The situation when Indesit refrigerator suddenly stops freezing causes panic in any home cook, because this threatens the safety of food. Most often, the problem lies not in a global breakdown of the entire unit, but in a malfunction of one of the key components of the cooling system. Understanding the operating principle of your model will help you quickly determine the source of the malfunction and avoid an expensive call to a technician where you can handle it yourself.
Initial diagnostics require careful observation of the behavior of the equipment. Compressor it may hum, but not start, or work without stopping, without cooling the chamber. In some cases, the unit is completely silent, and in others it makes strange sounds. It is important not to ignore the first signs of failure, since a timely reaction can save refrigerant and extend the life of the equipment.
In this article we will analyze in detail the main reasons why refrigerator or freezer ceased to perform their functions. We will look at both simple operating errors and complex technical faults that require professional intervention. Correct identification of the problem is the first step to successfully restoring the functionality of your Indesit.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any diagnostic work, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply. Working with live electrical components is fatal.
Main causes of temperature violations
There is a wide range of factors that affect the refrigerator’s ability to maintain a low temperature. The most common, but often ignored, reason is incorrect installation or overload. If Indesit refrigerator stands close to the wall or next to (battery, stove), heat exchange is disrupted and the system does not have time to remove heat. Also, dense packing of products blocks the circulation of cold air inside the chambers.
More serious technical problems are associated with failure of the controls. Thermostat or electronic control module may give incorrect commands to the compressor, which is why it either does not turns on at all, or runs idle. In models with the No Frost system, freezing of the evaporator is often encountered, which blocks the air supply to the refrigeration chamber, creating the illusion of a breakdown.
The most critical and expensive problem is freon leak. If there is not enough refrigerant in the system, the compressor will work continuously, trying to increase the temperature, but there will be no effect. Visually, this is often accompanied by swelling of the rear wall or the appearance of yellow rust spots at the leak site. It also cannot be ruled out that the capillary tube is clogged, which blocks gas circulation.
⚠️ Attention: If you notice that the compressor has been running non-stop for days, and the temperature inside does not drop, immediately turn off the device. Prolonged idle operation leads to burnout of the motor windings and complete replacement of the unit.
Diagnostics of compressor and start relay faults
Compressor is the heart of the refrigerator, and it is from here that troubleshooting often begins. If you hear a distinctive click, followed by a hum that lasts a few seconds, and then another click and silence, this is a sure sign of a starting problem. In 80% of such cases, the fault starting relayis responsible for starting the engine. It could burn out or stick.
Checking the relay is a simple procedure, but requires care. Remove the plastic cover from the back of the compressor, disconnect the relay and shake it. If a ringing or knocking sound is heard inside, it means the internals are damaged and the part must be replaced. It is important to select the relay strictly according to the marking, since for different models Indesit (for example, series B or C) different types of starters can be used.
In more rare cases, the problem lies in the compressor itself. An interturn short circuit of the windings or a wedge of the piston group leads to the fact that the engine hums, but cannot start. Diagnostics with a multimeter will show a lack of resistance or a short circuit to the housing. Repairing the compressor at home is impossible and economically unfeasible - a complete replacement of the unit with recharging the system is required.
How to check the relay with a multimeter?
Remove the relay, set the multimeter to the dialing mode. Check the contacts: if the device shows infinity where there should be a circuit, or vice versa - a short circuit, the relay is faulty. Also check the coil for resistance (usually several tens of Ohms).
Problems with the defrost system in No Frost models
In refrigerators Indesit No Frost the lack of cold is often associated with a malfunction of the automatic defrost system. If Defrost heating element, timer or defrost sensor fail, an ice coat builds up on the evaporator. Air stops circulating through the channels, and cold does not enter the chamber, although it may be relatively cold in the freezer.
To confirm the diagnosis, it is necessary to defrost the refrigerator completely within 24 hours. If after turning it on it starts to freeze, but after a few days (usually 3-5) the problem returns, it means the defrosting system is not working. This can be checked visually by removing the back panel in the freezer: if “snow” or ice is visible there, interfering with the fan, the diagnosis is confirmed.
Replacing elements of the defrosting system requires disassembling the inside of the freezer. Heating element checked for resistance (should be within normal limits, not a break), and sensor —on the ability to open the circuit at a certain temperature. Often, users change the entire set to avoid repeated breakdowns in the near future.
☑️ Diagnostics of the No Frost system
Freon leak and blockage of the capillary system
If Indesit refrigerator stops freezing, and the compressor works almost without interruption, but is only partially hot (or cold), there is a high probability of leakage Freon. Refrigerant can escape through microcracks in sealed tubes, which are often caused by corrosion. It is difficult to visually determine the location of the leak; sometimes a soap solution or special leak detectors used by craftsmen help.
Clogging capillary tube is the second common reason for the lack of cold when the compressor is running. Plugs from oil or moisture breakdown products form in the circulation system, blocking the movement of gas. A characteristic sign is that one part of the condenser grid is hot and the other is cold, or gurgling is heard during operation.
Both of these problems relate to complex repairs that require special equipment: a vacuum pump, a pressure gauge station and a cylinder with freon. It is almost impossible to fix a leak or break through a blockage on your own without the skills of soldering and charging the system. Attempts to simply “top up” the gas give a temporary effect, since the cause of the violation of the tightness or cleanliness of the system has not been eliminated.
⚠️ Attention: Freon is a gas that, under certain conditions, can be dangerous. If you smell a strong chemical odor, ensure the room is ventilated. Do not try to seal the pipes yourself without removing the old refrigerant.
Comparison table of symptoms and malfunctions
To simplify diagnosis, we have compiled a table that will help compare the symptoms of your Indesit with the most likely causes. Remember that an accurate diagnosis can only be made by a specialist after an instrumental examination.
| Symptom | Probable cause | Difficulty of repair | Necessary equipment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clicks, but not starts | Faulty starting relay | Low | Screwdriver, multimeter |
| Humming, does not freeze, capacitor is warm | Leak freon | High | Pump, freon, burner |
| Freezes periodically, there is ice | Failure of the defrost system (No Frost) | Medium | Multimeter, tools |
| Works constantly, no cold | Clogged capillary tube | High | Vacuumator, nitrogen |
| Not turns on, silence | Thermostat or module is faulty | Medium | Multimeter |
When you need to call a professional technician
Despite the desire to save money, there are situations where do-it-yourself repairs impossible or dangerous. If the diagnostics showed a leak freon or a blockage in the system, you will need a technician with equipment for vacuuming and filling. Professionals are also needed when replacing the compressorcompressor itself, since this process requires soldering copper and aluminum tubes and precise dosage of oil and gas.
Another case for contacting service is breakdown electronic control module. Modern models Indesit equipped with complex electronics, and board repair requires radio installation skills and a circuit. Attempts to “resolder” burnt-out elements without knowledge can lead to complete failure of the equipment.
In addition, if your refrigerator is under warranty, any independent repair will lead to loss of warranty. In this case, the only correct decision would be to contact the authorized service center indicated in the documents.
Prevention and proper care of the refrigerator
In order for Indesit refrigerator to serve for a long time and not suddenly stop freezing, it is important to follow the operating rules. Regular defrosting (for drip systems) at least once a year helps maintain heat transfer efficiency. For No Frost models, it is important to keep the drainage hole clean so that condensation does not stagnate and cause corrosion.
Do not place hot foods in the chamber and do not overload the shelves by blocking the ventilation holes. Periodically check the tight fit sealing rubber to the body. If the door does not close tightly, warm, moist air enters the chamber, which leads to increased ice formation and increased load on the compressor.
Compliance with the temperature regime in the room is also important. If the refrigerator is located in an unheated country house in winter or in a kitchen where the temperature is above +30°C, its resources may be exhausted faster. Keep the condenser grille at the back clean - dust and animal hair impair heat transfer, causing the motor to wear out.
Why does the refrigerator freeze but does not turn off?
This may indicate a loss of housing tightness, wear of the door seal, or the initial stage of a freon leak. The compressor tries to compensate for the loss of cold by working in increased mode. It is also possible that the thermostat contacts may stick.
Is it possible to operate the refrigerator if it has stopped freezing?
For a short time - yes, if you are waiting for a technician. However, prolonged work with a malfunction (especially if there is a leak or blockage) can lead to the compressor burning out, which will significantly increase the cost of repairs.
How often do you need to change freon in an Indesit refrigerator?
Freon is not a consumable material. In a working, sealed refrigerator, it circulates for decades without replacement. If the gas is gone, it means that an accident has occurred (breakdown, corrosion), which must be eliminated before refilling.
What to do if the refrigerator does not work after defrosting?
Wait 3-4 hours after turning it on. If during this time the cold has not appeared and you cannot hear the compressor operating (or it clicks), there is probably a problem in the start relay or the compressor itself.