The situation when the refrigerator Indesit stops cooling, and the compressor is silent, often taking you by surprise. The absence of the characteristic engine hum and heat on the side walls is a sure sign that the cooling cycle has been interrupted. Owners of household appliances are faced with panic: will the products spoil and how expensive will repairs be? In most cases, the problem lies in the electrical circuit for starting the engine or in a violation of the temperature regime.
Modern and classic models, such as Indesit C 132 G or Indesit DF 520have a similar logic for the operation of the trigger mechanism. If you hear a quiet click, but the engine does not start, or there is complete silence, you need to conduct an initial diagnosis. This will help you understand whether to call a technician right away or try to fix the fault yourself, saving your budget.
In this article we will analyze the main causes of failure compressor, methods for checking the thermostat, start relay and the engine itself. Understanding the operating principles of the refrigerant compression unit will allow you to avoid unnecessary expenses and quickly bring your equipment back to life. The main thing is to act consistently and follow safety precautions when working with electrical appliances.
Primary diagnostics and external factors
Before disassembling the back panel and picking up a multimeter, it is worth eliminating trivial causes. Often, users look for a complex breakdown, while the problem is solved in a minute. Check that the door is tightly closed and that the light inside the chamber lights up when opened. If the lamp does not light up, it is possible that the refrigerator is simply not receiving power due to problems with the outlet or power filter.
⚠️ Attention: Before any manipulations with electrical components, be sure to unplug the refrigerator. Working under voltage is deadly.
One of the common reasons for the “silence” of the motor is incorrect temperature setting. If you accidentally set the super-freezing mode or, conversely, minimal cooling, the equipment may behave incorrectly. In models with electronic control Indesit sometimes software failures occur. Try to perform a full reboot cycle: unplug the device from the outlet for 15-20 minutes, then turn it on again.
It is also worth listening to the sounds. If the engine hums but does not start, or you hear a crackling noise, this indicates a mechanical or electrical wedge. If there is complete silence when turned on, the motor power supply circuit is most likely broken. Check the integrity of the power cord and the absence of kinks.
Malfunctions of the thermostat and sensors
The thermostat (or temperature sensor in models with No Frost) is the “brain” that commands the compressor to turn on. If he “thinks” that it is already cold in the chamber, the motor will not work. In older models Indesit with mechanical control, a thermostat with a bellows filled with gas is used. When the gas expands or contracts, the contacts close.
To check the mechanical thermostat, it must be removed. Carefully remove the regulator handle and unscrew the fixing screw. Remove the device from its seat. To check its functionality, short the two wires coming from it directly (using a jumper). If the compressor starts working after being connected to the network, the thermostat is to blame.
In systems No Frost air sensors are responsible for the temperature. They are resistors whose resistance varies with temperature. You can check them with a multimeter in resistance measurement mode. When the temperature of the sensor changes (for example, if you blow warm air on it), the readings of the device should change. If the resistance does not change or shows a break, the element is faulty.
Problems with the starting relay and protection
The starting relay is a small plastic block placed on the contact group of the compressor. It is this that supplies the impulse to the starting winding of the motor to start the rotor. Inside there is a coil or posistor, which over time can burn out or become coked. This is one of the most common reasons why the compressor in the refrigerator does not work Indesit.
Remove the relay by gently rocking it from side to side (after turning off the refrigerator!). Inside you will see a copper coil and contacts. If, when shaking, a ringing sound is heard, as if from broken ceramics, it means that the internal part is destroyed. Also inspect the contacts for carbon deposits or melting. Black carbon deposits prevent the normal flow of current.
A thermal protection relay is often located next to the starting one. It opens the circuit when the compressor overheats. If it is faulty, it may prevent the circuit from closing even on a cold engine. Replacing these components usually does not require special tools, except for a screwdriver and possibly pliers.
☑️ Diagnostics of the start relay
Faults of the compressor itself
If the electrical circuit is working properly, the thermostat gives a signal, and the relay is OK, but the motor is silent, the problem may be in the very heart of the refrigerator - the compressor. The engine may have an interturn short circuit of the windings or a mechanical jamming of the piston group. In the first case, the motor may hum and heat up, in the second it may stand as a dead weight.
Checking the windings is done with a multimeter. There are usually three terminals on the compressor contact group. You need to ring them in pairs. There should be resistance between any two terminals (typically 10 to 30 ohms). If the multimeter shows one (infinity), the winding is broken. If zero - short circuit. Also check the resistance between the case and any terminal (there should be no breakdown to the case).
A jammed compressor is a more complicated case. The engine tries to start, hums, but cannot move the pistons. Sometimes the “wedging” method by applying increased voltage helps, but doing this at home is dangerous and ineffective. In 90% of cases, a jammed compressor requires replacement.
| Symptom | Probable cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Silence, lamp is on | Thermostat is faulty or relay | Replacing the sensor/relay |
| Humming for 5-10 seconds, then clicking | Stuck or burnt starter | Checking the windings, replacing the compressor |
| Motor hot, but does not work | Thermal relay or interturn | Replacing the thermal relay or motor |
| Frequent on/off | Freon leak or bad thermostat | Search leaks, refilling, thermostat replacement |
Electrical wiring and contacts
Do not discount the condition of the wiring. The vibration of a refrigerator that has been running for years leads to weakening of the contacts in the pads. Oxidation of copper wires or burning of power plug contacts can create high contact resistance, which prevents the motor from receiving sufficient current to start.
Inspect the connection points of the wires with the starting relay and thermostat. If you see black deposits or melted insulation, these areas need to be cleaned or the terminals replaced. In models Indesit with a system Full No Frost pay a lot of attention to the evaporator fan contacts, since their malfunction can also block the operation of the entire system.
Sometimes the problem lies in the plug or socket itself. Check the mains voltage. If it is greatly underestimated (less than 190 Volts), a modern compressor may simply not start, going into protection. In such cases, installing a voltage stabilizer will help.
When you need to call a technician
Independent repair is only possible if electrical components are replaced: relays, thermostats, sensors. If the diagnostics showed a problem with the compressor itself or the refrigerant circulation system, you cannot do without a specialist. To replace the motor, the system must be evacuated, charged with freon, and soldered with copper pipes.
⚠️ Attention: Opening the freon circuit without a license and special equipment is prohibited by law and is dangerous to health. The refrigerant is under pressure.
You also need a master if you are not confident in your abilities when working with a multimeter or electrical circuits. An error when connecting a new relay can lead to combustion of the newly installed part or the compressor itself. A professional technician will carry out diagnostics in 15-20 minutes and accurately indicate the cost of restoration.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to start an Indesit refrigerator without a starting relay?
Theoretically, you can start an asynchronous motor by applying a pulse to the starting relay winding manually, but it is absolutely impossible to operate the refrigerator without a relay. This will lead to rapid combustion of the compressor windings, since the starting winding is not designed for long-term operation.
Why does the compressor turn on for a few seconds and turn off?
This is the work of thermal protection. The motor tries to start, the current increases, the thermal relay heats up and opens the circuit to prevent a fire. Reasons: compressor jamming, faulty start relay or low voltage in the network.
How much does it cost to replace a compressor on an Indesit refrigerator?
The cost consists of the price of a new unit, the work of a technician and the cost of refilling with freon. On average, the price varies widely depending on the model and region, but is usually a significant portion of the cost of a new refrigerator.
Where can I find a wiring diagram for my model?
The diagram is often located on a sticker located on the inside wall of the refrigerator compartment or on the back cover. Also, electrical diagrams can be found in service manuals for a specific model on the Internet at the request “Indesit [model] service manual.”