The situation when in the refrigerator Indesit the upper chamber stops cooling food, while the lower compartment (freezer) continues to operate normally mode, is one of the most common complaints from owners of this equipment. Users often panic, believing that the unit is completely out of order, but the physics of the process points to a specific unit that requires attention. In most cases, the problem does not lie in a complete stop of the system, but in a disruption in the circulation of the refrigerant or a malfunction in the defrost control system.
Understanding how yours works helps to quickly diagnose the problem. The refrigeration circuit is single, and the cold from the freezer is transferred to the refrigeration compartment through special channels. If you hear the compressor running, but the temperature in the upper compartment rises to room temperature, it means Indesit, helps to diagnose the problem faster. The refrigeration circuit is single, and the cold from the freezer is transferred to the refrigeration compartment through special channels. If you hear the compressor running, but the temperature in the upper compartment rises to room temperature, it means air or freon circulation is impaired. Ignoring this problem can lead to damage to products and more expensive repairs in the future.
In this article we will analyze in detail the main reasons for this behavior of equipment, from simple blockages to complex leaks. Do-it-yourself diagnostics possible at the initial stage, which will allow you to assess the scale of the disaster and decide Call a technician or try to fix the problem yourself. It is important to act consistently and observe safety precautions when working with electrical appliances.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any diagnostics, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator Indesit from the power supply. Working with electrical components and mechanical parts without turning off the power is strictly prohibited.
The principle of operation of the No Frost system and statics in Indesit
To understand why in Indesit the freezer works, but the refrigerator does not, it is necessary to consider the differences in design. In models with the system No Frost cold is produced in an evaporator hidden behind the rear wall and is pumped by a fan into both chambers through air ducts. If the fan stops or the channel becomes clogged, cold air stops flowing into the refrigerator compartment, although in the freezer the temperature can be maintained due to direct proximity to the cold source.
In models with drip system (static), the situation is different. Here the evaporator is located directly in the freezer or in a separate block, and the cold is transferred to the upper compartment through natural convection or special partitions. If the refrigerator has stopped freezing, but the freezer is working, this often indicates that heat exchange between the chambers is disrupted. This may be caused by ice freezing in the partition or failure of the thermostat, which “does not see” the increase in temperature in the upper compartment.
The key element here is proper circulation. In modern models Indesit sensors and dampers are responsible for this process. If the air duct damper is stuck in the closed position, the cold physically will not be able to enter the fridge compartment. Mechanical obstacle or an ice plug is a common culprit in this situation.
How to distinguish No Frost from a drip system?
In No Frost models on There is no ice on the back wall of the refrigerator compartment, it is smooth. In drip systems (Static), condensation periodically appears and melts on the back wall, and frost can build up inside the freezer.
Freon leakage: the most common cause of partial cooling
The most likely reason why Indesit it does not freeze in the upper compartment is trivial refrigerant leak. Freon circulates in a closed circuit: first it passes through the freezer compartment, where it releases some of the cold, and then enters the refrigeration compartment circuit. If a microcrack has formed in the system and the amount of gas has decreased, there is simply not enough gas for the entire cycle.
As a result of freon deficiency, it is the refrigeration chamber that begins to “starve” first, since it is located further along the circulation circuit. The freezer can continue to work, creating the illusion that the compressor is working. However, if you do not fix the leak and do not charge the system, after some time the freezer will also stop working. Signs of a leak There may also be hot side walls (in places where they should be heated moderately) or a complete lack of heating of the condenser at the back.
It is difficult to find the leak location on your own, since the tubes often built into the body or foamed. However, a visual inspection may reveal oil stains on the pipes at the rear of the unit or in the compressor area. The oil flows out along with the gas, leaving a characteristic mark. If you find such signs, do-it-yourself repair it is almost impossible without special equipment for evacuation and refilling.
Malfunctions of the defrost system and sensors
In refrigerators Indesit with the No Frost system, the proper operation of the defrost system is critically important. It consists of a heating element (heater), a defrost sensor and a timer or electronic control module. If one of these elements fails, the evaporator begins to build up solid coat of ice. Ice blocks the ventilation holes through which cold air should enter the refrigerator compartment.
The compressor works continuously, trying to raise the temperature, but the fan either does not rotate due to ice, or drives the air to nowhere. The freezer may maintain a low temperature locally, around the evaporator, but the main chamber becomes warm. Often, owners notice that the back wall in the refrigerator compartment is swollen or covered with frost - this is a sure sign problems with defrosting.
For diagnostics, you need to check the resistance of the heating element and defrost sensor with a multimeter. If the heating element is working but does not turn on, the problem may be with the defrost timer or the electronic control unit. In some models Indesit the defrost sensor fails, which “thinks” that there is no ice and does not give a command to turn on the heater.
☑️ Diagnostics of the defrost system
Problems with the compressor and start relay
Although The compressor is the “heart” of the refrigerator; its partial malfunction can also lead to the symptoms described. If the compressor Indesit works, but does not develop enough power (for example, due to burnout of the valves), the freon pressure is not enough to fully cool both chambers. In this mode, it can maintain coldness in the freezer, but not “pull” the refrigerator.
Another common problem is malfunction starting relay. If the relay is burnt or stuck, the compressor may hum but not start, or it may start for a short time and shut down due to thermal protection. In some cases, the compressor operates jerkily. You can check the relay visually (for the presence of burning) or by replacing it with a known good one.
It is also worth paying attention to the operation of the motor-compressor itself. If it works too quietly or, conversely, makes unnaturally loud sounds, this may indicate an interturn short circuit in the windings. In this case productivity drops, and there is only enough cold for a smaller volume of the chamber (freezer).
| Symptom | Possible reason | Nature of work compressor |
|---|---|---|
| The refrigerator does not freeze, the freezer works | Freon leakage | Works continuously or with short cycles |
| Ice on the back wall | Fault defrosting systems | Works without interruption |
| Warm in both chambers, but the freezer is a little colder | Clogged capillary or filter drier | Works with overheating |
| The compressor hums and clicks | The start relay is faulty | Starts for 1-2 seconds and stalls |
Clogged capillary tube and filter drier
The freon circulation system is very sensitive to cleanliness. If moisture or oil oxidation products enter the circuit, cloggingmay form. Most often, the plug forms in the capillary tube or in the filter drier located next to the compressor. This prevents the normal circulation of the refrigerant.
When there is partial blockage, the pressure at the outlet of the compressor increases, and at the inlet to the evaporator it drops. The result is the same: the freezer may still be somewhat cold, but the refrigerator may be warm. A characteristic sign of a blockage is the temperature of the filter-drier (copper cylinder before entering the freezer). Normally, it should be warm, but if clogged, it can become covered with frost or, conversely, be colder than the surrounding air.
Removing the clog requires professional intervention. The technician needs blow through the system with nitrogento replace the filter drier and, possibly, re-cook the capillary tube. It is impossible to carry out these operations on your own without a vacuum pump and a pressure gauge station.
⚠️ Attention: If you notice that the filter drier is covered with frost or has a swollen shape, under no circumstances pierce it or heat it with an open fire. This can lead to ignition of the oil or depressurization of the system.
Failures in the electronic control module
Modern refrigerators Indesit are controlled electronically. If the main control module is malfunctioning, it may be sending incorrect commands to the compressor or fan. For example, the module may “believe” that the temperature is normal and not turn on cooling, although the sensors show the opposite. Often such failures occur after power surges in the network.
Diagnostics of the module at home is difficult. However, you can try resetting errors. To do this, unplug the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes and then turn it on again. If the problem was a software glitch, operation may be restored. If the module is physically burned out (tracks or microcircuits are burned out), it will need to be replaced or flashed.
It is also worth checking the wires going to the temperature sensors. If the wiring is pinched or cut through (often happens during transportation or careless defrosting), the module receives incorrect data and incorrectly controls the cooling process. A visual inspection of the wiring harness behind the rear panel may reveal obvious damage.
When you need to call a technician: final assessment
Self-repair is only possible in case of simple faults: replacing a light bulb, adjusting legs, or, in rare cases, replacing a fan or sensor if you have the skills to work with a multimeter. However, if we are talking about freon circulation system (leaks, blockages, compressor replacement), you cannot do without special equipment and a license to work with refrigerants.
An attempt to solder the tube yourself or add freon “by eye” is almost guaranteed to lead to the final unit breakdown. Modern refrigerants require precise dosing and evacuation of the system. In addition, improper soldering can lead to a fire or explosion.
If after defrosting within 24 hours the problem has not disappeared and you have not found obvious mechanical damage (broken wires, burnt plug), call a specialist is the most rational solution. The technician will diagnose the pressure in the system, check the tightness and accurately identify the unit that requires replacement.
Why does the Indesit refrigerator freeze but does not turn off?
This may be caused by a freon leak (the compressor cannot reach the temperature and works without stopping), sticking thermostat or faulty temperature sensor. It is also possible that the evaporator may freeze, which prevents heat from being removed effectively.
Is it possible to use a refrigerator if the freezer is working but the refrigerator is not?
For a short time - yes, the food in the freezer will be preserved. However, you cannot store perishable food in the upper chamber. Long-term operation in this mode is harmful to the compressor, which wears out, trying to compensate for the lack of cold.
How much does a repair cost if you need to refill with freon?
The cost consists of the price for diagnostics, leak detection, soldering, evacuation and the refrigerant itself. Only a technician can tell you the exact amount after an inspection, since the price depends on the difficulty of accessing the leak and the type of refrigerant (R600a or R134a).
How to extend the life of an Indesit refrigerator?
Regularly defrost the appliances (even the No Frost system once a year), do not put hot foods inside, keep the condenser at the back clean and provide a gap between the wall and the refrigerator for ventilation.