The situation when your Indesit refrigerator stops turning off and works without interruption is familiar to many owners of this equipment. The hum of a compressor that does not stop for hours is not just background noise, but an alarming signal about a malfunction of the cooling system. If the unit hums for days on end, this leads to increased energy consumption and, more critically, to overloading the motor, which can result in complete combustion.
In modern models with the system No Frost and older single-compressor versions, the reasons may differ. Sometimes the problem lies in a simple ventilation blockage, while in other cases serious repairs are required with the replacement of the refrigerant. Understanding why the Indesit refrigerator does not stopwill help you save money on calling a technician or prevent food spoilage.
In this article we will analyze in detail the mechanics of the device, list the main faults and provide a step-by-step diagnostic algorithm. You should not ignore the first symptoms, since long-term operation of the motor without rest is a direct path to expensive repairs.
Operation principle and regular cycles
Normal functioning of the refrigerator Indesit is based on cyclicity. The compressor turns on, pressurizes the refrigerant, cools the chambers to the set temperature and turns off. A rest period is necessary to equalize the pressure in the system and cool the motor windings. If you notice that work cycle has changed and the pauses have disappeared, it means that the sensors do not record the achievement of the desired cold.
The time of work and rest depends on many factors: the temperature in the room, the loading of the chambers with products and the tightness of the circuit. In hot weather, the engine can run longer, but should still stop periodically. If it buzzes non-stop, it means that the control system has received a signal that the temperature inside the chambers is higher than the established norm.
It is worth considering that in models with electronic control (Full No Frost) a complex board that analyzes the readings of several temperature sensors is responsible for this process. In simpler models, a mechanical mechanism is responsible for everything, opening the contacts when it reaches cold. A failure in any of these links leads to continuous operation. thermostat, which opens the contacts when the temperature reaches cold. A failure in any of these links results in continuous operation.
⚠️ Attention: If your refrigerator operates without stopping for more than 24 hours, forcefully disconnect it from the network for 2-3 hours. This is necessary to prevent overheating of the compressor and possible wedge of the piston group.
External factors and operating errors
Before disassembling the equipment or calling a technician, it is necessary to exclude trivial causes associated with improper operation. Often malfunction turns out to be a consequence of human error or changes in external conditions. Check whether the refrigerator is too close to the wall or heating appliances. A disruption in the heat exchange of the condenser (grid at the rear) causes the motor to wear out.
It is also worth checking the tightness of the door seal. If the elastic band Indesit does not fit tightly, warm air constantly flows inside. Sensors detect the temperature increase and command the compressor to operate continuously. Inspect the seal for cracks, adhering dirt or deformation.
Another important aspect is the operating mode. If you have just placed a large amount of warm food in the chambers or turned on the “Super Freeze” function (Super Freeze), then prolonged operation of the motor is a normal situation. In this mode, the refrigerator will work for up to 12-24 hours until it freezes the entire volume.
- 🔍 Check the distance to the wall: it should be at least 10 cm for free air circulation.
- 🚪 Inspect the door seal: it should be clean, elastic and fit snugly to the body around the entire perimeter.
- 🌡️ Make sure that the room is not too hot: at temperatures above +32°C it is more difficult for the refrigerator to maintain cold.
Faults of the thermostat and sensors
One of the most common reasons why the refrigerator does not turn off Indesitis the failure of the thermostat. In mechanical models, this is a capillary tube with a bellows that transmits freon pressure to the contacts. Over time, the mechanism wears out, and the contacts “stick” in the “on” position, not opening the circuit even with severe hypothermia.
In models with electronic control (Electro No Frost), thermistors play the role of a regulator. These are semiconductor elements whose resistance changes depending on temperature. If the thermistor “lies” and sends a signal to the control module that the chamber is warm, the compressor will run indefinitely. Replacing these components requires disassembling the inside of the refrigerator.
Diagnostics of the thermostat at home is possible, but requires caution. For a mechanical device, you can close the contacts directly: if the refrigerator then starts to turn off (provided everything else is working properly), then the problem is in the regulator. However, to fine-tune a new one, a pressure manifold is often required. thermostat a gauge manifold is often required.
How to check a thermostat with a multimeter?
To check a mechanical thermostat, remove the wires from it and ring the contacts. At room temperature the circuit should be closed (resistance close to zero). If you put the sensor in the freezer for 10-15 minutes, the circuit should open. If the opening does not occur, the part is faulty.
Problems with the compressor and start relay
The heart of the refrigerator - the compressor - can also cause continuous operation if its performance has dropped. Wear of the piston group causes the engine to hum, but does not create enough pressure to circulate freon. As a result, the temperature in the chambers does not drop to the required level, and the automation does not give the command to stop.
The start-up protection relay is another candidate for replacement. If the contacts inside the relay are burnt or oxidized, the engine may run rough or not shut off correctly. Sometimes the relay simply “sticks”, continuing to supply voltage to the compressor windings. Models Indesit often use relays of the R600aseries, which are sensitive to voltage drops.
A symptom of problems with the compressor is often its strong heating. If you touch the “hump” (motor) at the back and it is hot to the point where it is impossible to hold your hand, and the refrigerator freezes weakly, this is a sign of loss of performance or gas leak.
| Symptom | Probable cause | Difficulty of repair |
|---|---|---|
| The compressor is hot, but there is no cold | Freon leakage or loss of performance | High (needs a technician) |
| The refrigerator clicks and does not start | The starter is faulty relay | Low (part replacement) |
| The motor runs without turning off, gets very cold | Thermostat/sensor is faulty | Medium (sensor replacement) |
| Strong vibration and hum | Compressor wear or poor fastening | High (motor replacement) |
Refrigerant leak and system blockage
If the refrigerator Indesit it hums, but does not freeze or freezes very weakly, with a high degree of probability a freon leak has occurred. The refrigerant could escape through microcracks in the foamed circuit or in solder joints. The pressure in the system drops, the compressor tries to compensate for the lack of gas and runs idle, unable to reach the set temperature.
Another common problem is a clogged capillary tube. Ice plugs or blockages from oil oxidation products may form in the freon circulation system. This prevents normal refrigerant flow. The compressor is working at its limit, trying to push gas through a narrow opening, but effective cooling does not occur.
In both cases, the intervention of a professional with equipment for vacuuming and filling is required. It is impossible to independently find a leak or break through a blockage without a special tool. Attempts to simply add freon without eliminating the cause will only give a temporary effect.
Failures in the electronic control module
In modern models Indesit the electronic control unit is responsible for all processes. Power surges, moisture, or manufacturing defects can lead to board glitches. The module may simply “freeze” in active operation mode and not send a signal to turn off the compressor, even if the sensors show normal temperature.
Sometimes the problem is solved by completely rebooting the system. To do this, you need to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply for 15-20 minutes. If after switching on the operating mode returned to normal, then the failure was software. If the situation repeats, there is likely a physical malfunction of the board elements or the need for flashing.
Diagnostics of the module requires special knowledge in electronics. You can visually inspect the board for burnt tracks, swollen capacitors, or traces of burning. However, an accurate diagnosis can only be made by a service engineer using testers.
⚠️ Attention: Do not attempt to repair the electronic module yourself if you do not have experience working with high-voltage circuits. Incorrect soldering can lead to a short circuit and failure of other components of the refrigerator.
Diagnostics and procedure
If you are faced with a problem with continuous operation, act consistently. First, exclude external factors: check the tightness of the door, the position of the thermostat, the absence of warm foods. If everything is in order, proceed to listen to the operation of the motor and evaluate the temperature in the chambers.
Use a thermometer to check the actual temperature inside the refrigerator and freezer compartments. If the refrigerator compartment is +10°C or higher with the motor running, and there is no ice in the freezer, these are signs of a leak or blockage. If there is a “fur coat” in the freezer and there is heat in the refrigerator compartment, the defrost sensor may be faulty or the air supply channel is clogged (for No Frost).
☑️ Primary diagnostics
- 📉 Measure the temperature: in the refrigerator compartment it should be from +2 to +6°C, in freezer -18°C and below.
- 👂 Listen to the motor: a steady hum is normal, intermittent or knocking is a sign of breakdown.
- 🔌 Check the voltage: low voltage in the network can also interfere with the normal operation of the compressor.
Often asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to leave the Indesit refrigerator running without stopping overnight?
Short-term operation without stopping (for example, when turning it on for the first time or after defrosting) is acceptable, however, if the refrigerator does not turn off for more than 12-24 hours in normal mode, this is an emergency situation that threatens combustion. compressor.
Why does the refrigerator hum, but does not freeze?
Most likely, there is a freon leak or a blockage has formed in the capillary system. The compressor is working, but the refrigerant does not circulate through the system and does not take heat from the chambers.
How often should the refrigerator be turned off? normal mode?
Depending on the model and load, the operating cycle is usually: 10-20 minutes of work and 20-40 minutes of rest. In hot weather, the operating time may increase, but pauses must be necessary.
What to do if the refrigerator does not turn off after defrosting?
Make sure you are completely dried the unit and let it stand turned off for at least 2-3 hours. If the problem persists, the defrost heater or sensor may have been damaged during defrosting.