The situation when Indesit two-chamber refrigerator stops turning off and works without interruptions is one of the most alarming for the owner of household appliances. You may notice that the unit hums constantly, the motor does not stop even at night, and electricity bills begin to rise disproportionately to normal indicators. This is not just a sign of active operation, but a signal of a serious failure in the temperature control system or the tightness of the circuit.
Ignoring such a problem inevitably leads to critical overheating compressorwhich will eventually burn out, requiring an expensive replacement of the unit. In addition, constant vibration and wear-and-tear work can lead to defrosting of food or, conversely, refreezing. Understanding why the equipment behaves this way will help you react quickly and, perhaps, avoid major repairs.
Owners of the models Indesit often encounter this phenomenon, since the design of these refrigerators, although reliable, has its own operating characteristics. Most often, the reason lies in a banal refrigerant leak or sensor failure, but sometimes the conditions in which the device is installed are to blame. Let's look at the main scenarios that require your attention.
Problems with tightness and freon leakage
The most common and dangerous reason for the continuous operation of the motor is refrigerant leak (freon). The operating principle of any refrigerator, including Indesit, is based on the circulation of gas in a closed loop. If a microcrack appears in the system, the gas begins to evaporate and the pressure drops. Sensors detect that the temperature in the chambers does not reach the set values, and instruct the compressor to work without stopping, trying to compensate for the lack of cooling capacity.
You may not notice visual signs of a leak immediately, since freon is colorless and odorless. However, an indirect sign will be the formation of a “fur coat” or ice in only one corner of the freezer, while the rest will be warm. Also, the back wall of the refrigerator can remain warm, although normally it should be hot or moderately warm, but cyclically.
⚠️ Attention: Independently refilling the refrigerator with freon without finding and eliminating the leak is a waste of money. Gas will escape through the crack again in a few days or weeks.
For an accurate diagnosis, technicians use leak detectors or the soapy water method, checking all connections and pipes. If you notice that the refrigerator Indesit has been humming for days, but is not cold enough, the probability of a leak is more than 60%. In this case, you need to call a specialist to solder the circuit and evacuate the system.
Malfunctions of the thermostat and temperature sensors
In two-chamber models Indesit thermostats (in mechanical models) or electronic sensors (in systems) are responsible for temperature control data-i="65">and with electronic control). If the thermostat is “stuck” in the “on” position or its sensitive element is deformed, it simply does not send a signal to turn off the engine. The brain of the refrigerator “thinks” that it is still warm inside and continues to freeze. No Frost and with electronic control). If the thermostat is “stuck” in the “on” position or its sensitive element is deformed, it simply does not send a signal to turn off the engine. The refrigerator brain “thinks” it’s still warm inside and continues to freeze.
In electronic models the situation is similar, but instead of a mechanical “tablet” thermistors are used. Their resistance changes depending on temperature. If the sensor gives incorrect readings (for example, it shows +10°C when it really is -5°C), the controller will keep the compressor on. Often such failures occur after power surges in the network.
Checking the thermostat in mechanical refrigerators Indesit is possible at home with some caution. To do this you need:
- ❄️ Disconnect the refrigerator from the network and defrost it completely.
- 🔧 Remove the temperature regulator and carefully remove the thermostat bellows tube from the chamber.
- 🌡️ Lower the tube into a container with cold water (about 0°C) and ring the contacts tester - the circuit should close.
- ⚡ When the tube is heated in your hands, the contacts should open (open circuit).
If the contacts do not open when heated or do not close when cooled, the part must be replaced. In electronic models, diagnostics are carried out by measuring the resistance of the sensor with a multimeter and comparing the readings with a table of ratings for a specific model. Indesit.
Where is the thermostat located?
In mechanical Indesit refrigerators, the thermostat is usually located inside the fridge compartment, under a plastic cover next to the temperature controller or in the lampshade.
Wear sealing rubber and loss of tightness
Even a working compressor and a full freon circuit will not help if warm air from the outside constantly penetrates into the chamber. Sealing rubber on the doors is the first barrier that loses its properties over time. It may dry out, crack, or simply move away from the body in the corners. Through these cracks, warm air saturated with moisture enters the chamber. Indesit warm air saturated with moisture enters.
Heat exchange is disrupted, and the refrigerator is forced to work in increased mode to maintain the desired climate. You may notice that condensation appears on food or walls, and a thick layer of ice builds up in the freezer, especially near the doorway. This is a direct consequence of warm air infiltration.
You can check the tightness in a simple but effective way. Take a piece of paper or a banknote, clamp it around the perimeter of the refrigerator door and try to pull it out. If the paper is pulled out easily, without resistance, it means that the fit is broken in this place. Pay special attention to the lower corners of the door and the hinge area, where wear occurs most quickly.
Incorrect installation and operating conditions
Sometimes the reason lies not in the breakdown of parts, but in errors when installing the equipment. Indesit refrigerator, like any other model, it requires certain conditions for effective heat transfer. If the device is located close to the wall or in a niche without gaps, the hot air from the condenser has nowhere to go. It circulates around the body, heating it, and the compressor cannot cool down and turn off.
In addition, placing the refrigerator next to heat sources (battery, oven) or in direct sunlight makes it work at its limit. In the summer, when the ambient temperature in the room is high, the load on the unit increases many times over.
There are strict requirements for distances that must be observed:
- 📏 From the back wall to the kitchen wall there must be at least 5-7 cm.
- 💨 On the sides from the cabinet to the furniture, a minimum gap is required 3-5 cm for ventilation.
- ☀️ Do not place the refrigerator in direct sunlight or close to the stove.
- 🌡️ The room temperature should not fall below +10°C and rise above +32°C (climate class).
⚠️ Attention: If your refrigerator is built into a kitchen unit, make sure that the ventilation grilles in the base and top of the cabinet are not closed and have sufficient cross-sectional area.
Failure of the compressor or start relay
The most expensive component in the refrigerator is compressor. If it is worn out, its performance decreases. The motor may hum and vibrate, but not create enough pressure in the system to achieve the desired temperature. As a result, it works continuously, trying to “catch up” with cold, but physically cannot cope with the volume of the chambers.
The starting relay or starting capacitor also often fails. If the relay is “stuck” or the contacts are burnt, it may not open the power supply circuit to the motor windings even when the thermostat requires stopping. In some cases, the compressor may not even turn off, because the relay simply does not allow the electrical circuit to be broken.
Diagnostics of the compressor requires professional tools (a pressure gauge station). However, you can conduct an initial inspection:
- 👂 Listen to the sound of operation: a smooth hum or intermittent knocking and clicking.
- 🔥 Touch the motor housing: if it is hot to the point that it is impossible to hold your hand (more than 90°C), this is a sign of overheating or an interturn short circuit.
- ⚡ Check the current consumption: if it is significantly higher than the rating indicated on the nameplate, the compressor is “pulling” too much.
☑️ Compressor diagnostics
If the compressor fails, replacing it is often not economically feasible for older models Indesit, since the cost of work and a new unit can be up to 70% of the price of a new refrigerator.
Comparison of symptoms and possible faults
To systematize the information and understand what problem you are facing, it is convenient to use a comparison table. It will help narrow down the search for a fault before calling a technician.
| Symptom | Probable cause | Difficulty of repair | Necessary actions |
|---|---|---|---|
| It buzzes, but gets cold weak | Freon leakage | High (requires a technician) | Looking for leaks, soldering, refilling |
| Works without stopping, there is ice inside | Faulty thermostat/sensor | Average | Replacement of thermostat |
| Ice at the door, condensation | Wear of seal | Low | Replacing or restoring rubber |
| Gets very hot at the back and sides | Poor ventilation | Minimal | Move away from the wall, check the gaps |
| Buzzes intermittently, clicks | Problems with the compressor/relay | High | Replacing the starting relay or motor |
Frequent questions and answers (FAQ)
Can the Indesit refrigerator not turn off due to the defrost button being stuck?
Yes, in some older models Indesit with a drip defrosting system or semi-automatic defrosting, a forced defrosting button may be present. If it freezes or shorts, the cooling cycle may be disrupted, and the compressor will work continuously until the button is released or replaced.
How long should the refrigerator rest before turning on after defrosting?
After complete defrosting (at least 24 hours) and washing, it is recommended to let the equipment stand before turning it on. open doors for another 2-3 hours at room temperature. This is necessary so that moisture completely evaporates from hard-to-reach places and the electrical circuit dries out, which will prevent a short circuit.
Is it dangerous if the refrigerator works without interruption for several days?
This is critically dangerous. The compressor resource is designed for cyclic operation (for example, it works for 20 minutes, rests for 40). During continuous operation, the oil in the compressor loses its lubricating properties, overheats, and the piston group jams. If the cause is not eliminated within 1-2 days, there is a high probability of engine failure.
Why does the new Indesit refrigerator not turn off on the first day?
When turned on for the first time or after long-term transportation, the refrigerator takes time (from 6 to 24 hours) to gain temperature and “go to mode.” During this period, the compressor can work almost non-stop, which is the norm. However, if after a day the temperature has not reached normal and the motor does not stop, this is a sign of a malfunction.
What to do if the refrigerator is noisier than usual during continuous operation?
Increased noise often indicates that the compressor is operating under high load (for example, if there is a freon leak) or the bearing has begun to collapse. Immediately turn off the appliance and contact service.