The situation when the refrigerator Indesit stops turning off is familiar to many owners of this equipment. The unit begins to work non-stop, trying to reach the set temperature, but often does not turn off. This not only leads to significant waste of electricity, but also creates constant background noise, which can interfere with comfortable living in the apartment. In most cases, this is a signal that the thermal balance inside the chambers is disturbed or the control system has failed.
Understanding the principle of operation of the compressor helps to quickly find the root of the problem. Motor-compressor is the heart of the refrigeration circuit, and its continuous operation indicates that the “brain” of the device does not receive a signal to stop. Causes can range from a simple door that isn't closed tightly to a complex refrigerant leak that requires professional attention using specialized equipment. Ignoring the problem in the early stages often leads to complete combustion of the engine.
In this article we will analyze in detail the main causes of the malfunction, self-diagnosis methods and situations when calling a technician becomes the only solution. It is important not to panic, but to consistently check each node in order to accurately determine the source of the malfunction of your Indesit. Correct and timely diagnostics can extend the life of an appliance for years.
Violation of thermal conditions and operating errors
Before looking for a breakdown in the hardware, it is worth eliminating the human factor. Often the reason lies in a simple violation of operating rules. If a large amount of warm food is placed in the chamber, the compressor is forced to work hard to cool the volume. In this case, heat transfer is broken, and the normal operating time of the motor is simply not enough to achieve the target temperature.
Another common reason is a violation of the tightness of the cooling circuit due to a loose seal. If the elastic band door seal is worn out, dirty or deformed, warm air from the outside constantly enters the chamber. Sensors record the temperature rise and give the command to start the engine. It is also worth checking whether food is blocking the outlet of the air ducts (in models with No Frost), as this interferes with the circulation of cold air.
Pay attention to the location of the refrigerator. If Indesit stands close to the wall or next to heating devices, the heat removal of the condenser is difficult. This leads to the system overheating and the inability to shut down. Make sure that the gap between the back wall and the wall is at least 5-7 centimeters for free air circulation.
Failures of the thermostat and temperature sensors
One of the most common technical reasons for the continuous operation of the compressor is the failure of the thermostat. This unit is responsible for closing and opening the electrical circuit depending on the temperature inside the chamber. If the contacts thermostat are “stuck” in the closed position, the electronics or mechanical system simply does not receive a signal to stop, and the motor hums endlessly.
In modern models Indesit with electronic control, sensors (thermistors) are responsible for temperature control. They tend to change their readings over time or completely fail. If the sensor transmits false data to the control board that the chamber is too warm, the compressor will run constantly. Diagnostics of such elements requires a multi-MRI to measure resistance.
Symptoms of a malfunction are often accompanied by the absence of a click when trying to adjust the temperature (in mechanical models). On electronic systems, error codes may appear on the display indicating a problem with the sensor. Replacing the thermostat is a relatively simple procedure and is often done independently if you have access to the unit.
⚠️ Attention: Before replacing any electrical components, including the thermostat, be sure to unplug the refrigerator from the electrical outlet. Working under voltage is dangerous to life and can lead to a short circuit.
How to check a thermostat with a multimeter?
Remove the thermostat and immerse its sensitive tube in a container of cold water (about 0°C). Test the contacts with a multimeter. If the device shows an open circuit (infinity) at low temperatures and a short circuit when heated in the hands, the thermostat is working. If the circuit is always open or always closed, the part requires replacement.
Problems with the defrost system (for No Frost models)
Refrigerators Indesit with the system No Frost equipped with an automatic defrost cycle that prevents the formation of an ice coat on the evaporator If one of the elements of this system fails, the evaporator becomes covered with ice, blocking the flow of cold air. The compressor continues to work, trying to cool the chamber, but the air simply does not circulate.
The main elements of the defrost system include a heating element (heater), a defrost timer (or electronic module) and a defrost sensor. Most often, the heating element burns out or the sensor is stuck, which does not give the command to turn on the heating. As a result, ice accumulates and cooling efficiency drops to zero, although the compressor is operating at full capacity.
You can diagnose the problem visually by disassembling the back panel in the freezer. If you see a massive layer of ice or frost on the evaporator while the compressor is running, the problem is almost certainly in the defrost system. In some cases, completely defrosting the refrigerator within 24 hours helps, but if the cause is a burnt heating element, the problem will return in a few days.
☑️ Diagnostics of the No Frost system
Refrigerant leak and clogged capillary tube
More serious technical malfunctions are associated with a violation of the tightness of the refrigeration circuit or its clogging. If the system has formed freon leak, the refrigerant pressure becomes insufficient for effective cooling. The compressor works continuously, trying to compensate for the lack of pressure, but the temperature in the chambers does not drop to normal.
Similar symptoms are observed when the capillary tube (capillary) is clogged. The microscopic hole through which freon moves becomes clogged with oil breakdown products or moisture. The circulation of the refrigerant is disrupted and the system stops cooling, although the engine hums. It is difficult to distinguish a leak from a blockage at home; professional equipment is often required.
Signs of a leak may be swelling on the side walls of the refrigerator (if the condenser is built into the body) or traces of oil where the tubes are damaged. If you notice that the compressor is hot, but the condenser (grid at the back) remains only partially cold or warm, this is a sure sign of problems with the circuit.
| Symptom | Possible reason | Necessary actions |
| :--- | :--- | :--- |
| Compressor hot, condenser cold | Freon leak | Call a technician to find a leak and refill |
| The compressor is hot, gurgling is heard | Clogged capillary system | Purge the system or replace the filter drier |
| The compressor is running, there is no cold anywhere | Full freon output | Diagnosis of tightness, refueling |
| Frost only at the evaporator entrance | Partial blockage | Cleaning the system, changing the oil |
⚠️ Attention: Self-filling the refrigerator with freon requires a vacuum pump, a pressure gauge station and precise knowledge of the type and amount of refrigerant. Unprofessional intervention can lead to an explosion of the compressor.
Faults in the start relay and the compressor itself
Sometimes the problem lies not in the lack of cold, but in the fact that the engine physically cannot stop due to sticking of the start relay contacts. This device is responsible for starting the engine. If the contacts burn and weld, the circuit does not break even after reaching the desired temperature, and the compressor continues to hum.
In rare cases, wear of the compressor itself is observed. The mechanical part may jam or lose performance, causing it to be unable to generate the necessary pressure and turn off. A breakdown of the windings is also possible, although more often in this case the engine simply stops starting or the machine is knocked out.
Checking the relay is carried out by visual inspection (for burning) and testing the contacts. Replacing the relay is an inexpensive and quick procedure that often solves the problem of "not turning off." If the compressor itself is faulty, most often it requires a complete replacement, since repairing the motor is not economically feasible.
The influence of the electronic control module
In modern refrigerators Indesit the electronic control module is responsible for all processes. If the compressor control triac on the board burns out or there are firmware failures, the device can issue a constant signal to start the motor. This is the “brain” of the refrigerator, and its errors are the most difficult to diagnose.
Symptoms of a module malfunction may include chaotic behavior of indicators, failure of other functions (for example, the display or defrost button does not work) while the compressor is running. Often the module requires flashing or replacement entirely. In some cases, resetting the error by long-term disconnection from the network (30-60 minutes) helps.
It is worth considering that power surges in the network often cause failure of electronics. If your area has an unstable power supply, it is recommended to use a voltage stabilizer or surge protector to protect expensive equipment.
⚠️ Attention: Specifications and location of parts may vary depending on the specific model. Indesit. Always check the official instructions or service manual for your modification before starting disassembly.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
How long should the compressor normally run?
In normal mode, the compressor operates cyclically: about 10-15 minutes it runs and rests for 20-30 minutes. The work rate is approximately 30-40%. If the refrigerator operates more than 50% of the time without interruptions, this is a cause for concern.
Is it possible to operate the refrigerator if it does not turn off?
For a short time - it is possible, but not recommended. Long-term operation without stopping will lead to overheating of the compressor windings, combustion and food spoilage. In addition, this will significantly increase your energy bills.
Why did the refrigerator start working without stopping after defrosting?
Perhaps you did not allow it to dry and cool completely before turning it on, or the sensors/tubes were damaged during the defrosting process. Also, the cause may be residual moisture in the system, which caused an ice plug.
How to understand that the compressor has burned out?
Signs: the motor hums, but does not start (a click is heard), knocks out plugs in the apartment, the motor housing does not heat up when humming or, conversely, is red-hot, smell burning.