The situation when the upper chamber in the refrigerator Indesit stops freezing is one of the most common and alarming for owners. In models with the system No Frost cold is generated in the freezer compartment and is forced by a fan into the refrigerator compartment through special channels. If this process is disrupted, the food in the upper compartment begins to deteriorate, while in the freezer ice can form normally or, conversely, turn into mush.
The first thing to do is to assess the scale of the problem and rule out trivial causes, such as a loose door or broken thermostat settings. Often users panic ahead of time, not noticing that the temperature was accidentally changed by children or as a result of a power surge. However, if you hear the compressor operating, but there is no cold coming in, there may be a serious technical malfunction that requires careful diagnosis.
In this article we will analyze in detail the algorithm of actions when detecting a lack of cold in the upper part of the units. Indesit. We will consider both simple steps that are accessible to everyone, and complex breakdowns that require the intervention of a specialist. It is important to understand that ignoring the first signs of failure can lead to failure of expensive components, such as a compressor.
The principle of operation of the No Frost system in Indesit refrigerators
To understand why the upper part does not work, you need to clearly understand the physics of the process. Unlike older models with a weeping wall, the principle of forced air circulation is used here. The evaporator, which creates the cold, is hidden behind the rear panel in the freezer (or in the technical compartment). The fan drives cooled air through the air ducts upward into the refrigerator compartment.
The key element here is circulation. If the airflow is blocked by an ice blockage or a faulty fan, the upper chamber remains warm. The system automatically defrosts the evaporator several times a day, but if this mechanism fails, ice builds up and blocks the cold supply channels.
It is also worth noting the role of thermostats and sensors. Electronics Indesit constantly monitors the temperature at different points. If the upper chamber sensor “thinks” that it is cold there (due to a breakdown), it will not give a command to cool, although in fact it is warm there. This is a classic example of how electronics can be misleading.
Primary diagnostics: what to check before calling a technician
Before disassembling the unit or looking for a service center phone number, follow a number of simple steps. Often the problem is solved without the use of tools. First of all, check the tightness of the door. If the seal (cuff) is worn out or dirty, warm air from the room constantly flows inside, and the system simply cannot cope with its cooling.
The second important point is setting the temperature regime. Some models Indesit with electronic control may have failed and the temperature was set to minimum cooling (e.g. +7°C or +8°C). For normal food storage, the recommended range is from +2°C to +5°C.
Also pay attention to the location of the products. If you put a hot pot in or simply pack the shelves too tightly, it disrupts natural convection. Cold air simply has nowhere to move, and it stagnates in the evaporator area, not reaching the upper shelves.
- 🔍 Checking the seal: carry out a test with a sheet of paper, holding it with a door around the perimeter - it should be pulled out with force.
- 🌡️ Control the settings: make sure that it does not "Holiday" or "Eco" mode is activated, which can increase the temperature in the refrigerator compartment.
- ❄️ Inspect the ventilation holes: they should not be covered with bags or boxes.
Problems with defrosting: heating element, timer and sensor defrosting
The most common reason why the top part does not freeze in refrigerators Indesit with a system No Frost is a malfunction of the defrosting system. If the heating element (heating element) burns out, the ice on the evaporator stops melting. Over time, the ice coat grows, blocks the fan and blocks the air supply channels. As a result, the fan may even stop due to icing of the blades.
The diagnostic process in this case requires removing the back panel of the freezer. Visually, you will see a massive lump of ice where there should be a clean radiator. In this case, it is necessary to check the defrost circuit: the heating element itself, the defrost sensor (thermostat) and the fuse. Often it is the sensor that fails because it “sticks” in the “frost” position and does not turn on the heating.
⚠️ Attention: Before checking the electrical components with a multimeter, be sure to unplug the refrigerator! Failure to comply with electrical safety rules may result in electric shock.
To replace the heating element or sensor, partial disassembly will be required. It is important not to damage the plastic housing of the evaporator, as it is fragile at low temperatures. After replacing parts, the unit must go through a full defrost cycle (about 24 hours without turning on) so that all hidden ice melts.
☑️ Diagnostics of the defrost system
Fan malfunctions and clogged drainage
The fan is the “heart” of the cold distribution system. If it is not working, the air does not circulate and the upper chamber remains warm. The reasons for a fan stopping can be different: failure of the electric motor, icing of the blades, or ingress of a foreign object. In models Indesit a situation often occurs when the fan bushing dries out, and it starts to hum and then stops.
The drainage system also plays a critical role. Water from defrosting should go into the drainage hole. If it is clogged with crumbs or mold, the water freezes in the channel, forming an ice plug. This plug grows and eventually blocks the operation of the fan or damper. Cleaning the drainage is a mandatory preventative procedure.
Sometimes the problem lies in the damper, which regulates the air flow. If its drive is stuck in the closed position, the cold simply does not enter the refrigerator compartment. This is often accompanied by a characteristic cracking or clicking sound when trying to open.
How to check the fan without disassembling?
Turn on the refrigerator and listen. 5-10 minutes after starting the compressor, the noise of the fan should be heard. If it is missing and the compressor is humming, there is probably a problem with it or with icing.
Freon leak and problems with the compressor
If the defrost system and fan are working properly, but there is no cold in either the upper or lower chamber (or it is very weak), you can suspect a refrigerant leak. Refrigerators Indesit often use a foamed evaporator (circuit inside the walls). When corrosion or mechanical damage occurs, freon evaporates. A symptom may be a hot rear wall outside or, conversely, a lack of heating of the condenser.
The compressor is the most expensive component. If it hums but won't start, or runs continuously without shutting off but doesn't get cold, that's a bad sign. Possible loss of compression or mechanism wedge. In such cases, repairs are often not economically feasible and require replacement of the unit.
It is important to distinguish: if the compressor operates cyclically (turns on and off), but there is no cold, this is most likely a leak or clogged capillary tube. If it hums for 5 seconds and clicks when it turns off, the problem is in the start relay or the motor itself.
| Symptom | Probable cause | Difficulty of repair |
|---|---|---|
| The fan hums, but not turns | Icing or wear of the bushing | Low |
| Ice coat on the evaporator | Faulty heating element or sensor | Average |
| Compressor is hot, no cold | Freon leak | High |
| Clicking noises when starting | Start relay malfunction | Low |
Electronic modules and temperature sensors
Modern models Indesit (especially series Push&Go or with a display) are controlled by an electronic module. If the refrigerator's brains receive incorrect data from the sensors, they may not start the compressor or fan. The temperature sensor of the refrigeration chamber (NTC thermistor) often fails.
The sensors are checked with a multimeter in resistance measurement mode. As the temperature changes, their resistance should change smoothly. If the device shows an open or short circuit, the sensor must be replaced. It is also worth checking the contacts: oxidation of the connectors is a common problem in high humidity conditions.
In rare cases, the control module itself may need to be re-flashed or replaced. This can happen after a power surge. If all segments or error codes are lit on the display (for example, flashing indicators), this is a direct signal of an electronic malfunction.
Frequent questions and answers (FAQ)
Why does the top part of the Indesit refrigerator not freeze, but the bottom one works fine?
Most likely, the problem is a problem with air circulation. This could be a fan malfunction, icing of the air ducts due to a defrost system failure, or a closed air damper. Cold is created in the freezer, but does not reach the top.
How to defrost an Indesit refrigerator correctly if it has stopped cooling?
You must completely unplug the unit, remove all food and leave the doors open for at least 24 hours. Do not wash the insides with hot water to avoid damaging the plastic. After defrosting, turn on the empty refrigerator and check the operation after 2-3 hours.
What does the flashing alarm indicator on the Indesit panel mean?
A flashing indicator (often a red triangle or the letter F) signals that the temperature in the chamber has risen above the permissible norm. If, after defrosting and checking the settings, it continues to burn, one of the defrost sensors or heating elements has probably failed.
Is it possible to operate the refrigerator if the upper chamber does not work?
For a short time - yes, if you transfer perishable foods to a working freezer or use refrigerants. However, long-term operation with a faulty No Frost system will lead to overload of the compressor and the formation of mold.