The situation when Indesit refrigerator the compressor stops turning off is familiar to many owners of this popular equipment. The unit begins to wear out, consuming a huge amount of electricity, and the food in the chamber either freezes or, conversely, spoils due to temperature violations. The constant hum of the motor can be annoying and interfere with restful sleep, creating the feeling that someone is constantly working in the kitchen.
In most cases, this problem indicates that the control system has lost contact with the real temperature conditions inside the chambers or is physically unable to achieve the set parameters. Motor-compressor is trying compensate for the lack of cold by working non-stop, which inevitably leads to its overheating and eventual failure. It is important not to ignore the first symptoms, since timely diagnosis will save an expensive unit from combustion.
Before calling a technician or disassembling the unit, you need to understand the basic principle of operation: the refrigerator turns on when the temperature rises above the set temperature, and turns off when it is reached. If the break cycle does not occur, it means that the controller “does not see” that the goal has been achieved, or the actuator is stuck in the on position. Let's consider the main reasons and methods for solving them in detail.
Malfunctions of the thermostat or temperature sensor
The most common reason for continuous operation of the motor is failure thermostat (in older models) or an electronic temperature sensor (in modern No Frost systems). This element is responsible for reading the temperature inside the refrigerator or freezer. If it “lies” and shows the controller that the chamber is still warm, the command to turn off the compressor simply will not be generated.
In models with mechanical control, the thermostat is a device with a bellows and a capillary tube. If the tube is damaged or freon leaks from the bellows, the contacts stick in the “on” position. In electronic models Indesit an NTC sensor is responsible for this, which can change its resistance due to oxidation of the contacts or an internal break. In both cases, the control system receives a false signal about the need for intensive cooling.
To check a mechanical thermostat, the exclusion method is often used: they close the contacts directly or test them with a multimeter when the temperature changes. If the contacts do not open even when the sensing element is strongly cooled, the part requires replacement. In electronic models, diagnostics are carried out by measuring the resistance of the sensor and comparing the readings with tabular data for a specific temperature.
⚠️ Attention: When replacing the thermostat yourself, it is critically important to correctly install the capillary tube. If it touches the chamber wall or lies on the food, the temperature readings will be incorrect, and the problem of the compressor not turning off will continue.
Refrigerant leak and violation of the tightness of the circuit
The second most popular reason why refrigerator compressor does not turn off is a simple lack of working fluid in system, that is, freon. Leakage can occur anywhere in the circuit: in a foamed evaporator, in places where tubes are soldered, or through corrosion holes in the steel body of the evaporator (the so-called “crying” evaporator). When there is little freon, the pressure in the system drops, and the refrigerator physically cannot reach the required temperature to stop the motor.
The control system sees that the temperature in the chamber does not drop to the set level (for example, +5°C in the refrigerator compartment), and continues to keep the compressor on. In an attempt to compensate for the lack of coolant, the engine operates at its limit. A characteristic sign of a leak is often that capacitor array on the back wall remains only partially cold or warm, while in good condition it should be hot evenly.
Diagnostics of a leak requires professional equipment. Craftsmen use leak detectors that react to freon vapors, or pressurize the circuit with nitrogen under high pressure. If the leak is found in an accessible location (for example, in the door perimeter heating circuit), repair is possible. If freon has escaped through the internal evaporator, sealed into the wall, repairs become economically difficult and often require the installation of an external evaporator.
- 🔍 Visual inspection: Check the tubes at the back of the refrigerator for oily stains - freon often carries oil with it, leaving traces.
- ❄️ Analysis of cooling performance: If the freezer it freezes slightly, and the refrigerator compartment does not cool at all when the engine is running - this is a sign of a leak.
- 🔊 Sound diagnostics: Listen to the sounds in the system: gurgling or hissing may indicate the movement of a mixture of freon and air through the leak hole.
Problems with door seals and thermal insulation
Often owners look for a complex technical fault, forgetting about simple things. If door seal the Indesit refrigerator is worn out, dirty or deformed, warm air from the room constantly enters the chamber. The compressor is forced to work continuously to remove this heat gain and maintain the set temperature. This is a classic example of when the equipment is in working order, but the operating conditions are violated.
You can check the tightness of the door using a simple sheet of paper. Clamp the sheet between the door and the body around the entire perimeter. If the paper comes out easily, without resistance, it means that the seal does not fit in this place. It is also worth paying attention to door distortions that could occur due to improper installation or wear of the hinges. Even a small gap of a few millimeters creates a constant flow of warm air.
In addition to the seals, problems may be associated with the thermal insulation of the housing itself. If the refrigerator is old, the polyurethane foam insulation could become saturated with moisture and lose its properties. In this case, the chamber walls do not retain the cold, and the compressor runs non-stop. However, this situation is less common and is usually accompanied by external signs: rust on the body or swelling of the internal plastic lining.
☑️ Checking the door tightness
Faults in the control module and relay
In modern refrigerators Indesit s With an electronic control system (often with a display on the door), the main control module is responsible for all processes. If the triac on the board that controls the compressor burns out, or the relay contacts stick, the shutdown command may simply not go through. The electronics continue to “think” that the motor is turned off, although physically 220 Volts are supplied to it.
Failures in the module software are also possible. In this case, the controller may become stuck in the cooling cycle. Often such problems arise after power surges in the network. For diagnostics, it is necessary to open the module and check the integrity of the tracks, the state of soldering and the operation of the control elements. Sometimes a complete reset or flashing the module helps, but more often it is necessary to replace burned-out components.
The start-up protection relay installed directly on the compressor deserves special attention. Although its main function is to start the motor and protect against overloads, in some designs its malfunction (for example, a short circuit in the coil) can result in the power circuit not being broken. This happens rarely, but this option cannot be excluded during diagnosis.
| Symptom | Possible cause | Nature of compressor operation |
|---|---|---|
| The motor is hot, hums, does not turn off | Freon leak or clogged capillary | Works constantly, trying to gain temperature |
| The motor is cold, but it works | The thermostat or sensor is faulty | Works continuously because it does not receive a stop signal |
| The hum is interrupted by clicks | Problems with the starting relay | Tries to start, but immediately stalls or does not stop |
| The refrigerator turned off by itself | Thermal protection worked | Long downtime due to motor overheating |
The influence of the fast freezing mode and the environment
Sometimes the reason for the continuous operation of the compressor simply lies in the actions of the user himself. Many models Indesit have a “Super Freeze” function (indicated by a snowflake or a button with a number). When this mode is activated, the refrigerator is forced to work non-stop in order to freeze food as quickly as possible. If you accidentally turned on this function and forgot to turn it off, the unit will work non-stop.
It is also worth considering external factors. If the refrigerator is located next to a radiator, gas stove or in direct sunlight, heat exchange is disrupted. The condenser does not have time to cool down, operating efficiency drops, and the compressor is forced to work longer and more often. In summer, in hot weather, increasing the operating time of the motor is a normal physical reaction, but it should not go into constant operation without breaks.
Another factor is loading the chamber with warm products. If you put a large pot of hot soup in the refrigerator, it will run until the entire volume has cooled. In this case, it is important to just wait, but if after 10-12 hours the motor does not stop, then the problem is deeper.
How does the super freeze mode work?
In this mode, the thermostat is turned off and the compressor works forcibly. This is necessary for rapid crystallization of moisture in products, which preserves their structure. However, it is not recommended to keep the refrigerator in this mode for more than 24 hours, so as not to overload the compressor.
Diagnostics and troubleshooting methods
If you encounter a problem when Indesit refrigerator does not turn off, the algorithm of actions should be consistent. First, rule out external factors: check if super freezing is turned on, if the door is tightly closed, if the unit is standing near the radiator. If everything is in order with this, proceed to technical diagnostics.
The first step is to check the thermostat. In mechanical models, you can try turning the regulator knob. If when turning towards the minimum (number 1) there is no shut-off click, and when turning towards the maximum (number 7) there is also no characteristic start-up sound, the thermostat is likely malfunctioning. In electronic models, you can try to reset the errors by unplugging the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes.
For deeper diagnostics, you will need a multimeter. Checking the resistance of the sensors and the integrity of the compressor windings will help isolate the problem. However, if you do not have the skills to work with electrical appliances and refrigerants, it is better not to take risks. Repairing the cooling system requires evacuation and charging with freon, which cannot be done without special equipment.
⚠️ Attention: It is strictly forbidden to pierce the refrigerator tubes or try to solder the circuit yourself without pumping out the freon. Residual pressure and the chemical composition of the refrigerant can be hazardous to health, and poor-quality soldering will lead to repeated leakage.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to operate a refrigerator if it does not turn off?
Short-term operation (several hours) is acceptable, for example, after defrosting or loading food. However, long-term non-stop operation will lead to overheating of the compressor, drying out of the oil and eventual jamming of the motor. Operation in this state for more than a day is extremely undesirable.
Why does the refrigerator not turn off for a long time after defrosting?
After complete defrosting and turning on, the unit takes time (from 2 to 8 hours depending on the model and load) to reach operating temperature. During this period, non-stop work is the normal mode. If after 10 hours the cold has not appeared, and the motor is humming, look for a malfunction.
How much does repair cost if the compressor burns out?
Replacing a compressor is a complex and expensive repair, including the cost of a new motor, soldering work, vacuuming and refilling with freon. Often the cost of such repairs can be 50-70% of the price of a new refrigerator, so the feasibility of repairs should be assessed by a technician on site.
Does the amount of food in the refrigerator affect the operating time of the motor?
Yes, it does. An empty refrigerator cools down faster, but also heats up faster when the door is opened. A fully loaded refrigerator (especially with foods with a high water content) takes longer to reach the initial temperature, but holds the cold better. However, neither a full nor an empty chamber should lead to non-stop operation in normal mode.