The situation when freezer compartment ceases to perform its functions always catches by surprise, because this is a direct threat to the safety of products. Owners of equipment Indesit often encounter the fact that the upper part of the refrigerator compartment continues to work, but the lower part turns into an ordinary cabinet. This is a classic symptom of impaired refrigerant circulation or problems with the defrost system, typical for many two-chamber models.
The first thing to do when a problem is detected is not to panic and carry out an initial diagnosis. If the compressor works without interruptions, but there is no cold, or it is silent, but the chamber is warm, the reasons may be radically different. In this article, we will analyze in detail the mechanical and electrical faults that lead to loss of cold in the freezer, and determine what steps you can take yourself.
It is important to understand that modern refrigerators Indesit with the No Frost or drip defrosting system have a complex internal architecture. A violation of the temperature regime can be caused either by a simple blockage or by the failure of expensive components. A critical sign of a serious breakdown is swelling of the back wall inside the freezer chamber, which indicates the accumulation of ice in the hidden space of the evaporator.
Checking the operating mode and control settings
Before looking for hardware failures, it is necessary to exclude the human factor. It's common for users to accidentally change settings, especially if there are children in the house or if power surges have caused electronics to reset. Make sure that the mode super freeze is not activated for a long time, as it causes the compressor to work harder, but it can block normal air circulation in some control algorithms.
Pay attention to the control panel. If the lights flash or have an abnormal color, this may indicate an error in the control module. For models with mechanical adjustment (twist inside), check if the temperature scale is off. Sometimes the slider moves to the "0" or "Min" position simply due to vibration when closing the door.
⚠️ Attention: If you reset the settings to factory settings and the problem remains, it means that the problem is not a software failure, but a physical malfunction of the cooling system components.
In digital Models Indesit with a display on the door should check the error codes. Although they are often indicated by flashing lights, deciphering these signals can immediately point you in the direction of your search. For example, a flashing temperature indicator often indicates that the sensor does not read the required values, even if the system is working properly.
Mechanical reasons: freon leak and blockages
The most common and unpleasant reason why freezer compartment stops freezing is a refrigerant leak. Freon circulates in a closed circuit, and if a microcrack forms in the tubes or evaporator, the gas escapes. Without a sufficient amount of working fluid, heat is not removed, and the temperature in the chamber rises.
The second common mechanical defect is a clogged capillary tube. An ice or grease plug may form in the system, blocking the flow of freon. In this case, the compressor may hum, trying to push gas, but there will be no cold. Diagnosis of a blockage requires professional equipment to measure the pressure in the circuit.
Where do leaks most often occur?
Most often, freon leaks in Indesit refrigerators occur in the foamed part of the case (inside the walls) or in places where the tubes are soldered on the back panel. The joints of the evaporator are also vulnerable, especially if inaccurate defrosting with sharp objects was carried out.
To detect leaks, technicians use leak detectors or the method of immersion in water (for removed components). Finding the leak on your own is almost impossible without special tools. If you notice oily stains on the back wall of the refrigerator or on the floor under it, this is a sure sign of depressurization of the system.
Repair in the event of a leak or blockage is always complex: you need to find and fix the hole, replace the filter drier, evacuate the system and fill in new freon. Simply “add gas” is a temporary measure that will cause the compressor to burn out after a short time due to the lack of oil carried away from the system.
Malfunctions of the defrost system (for No Frost models)
If your Indesit equipped with a No Frost system, then the lack of cold is often associated with a violation of the defrost cycle. The snow coat on the evaporator (which is hidden behind the rear plastic panel inside the freezer) grows and blocks the cold air supply channels. As a result, the fan circulates air, but it does not cool.
Three main elements are responsible for the defrosting process: TEN (heater), defrost thermostat (or sensor) and timer (or electronic module). If the heating element burns out, the ice does not melt. If the thermostat is stuck, it does not give a command to turn on the heating. If the timer has burned out, the command to defrost is simply not received.
To test this hypothesis, you need to defrost the refrigerator completely (at least 24 hours with the doors open). If after turning it on it starts to freeze, but after 5-7 days the problem returns, it means that the defrosting system is definitely faulty. This is a classic symptom of “freezing” of the evaporator.
⚠️ Attention: When checking the heating element and other elements, be sure to unplug the refrigerator! Working with live electrical components is deadly.
Problems with the compressor and start relay
The compressor is the heart of the refrigerator. If it doesn't start, there won't be any cold anywhere. Often the problem lies not in the motor itself, but in start-up protection relay. This is a small block that fits onto the compressor contacts. Inside it there is a coil and contacts that burn or stick over time.
Symptoms of a relay malfunction: there is a loud click, the compressor tries to start, it buzzes for 2-3 seconds, then clicks again and turns off. Or the compressor is silent, but hums quietly. Replacing a relay is a simple operation that can be done by any home craftsman with a minimum set of tools.
| Symptom | Probable cause | Difficulty of repair |
|---|---|---|
| Buzzes, clicks, does not start | Start relay or compressor jam | Low / High |
| Works constantly without turning off | Freon leak or blockage | High (requires master) |
| Silent, no light | Problem with wiring or socket | Low |
| It freezes slightly, ice freezes | System malfunction defrosting | Average |
If the compressor itself has an interturn short circuit of the windings or mechanical wear of the piston group, it will have to be replaced. This is an expensive repair that requires expertise. You can determine the death of the compressor by the characteristic burning smell or if, when trying to start, it instantly heats up and knocks out the machines.
Faults of the thermostat and sensors
In refrigerators Indesit of the old model, a mechanical one is used thermostat with a bellows tube. If it fails, the compressor power circuit does not close. You can check it by closing the contacts directly (temporarily!). If the refrigerator is working, the regulator needs to be replaced.
In more modern models with electronic control (Full No Frost), air sensors are responsible for the temperature. There may be several of them: in the freezer, in the refrigerator compartment, a defrost sensor. If one of them is lying, the control module receives incorrect data and does not turn on the compressor or fan.
Diagnostics of sensors is carried out with a multimeter in resistance measurement mode. When the temperature changes (for example, if you hold the sensor in your hand), its resistance should change smoothly. If the readings stay the same or show a break, the part is faulty.
Rare but possible reasons for the lack of cold
Sometimes the problem lies in little things that are difficult to notice at first glance. For example, a violation of the sealing rubber on the freezer door. If the rubber has dried out or the magnetic edge has weakened, warm, moist air constantly enters the chamber.
This leads to increased snow formation and overload of the system. You can check the seal using a sheet of paper: clamp it around the perimeter of the closed door. If the sheet is pulled out without force, the seal is broken. It is also worth checking the door hinges: if they are skewed, a tight fit cannot be achieved.
Another rare reason is a malfunction of the blower fan in the No Frost system. If it stands or turns with difficulty (due to icing of the bushing), cold air does not enter the chamber, remaining at the evaporator. In this case, the freezer will be warm, and there will be an ice ball behind the back wall.
When you need to call a technician, and when you can handle it yourself
You can replace the light bulb, seal, thermostat (mechanical), start relay and even temperature sensors yourself if you have a multimeter and basic skills. Complete defrosting and cleaning of drainage channels is also available.
However, if we are talking about finding leaks, soldering copper pipes, evacuation of the system and refilling with freon, you cannot do without a technician and professional equipment. Attempting to repair the refrigerant circuit yourself may result in permanent failure of the compressor and a fire hazard.
⚠️ Attention: Freon used in modern refrigerators can be explosive when exposed to air in certain concentrations and also requires proper disposal. Do not open the sealed circuit without skills.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Why does the Indesit refrigerator freeze but does not turn off?
This is a sign that it does not reach the set temperature. Reasons: freon leak, compressor wear, poor door seal or clogged capillary. The compressor is working hard, trying to compensate for the lack of cold.
Is it possible to use a refrigerator if the freezer is not freezing?
For a short time - yes, if the refrigeration compartment is working. However, continuous operation in this mode is harmful to the compressor, since it works without interruption. It is better to turn off the device before repair.
How long should defrosting last for diagnostics?
For complete melting of the ice in the hidden cavities of the evaporator (No Frost system), the refrigerator must stand with the doors open for at least 24 hours. 2-3 hours will not be enough for deep defrosting.
Why did the refrigerator start working after defrosting, but a week later it stopped again?
This is a classic sign of a malfunction of the defrosting system (the heating element, timer or sensor burned out). Defrosting removed the ice plug, but since the moisture removal mechanism does not work, the ice builds up again and blocks the channels.