Why the upper chamber of the Indesit refrigerator does not freeze: a complete analysis of the reasons and solutions

If the upper chamber of your refrigerator Indesit stops freezing, and the lower compartment is working normally, this is a signal of a malfunction that cannot be ignored. This problem occurs in both old models (Indesit B18FNF, Indesit ITF 118) and new ones (Indesit EWD 8140, Indesit ITS 5185). In 80% of cases, thermostat, fan or clogged capillary tubeare to blame, but there are also less obvious reasons.

Don’t rush to call a repairman: a third of breakdowns can be fixed on your own in 10-30 minutes. This article contains a photo, a table of symptoms and solutions, as well as tips on how to avoid repeated failures. If the refrigerator is under warranty - step-by-step diagnostics with photos, a table of symptoms and solutions, as well as tips on how to avoid repeated failures. If the refrigerator is under warranty - do not disassemble it yourself: in 95% of cases this will void the manufacturer's warranty.

Next, we will look at why the freezer does not cool, but the refrigerator compartment works, what to do first, and when exactly is the time to call the service center.

1. Checking the basic settings: what could have gone wrong?

Before disassembling the refrigerator, make sure that the problem is not in the settings. Often, users accidentally change parameters without even knowing it.

The first thing to do:

• 🔍 Check operating mode: on the control panel (or inside the camera) the indicator Super Frost or Fast Freezeshould be lit if it is active In some models (Indesit C 132 G), these modes turn off the freezer automatically after 24 hours.
• ❄️ Make sure that thermostat the upper chamber is not set to 0 or MIN. The optimal value is 3-4 (or -18°C).
• 🔌 Inspect socket and power cord: if the refrigerator is connected via an extension cord, try turning it on directly. In models with No Frost (for example, Indesit ITF 118 W) low voltage can block the fan operation.

If the settings are OK, but the freezer still does not freeze, proceed to the next step Please note: in refrigerators Indesit s with one compressor (most). budget models) failure of the freezer often leads to an increase in temperature in the lower chamber after 12-24 hours.

2. Clogged capillary tube: how to recognize and eliminate it

One of the most common reasons why the upper chamber does not freeze is clogging in the capillary system. refrigerant (freon) enters the evaporator of the freezer. Over time, particles of oil, moisture or freon decomposition products accumulate in it, blocking circulation.

Signs of a blockage:

• 🔊 The compressor works without stopping, but the freezer does not cool.
• ❄️ The condenser (grid at the back of the refrigerator) is cold or barely warm (should normally heat up).
• 💧 Ice appears on the back wall of the freezer in unusual places (for example, on the side).

How to check yourself:

1. Unplug the refrigerator and move it away from the wall.
2. Remove the back cover (in most models Indesit it is attached to 4-6 screws).
3. Find the capillary tube - this is a thin copper tube running from the compressor to the evaporator. Carefully touch it: if it evenly warm there is a blockage.

Solution:

• 🛠️ Cleaning the system: requires special equipment (vacuum pump, freon cylinder). It is not recommended to do it yourself - a mistake when refueling can damage the compressor.
• 🔄 Replacing the capillary tube: if the blockage is severe, the technician may offer to replace it completely (the cost of work is from 3,500 ₽).

3. Failure of the freezer thermostat (thermostat). data-i="113">The thermostat is a sensor that controls the temperature in the chamber and sends a signal to the compressor to turn on/off. If it breaks, the compressor either does not start or runs continuously, but the freezer does not cool.

The thermostat is a sensor that controls the temperature in the chamber and sends a signal to the compressor to turn on/off. If it breaks, the compressor either does not start or runs continuously, but the freezer does not cool.

How to check the thermostat:

• 🔧 In models Indesit s mechanical control (for example, Indesit ST 167) the thermostat is located inside the chamber, under the plastic cover. Carefully remove it and inspect the contacts.
• 📊 In refrigerators with electronic control (Indesit ITS 5185) the thermostat is integrated into the board. You can only check it with a multimeter (the resistance should change as the temperature changes).

Symptoms of a malfunction:

How to temporarily solve the problem:

⚠️ Attention: If the thermostat is broken and there is no way to replace it right away, you can unplug the freezer and defrost it manually. But do not store food in this condition for more than 12 hours - this will lead to food spoilage and the risk of poisoning.

4. Fan malfunction No Frost

In refrigerators Indesit with a system No Frost (Indesit ITF 118 W, Indesit EWD 8140) the fan is responsible for circulating cold air. If it stops working, the freezer does not cool, and ice may accumulate on the back wall.

Causes of fan failure:

• 🧊 Icing of the blades (due to a malfunction of the defrost heating element).
• 🔌 Motor burnout fan.
• 🕳️ Ingress of foreign objects (pieces of food, packaging).

How to check:

1. Disconnect the refrigerator from the mains.
2. Remove the back panel of the freezer (in most models it is attached to latches).
3. Try to turn the fan blades by hand. If they do not rotate, the problem is icing or jamming of the motor.

Solution:

• 🧹 Cleaning from ice: defrost the refrigerator for 12-24 hours, then check the operation of the fan.
• 🔧 Replacing the fan: if the motor is burnt out, a new part will be needed (cost - from 1,200 ₽).

What will happen if you ignore a fan breakdown?

If the problem is not corrected, the compressor will wear out, trying to cool the chamber. This will lead to its overheating and failure (repairing the compressor will cost 5,000–8,000 rubles). In addition, without air circulation, ice will begin to build up in the freezer, which can damage the seal and plastic parts.

5. Freon leak: how to detect and what to do

Freon is a refrigerant that circulates through the system and provides cooling. If a leak occurs, the freezer stops freezing and the compressor runs idle. In models Indesit leakage often occurs in places where tubes are soldered or due to corrosion of the evaporator.

Signs of a freon leak:

• 🔊 The compressor turns on, but after 5-10 seconds it turns off (protection is triggered).
• 🧊 There is no condensation on the back wall of the refrigerator (normally there should be light frost during operation).
• 💨 The condenser (grid at the back) remains cold.

What to do:

⚠️ Attention: Refill yourself Freon is not allowed - it is dangerous (risk of poisoning) and requires special equipment. If you suspect a leak, contact the service immediately.

Repair cost:

• 🔍 Leak diagnostics - from 1,000 ₽.
• 🛠️ Freon refilling - from 2,500 ₽.
• 🔧 Replacement of the evaporator (if there is a leak in it) - from 4,000 ₽.

Disconnect the refrigerator from the network

Defrost the freezer (if there is ice)

Release access to the back wall

Prepare a warranty card (if any)

Take a photo of the model (sticker inside the camera)-->

6. Compressor failure: when replacement is necessary

The compressor is the “heart” of the refrigerator. If it fails, the freezer stops freezing completely. In models Indesit compressors last an average of 7-10 years, but may break down earlier due to overloads or power surges.

Signs of compressor failure:

• 🔕 The compressor does not turn on at all (no sound or vibration).
• 🔥 The compressor housing gets very hot (normally it should be warm, but not hot).
• 💥 When turned on, clicks are heard, but the motor does not start (the start-protection relay is activated).

How to check:

1. Disconnect Unplug the refrigerator for 10 minutes, then turn it on again. If the compressor does not start, the problem is serious.
2. Ring the compressor windings with a multimeter (the resistance between the contacts should be 20-40 Ohms). If the reading 0 or ∞ is a break or short circuit.

Solution:

• 🔄 Replacement of the start-up relay (cost - from 800 ₽). Sometimes the problem is in it, and not in the compressor itself.
• 🛠️ Replacing the compressor (cost - from 5,000 ₽). In older models (Indesit B16FNF), it may be cheaper to buy a new refrigerator.

7. Problems with the control board (in electronic models)

In refrigerators Indesit with electronic control (Indesit ITS 5185, Indesit EWD 8140) the board is responsible for the operation of the freezer. If it fails, the camera may stop freezing, and the display may show errors (for example, F04, F07).

Causes of board failure:

• ⚡ Power surges in the network.
• 💧 Moisture ingress (for example, during defrosting).
• 🕰️ Natural wear (board service life is 5-7 years).

How to diagnose:

• 🔍 Check the display for errors. The codes for Indesit can be found in the instructions.
• 🔌 Inspect the board for blackened or swollen elements (capacitors, resistors).

Solution:

• 🔧 Reflashing board (cost - from 1,500 ₽). Helps if the failure is software.
• 🛠️ Replacement of the board (cost - from 3,000 ₽). If the elements are damaged, repairs may be more expensive than a new board.

⚠️ Attention: If the refrigerator is under warranty, do not open the control panel yourself. In 90% of cases, this will lead to a denial of the warranty. repair. Contact an authorized service Indesit.

8. Prevention: how to avoid freezer breakdowns

To ensure that the upper chamber of the refrigerator Indesit works without failures, follow these recommendations:

Prevention checklist:

• ❄️ Defrost the freezer every 6 months (even if the system No Frost).
• 🧲 Check the sealing rubber: if it is torn or deformed, replace it (cost - from 500 ₽).
• 🔌 Use voltage stabilizerif your network has frequent surges.
• 🚫 Do not put hot foods in the freezer - this increases the load on the compressor.

What to do if the freezer starts to freeze worse:

1. Check the temperature in the chamber with a thermometer (should be -18°C).
2. Make sure that food does not block the ventilation holes.
3. Clean the condenser (grid at the back) from dust and dirt.

If after all the checks the freezer still does not work, contact a specialist. In 70% of cases, early diagnosis allows you to save on repairs.

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

The freezer does not freeze, but the refrigerator compartment works normally?

Most likely, the problem is clogged capillary tube, thermostat breakdown freezer or fan malfunction No Frost. In refrigerators with one compressor (for example, Indesit ST 167there may also be a leak of freon from the freezer circuit.

The Indesit refrigerator beeps, but the freezer does not freeze. What should I do?

The sound signal indicates critical temperature increase in the freezer.

• Is the door closed tightly (perhaps the seal or food is in the way).
• Is the mode turned on Super Frost (in some models it turns off automatically after 24 hours).
• Is the fan running? (in models with No Frost).

If everything is in order, but the signal does not disappear, call a technician to diagnose the thermostat or control board.

Is it possible to fill freon into the Indesit refrigerator yourself?

No. Refilling freon requires:

• Special equipment (vacuum pump, pressure manifold).
• Knowledge about the types of refrigerant (in Indesit used R134a or R600a).
• Safety precautions (freon is explosive if leaked).

An error during refueling can lead to compressor breakdown or poisoning. Contact only certified services.

How much does it cost to repair a freezer in an Indesit refrigerator?

The cost depends on the cause of the breakdown:

Breakage	Repair cost (₽)
Replacement of the thermostat	800–1 500
Cleaning/replacement of the No Frost fan	1 200–2 500
Elimination of freon leakage + refilling	3 500–6 000
Replacement of the compressor	5 000–8 000
Repair/replacement of the control board	2 000–4 500

Prices do not include the cost of parts. Cost may vary in regions. differ by 15-20%.

How often do you need to defrost an Indesit freezer with the No Frost system?

Even in refrigerators with No Frost it is recommended complete defrosting every 6 monthsThis is due to:

• Ice accumulation on the evaporator (the defrosting system is not ideal).
• Contamination of the fan and air ducts.
• Prevention of the development of bacteria and mold.

To defrost:

1. Unplug the refrigerator.
2. Take out all the food.
3. Leave the door open for 12-24 hours (you can speed up the process with a hair dryer at minimum power).
4. Wipe the walls solution of soda (1 tbsp per 1 liter of water).