This will prevent the formation of ice jams and blockages.
Clean the condenser (grid at the back) from dust and pet hair. A dusty “carpet” on the radiator drastically worsens heat transfer, forcing the compressor to work longer and more intensely. Use a vacuum cleaner or soft brush for cleaning.
- 🧹 Cleaning: Wipe the rubber seals with a damp cloth to remove dirt.
- ❄️ Defrosting: Do not allow the formation of a thick crust of ice (more than 5 mm).
- 🌡️ Temperature mode: Do not set the minimum temperature unless necessary.
Monitor the condition of the products. Do not store open liquids, which increase moisture and cause ice to form. Regularly checking the tightness of the doors will help you notice the wear of the seal in time.
If you notice that the refrigerator has begun to operate noisier or the operating cycles have changed, do not expect a complete breakdown. Timely contacting a specialist or eliminating minor defects on your own will save your money and nerves.
Why does the refrigerator hum but does not turn off after defrosting?
If after complete defrosting (24 hours) the refrigerator continues to work without interruption, there may be moisture left in the system that has frozen in the capillary tube, or an electronics failure has occurred. There could also be a freon leak during defrosting if you used sharp objects to chip the ice.
Is it possible to operate the refrigerator if it does not turn off?
For a short time (several hours) - it is possible, but not advisable. Prolonged operation will cause the compressor to overheat and burn out. In addition, food in the refrigerator compartment may become frozen, and excessive ice may form in the freezer. It is better to turn off the device until the reasons are determined.
How long should the Indesit compressor normally work?
Under normal conditions, the compressor operating coefficient is about 30-40%. This means that out of one hour he works for 20-25 minutes, and rests the rest of the time. In hot weather or when fully loaded, the operating time can increase to 50-60%.
What to do if, after replacing the thermostat, the refrigerator still does not turn off?
It is necessary to check whether the thermostat is installed correctly: whether the capillary tube is tightly pressed to the evaporator. If the thermostat is new and installed correctly, the problem may be a freon leak or a blockage in the system, which requires the intervention of a technician with pressure gauges.