The situation when the motor on an Indesit refrigerator stops working always takes you by surprise, because the safety of the products depends on it. In most cases, the owner discovers a problem when it becomes warm inside the chamber, and the characteristic hum of the operating unit is not heard. This may indicate either a banal lack of electricity or a serious malfunction of the control system or the compressor. The first thing to do is not to panic and carry out an initial visual diagnosis. Often the reason lies in the little things: a loose plug, a tripped protective relay in the electrical network, or accidentally changed settings. However, if everything is in order with the power supply, and compressor or control systems.
The first thing to do is not to panic and carry out an initial visual diagnosis. Often the reason lies in the little things: a loose plug, a tripped protective relay in the electrical network, or accidentally changed settings. However, if everything is in order with nutrition, and Indesit is silent, you will have to look deeper.
Further actions depend on the symptoms: whether the device makes clicks, whether the motor hums but does not start, or absolute silence. Understanding these nuances will help determine whether you can fix the problem yourself or whether you will need to call a technician to replace expensive components.
Primary diagnostics and checking the power supply
Before disassembling the equipment or looking malfunctions inside the case, you should exclude external factors. Brand refrigerators Indesit, like any other complex household appliances, are sensitive to voltage surges. If there was a surge in the network, the circuit breaker in the panel may have tripped or the fuse in the socket may have blown.
Check whether the indicator light on the front panel is on, if provided by the model. Its absence often indicates that electricity simply does not reach the unit. Try plugging in another device, such as a hair dryer or lamp, into the same outlet to make sure the connection point is working properly.
⚠️ Attention: If you find that the outlet is sparking or has a burning smell coming from it, immediately stop trying to turn on the equipment and contact an electrician. Using faulty wiring can lead to a fire.
It is also worth inspecting the power cord for visible damage. Sometimes kinks or marks from pets' teeth disrupt the integrity of the veins. If the cable is visually intact, try to gently move it at the entry point into the refrigerator body - intermittent contact may be the reason why motor does not receive a signal to start.
Malfunctions of the starting relay and its role in starting
One of the most A common reason why the motor on the refrigerator does not start is the failure of the start relay. This small element is responsible for providing an impulse to the motor winding, allowing it to overcome resting inertia. If the relay is burnt out or stuck, the compressor will either not start at all, or will make a loud click and hum for several seconds, then turn off. Indesit, is the failure of the start relay. This small element is responsible for providing an impulse to the motor winding, allowing it to overcome resting inertia. If the relay is burnt out or stuck, the compressor will either not start at all, or will make a loud click and hum for a few seconds before shutting down.
Inside the relay there is a coil and contacts that can burn or oxidize over time. In models with a posistor starter, breakdown of the ceramic element often occurs. Replacing this part is one of the most accessible procedures in repair, which can be performed independently if you have basic skills.
For diagnostics you need:
- 🔌 Disconnect the refrigerator from the mains and remove the back metal cover.
- 🔍 Visually inspect the relay for cracks, carbon deposits or melted housing.
- 🔊 Gently shake the removed relay: if you hear the ringing of broken parts inside, the part is definitely faulty.
Is it possible to temporarily start a refrigerator without a relay?
Theoretically, it is possible to start the engine directly, but this is extremely dangerous and is not recommended. Without a starting relay, the engine will not be able to reach operating speed, which will lead to rapid overheating of the windings and final combustion of the compressor.
Problems with the thermostat and temperature sensors
If the motor does not turn on, but there is voltage in the network, perhaps the “brain” of the refrigerator does not give the command to start. A thermostat (in mechanical models) or an electronic sensor (in No Frost and modern Indesitsystems) is responsible for this. If the temperature sensor transmits incorrect data that it is already cold inside the chamber, the compressor simply will not turn on.
In mechanical thermostats, the capillary tube often breaks or the contacts stick. In electronic models malfunction may be caused by oxidation of contacts on the board or failure of the sensor itself. A characteristic sign of a thermostat failure is that the refrigerator does not freeze, but does not make any sounds, while the light bulb inside may be on.
To check the mechanical thermostat, you can close its contacts directly. If after this procedure (carried out only when the device is disconnected from the network!) the motor starts working, then the problem is in the regulator. However, remember that operating a refrigerator with closed contacts without temperature control will lead to freezing of food.
Starting the compressor: symptoms and causes of failure
The most expensive component is itself compressor. If the diagnostics showed that the relay is working properly, the thermostat gives a signal, and there is voltage at the input, but the motor is silent or hums and does not start, the problem may be in the engine itself. This often indicates an interturn short circuit of the windings or a mechanical wedge of the piston group.
Symptoms of a faulty compressor:
- 🔥 Strong heating of the motor housing (up to 90-100 degrees).
- 🔨 Metallic knocking or clanging when trying to start.
- 📉 Drop in winding resistance when measured with a multimeter.
In some cases, the compressor “jams” due to exhaustion of its life or moisture entering the system. Attempts to wedge it by applying increased voltage (the “annealing” method) at home rarely give long-term results and often finish off the unit completely.
⚠️ Attention: If you smell burnt insulation or see smoke from the engine compartment, further diagnostics on your own are prohibited. A professional replacement of the compressor and recharging the system with freon is required.
The influence of a freon leak on the operation of the motor
Although a refrigerant leak does not directly block the electrical circuit of the motor, it affects its operating cycle. Modern refrigerators Indesit often have protection: if sensors detect that the temperature does not drop despite the compressor running, the system may go into standby mode or generate an error. However, more often, if there is a leak, the motor runs non-stop, trying to gain temperature, and eventually burns out from overload.
You can check for the presence of freon by touching the capacitor (the grille at the back). If the refrigerator was working, but the grill is cold and the motor is hot, the freon has probably leaked. This is also indicated by swelling on the back wall inside the chamber or oily spots near the compressor.
| Symptom | Probable Cause | Necessary actions |
| :--- | :--- | :--- |
| The motor hums for 5-10 seconds and clicks | Start relay faulty | Replace the relay |
| Motor is hot but capacitor is cold | Freon leak | Leak detection, vacuuming, filling |
| Complete silence, there is light | Thermostat or board is faulty | Checking contacts, replacing the sensor |
| The motor hums constantly | Freon leak or compressor wear | Pressure diagnostics, component replacement |
Electronic control board and modular failures
In electronically controlled models, it is responsible for starting the motor control module. If moisture vapor gets on the board, a power surge occurs, or the triac that controls the compressor fails, the start command simply will not be given. This is a complex breakdown that requires professional diagnostics using an oscilloscope.
Sometimes the failure is software in nature. In such cases, rebooting the system may help. To do this, you need to:
- Unplug the refrigerator from the outlet.
- Wait at least 15-20 minutes for the capacitors to completely discharge.
- Turn on the device again.
If after a reboot the error persists and other components are working properly, you will most likely need replacing the electronic module. Self-repair of boards is possible only if you have in-depth knowledge of radio electronics and the circuits of a particular device.
☑️ Diagnostics before calling a technician
When professional repairs are needed
Despite the desire to save money, there are situations when the intervention of a specialist is inevitable. If the problem lies in a sealed circuit (freon leakage, clogged capillary tube) or in the compressor itself, you cannot do without special equipment (vacuum pump, pressure gauge station, burner).
Attempts to solder the tubes yourself or replace the motor without pumping out the system will lead to rapid failure of the new compressor due to moisture and air trapped into the circuit. In addition, working with refrigerants requires compliance with safety precautions.
Critical important: If your refrigerator Indesit is under warranty, any independent repairs associated with broken seals or replacement units, will lead to loss of the manufacturer's warranty.In conclusion, if the motor on your refrigerator Indesit does not work, start with simple steps: checking the socket and start relay. These actions eliminate up to 60% of all faults. If the problem is deeper, a timely call to a technician will save the equipment from final breakdown and expensive replacement.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Why does the Indesit refrigerator click but does not turn on?
A click is usually made by the start relay, trying to start the compressor. If the click is not followed by the hum of the motor, most likely the relay itself has burned out or an interturn short circuit has occurred in the compressor windings. Relay replacement or engine diagnostics is required.
Is it possible to operate the refrigerator if the motor runs constantly without stopping?
No, this is emergency mode. Constant operation leads to overheating of the compressor and its combustion. In addition, food may freeze. You need to check the thermostat, freon leakage or the condition of the door seals.
How long does the compressor on an Indesit refrigerator last on average?
The average service life of a high-quality compressor is 10-15 years. However, with frequent power surges, incorrect installation (without clearances for ventilation) or the use of low-quality refrigerant during previous repairs, the period may be reduced to 5-7 years.
What to do if the motor does not start after defrosting?
Let the refrigerator stand unplugged for at least 4-6 hours. There may be moisture in the electrical contacts or the start relay. If after complete drying and restarting the problem persists, check the relay or call a technician.