The situation when you open the door of your favorite refrigerator Indesit, and inside it is warm and the food begins to spoil, is familiar to many. In the silence in the kitchen, you cannot hear the usual hum of the motor, although the indicators may light up, or the unit makes a quiet click and goes silent. This is a sure sign that compressor —the heart of the cooling system—has stopped starting.
Before you panic and look for a repairman’s phone number, you need to conduct an initial diagnosis. Often the cause is not a breakdown of the engine itself, but a failure in the protection system or electrical circuit. Understanding the principle of operation refrigeration unit will help you determine whether you can solve the problem yourself or whether expensive components need to be replaced.
In this article we will analyze in detail the mechanical and electrical reasons for equipment downtime, explain how to check the start relay and thermostat, and also consider the features of modern models with inverter motors. If after defrosting the motor does not start within 24 hours, the problem lies in the electrical circuit or the compressor itself.
Primary diagnostics: light, sound and temperature
The first step should always be a visual and auditory assessment of the condition of the device. If the light is on inside, this means that there is voltage in the outlet and the power cord is intact. However, the absence of cold when the backlight is working indicates a circuit break in the cooling circuit. Try to listen: does the motor make a quiet hum when trying to start, or is there absolute silence in the chamber?
It is important to check whether the defrost button is blocked (if it is mechanical) and whether the temperature regulator is set correctly. Sometimes users accidentally turn the thermostat knob to the “0” or “Off” position without noticing it. It is also worth checking whether the door fits tightly, since some models Indesit with electronic control can go into standby mode if the circuit is leaky.
Pay attention to the behavior of the compressor in the first minutes after being plugged into the network. If you hear a short click followed by silence every few minutes, this is a thermal protection relay. It breaks the circuit, preventing the motor windings from burning out when starting is impossible.
Problems with power supply and starting relay
One of the most common reasons why the refrigerator compressor does not turn on Indesitis the failure of the starting relay. This small element is responsible for supplying an impulse to the starting winding of the motor. If the relay contacts have oxidized or the coil has burned out, the motor receives power only to the working winding, which is not enough to start under load.
Checking the relay requires caution and disconnecting the device from the network. Visually, there should be no traces of burning or melting on the body. Often there is a posistor inside the relay, which changes resistance when heated; if it is faulty, the starting winding circuit does not close. Replacing this element is one of the most accessible procedures do-it-yourself repair.
⚠️ Attention: Before removing the start relay, be sure to wait until the compressor has completely cooled down (at least 30-40 minutes after the last attempt to turn it on) so as not to get burned and not to provoke a false operation of the thermal protection during a repeat test.
It is also worth checking the integrity of the wires going to the compressor terminal box. Vibration of a running unit for years can lead to chafing of the insulation or burnout of contacts. Oxidation of the terminals creates a high contact resistance, due to which the voltage drops and the engine cannot develop the necessary power to start.
Malfunctions of the thermostat and temperature sensors
The thermostat (or thermostat) is a switch that opens the electrical circuit of the compressor when the set temperature is reached in the chamber. If the thermostat contacts are “stuck” in the open position or the bellows tube is damaged, the signal to start the engine simply does not arrive. In models Indesit with mechanical control, this is a common cause of downtime.
In modern models with system No Frost and electronic control, instead of a mechanical thermostat, temperature sensors (thermistors) are used. They change their resistance depending on heating or cooling. If the sensor “lies” and shows the control module that the chamber is already cold in the Arctic, the command to turn on the compressor will not be generated.
Diagnostics of the thermostat in mechanical refrigerators is simple: you can carefully close the contacts of the incoming and outgoing wires (with the plug disconnected from the network!). If the compressor starts working after being connected to the network, the thermostat must be replaced. For electronic systems, you will need a multimeter to check the resistance of the sensor at different temperatures.
- 🔌 Contact closure: temporary measure for testing, requires compliance with safety precautions.
- 🌡️ Drift indications: the sensor may be intact, but produce incorrect data due to aging.
- ❄️ Ice on the capillary: in mechanical thermostats, ice on the sensitive element can block operation.
Starting the engine: winding problems and interturn short circuit
The most unpleasant scenario is a malfunction itself electric motor. The refrigerator compressor Indesit has two windings: working and starting. If one of them breaks inside the housing, it will no longer be possible to start the engine. You can check this with a multimeter in resistance measurement mode (Ohm).
A situation that is more difficult to diagnose is an interturn short circuit. In this case, the resistance of the windings may be normal, but when voltage is applied, the motor hums, jerks, consumes huge current and quickly heats up, after which the thermal protection is triggered. This condition is often confused with a broken relay, but replacing the relay will not help here.
It is also worth mentioning a breakdown on the housing. If the insulation of the windings is broken, current may flow to the metal casing of the compressor. This not only stops the refrigerator from working, but also creates the risk of electric shock if you touch the cabinet. The test is carried out with a multimeter between the contacts and the copper tube (there should be no paint on the body at the measurement site).
Specifics of Indesit inverter compressors
Modern refrigerators Indesit are increasingly equipped with inverter compressors that work differently than classic models. They do not have a start relay in the traditional sense and start smoothly through an electronic control module. If such a refrigerator does not turn on, the reason often lies in the control unit or in the inverter itself.
The inverter motor is sensitive to voltage changes in the network. A power surge could damage the electronics that control the speed. Unlike conventional motors, here you cannot simply “ring” the windings and draw an unambiguous conclusion - diagnostics of the control board is required.
A characteristic sign of a malfunction of the inverter system is the absence of a characteristic click of the relay and silence when turned on, or a short-term attempt to accelerate and an error occurs. Error codes may light up on the refrigerator display, indicating a problem with the compressor (for example, F05, F06 depending on the model).
⚠️ Attention: Inverter compressors cannot be checked by directly supplying 220V voltage, like conventional ones! This is guaranteed to lead to combustion of the motor electronics. Diagnostics is possible only through the native control module.
Diagnostic table: symptoms and probable causes
For convenience, we systematize the main symptoms of a malfunction. Compare the behavior of your unit with the data in the table to narrow down the problem.
| Symptom | Probable cause | Difficulty of repair |
|---|---|---|
| Humming for 5-10 seconds, clicking, silence | Faulty starting relay or jammed compressor | Low / High |
| Complete silence, there is light | Thermostat, sensor or open circuit is faulty | Medium |
| Motor is hot, does not start | Interturn short circuit or piston wedge group | High (replacement) |
| Starts up, but turns off quickly | Freon leak or clogged capillary system | High (requires a master) |
| Error on display (flashing) | Failure of electronics or sensors (No Frost) | Average |
As can be seen from the table, external manifestations may be similar, but the reasons are radically different. For example, a hot compressor that does not start often requires a complete replacement of the unit, while the problem with the relay is solved in 15 minutes.
Do not ignore the burning smell. If you smell burning plastic or insulation when you try to start, stop experimenting with turning on immediately. This is a sure sign that the process of destruction of the winding insulation or melting of the relay has already begun.
Mechanical jamming of the compressor
Sometimes the electrical part is working, the relays and sensors are in order, but the compressor is physically unable to turn the shaft. This is called the compressor wedge. Inside the sealed casing there is oil, which over time can thicken or burn out, and the rubbing parts can wear out or become deformed.
There is a “wedging” method by applying increased voltage for a short time, but at home for refrigerators Indesit doing this is extremely dangerous and ineffective. Success is less than 20%, and the risk of completely finishing off the motor or starting a fire is very high.
If you have diagnosed a wedge (the engine is humming, the current consumption is maximum, the shaft does not rotate), the only correct solution is to replace the compressor with a new one. Soldering a new unit requires special equipment, evacuation of the system and charging with freon, so it is better to entrust this work to professionals.
Does the engine hum?: Yes, but does not start|No, silence
Is the compressor housing hot?:Yes|No
Is there a smell burning?:Yes|No-->
The influence of the No Frost system on the start
In refrigerators Indesit with the system No Frost the start of the compressor is closely related to the operation of the defrost system. If the defrost heating element is burned out, and the timer or defrost sensor is “stuck” in defrost mode, the compressor will not receive a command to turn on until the cycle is completed (which can take forever).
The fan also plays an important role in such models. Some control algorithms will not allow the compressor to start if the evaporator airflow is not working to prevent freezing. Checking the fan circuit and defrost sensor is a mandatory diagnostic step.
Icing of the evaporator can mechanically block the operation of the components, creating excess pressure in the system, which also makes starting difficult. In this case, it is necessary to completely defrost the refrigerator during the day with the doors open.
When you need to call a professional technician
Despite the desire to save money, there are situations when independent repairs are impossible or economically impractical. If you need to open the refrigeration circuit (replacing a compressor, removing a blockage, searching for a freon leak), you cannot do without professional equipment.
A master is also needed if the situation has not changed after replacing the relay and thermostat. This indicates a deep fault in the motor or electronics. Attempts to solder tubes yourself or change the motor without a vacuum sealer will lead to rapid damage to the new compressor.
Remember that incorrect diagnosis can lead to the purchase of unnecessary spare parts. If you are not confident in your abilities when working with a multimeter or electrical circuits, it is better to contact a service center.
Prevention of repeated breakdowns
In order for your compressor Indesit to serve for a long time, provide it with good working conditions. The main enemy is overheating. Make sure that the refrigerator is not close to the wall, and that the gap for ventilation is at least 5-10 cm. Dust on the condenser (grid at the back) also impairs heat transfer, causing the motor to work with overload.
Voltage stability in the network is another key factor. Voltage surges often burn out the starter winding or electronics. Using a surge protector or voltage stabilizer will significantly extend the life of the compressor.
Check the door seal regularly. If it does not fit tightly, the compressor is forced to work almost continuously, trying to maintain the temperature. This leads to rapid wear and eventual failure.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to replace an Indesit compressor with an analogue from another manufacturer?
Yes, this is often possible, but requires selection in terms of power, overall dimensions and type refrigerant. You may also need to replace the start relay with a compatible one. It is better to look for complete analogues by catalog number.
How long does a compressor last in an Indesit refrigerator on average?
The average service life of a compressor is 10-15 years, provided there is a stable voltage in the network and proper operation. Inverter models can last longer due to the absence of starting currents.
Why doesn’t the refrigerator turn on immediately after defrosting?
Some models with electronics have a turn-on delay (up to 10-15 minutes) to equalize the pressure in the system. If the cold does not appear an hour after switching on, this is already a malfunction.
Is it dangerous to change the starting relay yourself?
Replacing the relay is safe, since it does not require opening the freon circuit. The main thing is to completely disconnect the refrigerator from the network before starting work and make sure that the new relay matches the parameters of the old one.
What to do if the compressor is working, but there is no cold?
This indicates a freon leak or a clogged capillary system. In this case, the motor is working, but the coolant is not circulating. You need to call a technician to find a leak and refill it.