The situation when the refrigerator Indesit stops maintaining a low temperature in the main compartment, but the freezer continues to operate normally, is one of the most common problems. Users often notice that food in the upper compartment begins to deteriorate, condensation appears on the walls or, conversely, they become dry, while the water in the freezer freezes and the meat freezes. This indicates a violation of the refrigerant circulation or a malfunction in the temperature control system.
This malfunction can be caused by relatively simple reasons, such as incorrect installation or clogged channels, or serious technical breakdowns requiring the intervention of a technician. Understanding how your model works, be it a classic system with drip defrosting or a modern one, will help you diagnose the problem faster. Ignoring symptoms in the early stages often leads to failure of an expensive compressor. No Frost, will help diagnose the problem faster. Ignoring symptoms in the early stages often leads to failure of an expensive compressor.
In this article we will analyze in detail the main reasons why Indesit poor cooling in the upper compartment, and we will propose an algorithm of actions for diagnosis. It is important not to panic and consistently check all possible options, starting from the simplest settings.
Principle of operation and distribution of cold
To understand why it is warm in the refrigerator compartment, you need to understand the physics of the process. In most models Indesit the refrigerant (freon) first enters the evaporator of the freezer, where the main heat exchange occurs. This is why the freezer often remains operational even if there is a partial gas leak or a decrease in compressor performance. Cold air from the freezer is either naturally (in models with a drip system) or forced (in No Frost) supplied to the upper compartment.
If the tightness of the circuit is broken or the capillary tube is clogged, the freon pressure is not enough to cool the entire volume of the evaporator. As a result, the cooling zone narrows and the cold simply does not reach the top of the refrigerator. Thermoregulator or the electronic control module, receiving data from sensors, may assume that the temperature is normal (since the sensor is often located in the freezer or at the outlet of the evaporator), and not turn on the compressor for a long enough time.
⚠️ Attention: In models with one compressor and one cooling circuit, malfunction always affects both compartments, but to varying degrees. If the freezer is working hard, but the refrigerator is warm, this is a classic sign of a lack of refrigerant or problems with its circulation.
It is also worth considering that the temperature may differ in different areas of the refrigerator compartment. However, if food spoils everywhere in the upper compartment, there is a system malfunction. Modern models Indesit equipped with a system Multi Air Flowthat distributes air flows, and a malfunction of the fan or damper can lead to the problem described.
Problems with refrigerant: leaks and blockages
The most likely and A serious reason why the refrigerator Indesit does not cool in the upper compartment is a freon leak. The refrigerant circulates in a closed circuit, and if a microcrack forms in the evaporator tubes or in the foamed part of the housing, the gas gradually evaporates. The pressure in the system drops, and the freon boils ahead of time, not reaching the end of the evaporator. As a result, the freezer still freezes (since the evaporator is located at the beginning of the circuit), but the cold does not reach the refrigerator compartment.
The second option is clogged capillary tube. Not only gas circulates in the system, but also oil to lubricate the compressor. Over time, especially if the refrigerator has been turned off for a long time or there were violations during a previous repair, a plug may form in the narrow part of the tube from oil or moisture oxidation products. This prevents the normal flow of freon, creating an effect similar to a leak.
It is difficult to diagnose these problems at home, but there are indirect signs:
- ⚡ The compressor works almost non-stop, trying to gain temperature, but the refrigerator is humming and the cold no.
- 🌡️ The condenser grill (on the back wall) remains cold or is only partially heated (at the bottom).
- 🧊 In the freezer, the “fur coat” freezes only at the wall or in one corner, and the rest of the space is warm.
To eliminate leaks or If there is a blockage, you need to call a technician. The specialist will find the location of the damage using a leak detector, seal the tube, replace the filter drier and fill the system with new freon in strict accordance with the technical characteristics of the model.
Failures of the compressor and start relay
The heart of any refrigerator Indesit is the compressor. If it does not work correctly, the pressure in the entire system is disrupted. It often happens that the compressor turns on, hums for 5-10 seconds, then a click is heard and it turns off. This indicates a problem with start relay or that the motor itself is jammed. In this case, the pressure is only enough for short-term operation, and the freezer can maintain the temperature by inertia until the refrigerator can no longer cope.
Another scenario - the compressor works, but “weakly”. This may be due to the exhaustion of the piston group resource. The motor hums and heats up, but does not create the necessary pressure to pump freon through the entire circuit. As a result, the cold front stops at the border of the freezer and refrigerator compartments.
You can check the operation of the compressor visually and by ear:
- 👂 Listen for a metallic clang or buzz followed by silence.
- 🔌 Touch the compressor housing (caution, it may be hot): if it is hot and the refrigerator is not cooling, the thermal relay may be switching off the motor due to overheating.
- 🔍 Inspect the starting relay (black box on the side of the compressor): the presence of burning or a plastic smell indicates its malfunction.
Replacing the starting relay is a procedure that can be performed independently if you have electrical skills. However, replacing or overhauling the compressor itself requires evacuation of the system and professional soldering.
Is it possible to change the compressor yourself?
Theoretically, yes, if you have a torch, solder, a vacuum pump and a pressure gauge station. However, without experience, there is a high risk of poor-quality soldering, which will lead to a repeat leak in a month. In addition, you need to know exactly the type of oil and brand of freon for your Indesit model.
Failure in the defrost system (for No Frost models)
If you have a refrigerator Indesit with a system No Frost (without frost), then the reason for the lack of cold in the upper compartment is often a malfunction of the system defrost. In such models, cold is supplied to the refrigerator compartment by a fan through special channels from the freezer. If the evaporator in the freezer becomes overgrown with ice due to the fact that it does not periodically defrost, the channels close and the air stops circulating.
Three main elements are responsible for the defrosting process: defrost heating element (heater), defrost sensor (thermostat) and timer (or electronic module). If the heating element burns out or the sensor sticks, ice freezes on the evaporator in a thick layer. The fan begins to hum, trying to break through the ice plug, or simply stops moving air. In the freezer, it may be cold at the back wall, but in the main chamber the temperature rises to room temperature.
To check this version you need:
- Defrost the refrigerator completely (at least 24 hours, more is better).
- Turn on the appliance and check if cold has appeared.
- If after defrosting the refrigerator worked normally, but after 1-2 weeks the problem recurred, the diagnosis is confirmed.
⚠️ Attention: Do not try chip off ice with a knife or sharp objects. Damage to plastic panels or evaporator tubes in No Frost models will lead to an immediate leak of freon and costly repairs.
Repair consists of replacing the faulty element of the defrost circuit. Most often, the heating element itself or the sensor fails, which is a consumable item and is inexpensive.
Improper operation and external factors
Before looking for complex breakdowns, it is worth eliminating trivial operating errors. Often, users themselves create conditions under which Indesit they cannot cool food properly. For example, installing a refrigerator close to a wall or in a niche without gaps for ventilation leads to overheating of the condenser. The compressor works at the limit, but the cooling efficiency drops.
Another common reason is a broken door seal. If the rubber seal wears out, becomes dirty or deformed, warm air constantly enters the chamber. The control system tries to compensate for the heat by working continuously, but due to the constant flow of heat, the temperature does not drop to the desired values. This is especially noticeable in the summer.
Also worth checking:
- 🥘 Are you putting hot or warm foods in the chamber? This dramatically increases the load on the unit.
- 🌬️ Are the ventilation holes inside the chamber blocked by food? The air should circulate freely.
- ☀️ Is the refrigerator exposed to direct sunlight or heat from the radiator/stove?
Sometimes the problem is solved by simply adjusting the legs of the refrigerator. If the door is askew, it will not close tightly. Make sure that the refrigerator is strictly horizontal, and the door has a slight tilt back for self-closing.
Electronics and temperature sensors
In modern models Indesit with electronic control (where the temperature is set exactly in degrees on the display), the control module is responsible for the distribution of cold. If it fails temperature sensor in the refrigeration chamber, the module may “think” that it is already cold there, and does not open the air supply damper or does not turn on the compressor for the required cycle.
Also, malfunctions in the operation of the solenoid valve are possible (in two-compressor or complex single-circuit systems), which regulates the supply of freon to different evaporators. If the valve is stuck in the closed position for the upper chamber, there will be no cold there. Diagnostics of electronics requires a multimeter and checking the resistance of sensors at different temperatures.
Symptoms of electronics failure:
- 🔢 Errors appear on the display (for example, flashing temperature indicators).
- 🔄 The refrigerator behaves chaotically: sometimes it freezes too much, sometimes stops completely.
- 🔇 The compressor does not turn on, although there is voltage in the network and the relay is working properly.
In some cases, rebooting the control module helps: unplug the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes and turn it on again. If the error was software, the system can recover.
Comparison table of faults
For ease of diagnosis, we have collected the main symptoms and probable causes in a table. This will help you figure out which breakdown to look for first.
| Symptom | Probable cause | Difficulty of repair | Actions |
|---|---|---|---|
| The compressor is humming, clicks and turns off | Start relay or jammed compressor | Medium | Replace the relay or call a technician |
| The freezer is freezing, the top is warm, the compressor runs for a long time | Freon leak or blockage | High | Only call a technician with equipment |
| There is ice inside No Frost, the fan is noisy | Malfunction of the defrost system (heating element, sensor) | Average | Defrost, replacing the heating element/sensor |
| The refrigerator works non-stop, but it cools weakly | Compressor wear or leakage | High | Pressure diagnostics by the master |
| Temperature floats, errors on display | Temperature sensors or control module | Medium/High | Checking the sensor circuit, replacing |
☑️ Checklist before calling a technician
When you need to call a technician
Despite the desire to save money, there are situations when self-repair refrigerator Indesit is not only ineffective, but also dangerous. If diagnostics indicate problems with the tightness of the circuit (freon leakage), you cannot do without a vacuum pump, pressure gauges and professional refrigerant. Attempts to “top up” the gas without eliminating the leak will give a temporary effect for a couple of weeks, after which the problem will return, and the compressor may burn out due to abnormal operation.
A specialist is also needed if a compressor replacement is required or complex repairs of the No Frost system associated with dismantling the foamed parts of the housing. Professional service guarantees not only the replacement of a part, but also checking the entire system for leaks, which is critical for the longevity of the equipment.
Remember that the most common reason (about 80% of cases) uneven cooling is precisely a freon leak or microscopic blockage, which cannot be eliminated without special equipment. Timely contact with specialists will extend the life of your refrigerator and preserve food.
Why did the refrigerator work after defrosting, but after a week it stopped again?
This is a classic sign of a malfunction of the defrost system in No Frost models or the presence of a plug in the capillary system. The ice that you defrosted was formed because the heating element did not turn on. After a week of operation, it will grow again and block the channels. The defrost sensor or heating element needs to be replaced.
Is it possible to use a refrigerator if it does not cool in the upper chamber?
For a short time - yes, but not advisable. The compressor will work hard, trying to reach the set temperature, which will lead to overheating and eventual breakdown. In addition, the food in the upper compartment will quickly spoil.
How long should the chamber cool down after switching on?
An empty refrigerator Indesit gains temperature in 2-4 hours. When fully loaded with products, the time may increase to 12-24 hours. If the temperature has not dropped below +10°C during the day, there is a malfunction.
Does hot weather affect the operation of the refrigerator?
Yes, at high ambient temperatures, the efficiency of heat transfer decreases. The compressor runs longer. If the room is hotter than +30°C, the refrigerator may not be able to cope with the load, especially if it is old or dirty with dust from the back.
What to do if ice freezes on only one side of the Indesit refrigerator?
This may indicate uneven distribution of the refrigerant due to the initial stage of a blockage or leak, as well as a malfunction of the air distribution damper (in No Frost). Diagnostics by a technician is required.