The situation when freezer compartment Indesit freezes properly, but refrigerator compartment stops cooling, occurs more often than it seems. Owners of two-chamber models (for example, Indesit DF 4180 W, BIAA 13 or C 132 G) encounter this after 3-5 years of operation, less often - immediately after purchase. The reasons lie in both trivial user errors and serious breakdowns that require the intervention of a technician.
In this article we will look all possible reasonswhy a refrigerator Indesit It doesn’t cool, but the freezer works - from clogged drainage to failure electronic module. You will learn how to carry out do-it-yourself diagnosticswhen you can do without repairs, and when it’s time to call a specialist. We will pay special attention single-compressor models (the most common case), but we will also touch on two-compressor systems.
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1. Capillary tube clogged: why the refrigerator does not cool, but the freezer works
The capillary tube is a thin copper channel through which the refrigerant (freon) flows from the condenser to the evaporator. In single-compressor refrigerators Indesit the freezer compartment is cooled first, and then the refrigerator compartment. If the capillary becomes clogged, freon does not reach the evaporator of the refrigeration chamber, and it stops cooling, mientras que the freezer continues to work.
Causes of clogging:
- 🔧 Oil from the compressor - when the piston group wears out, the oil mixes with freon and forms a plug.
- 🧊 Moisture in the system —if vacuumization was not carried out when filling the refrigerant, the moisture freezes in the capillary.
- 🔥 Metal shavings —if the compressor or tubes are damaged.
How to check? Touch the condenser (grid on the back wall of the refrigerator). If it uniformly warm only in the upper part (from the freezer side), and cold at the bottom is a sign of capillary clogging. Normally, the condenser should be hot along its entire length.
⚠️ Attention: Do not try to clean the capillary tube yourself - this requires special equipment (hydraulic press, vacuum pump) and experience. Unskilled actions will lead to depressurization of the system.
2. Freon leak: signs and what to do
Freon circulates in a closed circuit. If a microcrack occurs somewhere (most often in soldering areas or on the evaporator), the gas gradually evaporates. In single-compressor models Indesit the freezer compartment is located closer to the compressor, so it keeps cold longer until the refrigerator compartment is no longer cooling.
Signs of a leak:
- ❄️ The freezer works, but ice forms only on part of the evaporator (uneven ice).
- 🔊 Compressor works without stopping or turns on too often.
- 🌡️ The temperature in the refrigerator compartment rises to 15–20°C, despite the maximum settings.
How to find a leak? Inspect:
- Soldering points on compressor and filter drier.
- Freezer evaporator —often cracks appear due to corrosion (especially in models with a system No Frost).
- Capillary tube for mechanical damage.
If a leak is confirmed, you will need to:
- Repair the damage (soldering, replacing a section of the tube).
- Replace filter drier (required!).
- Evacuate the system and fill with new freon.
⚠️ Attention: Freon R-600a (used in modern Indesit) It is explosive! You can only work with it in a ventilated room, away from open fire.
3. Failure of the thermostat (thermostat) of the refrigerator compartment
The thermostat is a sensor that controls the temperature in the refrigerator compartment and sends a signal to the compressor. on/off. If it fails, the compressor either does not receive a command to cool the refrigeration chamber, or it works continuously, but the cold does not flow due to improper distribution of freon.
Signs of a thermostat malfunction:
- 🔄 Compressor does not turn off, but the refrigerator does not cools.
- 🌡️ When you turn the thermostat knob no click is heard (characteristic sound of contact activation).
- 🔌 The light inside the refrigerator does not light up when the door is opened (if the thermostat is combined with the light switch).
How to check the thermostat with a multimeter:
- Unplug the refrigerator.
- Remove the thermostat knob and the protective casing.
- Connect together terminals 3 and 4 (if the thermostat is mechanical). If the compressor starts working, the sensor is faulty.
- For electronic thermostats, check the resistance: at room temperature it should be 1–2 kOhm.
Disconnect the refrigerator from the mains|Remove the thermostat handle and casing|Ring the terminals with a multimeter (resistance mode)|Try to close contacts 3 and 4 manually|Check the circuit for break-->
In models Indesit with electronic control (for example, BIAA 13 NF) instead of a mechanical thermostat, a temperature sensor (thermistor) is used. Its resistance should change during heating/cooling. If the readings are static, the sensor must be replaced.
4. No Frost fan malfunction
In refrigerators Indesit with a system No Frost the fan is responsible for circulating cold air. If it breaks, the freezer continues to cool (since the evaporator is responsible for circulating cold air. is blown directly), and the refrigerator compartment remains warm due to the lack of air exchange.
Causes of fan failure:
- 🧊 Icing of the blades - if the defrosting system cannot cope.
- 🔌 Bearing wear or burnout motor windings.
- 🐭 Ingress of foreign objects (pieces of food, ice).
How to check:
- Turn off the refrigerator and defrost it for 12–24 hours.
- Remove the back panel in the freezer (you will need a screwdriver).
- Try turning the fan blades by hand. If they do not rotate or you hear a grinding noise, the problem is in the bearings.
- Connect the refrigerator and listen: if the fan does not starts, but voltage is supplied to it (checked with a multimeter), which means the motor has burned out.
5. Problems with the electronic control module
In modern models Indesit (for example, DFE 4200 W, TIA 16) the electronic unit is responsible for the distribution of cold. If it fails, the compressor can only work on the freezer compartment, ignoring the refrigerator compartment. Most often this happens after voltage surges or a short circuit.
Signs of a module malfunction:
- 📛 Are displayed on the display errors (for example,
F04,F07—see table below). - 🔄 The compressor turns on for 5-10 seconds and turns off.
- 🌡️ Temperature in the refrigerator camera does not correspond to the specified one, despite the correct settings.
Deciphering electronic module errors Indesit:
| Error code | Value | What to do |
|---|---|---|
F01 |
Problem with the refrigeration chamber temperature sensor | Ring the sensor, replace if broken |
F04 |
Faulty compressor or start relay | Check the compressor windings, replace relay |
F07 |
Communication error between the module and the display | Reflash the module or replace the cable |
F10 |
Problem with the fan No Frost | Check the rotation of the blades, replace the motor |
Independent repair of the module is possible only if you have experience working with a soldering iron and programmer. In most cases, it is easier to replace the entire board (cost - from 3,000 to 6,000 rubles, depending on the model).
⚠️ Attention: Before replacing the module, unplug the refrigerator for 10 minutes - this will release the residual charge in the capacitors and prevent a short circuit.
6. Clogged drainage system of the refrigerator compartment
If the refrigerator compartment does not cool, but the freezer is working normally, the cause may lie in a blockage drain hole. The water generated during defrosting does not flow into the tray, but accumulates under the fruit boxes, blocking air circulation. This is typical for models with drip defrosting system (for example, Indesit ST 167).
Signs of blockage:
- 💧 Under the lower shelves standing water.
- 🍃 An unpleasant odor appears in the refrigerator compartment bad smell.
- 🌬️ Air from the freezer does not flow into the refrigerator compartment.
How to clean the drain:
- Turn off the refrigerator and remove all food.
- Locate the drainage hole (usually in the back of the refrigerator compartment, under the evaporator).
- Use a syringe with warm water or wire (2-3 mm in diameter) to push through the blockage.
- Rinse the system with a soda solution (1 tablespoon per 1 liter of water) to remove mold.
What is the danger of clogged drainage?
If the water is not eliminated, it will begin to freeze in the channel, forming an ice plug. This will lead to icing of the evaporator and breakdown of the compressor due to increased load. In addition, standing water is an ideal environment for the growth of bacteria (for example, salmonella), which is dangerous to health.
7. Incorrect settings or operating errors
Sometimes the problem lies not in the breakdown, but in the process. in incorrect settings or violation of the rules of use. Check:
- 🌡️ Temperature conditions: in the refrigerator compartment it should be
+4…+6°C, in the freezer --18°C. freezer, the compressor may not be able to cope with the load. - 🚪 Door closing tightness: even a small gap (due to a worn seal or misalignment) leads to warm air getting in.
- 📦 Overload of products: if the refrigerator compartment is packed to capacity, air circulation is disrupted.
- ☀️ External factors: the refrigerator should not be placed next to the radiator, stove or in direct sunlight.
How to check seal:
- Close the door by inserting between the seal and the body a sheet of paper.
- If the sheet is easily pulled out, the seal is worn out and needs to be replaced.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
The Indesit freezer is freezing, but the refrigerator is not - what to do first?
Start with the simplest checks:
- Make sure that the refrigerator is connected to the network and there are no errors on the display.
- Check that the refrigerator door is tightly closed.
- Defrost the refrigerator for 12 hours (if the model is with No Frost).
- Clean the drainage hole in the refrigerator compartment.
If this does not help, proceed to diagnosing the thermostat and compressor.
How much does it cost to repair if the Indesit refrigerator does not cool, but the freezer works?
The cost depends on reasons:
- Replacing the thermostat — 1,500–2,500 rubles.
- Cleaning the capillary system + refilling freon —3,500–5,000 rubles.
- Repair of electronic module — 3,000–6,000 rubles.
- Replacement of compressor — 5,000–8,000 rubles.
The technician will tell you the exact price after diagnostics.
Is it possible to use an Indesit refrigerator if only the refrigeration chamber is not working?
Technically - yes, but with reservations:
- There will be a freezer work with increased load, which reduces the service life of the compressor.
- If the reason is a freon leak, the freezer will stop freezing over time.
- Store perishable products (dairy, meat) in a non-refrigerated compartment dangerous.
It is recommended to eliminate the malfunction within 1-2 days.
How often do you need to defrost the Indesit No Frost refrigerator to avoid breakdowns?
Despite the name No Frost ("without frost"), you need to defrost the refrigerator 1 time every 6-12 months. This is due to:
- Ice accumulation on evaporator (especially if you open the door frequently).
- Clogged drainage system dust and grease.
- Wear fan due to increased load.
Defrost on 12–24 hours followed by drying will prolong the life of the equipment.
Which Indesit models are more likely to break down with this problem?
According to statistics from service centers, most often the owners of the following models encounter the “freezer is working, the refrigerator is not” fault:
- Indesit DF 4180 W (problems with the thermostat and leakage freon).
- Indesit BIAA 13 (clogged capillary tube).
- Indesit ST 167 (malfunction of the drainage system).
- Indesit TIA 16 (failure of the electronic module).
In models with No Frost (for example, Indesit DFE 4200 W) the fan often fails.