The Indesit refrigerator works and does not turn off: reasons and solutions

If your refrigerator Indesit suddenly stops turning off and works around the clock, this is not just an annoying noise - a signal of a serious malfunction. Constant operation of the compressor leads to increased wear of parts, increased energy consumption (up to 30-50% above normal) and the risk of breakdown. In 80% of cases, the problem can be solved without calling a technician, but it is important to correctly diagnose the source.

In this article we will examine 7 main reasonswhy the refrigerator Indesit does not turn off - from a banal clogged capillary tube to failure of the electronic control unit. You will learn how to check the thermostat, sensors and compressor yourself, and when exactly it is time to call a specialist. We will pay special attention to models Indesit with a system No Frost and inverter compressors - their diagnosis has nuances.

Warning: if the refrigerator not only does not turn off, but also does not freeze or, conversely, it freezes food - this is a sign of a critical malfunction. In this case, immediately disconnect it from the network and do not turn it on until the problem is resolved.

1. Malfunction of the thermostat (thermostat)

The thermostat is the “brain” of the refrigerator, which controls the temperature and sends a signal to the compressor to turn on/off. In models Indesit (for example, Indesit BIAA 13 or Indesit DF 4180) thermostats often fail due to power surges or natural wear. If the contacts of the thermostat are “stuck” in the “on” position, the compressor will work continuously.

How to check the thermostat yourself:

1. Unplug the refrigerator and take out all the food.
2. Remove the protective cover (usually secured with latches or screws) and find the thermostat - it looks like a small a box with a sensor tube.
3. Carefully remove the terminals from the thermostat contacts and connect them together with a screwdriver (after insulating the handle!). If the compressor working the thermostat is faulty.

Signs of thermostat failure:

• 🔴 The refrigerator does not respond to changes in the position of the thermostat knob.
• 🔴 The compressor works without pauses, but the temperature in the chambers does not drop below +10°C.
• 🔴 When the refrigerator is disconnected from the network and turned on again, the compressor starts immediately (there should be a delay of 5-10 minutes).

In models with electronic control (for example, Indesit ITF 118) instead of a mechanical thermostat, a temperature sensor is used. Checking it requires a multimeter - the resistance of a working sensor at room temperature should be within 4-6 kOhm. If the indicators go beyond these limits, the sensor must be replaced.

2. Freon leak or clogged capillary tube

Freon is a refrigerant that circulates through the refrigerator system and provides cooling. If it occurs freon leakage (for example, due to corrosion of tubes or mechanical damage), the compressor will work without stopping, trying to compensate for the lack of refrigerant. A similar effect is achieved by clogged capillary tube a thin channel through which freon enters the evaporator.

How to recognize a leak or blockage:

• ❄️ The condenser (grid on the back wall) remains cold even after an hour's operation.
• ❄️ There is not enough ice in the freezer or it melts too quickly.
• ❄️ The compressor is hot to the touch and is overloaded (a humming sound can be heard sound).

For accurate diagnosis you will need pressure manifold a device that measures the pressure in the system. Normally, the discharge pressure should be 10-15 bar, and the suction pressure - 0.5-1 bar. If the readings are lower, this confirms a leak or blockage. It is impossible to fix the problem yourself - you will need refilling freon with evacuation of the system (service cost from 3,500 to 6,000 rubles depending on the model).

What happens if you ignore a freon leak?

Prolonged operation of the compressor without a sufficient amount of refrigerant leads to its overheating and failure. In 60% of cases, this ends with replacing the compressor (price from 8,000 rubles), which is comparable to the cost of a new refrigerator in the budget segment.

3. Failure of the compressor or start-up relay

The compressor is the “heart” of the refrigerator, which pumps freon through the system. If it becomes worn or damaged, it may lose its ability to turn off. In models Indesit with inverter compressors (for example, Indesit ITF 118 W), the problem is often associated with a malfunction of the control board that regulates the motor speed.

Signs of a malfunction compressor:

• 🔧 The compressor gets very hot (case temperature is above 90°C).
• 🔧 During operation, extraneous sounds are heard: knocking, grinding or vibration.
• 🔧 The refrigerator turns off only after being forced out plugs from the socket.

To check the compressor:

1. Turn off the refrigerator and wait until the compressor cools down (1-2 hours).
2. Remove the start-up relay (black box on the compressor) and check the contacts for melting or corrosion.
3. Ring the compressor windings with a multimeter:
   • Resistance between contacts C-S (common and starting winding) - 20-40 Ohm.
   • Resistance between C-R (common and working winding) - 10-20 Ohm.
   • Resistance between S-R (starting and working) - the sum of the two previous values.

If there is no resistance (break) or tends to zero (short circuit), the compressor must be replaced. In the case of inverter models, reflashing the control board can help, but only service centers can do this.

4. Problems with the No Frost system

Refrigerators Indesit with the system No Frost (for example, Indesit ITF 118 W or Indesit BIAA 13 NF) have additional elements: a fan, a defrost heater and a timer. If any of these components fail, the compressor may run non-stop, trying to compensate for the lack of cooling.

Typical No Frost faults:

If a lot of ice has accumulated in the freezer, do not chip it with a knife this can damage the evaporator and cause a freon leak. The correct defrosting algorithm:

1. Unplug the refrigerator.
2. Take out all the food and shelves.
3. Place containers with hot water (not boiling water!) in the chamber to speed up the thawing.
4. After complete defrosting, dry the chamber and turn on the refrigerator. If the problem recurs, the faulty No Frost element needs to be replaced.

Check the operation of the fan|Inspect the defrost heater for a break|Ring the defrost timer|Make sure the drain hole is not clogged-->

5. Incorrect operation or external factors

Sometimes the refrigerator Indesit does not turn off not because of a breakdown, but because of errors in use. Here are the most common reasons:

What interferes with normal operation:

• 🌡️ High room temperature (above 30°C). The compressor is forced to work longer to maintain the set mode.
• 🔌 Ventilation failure. If the refrigerator is close to a wall or furniture, the condenser overheats.
• 🍗 Overload with products. It is especially dangerous to clog the freezer - it blocks air circulation.
• 🔄 Frequent opening of the door. Each time you open, warm air enters the chamber, and the compressor takes time to restore the temperature.

How to normalize operation:

1. Make sure that the gap between the refrigerator and the wall is not less 5 cm (for models with a rear grille - 10 cm).
2. Do not place the refrigerator next to the stove, radiator or window where direct sunlight falls.
3. Check the door sealing rubber - if it is torn or deformed, warm air gets inside. Carry out a test with a sheet of paper: if it easily pulls out when the door is closed, the seal needs to be replaced.

⚠️ Attention: If your model Indesit is installed inverter compressor, it may work longer than usual in the first 2-3 days after switching on. This is normal - the system adapts to the conditions. But if continuous operation lasts more than 72 hours, this is a reason for diagnosis.

6. Malfunction of the electronic control unit

In modern refrigerators Indesit (for example, Indesit ITF 118 W or Indesit BIAA 13 NF) the electronic module is responsible for controlling all processes. If it fails, the compressor may receive false signals that continuous operation is required. Frequent causes of unit failure:

• 💥 Power surges in the network.
• 💥 Moisture on the board (for example, during defrosting).
• 💥 Natural wear of capacitors (swelling, electrolyte leakage).

Signs of a malfunction of the electronic unit:

• 📱 The display shows errors (for example, F01, F04 or F07 for models with a display).
• 📱 The compressor turns on and off chaotically, without communication with temperature in the chambers.
• 📱 Control buttons or indications do not work.

It is difficult to repair the control board yourself - soldering skills and diagnostic equipment are required. However, you can:

1. Disconnect the refrigerator from the network for 10-15 minutes to reset the errors.
2. Inspect the board for visual defects: melted tracks, swollen capacitors or signs of corrosion.
3. If an error appears on the display, check its code with the instructions. For example, F01 often indicates a problem with the temperature sensor, and F04 a fan malfunction.

⚠️ Attention: If you do not have experience working with electronics, do not try to repair the board yourself. A short circuit can damage other components of the refrigerator.

7. When to call a technician: criteria and cost of repair

Some breakdowns can be fixed on your own (for example, replacing a thermostat or rubber seal), but there are situations where you cannot do without professional help. Contact the service center if:

• 🛠️ Diagnostics showed freon leak or clogged capillary tube.
• 🛠️ Faulty compressor or start protection relay.
• 🛠️ Required reflashing or replacing the electronic unit.
• 🛠️ The refrigerator is under warranty (self-repair will void the warranty).

Cost of repairs in service centers (2026):

Before the technician’s visit:

1. Prepare a refrigerator passport (indicates the model and serial number).
2. Describe the symptoms in as much detail as possible: when the problem started, were there any errors on the display, how often does the compressor turn on.
3. If the refrigerator is under warranty, check with the service center Indesitwhether your breakdown is covered by the warranty.

⚠️ Attention: Parts and prices may vary depending on the region and model of the refrigerator. Check current rates at local service centers.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Is it possible to operate an Indesit refrigerator if it does not turn off, but freezes?

Short-term (1-2 days) is possible, but this is fraught with overheating of the compressor and increased energy consumption. If the problem is not resolved within 3 days, unplug the refrigerator and call a technician. Constant wear and tear reduces the service life of the compressor by 2-3 times.

Why does the Indesit refrigerator not turn off after defrosting?

This may be due to:

• 🔹 Malfunction defrost sensor (in models No. Frost).
• 🔹 Clogged drainage hole, due to which moisture does not drain, and the system “thinks” that defrosting is not completed.
• 🔹 The defrost timer malfunctions defrost timer.

Try defrosting the refrigerator again for 12-24 hours. If the problem remains, diagnostics is required.

How to reset the error on the display of the Indesit refrigerator?

For most models with electronic control:

1. Unplug the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes.
2. Plug it back in - if the error is temporary, it will be reset.
3. If the error remains, find its code in the instructions and act according to the recommendations (for example, F04 the fan may need to be replaced).

How long should the compressor operate in normal mode?

In good working order refrigerator Indesit the compressor operates in cycles:

• 🕒 Active phase: 10-20 minutes (depending on the temperature in the chamber and external conditions).
• 🕒 Pause: 15-30 minutes.

The ratio of work and rest should be approximately 1:1,5. If the compressor runs for more than 30 minutes without a pause, this is a reason to check.

Can the Indesit refrigerator not turn off due to power surges?

Yes, especially if power surges often occur in your network. This can damage:

• 🔌 Start-protective relay (contacts burn out).
• 🔌 Electronic control unit (chips or capacitors burn out).
• 🔌 Compressor (interturn closure of the windings).

Solution: use voltage stabilizer (for example, Resanta ACH-1000/1-C or Calm IS1000). This will extend the life of the refrigerator by 30-40%.