The situation when a refrigerator Indesit works without interruption is familiar to many owners of this equipment. The hum of the compressor, which does not stop day or night, immediately alarms and makes you think about a serious breakdown. However, there is no need to panic ahead of time, since the reasons can be either trivial or requiring the intervention of a specialist.
Constant operation of the unit leads to increased energy consumption and accelerated wear of the compressor. If you notice that your Indesit refrigerator stops turning off, this is a signal that the cooling system cannot reach the set temperature parameters. In most cases, this is due to a violation of the tightness of the circuit or failure of the sensors.
In this article we will analyze in detail all the possible factors affecting the continuous operation of the motor. You will learn how to carry out initial diagnostics yourself and in which cases calling a specialist from a service center will be the only right decision.
External factors and improper operation
Before sinning with complex electronics or refrigerant leaks, it is worth eliminating basic user errors. Often the reason why compressor hums continuously lies in violation of operating rules, which can be easily corrected yourself.
One of the most common problems is a loose door fit. If the rubber seal is dirty, damaged or simply deformed over time, warm air constantly enters the chamber. The control system detects an increase in temperature and commands the motor to work harder, trying to compensate for the heat inflow.
- 🔍 Check the cleanliness of the rubber seal around the perimeter of the door.
- 🚪 Make sure that the door closes tightly and is not pushed away by the contents.
- 🌡️ Assess the temperature in the room: if the kitchen is hotter than +30°C, the equipment will work at its limit.
- 🧊 Do not put hot foods in the chamber, this sharply increases the load on the system.
It is also worth paying attention to the location of the refrigerator. If it stands close to a wall or radiators, heat exchange is disrupted. The radiator on the back wall does not have time to cool down, which forces Indesit to function non-stop.
⚠️ Attention: If you have just placed the refrigerator in a new location, let it sit for at least 2-3 hours before turning it on. The oil in the compressor must drain into the crankcase, otherwise rapid wear or jamming is possible.
Another important nuance is the “Super Freeze” mode. If you accidentally activate this feature, the refrigerator will freeze continuously, ignoring standard rest cycles. Check the control panel and, if necessary, disable accelerated freezing.
Malfunctions of the thermostat and sensors
In older models Indesit with mechanical control, the thermostat is responsible for temperature control. This device opens the electrical circuit when the inside of the chamber becomes cold enough. If the thermostat is broken, the circuit does not open, and the motor continues to operate.
In modern models with a system No Frost and electronic control, the role of a thermostat is performed by air sensors. They are located in different areas of the refrigerator and freezer compartments. The failure of even one sensor can lead to the “brain” of the refrigerator receiving false data about high temperatures.
Often the problem lies in oxidation of the contacts or a break in the wiring going to the sensor. In this case, the system sees a break in the circuit and goes into emergency mode of constant operation to prevent defrosting of food.
To diagnose the thermostat in mechanical models, you can perform a simple test. If the compressor does not stop when turning the regulator knob to the “0” or “Off” position, it means that the thermostat contacts are “stuck” or burnt out. The part needs to be replaced.
Refrigerant problems: freon leak
One of the most serious reasons for continuous operation is leakage freon. The refrigerant circulates through a system of tubes, taking heat from the chambers and releasing it into the environment. If the amount of gas in the circuit decreases due to a microcrack, the cooling efficiency decreases.
The refrigerator Indesit “does not understand” that there is little freon. It simply detects that the temperature does not drop to a predetermined level and forces the compressor to work around the clock. Over time, this leads to overheating of the motor and its breakdown.
Leakage can occur anywhere: in the foamed part of the housing, in the evaporator or at the joints of the tubes. Often the cause is metal corrosion or mechanical damage due to careless defrosting with sharp objects.
⚠️ Attention: It is almost impossible to independently find the location of a freon leak without special equipment (leak detector). Attempts to simply “refuel” the refrigerator without eliminating the hole will not give a long-term result.
Symptoms of a leak can also include: poor cooling of the upper part of the refrigerator compartment, hot side walls (instead of warm) or a complete lack of cold when the engine is running. In such cases, you need to call a technician to find the fistula, solder and refill the system.
Is it possible to drive a refrigerator with a leak?
You can drive it, but not for long. The compressor will work hard trying to gain temperature. In a few days or weeks it will burn out, and repairs will cost 2-3 times more than timely refilling and soldering.
Faults of the compressor and start relay
The heart of the refrigerator is compressor. If it is faulty, the entire system does not work correctly. However, the opposite situation also happens: the motor itself is working, but cannot start or stop due to problems with the starting relay.
The starting relay is a small element that provides an impulse to start the engine. If its contacts are burnt or the mechanism is jammed, the relay may not open the circuit after starting, or the compressor will try to start endlessly, making clicking noises.
In models Indesit with inverter compressors, the situation is more complicated. There, an electronic module is responsible for starting and adjusting the shaft rotation speed. If it malfunctions, the motor may go into maximum power mode and not slow down.
You can check the starting relay visually and by ear. If you hear a crackling sound during operation, the hum is interrupted by clicks, and the relay itself gets very hot or smells like burnt plastic, it needs to be replaced. This is an inexpensive part that you can change yourself.
Clogged capillary tube and moisture in the system
Freon circulates through a very thin capillary tube. If moisture or oil breakdown products get into the system, an ice plug may form. It blocks the flow of refrigerant, and the pressure in the system is disrupted.
As a result, the compressor works non-stop, trying to “push” freon through the blockage. A characteristic sign of such a malfunction is that the condenser (grid at the back) may be only partially cold or warm, and gurgling or hissing can be heard in the area of the capillary tube.
Moisture in the system is an insidious enemy. It gets there due to poor-quality repairs or leaks. Water freezes at the narrowest point of the capillary, blocking the operation of the system. After turning off the refrigerator, the plug may melt, and it will work normally for a short time, but then the problem will repeat.
To eliminate this malfunction, a professional flushing the system nitrogen is required, replacing the filter-drier and refilling with freon. It is impossible to perform this procedure efficiently at home.
Table: Diagnostics by symptoms
To make it easier for you to navigate the possible cause of the breakdown, we have compiled a summary table. Compare the behavior of your Indesit with the described signs.
| Symptom | Probable cause | Difficulty of repair | Is it necessary master |
|---|---|---|---|
| Humming, freezing weakly, warm inside | Freon leakage | High | Yes |
| Buzzing, does not turn off, but freezes normally | Thermostat/sensor is faulty | Medium | You can do it yourself |
| Clicks, buzzes and immediately goes silent | Start relay or compressor | Medium/High | Desirable |
| Works without stopping after defrosting | Moisture in the system (ice jam) | High | Yes |
| Humming, door does not close | Damaged seal | Low | No |