Why the freezer works, but the Indesit refrigerator does not cool: a complete analysis of the problem

If your Indesit with a system No Frost or drip defrosting suddenly stopped cooling, but the freezer is working - no panic. In 8 out of 10 cases, the problem is solved in 15–30 minutes. The main thing is to correctly identify the source of the malfunction and not aggravate the situation with incorrect actions.

1. Clogged drainage hole is the most common cause

In refrigerators Indesit s drip defrosting system (models BIAA 13, ST 167 etc.), the drainage hole is located on the back wall of the main chamber. Its task is to drain condensate into a special tray above the compressor. If the hole becomes clogged with crumbs, food particles or mold, water begins to accumulate inside the chamber and then freezes, blocking the circulation of cold air.

How this manifests itself:

• 🔹 The freezer operates as normal, and the temperature in the main chamber rises to +10...+15°C
• 🔹 Ice or frost is visible on the back wall of the refrigerator
• 🔹 Water accumulates under the vegetable drawers
• 🔹 The compressor works almost non-stop, but there is no cooling

To To remove the blockage, you will need to:

1. Disconnect the refrigerator from the network and defrost it for 10-12 hours.
2. Clean the drainage hole using special brush (comes with the refrigerator) or a cotton swab dipped in a soap solution.
3. Rinse the hole with warm water from a syringe or syringe without a needle.
4. Check whether the water goes into the pan (you can pour a little water into the hole and listen to how it drains).

⚠️ Attention: Never use sharp ones to clean the drainage objects (knitting needles, knives, screwdrivers) - this can damage plastic parts and lead to a refrigerant leak.

Unplug the refrigerator from the outlet|Remove all food and shelves|Defreeze the chamber for at least 10 hours|Clean the hole with a brush or a cotton swab|Rinse the drainage with warm water|Check the water drainage pallet-->

2. Malfunction of the No Frost fan

In models Indesit with the system No Frost (DF 5200, C 167 NF etc.), the fanlocated behind the rear wall of the freezer is responsible for the circulation of cold air. If it stops working, cold air does not flow into the main compartment, and the temperature there begins to rise. At the same time, the freezer continues to freeze, since the compressor and evaporator are functioning normally.

Signs of fan failure:

• 🔊 The refrigerator has become quieter (no characteristic fan noise)
• ❄️ A thick layer of ice forms on the back wall of the freezer (due to lack of circulation)
• 🌡️ The temperature in the main chamber rises to +18...+20°C, despite the compressor running

To check the fan:

1. Unplug the refrigerator.
2. Remove all food from the freezer and remove the back panel (it is secured with latches or screws).
3. Try to manually turn the fan blades - if they do not rotate or rotate with difficulty, the problem is the bearing or freezing.
4. Check the integrity of the wiring and contacts.

If the fan does not spin due to freezing, defrost the refrigerator for 12–24 hours. If the problem is in the motor, the part will need to be replaced. In Indesit models with No Frost, the fan is the “weak link” and fails on average after 5–7 years of operation.

3. Failure of the main chamber temperature sensor

In refrigerators Indesit (temperature sensors) are responsible for temperature regulation. If the sensor in the main chamber fails, the electronic module stops receiving real temperature data and does not turn on the compressor for cooling. At the same time, the freezer continues to work, since its sensor remains operational. thermistors (temperature sensors). If the sensor in the main chamber fails, the electronic module stops receiving real temperature data and does not turn on the compressor for cooling. At the same time, the freezer continues to work, since its sensor remains operational.

Symptoms of a faulty sensor:

• 📉 The temperature in the refrigerator compartment rises to room temperature (+20...+25°C)
• 🔄 The compressor turns on rarely or does not turn on at all
• 💡 An error may appear on the control panel (for example, F04 or F05 in models with a display)

How to check the sensor:

1. Disconnect the refrigerator from the network.
2. Remove the plastic cover inside the chamber (usually the sensor is located next to the light lamp).
3. Disconnect the sensor connector and measure its resistance with a multimeter. At room temperature (+20°C) it should be in the range 4–7 kOhm.
4. If the resistance is 0 or infinity, the sensor is faulty and requires replacement.

⚠️ Attention: In some models Indesit (for example, BIAA 13) the temperature sensor is combined with a defrost sensor. When replacing it, flashing of the electronic module may be required.

4. Refrigerant leak in the cooling system

If there is a freon leak in the cooling circuit refrigeration chamber, the compressor will run idle, not creating the necessary pressure for cooling. The freezer can continue to freeze if it has a separate circuit (in models with double-circuit system, for example Indesit BIAA 16). In single-circuit refrigerators, a leak usually leads to a complete failure of both chambers, but sometimes the freezer maintains the temperature longer due to better thermal insulation.

Signs of a freon leak:

• 🔧 The compressor runs non-stop, but does not cool
• 🧊 The condenser (grid on the back wall) remains cold
• 💨 Oil may be visible at the leak (refrigerant mixed with compressor oil)
• 📉 The temperature in the refrigerator compartment is rising, despite the constant operation of the motor

What to do:

A refrigerant leak is serious malfunctionwhich cannot be eliminated on your own. You will need:

1. Find the location of the leak (most often it is evaporator, condenser or copper tubes).
2. Eliminate the damage (soldering, replacing a section of the tube).
3. Evacuate the system and charge new refrigerant (usually R-134a or R-600a).

⚠️ Attention: Refrigerant R-600a (isobutane) used in modern models Indesitis explosive! Do not try to charge the system yourself.

5. Failure of the electronic control module

The electronic unit (control board) can be called the “brain” of the refrigerator. If it fails, the compressor may not receive commands to cool the main chamber, while the freezer continues to operate. the module breaks down due to:

• ⚡ Power surges in the network
• 💧 Moisture (condensation) getting on the board
• 🔥 Overheating due to poor ventilation
• 🛠️ Incorrect connection after repair

Symptoms of module malfunction:

• 📛 Errors appear on the display (F01, F08, E01)
• 🔄 The refrigerator turns on/off spontaneously
• 🌡️ The temperature in the main chamber is not is regulated, despite changing the settings
• 🔊 The compressor does not respond to commands from the control panel

Diagnostics and repair:

It is difficult to check the module yourself - you will need multimeter and a connection diagram. If you are not an experienced electronics engineer, it is better to contact a service center. In cases it helps flashing boards (for example, in models Indesit DF 5200 after 2018 release). If the module is burned out, it will have to be replaced.

Cost repair:

• 💰 Diagnostics - from 1,000 to 2,500 rubles
• 💰 Repair (soldering, replacement of elements) - from 2,000 to 5,000 rubles
• 💰 Board replacement - from 4,000 up to 8,000 rubles (depending on the model)

6. Freezing of the capillary tube

The capillary tube is a thin copper pipe that carries the refrigerant to the evaporator. If it forms ice plug (due to moisture or clogging), freon stops circulating, and the refrigerator compartment does not cool, since its circuit is not affected.

Causes of capillary freezing:

• 💧 Moisture getting into the system (for example, when refrigerant is charged incorrectly)
• 🧊 Using low-quality freon
• 🔧 Factory defect (found in models Indesit 2015–2017)

How to fix the problem:

1. Defrost the refrigerator for 24 hours.
2. If the plug has not melted - will be required purging the system with nitrogen (this is done in the service).
3. In advanced cases, the capillary tube has to be replaced.

⚠️ Attention: If the capillary tube freezes again after repair, this indicates a improper refrigerant charging or system leakage. Contact another technician!

7. Incorrect settings or operating modes

Sometimes the problem lies not in a breakdown, but in incorrect settings. For example:

• 🔘 Mode enabled "Vacation" or "Eco", in which the main chamber is turned off and the freezer is running.
• 🌡️ The temperature in the main chamber is set to +8…+10°C (check the setting!).
• 🚪 The refrigerator door does not close tightly due to a worn seal or a skewed hinge.

How to check:

1. Make sure that the indicator on the control panel is not lit Vacation or Eco.
2. Check how tightly the door is closed - place a sheet of paper between the seal and the body. If it pulls out easily, the seal needs to be replaced.
3. Reset the settings to factory settings (the instructions for your model describe how to do this).

If the problem persists after resetting the settings - look for the reason in the technical part.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about a non-working Indesit refrigerator