Why the upper chamber of the Indesit refrigerator does not cool well: 10 reasons and what do

The upper chamber of the refrigerator Indesit has stopped freezing or is not cooling strongly enough? This problem is more common than it seems - especially in models with a system No Frost or two-compressor units. There can be a dozen reasons: from a banal fan clogging to a serious freon leak. But before you call a technician, you should figure it out yourself.

In 80% of cases, the malfunction is associated with impaired cold air circulation or malfunctions of electronic components. For example, in models Indesit C 132 G or Indesit DF 5200 S the upper chamber temperature sensor often fails, and in refrigerators with with one compressor the problem may lie in a faulty switching valve. It is important to understand: if the freezer is working normally, but the top one is not, this narrows the range of possible causes.

In this article we will analyze all possible scenarios - from simple ones (which you can fix yourself) to complex ones (requiring the intervention of a specialist). You will also find step-by-step diagnostic instructionsa table of typical symptoms and ways to temporarily solve the problem if repairs are delayed.

1. Clogged ventilation system (No Frost)

If your Indesit is equipped with a system No Frost, the first reason for poor cooling of the upper chamber is clogged ventilation ducts. In such models, cold air is distributed among the chambers using a fan, and if ice or dust accumulates on its blades, circulation is disrupted.

How does this manifest itself:

• 🔹 The upper chamber hardly cools, but the freezer works normally
• 🔹 An unusual noise is heard (hum or cracking) when the fan is running
• 🔹 Ice forms on the back wall of the upper chamber

What to do:

1. Unplug the refrigerator and defrost it for 12-24 hours.
2. After defrosting, check if there is ice on the fan blades (it is located behind the rear panel of the upper chamber).
3. If there is ice, carefully remove it with a plastic spatula without damaging the blades.
4. Check whether the condensate drainage hole (usually located at the bottom of the rear wall) is not clogged.

Attention! If after defrosting the problem recurs after 1-2 weeks, this may indicate a malfunction defrost heater or defrost timer. In this case, parts will need to be replaced.

2. Malfunction of the temperature sensor

The temperature sensor (thermistor) in the upper chamber is responsible for transmitting data about the current temperature to the control board. If it fails, the refrigerator Indesit either stops cooling the upper chamber, or, conversely, freezes the food.

Signs of a sensor malfunction:

• 🔹 The display shows an incorrect temperature (for example, +20°C when the compressor is running)
• 🔹 The compressor works without stopping or, on the contrary, almost does not turn on
• 🔹 It’s too warm in the upper chamber, but it’s normal in the freezer

How to check the sensor:

1. Find the sensor (usually it is located on the back wall of the upper chamber, under the plastic panel).
2. Disconnect the connector and measure the resistance with a multimeter. At room temperature (~20°C) it should be in the range 5–7 kOhm.
3. If the resistance is equal 0 (open) or ∞ (short circuit), the sensor is faulty.

The cost of a new sensor for Indesit is from 500 to 1500 rubles. Replacement takes 10–15 minutes and does not require special skills.

3. Problems with the door seal

A worn or dirty seal allows warm air into the chamber, causing the temperature to rise. In refrigerators Indesit this problem often occurs after 5-7 years of operation, especially if the door is opened too sharply.

How to determine that the seal is leaking:

• 🔹 Condensation accumulates on the walls of the upper chamber
• 🔹 The door does not close tightly (there are gaps)
• 🔹 The compressor runs longer than usual

Solution:

1. Cleaning: Wipe the seal with warm water and soap, then apply silicone grease (for example, WD-40 Specialist).
2. Checking the fit: Close the door and try to insert a sheet of paper between the seal and the body. If it fits easily, the seal needs to be replaced.
3. Replacement: Buy an original seal for your model (for example, for Indesit BIAA 13 suitable article number C00268363). Cost - from 1000 to 3000 rubles.

How to temporarily improve the tightness?

If the seal is deformed in only one place, you can place a strip of foam rubber under it or use double-sided tape to fix it. This will help for 1-2 months before replacement.

4. Malfunction of the switching valve (in single-compressor models)

In refrigerators Indesit with one compressor is responsible for the distribution of cold between the chambers magnetic valve. If it jams or fails, cold can only enter the freezer, and the upper chamber will remain warm.

Symptoms:

• 🔹 The freezer works fine, the upper chamber does not
• 🔹 The compressor works without stopping
• 🔹 A click is heard when the valve is switched, but no cold comes in

Diagnostics:

1. Turn off the refrigerator and find the valve (usually it is located next to the compressor, in the lower part of the rear walls).
2. Check whether voltage is supplied to it when the refrigerator is turned on (should be ~220V).
3. If there is voltage, but the valve does not operate, it is faulty.

Attention! Replacing the valve requires soldering the tubes and evacuating the system. Independent repairs without experience can lead to freon leakage and compressor breakdown. It is better to entrust this work to a specialist.

5. Freon leakage or capillary tube blockage

If the upper chamber suddenly stops cooling and the compressor works without stopping, there may be leakage. freon clogging in capillary tubein models Indesit this often occurs due to corrosion of aluminum tubes or mechanical damage.

Signs:

• 🔹 The compressor is hot and does not turn off
• 🔹 The condenser (grid on the back wall) does not heat up
• 🔹 It’s warm in the upper chamber, there’s little cooling in the freezer

What to do:

1. Turn off the refrigerator and inspect the back wall for oil stains (a sign of a leak).
2. If there is a suspicion of a leak - do not turn on the refrigerator, this may damage the compressor.
3. Call a technician for diagnostics. Repair includes finding the leak, soldering, vacuuming and refilling with freon (cost - from 3500 to 7000 rubles).

6. Control board failure

The electronic control board is responsible for all processes in the refrigerator. If it fails, the upper chamber may stop cooling, even if all other components are working properly. In models Indesit with a display (for example, Indesit ITF 118 W), a board failure is often manifested by blinking indicators or errors on the screen.

Signs of a board failure:

• 🔹 The refrigerator does not respond to temperature settings
• 🔹 The display shows errors (for example, F01, F04)
• 🔹 The compressor turns on and immediately turns off

Possible reasons:

• 🔌 Power surge
• 💧 Hit moisture on the board (for example, during defrosting)
• 🔄 Wear of capacitors or tracks

Solution:

1. Turn off the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes, then turn it on again (sometimes a reset helps).
2. If the reset did not help, check fuses on the board (they can blow out during a power surge).
3. If there is visible damage (darkened tracks, swollen capacitors), the board must be replaced or repaired. The cost of a new board for Indesit is from 2500 to 6000 rubles.

7. Incorrect installation or external factors

Sometimes the upper chamber cools poorly not due to a breakdown, but due to improper operation. Here are the most common errors:

Attention! If the refrigerator Indesit is installed in a room with a temperature above +30°C, the compressor may not be able to cope with the load. In this case, only moving to a cooler place or installing an air conditioner will help.

What to do if the refrigerator is not working. warranty?

If your Indesit is still under warranty (usually 1-2 years), do not try to repair it yourself. Any intervention in the design (even replacing the seal) may cause a refusal of warranty service.

Your actions:

1. Check the warranty card (make sure it is filled out correctly and has not expired).
2. Contact an authorized service center IndesitContacts can be found on the official website or in the documents for the refrigerator.
3. Describe the problem in as much detail as possible (when it appeared, how it manifested itself, whether there were power surges).
4. If the technician refuses to repair under warranty, request a written refusal indicating the reason.

⚠️ Attention! The warranty does not apply to breakdowns caused by improper operation (for example, mechanical damage, drainage blockage due to untimely defrosting).

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about poor cooling of the upper chamber

Can I use the refrigerator if the upper chamber does not cool well?

If the freezer is working normally, and the temperature in the upper chamber does not exceed +10°C, you can temporarily use the refrigerator, but:

• 🥛 Do not store perishable foods (milk, meat, fish).
• 🍎 Move fruits and vegetables to the coldest place (usually a shelf at the back wall).
• 🔌 Do not delay repairs for a long time - this can lead to compressor breakdown.

How much does it cost to repair an Indesit refrigerator if the upper chamber does not work?

The cost depends on the reason:

• 🔧 Replacement of the temperature sensor: 1000–2500 rubles (with work)
• 🔧 Replacement of seal: 1500–3500 rubles.
• 🔧 Repair of control board: 3000–6000 rubles.
• 🔧 Elimination of freon leakage + refilling: 4000–8000 rubles.

In regions, prices may vary by 15-20%.

How to check if the compressor is working?

Turn on the refrigerator and follow these steps:

1. Put your hand on the back wall (at the bottom where the compressor is located). It should vibrate and be. warm.
2. Listen: the operating compressor makes a uniform hum. If you hear clicks or silence, it is faulty.
3. Check whether the condenser is heating up (the grill on the back wall) If it is cold, there is no freon or the compressor is not pumping.

What. what to do if the Indesit refrigerator beeps and does not cool the upper chamber?

A sound signal usually indicates:

• 🔥 An increase in temperature in the chamber (for example, due to an open door).
• ❄️ Icing of the fan (in models with No Frost).
• ⚡ Control board failure.

First defrost the refrigerator for 12 hours. If the signal remains, call a technician.

Is it possible to fill the refrigerator with freon yourself?

No! Refilling with freon requires:

• 🛠️ Special equipment (vacuum pump, pressure manifold).
• 🧪 Knowledge about the types of freon (usually used Indesit usually used R-134a or R-600a).
• 🔍 Ability to find and solder leaks.

Incorrect refueling can lead to explosion (if you overdo it with freon) or damage compressor.