The situation when the refrigerator compartment Indesit suddenly ceases to maintain a low temperature, and the products begin to spoil, always takes you by surprise. Most often, owners notice the problem by melting frozen products or the formation of condensation on the internal walls. In two-chamber models with one compressor, a violation of the temperature regime in the upper compartment often becomes the first and only signal of a serious malfunction.
There is no need to panic in such a situation, since in most cases the reason lies in completely diagnosable components. Upper chamber The refrigerator directly depends on the correct circulation of the refrigerant and the operation of the automatic defrosting system. If the compressor hums, but there is no cold, or the unit operates with frequent stops, it is necessary to carry out initial diagnostics to understand the scale of the problem.
Before calling a technician, it is worth eliminating trivial operating errors that can simulate a breakdown. A loose door, hot food, or a displaced air damper can disrupt the microclimate in a matter of hours. However, if you are confident in the correct use, then it’s time to check the technical condition of the components Indesit.
⚠️ Attention: If you find that the back wall of the refrigerator compartment is covered with a thick ice crust (“fur coat”), under no circumstances try to chip it with a knife or other sharp object. Damage to the evaporator will lead to an immediate release of freon and expensive repairs.
The main reasons for the lack of cold in the upper compartment
Structurally, most models Indesit (No Frost or drip system) are designed so that cold air generated in the freezer and served upward. If there is ice in the freezer, but warmth at the top, then circulation or temperature control is impaired. Thermostat is the first suspect. It is he who gives the command to the compressor to turn on when the temperature in the chamber rises above the set one.
The second common reason is a refrigerant leak. Freon is a working fluid that transfers heat. If its quantity in the circuit decreases due to microcracks in the evaporator tubes, the compressor simply will not be able to create sufficient pressure to cool a large volume. In such cases, the unit can work almost non-stop, trying to gain temperature, but to no avail.
The third factor is a malfunction of the defrost system. In models No Frost ice on the evaporator (which is often hidden behind a plastic panel) blocks the ventilation holes. Air stops flowing into the refrigerator compartment, and the temperature there rises. The defrost heating element, timer or defrost sensor may fail, turning the evaporator into an ice monolith.
- ❄️ Thermostat malfunction: the sensor “thinks” that it is cold in the chamber and does not turn on the motor.
- 💨 Problems with the fan: in No Frost systems the fan does not circulate air cameras.
- 🧊 Clogged capillary tube: there is freon, but it does not circulate through the system due to a plug.
⚠️ Attention: The design of defrost systems and the location of sensors in Indesit refrigerators may vary depending on the year of manufacture and specific series. Before disassembling the components, it is recommended to check the technical documentation for your model, since the arrangement of the elements may change.
Diagnostics of the thermostat and temperature sensors
If the refrigerator Indesit does not cool in the upper chamber, but the compressor turns on rarely or does not turn on at all, the problem often lies in the control circuit. Thermostat (in mechanical models) or temperature sensor (in electronic) is responsible for reading indicators. If it breaks down, it can transmit a false signal that the norm has been reached, although in reality the products are already defrosting.
You can check a mechanical thermostat by closing its contacts directly. If after this procedure the compressor starts working and gets cold, it means the regulator is faulty and requires replacement. In electronic models Indesit diagnosis is more complicated: it is often necessary to test the sensor with a multimeter for resistance, which should change depending on the temperature.
It is important to consider that some modern models use several sensors: one in the refrigerator compartment, another in the freezer, and a third on the evaporator. If the evaporator sensor is faulty, the system may go into eternal defrost or, conversely, stop thawing, which will quickly lead to icing of the channels.
How to check the thermostat with a multimeter?
To check, remove the thermostat and place its sensitive part into ice water. Ring the contacts: at low temperatures the circuit should open (or close, depending on the type), and when heated, it should change state. Lack of response indicates the need for replacement.
Problems with the defrost system (No Frost)
Owners of refrigerators Indesit with a system No Frost are well aware of the problem of a “blown out” evaporator. If the upper chamber does not freeze, and the freezer is weak or not cold, most likely the ventilation ducts are blocked with ice. This occurs when the automatic defrosting system fails.
The key elements here are the defrosting heating element, the thermal fuse and the defrosting sensor. The heating element heats the evaporator at certain intervals, melting the ice. If the heating element burns out or the fuse breaks the circuit, ice accumulates, blocking the fan. As a result, cold air simply cannot enter the upper compartment.
Diagnostics begins with a visual inspection. It is necessary to remove the back panel in the freezer compartment. If you see a massive layer of ice on the radiator, and the fan is standing still or humming, trying to push air, the problem is confirmed. Fan in such systems, it is the main distributor of cold, and stopping it is critical.
☑️ Diagnostics of the No Frost system
Freon leak and problems with the compressor
The most unpleasant situation is a refrigerant leak. Freon circulates in a closed circuit, and if a microcrack has formed somewhere (often in the foamed part of the housing or in the aluminum evaporator), the gas gradually evaporates. The symptoms are simple: the refrigerator runs for a long time, the compressor is hot, but there is no cold anywhere or it is very weak.
Sometimes the leak is accompanied by the appearance of oily spots under the refrigerator or on the rear grille, but not always. In models Indesit with a foamed evaporator, finding the leak location requires special equipment. It is impossible and dangerous to refill the system with freon without eliminating the cause.
The compressor can also be a source of problems. If it buzzes, clicks and immediately turns off (thermal relay), it may be stuck or lost compression. In this case, the upper chamber will not receive the required amount of refrigerant for cooling. Start relay - a frequently replaced part that can be inexpensive, unlike replacing the motor itself.
| Symptom | Probable reason | Difficulty of repair |
|---|---|---|
| The compressor does not turn on | Thermostat or start relay is faulty | Low (you can do it yourself) |
| Buzzes, but not freezes | Freon leak or capillary blockage | High (needs a technician) |
| Freezes only at the bottom | Faulty defrost system (No Frost) | Average (skills required) |
| Frequent on/off | Compression loss or leakage | High |
Mechanical damage and blockages
It’s rare, but it happens that the reason for the lack of cold is trivial - a clogged capillary tube. Not only freon circulates in the system, but also oil. Over time or due to poor-quality previous repairs, a plug of paraffin or oil breakdown products may form in a narrow place in the tube. The refrigerant stops circulating, and the upper chamber gets warmer.
It is also worth checking the integrity of the sealing rubber on the door of the refrigeration chamber. If seal it does not fit tightly, warm air constantly enters the chamber. The compressor cannot cope with the heat flow, and the temperature in the upper compartment rises. This is especially true for older models Indesitwhere the rubber could dry out.
Clogged drain hole is another mechanical problem. The defrosting water does not leave, it freezes in the channel and blocks the path to cold air. Cleaning the drainage with a soft wire or a syringe with warm water often solves the problem without calling a technician.
When you need to call a specialist
Independent repair is possible only in cases of replacing the thermostat, start relay, heating element or fan. These parts are readily available and relatively easy to install. However, if the diagnosis indicates a freon leak, compressor replacement or complex blockage, the intervention of a professional with special tools is required.
A specialist is needed to evacuate the system and accurately charge the refrigerant. An incorrect amount of freon or the presence of air in the circuit will lead to rapid breakdown of the compressor. In addition, to search for micro-leaks in the foamed parts of the case, you need a leak detector and experience.
If after defrosting the refrigerator for 10-12 hours the problem has not disappeared and cold has not appeared, further experiments can be dangerous. Professional diagnostics will save your money in the long run, preventing the failure of expensive components due to incorrect action.
Why does ice freeze in the Indesit refrigeration chamber, but the food does not cool?
This is a classic sign of a malfunction of the defrost system in No Frost models. Ice blocks the air supply channels. It is also possible that the air supply damper has failed and is stuck in the closed position.
How long should the refrigerator cool down after turning it on?
After the first load or long-term defrosting, the refrigerator Indesit may need from 2 to 6 hours to reach operating temperature. If after 6-8 hours of compressor operation the upper chamber remains warm, this indicates a malfunction.
Is it possible to operate a refrigerator if it does not freeze well?
Short-term - yes, but you cannot store perishable foods. Long-term operation in this mode is dangerous for the compressor, which wears out. It is better to turn off the device and find the reason to avoid an expensive motor replacement.
Why does the Indesit refrigerator freeze only near the back wall?
In models with a drip system, this is normal - the evaporator is located there. But if the cold does not spread throughout the entire chamber, check whether the food is pressed tightly against the back wall, and whether the fan is working (in No Frost).
What to do if, after defrosting, the refrigerator still does not start to freeze?
If after 12 hours of defrosting and turning on the network, the cold does not appear within several hours, the problem is technical. Most likely, there is a freon leak or a compressor failure. A call from a specialist is required.