Situation, when Indesit No Frost refrigerator stops turning off and works without interruptions, it often causes panic among owners. The hum of the engine, which does not subside for days, not only irritates the ear, but also frightens with a sharp increase in electricity bills. However, the constant operation of the compressor is not just an inconvenience, but a signal that the cooling system has gone into emergency mode or has lost the ability to maintain the temperature balance using standard methods.
The problem is most often based on a violation of heat exchange or incorrect operation of the control electronics, which simply “does not see” that the chamber is already cold enough. If your Indesit hums around the clock, this means that the sensors are transmitting false data about the high temperature, causing the unit to freeze even more. Ignoring this symptom can lead to the failure of an expensive compressor, which is not designed to operate 24/7 without rest cycles.
Before calling a technician, it is important to understand the physics of the process: the system No Frost is more complex than a conventional drip, as it includes fans, defrost timers and additional heating elements. A failure in any of these components can simulate a lack of cold, causing the engine to wear out. In this article we will analyze in detail the mechanical and electrical causes of such a breakdown.
Failures of the thermostat and temperature sensors
The most common reason for the endless operation of the refrigerator is the failure of thermostat or the electronic temperature sensor. In older models Indesit with mechanical control, a thermostat with a bellows, which responds to changes in freon pressure in the capillary tube, is responsible for turning the motor on and off. If this mechanism gets stuck in the “on” position or loses its seal, the compressor will work until you unplug the cord from the socket.
In modern models with electronic control (system Full No Frost), the role of a thermostat is performed by air sensors located inside the chambers. They transmit signals to the main control module. If the sensor “lies” and shows that the chamber is +10°C instead of the required +4°C, the “brain” of the refrigerator gives the command to the motor to freeze further. Often the problem lies in oxidation of the contacts or displacement of the sensor itself.
⚠️ Attention: When replacing the thermostat on mechanical models, it is important to strictly follow the order of connecting the wires. Confused color markings can lead to a short circuit or the opposite effect - the refrigerator will stop turning on altogether.
Diagnostics of these elements requires a multimeter. In mechanical thermostats, when cooling, the limit switches should open, breaking the circuit. In electronic sensors, the change in resistance with temperature changes is checked. If the device shows a break or constant resistance, the element must be replaced.
Refrigerant leak and problems with the compressor
The second most common reason why Indesit refrigerator does not turn off is a banal freon leak. It would seem that logic dictates that if there is a shortage of refrigerant, the refrigerator should stop freezing and turn off. But the opposite happens: the sensors record that the temperature has not reached the set value and do not give a command to stop the motor. The compressor works at the limit of its capabilities, trying to “catch up” with cold that is physically not in the system.
Leaks most often occur in places where pipes are soldered, in the foamed part of the body (aluminum) or through steel door hinges, where the metal corrodes over time. It is difficult to determine a leak visually, but it can be determined by indirect signs: hot sides of the housing, poor cooling when the engine is running, swelling of the rear wall inside the freezer.
If the problem lies within itself, for example, in the wear of the piston group or valves, it will also not be able to create the necessary pressure. The motor hums and vibrates, but does not pump freon with the required efficiency. The control system sees the absence of cold and keeps the unit on. compressor, for example, in the development of a piston group or valves, it will also not be able to create the necessary pressure. The motor hums and vibrates, but does not pump freon with the required efficiency. The control system sees the absence of cold and keeps the unit on.
To eliminate the leak, you need to call a technician with equipment to find the leak (leak detector), evacuate the system and charge it with new refrigerant. It is almost impossible to independently eliminate a leak in a foamed circuit without compromising the integrity of the thermal insulation.
Failure in the No Frost defrosting system
The specificity of the technology No Frost is the automatic defrosting of the evaporator hidden behind the back wall of the freezer. If this system fails, a “coat” of ice builds up on the evaporator, which blocks the air circulation channels. The fan moves air, but it does not pass through the frozen radiator, and the cold does not enter the chambers. The temperature sensor in the main chamber “does not see” the cold and forces the compressor to work continuously.
Three key elements are responsible for the defrosting process: defrost heating element, defrost sensor (defrost thermostat) and timer (or electronic module). If the heating element burns out, the ice does not melt. If the defrost sensor is faulty, it may not give a command to turn on the heater or, conversely, not turn it off. If the timer fails, the defrost cycle simply does not start.
Visually this is manifested by the fact that the back wall in the freezer is covered with a thick layer of ice or freezing in the form of a "beard". In some cases, ice can block the fan blades, causing a characteristic crackling or humming sound, and then the fan stops, stopping air circulation.
| System element | Function | Failure symptom |
|---|---|---|
| Heating element defrost | Heats the evaporator to melt the ice | The ice does not melt, the compressor works constantly |
| Defrost sensor | Turns off the heating element when the desired temperature is reached | The heating element does not turns on or heats up too long |
| Timer/Module | Starts defrost cycle by time | Defrost never occurs or too often |
| Fan | Cold circulates air | It is warm in the chambers, there is ice in the freezer, the motor does not turn off |
To check the heating element and defrost sensor, you need to “ring” them with a multimeter for resistance. A working heating element has a resistance within tens of ohms (usually 200-400 ohms), and the sensor changes resistance depending on the temperature. A broken circuit means the part needs to be replaced.
Problems with seals and heat transfer
Often the reason lies not in the electrics, but in a banal leak in the chamber. If the refrigerator door is worn out, dirty or deformed, warm air from the room constantly flows inside. The refrigerator tries to compensate for this heat gain and runs non-stop. This is especially noticeable in the hot season or if the refrigerator is located next to the radiator. sealing rubber band on the refrigerator door Indesit worn out, dirty or deformed, warm air from the room constantly flows inside. The refrigerator tries to compensate for this heat gain and runs non-stop. This is especially noticeable in the hot season or if the refrigerator is located next to the radiator.
You can check the tightness with a simple test with a sheet of paper. Clamp the sheet with the door around the perimeter. If it pulls out easily without resistance, it means there is no tight fit in this place. It is also worth inspecting the rubber for cracks, tears or mold, which impairs the elasticity of the material.
Another factor is improper installation. If the refrigerator is moved close to the wall or stands in a niche without gaps, heat is not removed from the condenser (grids at the back or on the sides). The motor overheats, cooling efficiency drops, and the unit works longer than expected, trying to reset the temperature.
⚠️ Attention: Never install the refrigerator closer than 5-7 cm from the wall. Lack of ventilation around the condenser is one of the main reasons for overheating of the compressor and its subsequent failure.
☑️ Diagnostics of the seal and installation
The influence of the "Super Freeze" mode and electronics
Sometimes users themselves inadvertently turn on the intensive freezing mode. On the control panels of refrigerators Indesit there is a button or function "Super Freeze" (Super Freeze). In this mode, the refrigerator is forced to run without turning off for a certain time (usually up to 48 hours) or until it is manually turned off in order to quickly freeze large quantities of food.
If you turned on this function and forgot about it, or if the electronic control module is stuck and does not exit this mode, the motor will hum constantly. In models with an electronic display, this is usually signaled by a burning snowflake indicator or a corresponding inscription.
It is also worth mentioning failures in main control board. Power surges in the network can damage the elements of the board, and it will begin to send incorrect commands to the actuators. In this case, even serviceable sensors and the compressor will operate in emergency mode. Diagnostics of the board requires professional knowledge and circuit design.
How to reset the electronics error?
Try to completely turn off the power to the refrigerator by removing the plug from the socket for 15-20 minutes. This will allow the capacitors on the board to discharge and may reset the software glitch. If, after switching on, the “Super Freeze” mode disappeared, and the motor began to turn on and off cyclically, the problem was a software failure.
Diagnostics and procedure for failure
If you are faced with the fact that Indesit refrigerator does not turn off, you need to act consistently so as not to aggravate the situation. First, rule out simple reasons: check if the super-freeze mode is turned on, if the door is tightly closed, if you have just loaded a lot of warm food.
Next, carry out initial diagnostics: listen to whether the fan is working in the freezer, whether there is excess ice on the back wall, whether the sides of the case are hot (in Normally they should be warm, but not hot). If you find a thick layer of ice, defrost the refrigerator completely (at least 24 hours with the doors open), even if it has a No Frost system. This will help eliminate the problem with defrosting.
If after defrosting and checking the seals the situation has not changed and the motor continues to run for days, most likely the problem is technical: a freon leak, a thermostat malfunction, or a compressor failure. In this case, specialist intervention is required.
Why does the refrigerator hum, but does not freeze, and does not turn off?
This is a classic sign of a freon leak or a compressor malfunction (interturn short circuit, worn out valves). The motor tries to work, but does not create the required pressure. You need to call a technician to refuel or replace the unit.
Is it possible to operate the refrigerator if it does not turn off?
For a short time (several hours) - yes, while you are waiting for the technician or defrosting. Long-term operation (a day or more) will lead to overheating of the compressor windings, melting of the insulation and a fire hazard, not to mention huge bills for electricity.
How long should an Indesit refrigerator normally work?
In normal mode, the operating coefficient is about 30-40%. This means that out of 60 minutes he works for about 20-25 minutes, and rests for 35-40 minutes. If the work time exceeds the rest time by 2-3 times, this is a cause for concern.
What to do if after defrosting the refrigerator does not turn off again?
If complete defrosting (24 hours) did not help, then the reason is not the ice jam. There is a 90% probability that this is a freon leak or a failure of the thermostat/sensor. You need to contact the service center.