The Indesit refrigerator stopped freezing: reasons and solutions

Did your refrigerator Indesit suddenly stop freezing, and the food in the freezer began to thaw? This is a common problem faced by owners of equipment from this brand. The reasons can vary from trivial (for example, a door that is not tightly closed) to serious breakdowns that require the intervention of a technician. In this article we will analyze all possible scenarios why the refrigerator stopped maintaining a low temperature, and what you can do yourself before contacting a service center.

It is important to understand that models Indesit (for example, BIAA 13, DF 4180 or C 138 NF) have typical “weak points” characteristic of this manufacturer’s equipment. Some faults can be fixed without special skills, others only with the help of a professional. We will also tell you how to distinguish a temporary failure from a critical breakdown and when you definitely shouldn’t risk doing it on your own.

If the refrigerator is hums, but doesn't freeze, or vice versa - doesn't turn on at all, the diagnostic algorithm will be different. Let's start with simple checks that are available to everyone.

1. Checking the obvious reasons: power supply, settings, door

Before disassembling the refrigerator or looking for a repairman, make sure that the problem does not lie in the little things. About 30% of calls to service centers are related to trivial omissions that the user could fix on his own.

• 🔌 Power and socket. Check to see if the power light on the refrigerator panel is on. If not, try connecting another device to the same outlet (for example, a table lamp). Perhaps the circuit breaker on the panel has tripped or the power cord is damaged. For models Indesit with a display (for example, ITF 118), if there is no power, the screen will be completely turned off.
• ❄️ Cooling mode. Make sure that the refrigerator is not set to “Vacation” (Vacation) or “Eco” (Eco) mode, which may turn off the freezer. The instructions for your model (usually on pages 12–15) describe how to reset the settings to factory settings.
• 🚪 Door closure tightness. Check if there is a foreign object (for example, a bag of groceries) interfering with the seal. Carry out a test with a sheet of paper: clamp it between the door and the body - if the sheet falls out, the seal is worn out and needs to be replaced.

If after these checks the refrigerator Indesit still does not freeze, proceed to technical diagnostics malfunctions.

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2. Malfunctions of the thermostat and temperature sensors

The thermostat (or thermostat) is the “brain” of the refrigerator, which controls the temperature and sends signals to the compressor. If it fails, the compressor either runs without stopping or does not turn on at all. In models Indesit with electronic control (for example, BIA 18) the temperature is controlled by NTC sensor, and in mechanical ones - thermostat type K-59 or similar.

How to check the thermostat yourself:

1. Unplug the refrigerator and remove all food.
2. Remove the protective cover (usually it is secured with latches or screws) and find the thermostat - it is located next to the evaporator.
3. Ring the thermostat contacts with a multimeter in resistance testing mode. At room temperature, the resistance should be in the range 2–6 kOhm.

If there is no resistance or is very different from the norm, the thermostat is faulty and requires replacement. In Indesit refrigerators with the No Frost system, the temperature sensor often fails due to icing of the evaporator - this is a typical “disease” of models 2018–2022 model years.

3. Problems with the compressor: why it doesn’t start or works without stopping

The compressor is the “heart” of the refrigerator, which pumps refrigerant through the system. If it doesn't turn on, the freezer will stop cooling. In models Indesit two problems are often encountered:

• 🔧 Interturn short circuit of the windings —the compressor hums, but does not start, or the protection is triggered after 5–10 seconds.
• 🛠️ Wear of the piston group —the compressor works, but does not create the required pressure (the refrigerator freezes slightly).

How to diagnose:

1. Turn off the refrigerator and touch the compressor (black cylinder at the back). If it is hot, this is a sign of overheating.
2. Listen to the sounds: a normal compressor operates with a uniform hum, but a faulty one may click, crackle, or make intermittent sounds.
3. Check the start relay (small box on the compressor). Often it “sticks” or burns out, which blocks startup.

If the compressor burns out, replacing it will cost 30–50% of the cost of a new refrigerator. In such cases, it is more advisable to consider purchasing new equipment, especially if your model Indesit is more than 7-10 years old.

4. Freon leak: how to recognize and what to do

Freon is a refrigerant that circulates through the system and provides cooling. If it leaks (for example, due to corrosion of tubes or mechanical damage), the refrigerator stops freezing, but the compressor works without stopping, trying to compensate for the lack of pressure.

Signs of a freon leak:

• 🔍 Oily stains are visible on the back wall of the refrigerator (freon mixed with oil).
• ❄️ The evaporator is not covered with frost, although the compressor is running.
• 📉 The temperature in the freezer rises to 0...+5°C.

Freon leakage is a malfunction that cannot be fixed independently. Repair requires:

1. Find a leak (often solder joints or aluminum tubes).
2. Repair the damage and evacuate the system.
3. Fill in new freon (usually R-134a or R-600a for modern models).

⚠️ Attention: Freon R-600a (isobutane), used in refrigerators Indesit after 2015, is explosive! Do not attempt to refill it without special equipment and certification.

5. Clogged capillary tube or filter drier

The capillary tube is a thin channel through which freon enters the evaporator. Over time, it can become clogged with oil decomposition products, moisture or mechanical particles. As a result, the refrigerant does not flow in the required volume, and the refrigerator stops freezing.

Signs of clogging:

• 🕒 The compressor runs for a long time (20+ minutes) without shutting off, but there is no cooling.
• 🧊 The condenser (grid at the back) remains cold, although it should warm up.
• 🔧 When tapping the capillary tube (carefully!) you can hear a characteristic “gurgling” sound.

To remove the blockage you need to:

1. Disconnect the capillary tube from the filter drier.
2. Blow it with nitrogen under pressure (this cannot be done at home!).
3. If it is severely clogged, replace the tube or filter.

This malfunction is often found in refrigerators Indesit after 5–7 years of operation, especially if the equipment was rarely defrosted or worked in high conditions humidity.

Check the temperature of the condenser (should be hot)

Listen to the compressor (works without pauses for more than 15 minutes)

Inspect the filter drier for rust

Try to gently tap the tube (sound must be voiced)-->

6. No Frost system failure: why the refrigerator does not freeze, but the fan works If the fan works, but there is no cooling, the problem may lie in:

Models Indesit with the system No Frost (For example, BIAA 13 NF or DF 5200) are equipped with a fan that distributes cold air throughout the chambers. If the fan works, but there is no cooling, the problem may lie in:

• 🧊 Icing of the evaporator —ice blocks air circulation.
• 🔥 Heater malfunctions defrost —it must be turned on periodically to melt the frost.
• 📡 Defroster failure (defrost timer) - it does not give a signal for heating.

How to check:

1. Turn off the refrigerator and defrost it for 12-24 hours.
2. After turning on, listen: if after 10-15 minutes the fan does not work, the problem is in the electronics.
3. Check the defrost heater (it is located under the evaporator) for integrity with a multimeter.

If after defrosting the refrigerator started working, but after 1-2 weeks the problem returned, it means it is faulty defrost sensor or timer. Replacing them will cost 1500–3000 ₽.

7. Electronic faults: control board and display

Modern refrigerators Indesit with electronic control (for example, ITF 118 W or BIA 20) depend on the serviceability control board. If it fails, the refrigerator may:

• 🖥️ Not respond to button presses.
• 🔄 Reboot on its own.
• ❌ Show errors on the display (for example, F01, F04 or F07).

Frequent causes of board failure:

• ⚡ Power surges in the network (especially important for houses with old wiring).
• 💧 Moisture ingress (for example, during defrosting).
• 🕰️ Natural wear of capacitors (swelling, electrolyte leakage).

If an error appears on the display, check its code with the instructions. For example:

• F01 - problem with the freezer temperature sensor.
• F04 - malfunction compressor.
• F07 —communication error between the board and the display.

⚠️ Attention: If the control board fails due to a power surge, check whether the refrigerator is connected via stabilizer. Without it, the risk of repeated failure remains high.

How to reset the error on the Indesit refrigerator?

To reset the error, unplug the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes. If the error appears again, diagnostics are required. In some models, a reset is performed by holding. button Super Cool or Fast Freeze for 5 seconds.

8. When to call a technician: signs of serious breakdowns

Some malfunctions cannot be eliminated without special skills and equipment if:

• 🔧 The compressor does not start, although the power supply and thermostat are working.
• ❄️ Oily stains have appeared on the back wall of the refrigerator (a sign of a freon leak).
• 💥 The refrigerator is electric or emits a burning smell.
• 🖥️ The display constantly shows an error that cannot be reset.

The cost of repair depends on the type of fault:

If your refrigerator Indesit is under warranty, do not try to repair it yourself - this will lead to loss of warranty obligations Indesit in Russia they work at the addresses indicated on the manufacturer’s website.

⚠️ Attention: Refrigerator parts Indesit may vary depending on the year of manufacture and modification. Before purchasing spare parts, check the exact model (it is indicated on the nameplate inside the chamber or on the back).

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about Indesit refrigerators

The Indesit refrigerator is humming, but not freezing. What is the reason?

If the compressor is humming, but there is no cooling, the most likely reasons are:

• Freon leak (the compressor is working) idling).
• Clogged capillary tube (refrigerant does not enter the evaporator).
• Malfunction of the compressor windings (it does not create the required pressure).

For accurate diagnosis, a check with a pressure gauge is needed.

Is it possible to fill freon into the refrigerator yourself?

No. Refilling freon requires:

• Special equipment (vacuum pump, pressure manifold).
• Knowledge about the types of refrigerants (for example, R-600a explosive!).
• Ability to solder copper-aluminum tubes.

Errors during refueling can lead to an explosion or poisoning.

How much does it cost to replace a compressor in an Indesit refrigerator?

The cost depends on the model:

• Compressor for small refrigerators (BIAA 13) - from 4000 ₽.
• Compressor for Side-by-Side (DF 5200) - from 8000 ₽.
• The work of a master is 2000–4000 ₽.

Total: 6000–12000 ₽.

Why does the Indesit No Frost refrigerator not freeze, but the fan works?

Probable reasons:

• The evaporator is iced up (the defrost heater does not work).
• The temperature sensor has failed.
• The drain hole is clogged (moisture does not leave, ice forms).

Try to defrost the refrigerator for 24 hours. If this does not help, you need to replace the defroster or sensor.

How to reset error F04 on an Indesit refrigerator?

Error F04 indicates a problem with the compressor To reset. its:

1. Disconnect the refrigerator from the network for 10 minutes.
2. Plug it back in and press the button Fast Freeze for 5 seconds.
3. If the error appears again, the compressor is faulty.