The situation when Indesit refrigerator works without interruption is familiar to many owners of household appliances. Instead of the usual hum and periodic rest pauses, the compressor hums for days on end, trying to achieve the set temperature indicators. This is not just an annoying noise that interferes with sleep, but also a direct signal that the cooling system is operating in emergency mode with maximum load.
If your Indesit stops turning off, this means that motor-compressor does not receive a command to stop. In normal operation, the equipment should turn on and off several times an hour, maintaining a stable climate inside the chambers. Constant work leads to rapid wear of moving parts and overheating of the motor windings.
In this article we will analyze in detail the mechanical and electrical causes of the malfunction, explain why refrigerant leak or sticking of contacts occurs, and will help you understand when you need to call a technician, and when the problem can be solved on your own.
Mechanical reasons: freon leak and blockages
One of the most common reasons why the refrigerator does not turn offis a simple lack of refrigerant. Freon circulates in the system, which, evaporating, takes heat from the chambers. If a microcrack appears in the circuit, the gas gradually evaporates, and the pressure becomes insufficient for effective cooling.
The compressor, trying to compensate for the lack of cold, works for wear, but the temperature in the chambers either does not drop to normal or drops very slowly. As a result, the sensors do not record the achievement of target values, and the cooling cycle is not interrupted.
- 🔍 The appearance of a characteristic hissing or whistle when the unit is operating.
- 🌡️ Insufficient cooling of products even at maximum power.
- ❄️ Formation of a “snow coat” only in one corner of the evaporator.
- 💥 Blistering of the side walls of the housing due to corrosion of the pipes inside the cabinet.
Another mechanical problem can be clogged capillary tube. Not only freon circulates in the system, but also special compressor oil. Over time, it may thicken or mix with decay products, forming a plug. This disrupts the circulation of the substance, and the pressure in the system drops, which also forces the motor to work continuously.
⚠️ Attention: Independent refilling with freon or cleaning the system requires special tools (vacuum pump, pressure gauge station). Without experience, it is easy to damage the compressor or break the seal even more.
If you notice that the condenser grille on the rear wall is only partially cold or warm, this is a sure sign of a refrigerant circulation problem. In such cases, professional diagnosis of the sealed circuit is required..
Malfunctions of the thermostat and sensors
In older models Indesit with electromechanical control thermostatis responsible for the temperature. This device records the temperature of the evaporator and opens the electrical circuit when the chamber becomes cold enough. If the contacts inside the thermostat “stick” in the closed position, the circuit does not break and the compressor continues to operate.
In more modern models with a system No Frost and electronic control, the control function is performed by air sensors. They can transmit incorrect data to the control module if they are dirty or damaged. As a result, the “brains” of the refrigerator “think” that it is warm inside and do not give the command to stop.
Checking the thermostat often requires dismantling it. In some cases, simple adjustment helps, but most often the unit requires replacement. A symptom of a malfunction can also be a situation when the refrigerator does not turn on at all or turns on for a very short time.
How to check the thermostat with a multimeter?
To check, you need to remove the thermostat, immerse its sensitive tube in cold water with ice and ring the contacts. If the circuit does not break during cooling, the part is faulty.
It is also worth considering that in two-chamber models several sensors can be used. If one of them, responsible for the upper chamber, shows an error, the system can ignore the normal temperature in the freezer and continue to work.
Problems with the sealing rubber
It would seem that a simple rubber strip around the perimeter of the door plays a critical role in energy efficiency. If seal is damaged, dry or simply does not fit tightly, warm air from the room constantly enters the chamber.
The internal volume cannot cool down to the set temperature, and the refrigerator is forced to work non-stop. This is a classic case when the equipment is working properly, but the operating conditions are violated. Often the problem lies in the door being skewed or the seal groove being dirty.
To check the tightness of the seal, you can use a simple test with a sheet of paper. Clamp the sheet with the door in different places around the perimeter. If the paper comes out too easily or hangs loosely, it means the seal is broken.
⚠️ Attention: Do not use aggressive chemicals to clean the seal. Alcohol or solvents can dry out the rubber, making it brittle, which will lead to ruptures and the need to completely replace the cuff.
Often owners forget that the tightness of the fit is also affected by the evenness of the installation of the refrigerator itself. If the unit is tilted backwards, the door may not close under its own weight. Adjusting the legs helps correct the geometry and restore tightness.
Improper operation and placement
Sometimes the answer to the question why Indesit refrigerator does not turn off lies not in the breakdown, but in the conditions of maintenance. If the unit is installed close to a wall or in a niche without gaps for ventilation, heat is not removed from the condenser.
The compressor overheats, heat transfer efficiency drops, and the system cannot enter the operating cycle. The location next to heat sources is also critical: a radiator, stove, or in direct sunlight.
Another common mistake is loading hot or warm products into the chambers. A sharp jump in temperature inside forces the automation to turn on the motor for a long time to stabilize the climate.
In addition, frequent opening of the door or keeping it open for a long time (for example, when sorting products) leads to an active influx of warm air, which the standard cooling cycle cannot cope with quickly.
Malfunctions of the control module and wiring
In models with electronics, it is responsible for all processes electronic control module. Power surges, moisture, or manufacturing defects can cause the board to glitch. In this case, the relay that controls the compressor may “stick” in the “on” position.
It is difficult to determine this malfunction visually. It is often accompanied by chaotic behavior of the indicators on the control panel or their complete failure. If at the same time the motor hums, but there is no cold (or there is too much of it), the problem is most likely in the “brains” of the refrigerator.
It is also worth checking the integrity of the wiring. Frayed wires or oxidized contacts can create a short circuit that simulates a signal about the need for cooling.
☑️ Primary diagnostics before calling a technician
Table: Symptoms and probable causes
To quickly navigate the problem, use the pivot table. It will help to compare external signs with possible internal faults.
| Symptom | Probable cause | Difficulty of repair |
|---|---|---|
| Humming, but no cold | Leakage freon, compressor failure | High (needs a technician) |
| Freezes too much | Thermostat or sensor is faulty | Medium (part replacement) |
| Humming, It’s warm inside | Capillary clogged, leakage | High (needs a technician) |
| Works jerkily | Problems with the starting relay | Low (can yourself) |
| Noisy and vibrates | Incorrect installation, touching pipes | Low (adjustment) |
As can be seen from the table, many serious problems, such as refrigerant leak or breakdown compressor, require the intervention of specialists with equipment. However, simple things like adjusting the legs or replacing the thermostat are often within the reach of the home handyman.
When an urgent call to a technician is necessary
There are situations where attempts at self-repair can lead to permanent breakdown of the unit or become dangerous. If you hear a loud knock, metallic clanging or smell something burning, immediately unplug the appliance.
Also, do not hesitate if the refrigerator has been running for days and the temperature in the chambers does not drop below +10...+15 degrees. This indicates that the life of the compressor is coming to an end, and further operation may “finish off” the motor.
A specialist will be able to accurately determine the pressure in the system, check the current of the motor windings and identify hidden defects that are not visible during external inspection.
Is it possible to temporarily leave the refrigerator running without interruption?
For a short time (a few hours before the technician arrives) - it’s possible if it’s freezing. But it is strictly forbidden to leave it in this mode for days or weeks: this will lead to burnout of the compressor windings and expensive repairs.
Why does the refrigerator not turn off for a long time after defrosting?
After complete defrosting, moisture may remain in the system, and the temperature of the walls has not yet stabilized. Let the unit operate for 4-6 hours without loading food. If during this time it does not cycle, the problem is deeper.
Does the number of products affect the operating time?
Yes, a full load requires more time for initial cooling. However, an empty refrigerator can also last longer if it has little "thermal mass". The optimal load is about 50-70% of the volume.
What to do if the Indesit refrigerator freezes to -24 and does not turn off?
This is a clear sign of a malfunction of the thermostat or temperature sensor. The system “does not see” that there is already cold. It is necessary to urgently adjust the temperature or change the sensor, otherwise the food will freeze and the compressor will burn out.
How long should a refrigerator normally work?
The operating and resting time depends on the ambient temperature and load. Typically the cycle is 15-20 minutes of work and 20-40 minutes of rest. If the work time significantly exceeds the rest time, this is a reason for diagnosis.