Has your refrigerator Indesit stopped cooling food in the main chamber, but the freezer still works as before? This problem is more common than it seems, and does not always require calling a technician. In 60% of cases, the malfunction is related to clogging of the capillary tube, breakdown of the thermostat or incorrect setting of modes. However, the symptom cannot be ignored: with prolonged operation in this mode, the compressor wears out 2-3 times faster.
In this article we let's look a unique feature of two-chamber Indesit models with the No Frost system: why the freezer continues to freeze even when the main chamber is warm. You will learn how to independently diagnose a problem based on indirect signs (for example, a constantly running fan or icing of the back wall), and when professional repairs are really required. And at the end - a checklist of 5 steps for quickly checking the refrigerator without tools.
1. How the cooling system works in Indesit refrigerators
To understand why the freezer works but the refrigerator compartment does not, you need to understand the design of the cooling system. Models Indesit (for example, DF 4180 W, TN 3305 W or C 138 NF) use one of two schemes:
- 🔄 Single compressor system with one cooling circuit (the refrigerant circulates sequentially: first into the freezer, then into the main chamber).
- ❄️ No Frost system with forced air circulation (the fan distributes the cold from the freezer evaporator across both chambers).
In the first case, the problem is often associated with clogged capillary tube between the chambers or freon leak in the refrigerator compartment. In the second - with fan malfunction, evaporator freezing or damper failure, regulating the air flow. For example, in models with Full No Frost (for example, Indesit ITF 118), the damper may jam due to ice, and the cold will stop flowing into the main chamber.
Key point: the compressor in both cases works for the freezerso it continues to freeze. If the problem were in the compressor or the start relay, both chambers would stop cooling.
2. Top 8 reasons why the refrigerator does not freeze, but the freezer works
We analyzed data from service centers and identified the 8 most common causes of this malfunction. Some of them can be eliminated on your own, others require the intervention of a specialist.
| Cause | Symptoms | Can I eliminate it myself? |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Capillary tube clogged | The compressor runs non-stop, the condenser is hot, the freezer freezes | ❌ No |
| 2. Freon leak in the refrigeration circuit | The circuit tubes do not heat up, the compressor rarely turns on | ❌ No |
| 3. Failure of the refrigerator thermostat | The light inside is on, but the compressor does not turn on for cooling | ✅ Yes |
| 4. Fan malfunction No Frost | It’s cold in the freezer, but it’s warm in the main chamber, you can hear the fan noise | ✅ Yes (if the reason is icing) |
| 5. Jamming of the damper between the chambers | It is too cold in the freezer, it is warm in the refrigerator compartment, a hum is heard | ✅ Yes (defrosting) |
The remaining 3 reasons - failure of the control board, breakage of the temperature sensor i contamination of the evaporator —are less common, but also require diagnostics. For example, in models Indesit BIAA 13 the control board may fail due to voltage surges, which leads to improper operation of the damper.
How to check the control board without devices?
If the refrigerator turns on and off chaotically, and the display shows an incorrect temperature (for example, –18°C in the freezer when +10°C in fact), this is an indirect sign of a board malfunction. In this case, only replacing or flashing the module will help.
3. Fault diagnosis: step-by-step instructions
Before calling a technician, follow these 5 steps. They will help narrow down the range of possible problems and save on diagnostics.
Inspect the back wall for icing
Check whether the fan is working (with the freezer door open)
Measure the temperature in the freezer and refrigerator compartment
Listen to the compressor: it works constantly or turns on periodically
Inspect the door seals for leaks -->
If the fan does not work, but the freezer freezes, the problem is most likely in freezing of the evaporator or failure of the fan motor. Try defrosting your refrigerator for 12 to 24 hours. In 70% of cases, after defrosting, air circulation is restored.
If the compressor runs without stopping, and the condenser (grid on the back wall) is hot, this is a sign clogged capillary tube or freon leaks. In this case, independent repair is impossible - the system must be evacuated and refrigerant charged.
⚠️ Attention: Do not try to clean the capillary tube with improvised means (wire, compressed air). This can lead to damage to the circuit and leakage of freon. This work should only be performed by certified specialists with equipment for soldering copper tubes.
4. Self-repair: what can be done without a specialist
Some faults can be fixed with your own hands. Here are the 3 most common cases and instructions for repairing them.
4.1. Defrosting the No Frost system
If the refrigerator Indesit stops cooling, but the freezer is working, first defrost it: No Frost stopped cooling, but the freezer is working, first defrost it:
- Unplug the refrigerator.
- Take out all the food and shelves.
- Leave the doors open for 12–24 hours (depending on the degree of icing).
- Wipe the internal surfaces with a dry cloth.
- Turn on the refrigerator and check operation after 2-3 hours.
If after defrosting the problem disappeared, which means the reason was evaporator freezing or damper jamming. In the future, defrost the refrigerator every 6-12 months, even if it has a system No Frost.
4.2. Replacing the refrigerator thermostat
The thermostat (thermostat) is a sensor that turns the compressor on and off depending on the temperature. If it breaks, the compressor may not turn on to cool the refrigerator compartment. To replace the thermostat:
- Disconnect the refrigerator from the network.
- Remove the protective casing from the thermostat (usually it is located inside the refrigerator compartment, next to the light bulb).
- Disconnect the wires (take a photo of the connection diagram!).
- Unscrew the fasteners and remove the old thermostat.
- Install a new thermostat (suitable for your model Indesit) and connect the wires.
⚠️ Attention: Before replacing the thermostat, check it with a multimeter. To do this, move the thermostat knob to the "Max" position and measure the resistance between the terminals. If the resistance is zero or infinity, the sensor is faulty.
4.3. Cleaning the No Frost fan
If the fan does not spin due to ice or dirt, you can clean it yourself:
- Defrost the refrigerator (see section 4.1).
- Remove the back panel in the freezer (usually it is secured with latches or screws).
- Clean the fan blades from ice and dirt with a soft brush.
- Check whether the fan rotates freely. If it jams, the motor may need to be replaced.
If after cleaning the fan still does not work, check it with a multimeter. If there is no resistance between the terminals, the motor is faulty and requires replacement.
5. When you can’t do without a technician: 3 critical cases
Some breakdowns require professional repairs. Here are 3 situations when you should not try to repair the refrigerator yourself:
- 🔧 Freon leak. If there is a crack in the cooling circuit, the refrigerant leaks out and the compressor runs idle. To eliminate a leak, you need to find the location of the damage, solder the tube and fill the system with freon. This can only be done using special equipment.
- 🔧 Clogged capillary tube. If the capillary tube is clogged with dirt or oil, it must be cleaned or replaced. This requires a vacuum pump and experience working with refrigeration equipment.
- 🔧 Failure of the compressor or start relay. If the compressor does not turn on or operates intermittently, it must be diagnosed using a pressure gauge and tester. In some cases, replacement of the compressor or relay is required.
Average cost of repairs at a service center:
- Refilling freon - from 3,500 to 6,000 rubles.
- Replacement of a capillary tube - from 4,000 to 7,000 rubles.
- Replacement of a compressor - from 5,000 to 12,000 rubles (depending on the model).
⚠️ Attention: If your refrigerator Indesit is under warranty, do not attempt to repair it yourself. Any tampering with the design may void the warranty. Contact an authorized service center.
6. Prevention: how to avoid breakdown of the refrigerator
To ensure that the refrigerator Indesit works without failures, follow these recommendations:
- ❄️ Defrost the refrigerator every 6-12 months, even if it has a system No Frost. This will prevent the evaporator and damper from freezing.
- 🔌 Connect the refrigerator through a voltage stabilizer. Power surges are one of the main causes of control board failure.
- 🚪 Check the door seals for leaks. If they are worn out, cold air will escape and the compressor will work harder.
- 🧊 Do not put hot food in the refrigerator. This leads to the formation of condensation and ice on the evaporator.
- 📏 Do not overload the refrigerator compartment with food. This disrupts air circulation and increases the load on the compressor.
Also regularly clean the back wall of the refrigerator from dust and dirt. A dirty condenser removes heat less well, which leads to overheating of the compressor and increased wear.
If you notice that the refrigerator has become worse in cooling, but the freezer is working normally, do not delay diagnostics. The longer you use a faulty refrigerator, the higher the risk of compressor failure, and replacing it is one of the most expensive procedures.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about Indesit refrigerators
Is it possible to use a refrigerator if the freezer is working, but the main chamber is not?
Technically it is possible, but not recommended. If the problem is a clogged capillary tube or a freon leak, the compressor works under increased load, which shortens its service life. In addition, the food in the refrigerator compartment will deteriorate faster.
How much does it cost to repair an Indesit refrigerator if the refrigerator compartment does not work?
The cost depends on the cause of the breakdown:
- Replacement of the thermostat - from 1,500 to 3,000 rubles.
- Cleaning or replacing a fan - from 2,000 to 4,000 rubles.
- Refilling freon - from 3,500 to 6,000 rubles.
- Replacement of a compressor - from 5,000 to 12 000 rubles.
The exact cost can only be found out after diagnostics.
How to check if the fan is working in the Indesit refrigerator?
Open the freezer door and listen. If the fan is running, you will hear a slight air noise. You can also place your hand near the ventilation holes in the refrigerator compartment - if the fan is working properly, you will feel a flow of cold air. If the fan does not work, try defrosting the refrigerator (see paragraph 4.1).
Why does the Indesit refrigerator not cool after defrosting?
Possible reasons:
- The fan is still blocked by ice (needs to defrost longer).
- The thermostat or temperature sensor is broken.
- Freon leaked during defrosting (if the refrigerator was transported or dropped).
If after complete defrosting (24 hours) the problem does not disappear, call a technician.
What freon is used in refrigerators Indesit?
Most modern models Indesit use refrigerant R-134a or R-600a (isobutane). The exact type of freon is indicated on the nameplate (metal plate) on the back wall of the refrigerator. Refilling must be performed by a specialist with a certificate for working with refrigerants.