The situation when Indesit refrigerator does not freeze wellcan take any home cook by surprise. Products begin to deteriorate, condensation appears on the shelves, and the inside of the chamber becomes noticeably warmer than it should be. Often, equipment owners notice that the unit hums, but does not gain cold, or the compressor operates with short breaks. This is a sure sign that the cooling system has failed.
In most cases, the problem lies in a violation of the tightness of the circuit or failure of one of the electronic components. Modern models, such as Indesit NBS 18 or older series Stinolhave their own design features that affect diagnostics. Understanding the principle of operation of the device will help you quickly determine whether the problem can be fixed on your own or whether you need to call a technician.
You cannot ignore a decrease in performance, as this can lead to the final breakdown of an expensive compressor. If you notice that the temperature in the main chamber rises above +7°C, and an ice crust does not form in the freezer, you need to carry out an initial diagnosis. Below we will analyze in detail the main reasons why Indesit refrigerator it stopped freezing normally, and how to deal with it.
⚠️ Attention: If you smell burnt wiring or see sparking in the back of the unit, immediately disconnect the device from the power supply. Further operation in this state is a fire hazard.
Failures of the defrost system and freezing of ice
One of the most common reasons why Indesit refrigerator stops freezing normally is the formation of a “fur coat” or ice shell on the evaporator. This is typical for models with a system No Frost, where the air outlet channels become clogged. Ice blocks the circulation of cold flows, and formally there is cold, but it does not enter the main volume of the chamber.
Often the problem is associated with the failure of the defrost heating element or timer. If the heating element burns out, it will not melt the condensation on the radiator. Over time, the layer of ice becomes so thick that it blocks the air dampers. In models with a drip system, such as Indesit C 130ice can block water flow, causing leaks inside the cabinet and increased humidity.
System diagnostics defrost requires a multimeter to check the resistance of the heating element. The normal resistance of the heating element is usually in the range specified in the technical documentation, but often it is simply equal to infinity (break). It is also worth checking the defrost sensor, which may “stick” in the “cold” position, not giving a command to turn on the heating.
- ❄️ Ice crust on the back wall of the main chamber.
- 💨 Lack of cold air blowing when operating fan.
- 💧 Water on the floor or under boxes of vegetables due to an overfilled tray.
- 🔊 The fan hums louder than usual or touches ice build-ups.
Refrigerant problems: freon leak
If Indesit refrigerator it is slightly frosty, but the compressor works almost non-stop (heating up to high temperatures), with a probability of 80% a refrigerant leak has occurred. Freon is a working fluid that circulates through tubes, picking up heat. When its amount in the system drops below a critical level, the cooling efficiency decreases sharply.
Leaks often occur in places where tubes are soldered, in the foamed part of the body (due to corrosion) or in the evaporator. In older models, for example Indesit ER 16, the tubes could be made of aluminum, which is susceptible to corrosion. It is difficult to determine a leak visually, since the gas evaporates quickly. An indirect sign is the absence of a characteristic hiss when the system is punctured (which a technician should do) or the presence of oily spots at the site of damage.
Why can’t you just add freon?
Refilling without finding and eliminating the leak will only give a temporary effect. After a week or a month, the gas will come out again, and the compressor, running idle, may burn out due to lack of cooling of the windings.
It is impossible to fix the leak and refill the system yourself freon without specialized equipment and skills. The technician uses a leak detector, nitrogen for pressure testing and a vacuum pump. It is important to understand that if the leak occurs in a foamed circuit (inside the walls), repairs may not be economically feasible, as it will require replacing the entire box or installing an external evaporator (“crying” on the back wall).
⚠️ Attention: Never try to pierce the tubes yourself or solder them with an open flame without pumping out the system. Remains of oil and freon can ignite, and moisture entering the circuit will permanently damage the compressor.
Incorrect operation of the thermostat and sensors
The thermostat (thermostat) is the “brain” that controls turning the compressor on and off. If Indesit refrigerator it does not freeze well, the temperature sensor may be transmitting incorrect data. He may “think” that the chamber is already cold enough and turn off the motor ahead of time. As a result, the products do not have time to cool to the required values.
In mechanical models, such as Indesit DF 416, the thermostat is a device with a capillary tube that is inserted into the evaporator. Over time, the gas inside the tube may evaporate or the contacts may burn. In electronic models (Indesit Smart series), air sensors are responsible for the temperature. Their readings may be distorted due to oxidation of the contacts or a failure in the control module.
You can check the thermostat by closing its contacts directly (for diagnostics). If, when shorted, the compressor starts and starts to freeze normally, then the problem is in the regulator. Replacing this element is one of the simplest and most inexpensive procedures in repair refrigerators, which can often be done independently if you have basic skills.
- 🌡️ The compressor works in short cycles or does not turn on at all.
- 🔌 Relay clicks when trying to start the engine.
- 📉 The temperature in the chamber fluctuates (floats) in a wide range range.
- 🧊 Ice grows unevenly, only in one corner.
Wear of the compressor and start relay
The heart of the refrigerator is compressor. If it is worn out, its piston group may not create enough pressure to circulate freon. As a result, the refrigerant moves through the system too slowly and does not have time to remove heat. A symptom of such a malfunction is the quiet operation of the motor (instead of the usual hum) and the absence of vibration on the side walls.
Often the starting relay fails along with the compressor. This device is responsible for starting the engine. If the relay is stuck or burnt out, the compressor will try to start, make a clicking sound and immediately stall, or hum, but not start. In models Indesit BIA 16 and similar relays are located on the rear panel and are easily accessible for replacement.
| Symptom | Probable cause | Sound character | Temperature housing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Humming, but not freezing | Freon leakage / Compressor wear | Monotonous hum | Hot |
| Clicks and silent | Faulty start relay | Sharp clicks | Cold |
| Works without stopping | Leakage / Thermostat malfunction | Constant noise | Very hot |
| Humming and turning off | Compressor jammed | Strained hum | Heats up quickly |
Replacing a compressor is a complex process that requires evacuation of the system and precise dosage of oil and freon. If diagnostics show that the motor is “dead” (an interturn short circuit or wedge), it is often more economically profitable to consider purchasing a new refrigerator, since the cost of repairs can be up to 50% of the price of a new device.
Clogged capillary tube
The capillary tube is a thin copper channel in which a sharp drop in refrigerant pressure occurs. If moisture or oxidation products are present in the system, an ice plug or debris blockage may form. In this case, Indesit refrigerator it begins to freeze in jerks: sometimes good, sometimes bad, or the freezer is working, but the main chamber is warm.
The blockage can be determined by the characteristic behavior of the tubes on the back wall. Before the blockage, the tube may be hot, and afterward it may be cold, or the entire system will have the same ambient temperature. Often the blockage is accompanied by a whistling sound of escaping gas if the plug is pierced by pressure.
Removing the blockage requires purging the system with nitrogen under high pressure and replacing the filter-drier. The filter retains moisture and debris, and its replacement is required whenever the circuit is opened. Neglecting this rule will lead to re-formation of the plug in a short time.
The influence of seals and correct installation
The reason does not always lie in complex technical components. Sometimes Indesit refrigerator it freezes poorly due to a banal violation of the chamber's seal. If the rubber door seal is worn out, dirty or deformed, warm air constantly flows inside. The compressor tries to compensate for the heat, working to wear out, but cannot cope with the load.
It is easy to check the seal: close the door on a piece of paper. If the sheet can be pulled out without effort in different places around the perimeter, then the fit is broken. It is also worth checking whether the refrigerator is level. If it is tilted forward, the doors may not close tightly under their own weight.
☑️ Diagnosis of the seal
In addition, it is important to take into account the operating rules. If you put a large amount of warm food in the chamber or often open the door, the equipment may not cope. In the summer, when the ambient temperature is high, the operating efficiency of any refrigeration equipment drops, and this is normal.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Why does the Indesit refrigerator freeze only in the freezer, while it is warm in the main chamber?
This is a classic sign of a freon leak or blockage capillary system. The problem may also be in the fan (in No Frost models), which has stopped moving air from the freezer to the main compartment. It is necessary to check the operation of the fan and the integrity of the circuit.
How long should a new Indesit refrigerator cool down after switching on?
The first time after switching on, the unit can gain temperature for up to 10-12 hours. Complete cooling and stabilization of the regime usually occurs within 24 hours. If after 24 hours the cold does not appear, there is a malfunction.
Is it possible to operate the refrigerator if it does not freeze well?
For a short time - yes, but this is dangerous for the compressor. Long-term operation without a sufficient amount of refrigerant leads to overheating of the motor, since freon is also involved in cooling the windings. This can lead to expensive repairs.
How often do you need to defrost an Indesit refrigerator with a drip system?
It is recommended to carry out a complete defrost at least once every 6 months, even if the system is automatic. This will help prevent the formation of old ice in hard-to-reach places and will extend the life of the equipment.
Why did the refrigerator turn on after defrosting, but does not freeze?
Perhaps you turned it on too early, not allowing the water to drain, or damaged the tubes when cleaning. The thermostat could also burn out due to a power surge when turned on. If after 5-6 hours the cold does not appear, diagnostics by a specialist is required.