Owners of household appliances are often faced with a situation when Indesit no longer maintains the set temperature. This can happen suddenly: you open the door, and it’s no longer cold there, or, conversely, the food in the freezer is covered with an ice crust, while it’s warm in the main chamber. Two-chamber models of this brand, whether classic systems with drip defrosting or modern No Frosthave their own design features that affect the diagnosis of failure.
Independent determination of the reasons requires an understanding of the operating principles of the unit. If the refrigerator stops freezing, this does not always mean a complex compressor failure or a refrigerant leak. Often the problem lies in a leak, electronics failure, or a simple clogged capillary tube. It is important to correctly interpret the symptoms so as not to spend extra money on calling a technician to solve a simple problem.
In this article we will analyze in detail the main malfunctions characteristic of two-chamber models Indesit. You will learn how to distinguish a breakdown of the thermostat from a failure of the motor-compressor, why one of the chambers may not work, and what to do if the unit hums but does not produce cold. Competent primary diagnostics will help you save time and understand whether urgent repairs are needed or you can get by with preventive measures.
Primary diagnostics: simple reasons for the lack of cold
Before you panic and look for contacts of a service center, you should exclude basic factors. Sometimes the refrigerator Indesit does not cool due to the fact that its operating conditions are violated. For example, if the unit was just delivered from the store and immediately plugged into the network, the compressor oil may not return to its place, blocking the normal operation of the system. It is also worth checking the tightness of the seals.
A frequent reason that the chambers are warm is incorrect installation of the thermostat. Users may accidentally reset the settings or put appliances into “vacation” mode when the freezer is running and the refrigerator is off. In models with electronic control, a failure could occur due to a power surge.
Pay attention to the location of the equipment. If Indesit stands close to the wall or in a niche without gaps for ventilation, the condenser does not have time to give off heat. This leads to overheating of the compressor and its emergency shutdown. As a result, the illusion is created that the refrigerator is broken, although it simply does not have enough air to cool the circuit.
⚠️ Attention: If you notice that the rear radiator grille is hot, but it is warm inside, allow the unit to cool off for 2-3 hours before restarting. This will help avoid burning out the motor windings.
To quickly check the status of the system, follow these steps:
- 🔌 Check that the plug is firmly inserted into the socket and that there is voltage in the network.
- ❄️ Make sure that the temperature regulator is not set to minimum or in mode “0”.
- 🚪 Inspect the rubber seal around the perimeter of the door for cracks or gaps.
- 💨 Move the refrigerator away from the wall at least 5-7 cm to ensure air circulation.
Malfunctions of the defrosting system in refrigerators No Frost
In two-chamber models Indesit with the system No Frost most A common cause of the disappearance of cold is a failure in the evaporator defrost system. If the heating element, defrost thermostat or timer (or electronic control module) fails, a “coat” of ice builds up on the evaporator. This ice blocks the circulation of cold air, and as a result, it becomes warm in the main chamber, although the compressor continues to work.
You can diagnose this problem by listening to the operation of the unit. If you hear the motor humming, but there is no cold coming out, and no air is blowing from the vents in the refrigerator compartment, the ducts are most likely clogged with ice. In some cases, ice may even jam the fan, which will lead to extraneous noise or knocking.
The defrosting process in such models should take place automatically. However, if one of the circuit elements breaks down (for example, it burns out), the ice does not melt, and with each cycle of operation it becomes more and more. Sooner or later this leads to a complete stop of cooling. Visually, this can be seen by the snow coat on the back wall of the freezer if you remove the plastic panel. Defrosting heating element) the ice does not melt, and with each cycle of operation it becomes more and more. Sooner or later this leads to a complete stop of cooling. Visually, this can be seen by the snow coat on the back wall of the freezer if you remove the plastic panel.
How to check the defrosting heating element?
To check the heating element, you will need a multimeter in dial mode. The resistance of a working heater is usually from 200 to 500 Ohms. If the device shows infinity or a break, the heating element must be replaced. It is also important to check the integrity of the wires going to the heater, as they often freeze or are damaged by rodents.
To temporarily solve the problem, you can completely manually defrost the refrigerator within 24 hours. If after turning on the unit starts to freeze normally again, but after 1-2 weeks the situation repeats, this is confirmation of a malfunction of the defrost system.
- 🔥 Burnout of the heating element (heating element).
- ⏱️ Failure of the defrost timer or temperature sensor.
- 🌀 Fan breakdown blowing the evaporator.
Problems with the compressor and start relay
The heart of any refrigerator Indesit is a compressor. If it doesn't start, there won't be any cold anywhere. Owners often confuse the quiet operation of inverter models with a breakdown, but if the unit is completely silent, it is worth checking the starting relay. It is this unit that supplies the impulse to start the engine. If it malfunctions, the compressor may hum for several seconds, click and turn off without starting.
Motors in two-chamber refrigerators can be single-compressor (one motor for both chambers) or two-compressor. In models with one compressor, stopping it means defrosting the entire volume. If you have a model with two motors and only one chamber is not cooling, the problem is localized in the circuit of this chamber or its thermostat.
Overheating of the compressor is another serious reason. If the refrigerator is in the sun or next to the stove, the motor is overloaded. In such cases, thermal protection is triggered and the unit goes into “sleep mode”. Long-term operation in such conditions leads to inter-turn short circuit of the windings, which requires expensive replacement of the compressor.
⚠️ Attention: If, when you try to start the compressor, it emits a loud metallic clang or a burning smell, immediately disconnect the device from the network. Operation in this condition may lead to a wiring fire.
Diagnostics of the start relay is often available at home. After removing the housing from the compressor, you can carefully remove the relay and shake it. If a ringing sound is heard inside (like a broken stone), it means that the launch capsule is destroyed and the relay needs to be replaced. This is an inexpensive part that is easy to replace yourself.
Freon leakage and clogged capillary system
One of the most difficult problems to diagnose and repair is leakage refrigerant (freon). In refrigerators Indesit evaporators are often made in the form of tubes foamed into the body (internal circuit). Over time, the metal corrodes and gas escapes. The symptom is that the compressor works almost non-stop, trying to gain temperature, but there is no cold or it is very weak.
A clogged capillary tube is a “twin” of a leak in terms of symptoms, but with a different mechanism. A blockage from oil or moisture breakdown products may form in the refrigerant circulation system. This prevents the normal flow of freon. As a result, one part of the circuit may be cold (to the point of blockage), and the other warm.
It is extremely difficult to distinguish a leak from a blockage without special equipment (pressure gauges, leak detector). However, there are indirect signs: if there is a leak, the condenser (grid at the back) will be barely warm or cold, and if clogged, it will be hot at the beginning and cold after the plug. Also, when there is a leak, the oil in the compressor often turns black, which is visible when the system is opened.
| Symptom | Freon leak | Capillary clogged | Faulty heating element |
|---|---|---|---|
| Operation compressor | Constant, non-stop | Cyclic, with overheating | Constant or frequent |
| Condenser temperature | Cold or slightly warm | Hot at the beginning, cold further | Hot |
| Ice in the freezer | Absent or a little | Maybe in places | A large coat on the evaporator |
| Sound of operation | Quiet, even hum | Gurgling, hissing | Normal or fan noise |
Repair in the event of a leak or blockage requires the intervention of a technician with equipment for vacuuming and refilling the system. It is impossible to eliminate these malfunctions on your own without the risk of permanently damaging the compressor.
Failures in the operation of the thermostat and electronics
The thermostat (thermostat) is responsible for turning the compressor on and off depending on the temperature in the chamber. If this sensor “lies” and sends an incorrect signal to the control module, the refrigerator may simply not turn on, “thinking” that the cold has already been dialed. In two-chamber Indesit electronic sensors are often used that are sensitive to voltage changes.
In models with electronic control (where there is a display on the door), the reason for the lack of cold may be a failure in the control module (board). A power surge, moisture ingress or manufacturing defects lead to the fact that the “brains” of the refrigerator stop sending the command to start the compressor or fan.
You can diagnose the thermostat by closing its contacts (for mechanical models). If the compressor starts after the short circuit, then the problem is in the temperature sensor. For electronic systems, you will need to test the sensors with a multimeter for resistance, which should change as the temperature changes.
☑️ Electrical diagnostics
Sometimes the problem is solved by flashing or resetting errors, which only service center specialists can do.
Violation of the seal of the chamber and other factors
Even a working refrigerator will not cool if the seal of the circuit is broken. The rubber seal on the door Indesit over time becomes dull, cracks or deforms. Warm air enters the chamber through the cracks, which the cooling system does not have time to cool. The compressor wears out, but the temperature does not drop.
You can check the tightness in a simple way: clamp a sheet of paper between the door and the housing around the entire perimeter. If the paper comes out too easily or falls out on its own, the seal does not fit. Also, the cause of loose closure may be skewed hinges or too heavy shelves on the door.
Another factor is frequent opening of the door or loading of hot products. A lot of moisture gets into the chamber, which settles on the walls and turns into ice, disrupting heat transfer. In two-chamber models, this is especially critical for the freezer, where the ice crust acts as a heat insulator.
⚠️ Attention: Never try to remove frozen ice with a knife or sharp objects. You can damage the evaporator, which will lead to an immediate leak of freon and expensive repairs.
To restore tightness, the seal can be treated with silicone grease or heated with a hairdryer (carefully) to restore elasticity. In case of severe deformation, it is better to replace the rubber profile with a new one.
How to restore the seal?
If the seal has simply moved away from the body, it can be carefully glued with a special glue for rubber or “Moment”. If the rubber has become hard, try wiping it with hot water or glycerin. As a last resort, you can insert a thin cord inside the profile to open it and improve the fit.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Why does the Indesit refrigerator freeze only the freezer, but it is warm in the refrigerator compartment?
This is a classic sign of a malfunction of the defrost system in models No Frost. Most likely, the cold air supply channel from the freezer to the upper chamber has frozen. A freon leak is also possible, in which the quantity is only enough for a small volume of the freezer.
How long should a new refrigerator get cold after switching on?
Usually a two-chamber refrigerator Indesit takes from 2 to 12 hours to reach operating mode. The time depends on the ambient temperature, the volume of the chambers and the number of loaded products. If after 12 hours there is no cold, this is a cause for concern.
Is it possible to operate a refrigerator if it hums but does not freeze?
No, this is dangerous. Prolonged operation of the compressor without cooling (at idle speed) leads to overheating and combustion. In addition, food may spoil. The unit needs to be turned off and diagnosed.
Why does ice form on the back wall of the refrigerator compartment?
In models with a drip system, this may be the norm during the defrost cycle. But if there is a lot of ice and it does not melt, the drainage hole may be clogged or the thermostat has failed, preventing the system from going into defrost mode.
What to do if the Indesit refrigerator makes clicks and does not turn on?
Clicks are usually made by the starting relay, trying to start the compressor. If startup does not occur, the problem may be in the relay itself, in the compressor windings, or in a lack of voltage. Try defrosting the unit for a day, if it doesn’t help, call a specialist.