The situation when the freezer compartment in the refrigerator suddenly stops freezing Indesitalways takes you by surprise. This can lead to spoilage of a significant supply of food, defrosting of semi-finished products and the appearance of an unpleasant odor. The owner of the unit immediately begins to look for the cause, trying to understand whether the device is completely broken or the problem can be fixed on its own. Owners often encounter the fact that the upper chamber works normally, and the lower one turns into a compartment for storing vegetables at above-zero temperatures.
The main difficulty in diagnosis is that the symptoms can be similar for different faults. The freezer does not freeze in the Indesit refrigerator for many reasons: from a banal sticking of the defrost button to a serious failure of the compressor. It is important not to panic and conduct an initial visual inspection before calling a specialist. Often the problem lies in violations of the operating rules, which the user could simply forget or not know about.
In this article we will analyze in detail all the possible technical and operational reasons for the failure of the freezer. You will learn how to distinguish a refrigerant leak from a thermostat failure and what to do if the engine hums, but no cold is generated. A competent approach to diagnostics will help save time and money, and in some cases, save equipment from expensive repairs.
Violation of operating rules and simple errors
Before disassembling the unit or looking for service center contacts, it is worth eliminating the human factor. Often the answer to the question why the freezer does not freeze lies on the surface. Indesit refrigerator - the equipment is reliable, but sensitive to the conditions of placement and use. If you have recently moved furniture or carried out general cleaning, check to see if the case has moved.
One of the most common reasons is a loose door fit. If the rubber seal is dirty, damaged or simply not completely closed, warm air constantly enters the chamber. The cooling system does not have time to compensate for the heat gain, and the temperature inside rises. It is also worth checking if there is a foreign object stuck between the door and the body, for example, the edge of a package or a bag.
⚠️ Attention: Do not overload the freezer with food. If you fill the shelves to capacity, the circulation of cold air will be disrupted, and it will stop freezing in the far corners.
Another important aspect is the location of the equipment. If the refrigerator is too close to a wall or radiator, heat exchange is disrupted. The compressor works hard, trying to cool the chambers, but efficiency drops. Make sure that the gap between the back wall and the wall is at least 5-7 centimeters. Also check to see if there are any hot pots or heating devices on the refrigerator.
Sometimes users accidentally change the temperature settings. In models with electronic control, one wrong press is enough to throw off the program. In mechanical models, the regulator may have moved. Check the position of the thermostat knob - it should be in the middle position, usually number 3 or 4. If the regulator is turned to the minimum, the freezer will not work.
Malfunctions of the thermostat and temperature sensors
The thermostat (thermostat) is the “brain” of the refrigerator, which commands the compressor to turn on or off depending on the temperature inside the cameras. If the freezer compartment does not freeze, but the compressor itself is silent, there is a high probability of failure of this particular unit. In models Indesit with mechanical control, the thermostat is located inside the refrigerator compartment or under the top cover.
If the thermostat fails, the circuit opens and the motor-compressor simply does not receive a signal to start. Externally, the refrigerator appears to be in good working order: the light is on, but there is absolute silence. In some cases, the contacts may “stick”, and the compressor, on the contrary, does not turn off, working without stopping, but due to desynchronization of cycles, the freezer may not reach the desired temperature.
How to check the thermostat with a multimeter?
To check, you need to remove the thermostat, set the multimeter to dial mode and connect the probes to the contacts. At room temperature the chain should ring. If you put the sensor in the freezer for 10-15 minutes, the circuit should break (depending on the type of thermostat). Lack of response indicates a malfunction.
In modern models with a system No Frost or Full No Frost electronic sensors (thermistors) are responsible for the temperature. They transmit data to the control module. If the sensor “lies” and shows that it is already -24°C in the freezer, although it is 0°C, the module will not start the compressor. Replacing the sensor is a simple procedure, but requires accurate diagnostics.
Symptoms of a malfunctioning thermostat are often confused with the start relay, but there is a difference. If the relay fails, the compressor may hum and click as it tries to start, but won't. When the thermostat breaks down, the compressor most often remains completely silent. For accurate diagnostics, it is better to use a multimeter by checking the resistance of the sensor at different temperatures.
Problems with the motor-compressor and start relay
The heart of the refrigerator is the compressor. If it doesn't work, no cold is produced anywhere. However, there is a situation when the refrigerator hums, but does not freeze. This may indicate that the engine is trying to start but is unable to gain momentum. Often the culprit is the starting relay - a device that gives a starting impulse.
The starting relay is an inexpensive part that often fails due to power surges or natural wear. Inside it there is a coil and contacts that burn or stick over time. If the relay is faulty, the compressor may make a characteristic clicking sound and hum for a few seconds before shutting down. After some time, the cycle repeats.
| Symptom | Probable cause | Actions |
|---|---|---|
| The compressor is silent, there is no light | No power, the socket is burned out | Check the socket, cord, plug |
| It buzzes for 5-10 seconds and clicks | The starting relay is faulty | Replace the relay (it's inexpensive) |
| It buzzes constantly, it's cold no | Freon leak or blockage | Call a technician to find a leak |
| The compressor housing gets very hot | Interturn short circuit | Replacement of the compressor |
The most serious problem is a burnt out compressor. If the motor winding is burned out, the motor will not start even with a new relay. In this case, a professional replacement of the unit is required, which is often not economically feasible for older models. It is also worth paying attention to the capacitor, which helps start the motor. In some models Indesit its failure also leads to startup failure.
⚠️ Attention: If you hear a loud knocking or clanging sound when you try to start the compressor, immediately unplug the refrigerator. Further attempts to turn on may finally finish off the motor.
Refrigerant leak and capillary tube clogged
If the compressor runs smoothly, without stopping, hums, but there is no cold in the freezer (or it is very weak), most likely there is a problem in the refrigerant circulation system. In refrigerators Indesit two main problems are often encountered: freon leakage or clogged capillary tube.
A leak can occur anywhere in the circuit: in the foamed part of the case, in the condenser (grid at the back) or in solder joints. If there is not enough freon, the compressor drives what is left, but the pressure is not enough for normal cooling. A sign of a leak is a hot compressor and only part of the condenser grill that is barely warm or cold.
Clogging of the capillary tube occurs due to moisture or debris entering the system. An ice plug or oil blockage forms in a bottleneck in the tube. The symptoms are similar to a leak: the compressor runs constantly, trying to push freon, but there is no cold. Sometimes you can hear gurgling or gurgling sounds inside the refrigerator.
To eliminate these malfunctions, you need to call a technician with equipment. It is necessary to find the leak (often using a leak detector), solder it, evacuate the system and fill it with new freon. It is impossible and dangerous to carry out this work on your own without a vacuum pump and a pressure gauge station.
Problems in the defrosting system (for No Frost)
In models with a system No Frost or Low Frost, the freezer may stop freezing due to a malfunction in the defrost system. The evaporator, hidden behind a plastic panel, becomes overgrown with a “coat” of ice, which blocks the cold air supply channels. The fan spins, but the air does not pass through the ice monolith.
Three elements are responsible for the defrosting process: a heating element (heater), a defrost sensor and a timer (or control module). If the heating element burns out, the ice does not melt. If the sensor is faulty, it does not give a command to turn on the heating. If the timer breaks, the defrost cycle simply does not occur. As a result, within a week or two the freezer becomes overgrown with ice and stops cooling.
☑️ Signs of defrosting failure
You can diagnose this problem by completely defrosting the refrigerator. If, after 24 hours of being turned off with the doors open, the equipment starts working and freezes, then the problem is precisely ice freezing. This is a temporary solution that confirms the diagnosis. Repairs will require replacing the burnt-out element of the defrost system.
Failures in the electronic control module
Modern refrigerators Indesit are equipped with complex electronics. The control board (module) coordinates the operation of all nodes. If The freezer does not freezeand all mechanical parts are working properly, the reason may be in the “brains” of the refrigerator. Power surges in the network are the main enemy of electronics.
Symptoms can be different: the refrigerator may turn on and off chaotically, erroneously display the temperature, not respond to buttons, or display error codes on the display. Sometimes only the part of the board responsible for powering the compressor burns out, and then it simply does not start.
Repairing the control module requires special knowledge and equipment. It is often cheaper and more reliable to replace the entire board with a new or refurbished one. If you do not have experience in radio electronics, you should not climb inside the module yourself - you can aggravate the situation by burning other components.
⚠️ Attention: Technical characteristics and diagrams may vary depending on the specific series and year of manufacture of the refrigerator. Always check the technical documentation of your model before starting work.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
How long should the cold be restored after defrosting?
Usually a refrigerator Indesit requires from 2 up to 6 hours to reach operating temperature after complete defrosting. If you turn on an empty refrigerator and after 8 hours it is still warm in the freezer, then there is a malfunction.
Is it possible to operate the refrigerator if it does not freeze, but works?
It is strictly not recommended. The compressor will work non-stop, trying to reach the set temperature. This will lead to its rapid overheating and eventual combustion, as well as food spoilage and the appearance of mold.
Why does the freezer work, but the refrigerator compartment does not?
In single-compressor models, this often indicates a freon leak (it condenses in the first circuit - the freezer) or a malfunction of the damper regulating flow of cold air between the chambers. The air supply channel may also be clogged.
How often do you need to defrost an Indesit refrigerator?
Models with manual defrosting require shutdown every 4-6 months. Systems No Frost do not require manual defrosting, but preventative washing once a year will not hurt. If you notice a decrease in efficiency, defrosting will help identify a defrosting problem.
Is it worth repairing an old Indesit refrigerator?
If the refrigerator is more than 10-12 years old and requires replacing the compressor or foaming the case (corrosion), repairs may not be economically feasible. If the problem is in the thermostat, relay or sensor, the repair will extend the life of the equipment for several years.