Indesit refrigerator works, but does not freeze: reasons and how to fix

Your refrigerator Indesit is humming, the light inside is on, and the food is in melt in the freezer? The situation when the equipment “turns on, but does not freeze” is one of the most common breakdowns. In 70% of cases, the problem is solved without calling a technician, if the cause is correctly diagnosed. In this article we will look why the Indesit refrigerator does not cooldespite the compressor running, and what to do about it.

First, let's clarify: if the refrigerator Indesit does not turn on at all (the light is not on, there are no sounds), this is a different story - most likely the problem is in electrical Here we are talking about the case when the motor is running, but the temperature in the chambers does not drop. This behavior is typical for models with No Frost (Indesit DF 5200 W, Indesit ITF 118 Wand drip systems (Indesit ST 167, Indesit BIA 18).

Before disassembling the refrigerator, check the obvious:

• 🔌 Power: perhaps the socket is faulty or the voltage in the network is below 200V (for Indesit a drop to 180V is critical).
• ❄️ Mode: is the “Vacation” (Holiday) or “Super Cooling” (Super Cool)?
• 🚪 Door: Is it closed tightly? Check the seal - if it is torn or deformed, warm air is getting inside.

1. Malfunction of the thermostat or thermostat

The thermostat (or thermostat) is the “brain” that controls the temperature. If it is broken, the compressor may work continuously or, conversely, turn on too rarely. models Indesit with mechanical control (Indesit ST 167, Indesit BIA 18) the thermostat is located inside the chamber, next to the light bulb.

Signs of thermostat failure:

• 🔄 The compressor works non-stop, but there is no cold.
• ❄️ Ice forms in the freezer, and it is warm in the refrigerator.
• 🔊 Clicks when turning the thermostat knob (in mechanical models).

How to check the thermostat yourself:

1. Unplug the refrigerator.
2. Remove the protective casing (usually secured with latches or screws).
3. Find the thermostat - this is a small box with a tube going to the evaporator.
4. Test the contacts with a tester: at room temperature they should be closed.

⚠️ Attention: In refrigerators Indesit with electronic control (Indesit DF 5200 W, Indesit ITF 118 W) instead of a thermostat, temperature sensoris used. Checking it requires diagnostic equipment.

2. Freon leak: how to detect and what to do

Freon is a refrigerant that circulates through the system and cools the chambers. If it leaks, the compressor will run “idle”, pumping air without cooling. Leak. freon is the most dangerous breakdown: without repair, it leads to failure of the compressor in 1-2 weeks.

Causes of freon leakage in Indesit refrigerators:

• 🛠️ Mechanical damage to the tubes (for example, when moving the refrigerator).
• 🕳️ Corrosion of aluminum tubes (typical of older models).
• 🔥 Overheating of the compressor due to poor ventilation.

How to understand that freon has leaked:

• The compressor works, but does not turn off.
• Condenser (the grill at the back) does not heat up.
• Oil stains are visible on the tubes or evaporator (freon leaves along with the oil).

⚠️ Attention: If you suspect a freon leak, not turn on the refrigerator for a long time - this will lead to overheating of the compressor. It is better to immediately call a technician to refill it.

3. Compressor failure: how to distinguish it from other faults

The compressor is the “heart” of the refrigerator. If it does not create the required pressure, freon does not circulate and cooling does not occur. models Indesit most often they fail:

• 🔧 Start relay (clicks, but the motor does not start).
• 🔋 Windings compressor (burned out due to overheating).
• 🛢️ Oil in the compressor (thickened or leaked).

How to check the compressor:

1. Turn off the refrigerator and touch the compressor (the black “tank” on the back). overheating.
2. Listen to the sounds:
   • 🔊 Hum without vibration —the motor is running, but does not pump freon (possibly jammed).
   • 🔊 Clicks every 5-10 seconds —the starting relay is faulty.
   • 🔊 Silence —the winding is burned out or there is no power.

If the compressor does not turn on at all, check:

• 🔌 Power (socket, cord, plug).
• 🔧 Starting relay (can be temporarily replaced with a known working one).
• 📈 Voltage in network (should be 220V ±10%).

4. Capillary tube clogged: why the refrigerator does not freeze

The capillary tube is a thin channel through which freon enters the evaporator. If it becomes clogged (for example, due to moisture or oil), the refrigerant cannot circulate, and cooling stops. Indesit over 5 years old.

Signs of a clog. capillary tube:

• 🔄 The compressor works, but does not turn off.
• ❄️ The freezer is covered with ice, and the refrigerator compartment is not cooled.
• 🔥 The condenser (grid at the back) is only partially heated.

How to remove the blockage:

1. Turn off the refrigerator and defrost it for 12-24 hours.
2. If the blockage does not go away, you will need blowing systems (done by a technician using a nitrogen cylinder).
3. In severe cases, the capillary tube is replaced with a new one.

⚠️ Attention: Do not try to clean the tube yourself with wire or air - this can damage the system. For purging you need a special tool and experience.

What will happen if you don’t clear the clog?

If you ignore the clogged capillary tube, the compressor will wear out, which will lead to its breakdown in 1-3 months. In addition, due to increased pressure, the tubes or evaporator may burst.

5. Problems with the electronic control unit

In modern models Indesit (DF 5200 W, ITF 118 W, TIA 16, the electronic control unit (ECU) is responsible for the temperature. If it malfunctions, the refrigerator may:

• 🔄 Turn on and immediately turn off.
• 📉 Not respond to temperature changes.
• 🔊 Beep or show an error on the display (for example, F05, F07).

Frequent causes of failure ECU:

• ⚡ Voltage surges (if the refrigerator is not connected through a stabilizer).
• 💧 Moisture on the board (for example, during defrosting).
• 🕳️ Oxidation of contacts.

How to diagnose problem:

1. See if the display lights up. If not, the fuse on the board may have blown.
2. Check whether the refrigerator responds to pressing the buttons. If not, the problem is in the control unit.
3. If there is an error on the display (for example, F05), decipher it according to the instructions for the model.

In most cases, the ECU is not repaired, but replaced with a new one. The cost of the unit for Indesit is from 3,000 to 8,000 rubles (depending on the model).

6 Fan malfunction No. Frost

If you have a refrigerator Indesit with a system No Frost (DF 5200 W, ITF 118 W, the problem may be in the fan that distributes cold air. If it is broken, the freezer will work, but the refrigerator compartment will not.

Signs of a fan failure:

• 🔇 It is warm in the refrigerator compartment, and the temperature in the freezer is normal.
• 🔊 There is no air noise (normally the fan is slightly hums).
• ❄️ There is a lot of ice on the back wall of the freezer (the fan does not blow and moisture does not evaporate).

How to check the fan:

1. Unplug the refrigerator and defrost it.
2. Remove the back panel at freezer (usually secured with screws).
3. Find the fan (plastic impeller) and check if it rotates freely.
4. Test the winding with a tester - the resistance should be 200–500 Ohms.

If the fan does not work, it needs to be replaced. The cost of a new part is from 1,500 to 3,000 rubles. Sometimes the problem is icing of the blades - in this case, it is enough to defrost the refrigerator.

7. Temperature sensor: hidden cause of malfunction

In refrigerators Indesit with electronic control, sensors (thermistors) are responsible for the temperature. If they fail, the control unit receives incorrect data and incorrectly regulates the cooling.

Symptoms of sensor malfunction:

• 📉 The temperature in the chambers does not correspond to the set temperature.
• 🔄 The refrigerator turns on too often or rarely.
• 🔊 There is an error on the display (for example, F02, F04).

How to check the sensor:

1. Find the sensor (usually it is attached to the evaporator or back wall).
2. Disconnect the connector and measure the resistance with a tester:
   • 🔹 At room temperature: ~5–7 kOhm.
   • 🔹 When cooling (for example, ice): ~27–30 kOhm.

If the resistance does not change or is 0/∞, the sensor is faulty.

Replacement sensor will cost 800–2,000 rubles (depending on the model). It is important to choose a part with the same resistance as the original one.

What to do if the Indesit refrigerator does not freeze: step-by-step instructions

If you have not found an obvious reason (for example, an open door or a power failure), proceed as follows. algorithm:

1. Defrost the refrigerator for 12-24 hours. Sometimes ice blocks the fan or sensors.
2. Check the voltage in the socket. It should be 220V ±10%. If less than 200V, the compressor will not work normally.
3. Listen to the compressor:
   • If it is does not turn on check the starting relay or power supply.
   • If it hums, but does not pump —there may be a freon leak or a clogged capillary tube.
   • If it works without stops —the problem is in the thermostat, sensor or ECU.

Inspect the condenser (grid at the back). If it is cold, most likely there is no freon or the system is clogged.

Check the fan No Frost. If it does not spin, defrost the refrigerator or replace the part.

If after these steps the problem is not solved, contact a specialist. Some breakdowns (freon leak, clogged capillary tube) require special equipment.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about Indesit refrigerators that do not freeze

Is it possible to refill freon into an Indesit refrigerator yourself?

No. To refill freon you need special equipment (vacuum pump, pressure gauges, a refrigerant bottle) and experience. An error in refilling can lead to a breakdown of the compressor or a freon leak. technicians.

Why does the Indesit refrigerator not freeze, but the light is on?

This means that the problem is not in the electrics (there is power), but in the cooling system. Most often, the culprit is: thermostat, freon leak, clogged capillary tube or faulty compressor. Start by checking the thermostat and compressor.

How much does it cost to repair an Indesit refrigerator if it does not freeze?

The cost depends on the breakdown:

• 🔧 Replacing the thermostat: 1,500–3,000 rubles.
• ❄️ Refilling freon: 2,500–5,000 rub.
• 🔄 Replacement of the compressor: 5,000–10,000 rub.
• 📱 Repair of the electronic unit: 3,000–8,000 rub.

The master will tell you the exact price after diagnostics.

Can an Indesit refrigerator not freeze due to dirt?

Yes, but indirectly. If the condenser (grid at the back) is clogged with dust, the compressor overheats and works less efficiently. Also, dirt on the door seal can disrupt the seal. However, there is no complete lack of cooling due to dirt - this is always a combination. factors.

How often do you need to defrost the Indesit No Frost refrigerator?

Refrigerators No Frost do not require regular defrosting, but they should be turned off 1-2 times a year for cleaning and drying. If ice builds up on the walls of the freezer, this is a sign of a malfunction (for example, the fan is broken or. defrost sensor).