Why does the Indesit refrigerator click: normal or signal of a breakdown?

Refrigerator clicks Indesit are one of the most common causes of concern for owners. Is this the normal sound of the equipment operating, or the first sign of a future breakdown? In 80% of cases, extraneous sounds are not associated with critical malfunctions, but they also cannot be ignored. Especially if the clicks are accompanied by other symptoms: incorrect temperature in the chambers, frequent shutdowns or flickering indicators.

In this article we will analyze all possible causes of clicking - from the harmless operation of the start-up relay to problems with the compressor or electronics. You will learn how to diagnose the problem yourself, when you can do without a specialist, and in which cases it is better to immediately call a specialist. We will also give step-by-step instructions to troubleshoot the most common problems and tell you how to prevent their reoccurrence.

Important: if your refrigerator Indesit not it just clicks, and does not turn on at all, go straight to the section about compressor or electronics malfunctions. For models with a system No Frost (for example, Indesit DF 4180 W or Indesit BIAA 13) there may be some nuances - we will also consider them separately.

1. Normal clicks: when there is no need to worry

Not all sounds that the refrigerator makes indicate a breakdown. Many of them are part of the normal operation of equipment. Here three types of clicksthat should not cause alarm:

• 🔄 Activation of the start-up relay - the most common sound. It occurs when the compressor is turned on/off (usually 1-2 clicks with an interval of 5-15 minutes). In models Indesit with an inverter compressor (Indesit EWC 61452 W and newer), the relay clicks less often, but the sound may be louder.
• ❄️ Operation of the thermostat - click when the set temperature is reached (for example, when the refrigerator turns off after cooling). In mechanical thermostats (K-59, Danfoss 077B6), the sound is more distinct than in electronic ones.
• 💡 Automatic defrosting —in models with No Frost (for example, Indesit ITF 118), the evaporator heater periodically turns on, which may be accompanied light click of the relay or valve.

How to distinguish a normal click from a problematic one? Pay attention to regularity and accompanying symptoms:

• ✅ Normal: clicks are repeated at the same interval (for example, every 10–20 minutes), the refrigerator operates stably, the temperature in the chambers is correct.
• ❌ Problem: clicks are chaotic, accompanied humming, crackling, blinking indicators or refusal to cool.

If your Indesit clicks only when turned on/off and there are no other “symptoms” - most likely this is the normal operation of the relay. But if the sounds appeared suddenly or their character changed, read on.

2. Start-up relay: the most common cause of clicking

In 60% of cases, clicking is associated precisely with start-protection relay a small device that starts the compressor and protects it from overloads. Refrigerators Indesit usually install relays of type DANFOSS 103N0010, ASCO 115 or LgB 1-14 (depending on the model). If there is a malfunction, the relay can:

• 🔊 Click too often (every 1-2 seconds) - the compressor tries to start, but the relay blocks it.
• 🔌 Click once and be silent - the compressor does not turn on in general.
• 🔥 Clicking with a burning smell is a sign of burning contacts.

How to check the relay yourself:

1. Unplug the refrigerator and wait 10 minutes (the capacitors should be discharged).
2. Remove the back cover (in most models Indesit it is secured with 4-6 screws).
3. Find the relay - this is a small box attached to the compressor (usually black or gray with wires).
4. Carefully remove the relay by disconnecting the terminals (remember their location!).
5. Test the contacts with a multimeter in resistance testing mode. Between the terminals S and M the resistance should be 20–40 Ohm, between S and L — infinity.

If the resistance is not normal or visible contact melting, the relay needs to be replaced. The cost of a new one is from 500 to 1500 rubles, depending on the model. For Indesit relays are suitable:

• DANFOSS 103N0010 - for compressors Embraco (models Indesit BIAA 13, Indesit DF 5200).
• ASCO 115-125 - for compressors Secop (old model).
• LgB 1-14 - universal, suitable for many Indesit 2015–2020.

⚠️ Attention: if the relay clicks, but the compressor does not start, do not try to turn on the refrigerator repeatedly in a row this may lead to burnout of the compressor winding. It is better to immediately replace the relay or call a technician.

3. Problems with the compressor: when clicks are a symptom of a serious breakdown

If the start-up relay is working, but the refrigerator Indesit still clicks and does not cool, the problem may be in compressor. malfunction:

How to check the compressor:

1. Disconnect the refrigerator and remove the relay (as described in the previous section).
2. Ring the compressor windings:
   • Resistance between C (common terminal) and S (start winding) - 20–30 Ohm.
   • Resistance between C and R (working winding) - 10–15 Ohm.
   • Resistance between S and R is the sum of the two previous values (30–45 Ohm).

If the resistance is equal 0 (short short circuit) or ∞ (break), the compressor is faulty.

⚠️ Attention: in models Indesit with an inverter compressor (Indesit EWC 61452 W, Indesit IWC 61451), diagnostics are more difficult - specialized equipment is required. Do not try to repair such compressors. yourself!

If the compressor is faulty, replacing it will cost 8,000–15 000 rubles (depending on the model). For refrigerators older than 7–10 years, it is often more profitable to buy a new one than to repair the old one.

4. Thermostat and electronic unit: hidden causes of clicks

If the compressor and relay are working, but the clicks continue, the problem may lie in:

• 🌡️ Thermoregulator (in mechanical models) or temperature sensor (in electronic ones).
• 🖥️ Electronic control unit (board).
• 🔌 Button defrosting (in models with No Frost).

Thermostat (or thermostat) is responsible for turning on/off the compressor. In refrigerators Indesit thermostats are often installed K-59, Danfoss 077B6 or Orion RT-2If there is a malfunction, it can:

• Click, but do not give a signal to turn on the compressor.
• Stay in one position (the refrigerator either does not turn off or does not turn on).
• Provoke chaotic clicks of the relay.

How to check the thermostat:

1. Find the thermostat - it is usually located inside the refrigerator compartment, under a plastic cover (next to the temperature control knob).
2. Remove the protective casing and disconnect the wires (take a photo of their location!).
3. Call contacts 3 i 4 (in most models Indesit): at room temperature the resistance should be 0 Ohm (contacts closed).
4. Place thermostat sensor into a container with cold water - if the contacts do not open, the thermostat is faulty.

Electronic control unit (board) is more difficult to diagnose. If clicks are accompanied by:

• 🔄 Spontaneous shutdown of the refrigerator.
• 📛 Errors on the display (for example, F01, F05 in models with electronic control).
• 🔌 Blinking indicators.

—most likely, the problem is in the board. Repair will cost. data-i="220">, but it is often cheaper to replace the entire unit. 3,000–6,000 rubles, but it is often cheaper to replace the entire unit.

Error codes for Indesit electronically controlled refrigerators

F01 - faulty refrigerator compartment temperature sensor.

F02 - problem with the freezer sensor.

F05 - malfunction of the compressor or relay.

F07 - electronic module error.

If one of these errors is on the display, clicks may be associated with Attempting to fix the issue without diagnostics may worsen the problem.

5. Other causes of clicks: from the fan to the ice maker

In modern refrigerators Indesit (especially with the system No Frost) clicks can come not only from the compressor or relay. sources:

• 🌀 Fan — in models with No Frost (Indesit ITF 118, Indesit DFE 4200) the fan may touch ice or foreign objects, making clicking sounds. Check to see if ice has frozen on the blades.
• ❄️ Defrost valve —in systems No Frost the valve periodically opens/closes, which is accompanied by a slight click. If the sound becomes louder, the valve may be jammed.
• 🧊 Ice maker — in models with a dispenser (Indesit WIA 111) clicks may come from the ice supply mechanism.
• 🔋 Fan relay —a separate relay that controls the operation of the fan can also click when turned on/off.

How to diagnose:

1. Listen to where exactly it is coming from there is a sound. If clicks are heard from inside the chamber it’s more likely a fan or a valve.
2. Turn off the refrigerator and defrost it for 12-24 hours. If the clicks disappear, the problem was icing.
3. Check that there is no icing. is something blocking the fan blades (for example, food packaging).

⚠️ Attention: if in the refrigerator with No Frost clicks are accompanied constant operation of the fan (without pauses), this is a sign of a malfunction of the defrost system. Long-term operation without stopping can lead to overheating of the fan motor.

6. Clicking noises after defrosting or moving: what to do?

If the refrigerator Indesit started clicking after defrosting, transportation or power outage, the reasons may be the following:

• 💧 Moisture ingress on electrical contacts (for example, after defrosting) This can cause a short circuit and relay clicks.
• 🚛 Displacement of the compressor after transportation - if the refrigerator was transported lying down, oil from the compressor could get into the circuit, which leads to water hammer and clicking sounds when starting.
• ⚡ Power surge - after turning off the light, the varistor on the control board may burn out, which leads to chaotic clicks of the relay.

What to do:

1. If clicks appear after defrosting:
   • Wipe all contacts and connectors with a dry cloth.
   • Leave the refrigerator turned off for 12–24 hours for complete drying.
   • Check whether water has got on the start-up relay or control board.
2. If clicks appear after transportation:
   • Do not turn on the refrigerator immediately! Wait 4–6 hoursfor the oil to flow back into the compressor.
   • Check whether the compressor fastenings are loose (it must be firmly fixed).

If clicks appear after a power surge:

• Check the fuse on the board (if it is blown, replace it).
• Install a voltage stabilizer (refrigerators Indesit are sensitive to changes).

⚠️ Attention: if the refrigerator transported lying on your side, do not turn it on for at least 12 hours —oil from the compressor could get into the circuit, and during startup this will lead to water hammer and breakdown.

7. When to call a specialist: 5 alarming signs

Not all breakdowns can be fixed on your own. Here are 5 signalsin which it is better to immediately contact a specialist:

• 🔥 Clicks are accompanied by a burning smell - a sign of burning contacts or windings. compressor.
• ⚡ The refrigerator is electrocuted when you touch the case - there is a problem with grounding or a breakdown on the case.
• ❄️ The compressor does not start, but the relay clicks every 1-2 seconds - interturn short circuit or open circuit windings.
• 📛 An error appears on the display F05, F07 or E01 — a malfunction of the electronic unit or sensors.
• 💸 Clicks appeared after self-repair — perhaps the wires or contacts are connected incorrectly.

Cost of calling a technician:

Type of work	Cost (rub.)
Diagnostics	1 000–1 500
Replacement of the start-up relay	1,500–2,500 (with spare parts)
Replacement of the compressor	8,000–15,000 (with a spare part)
Repair of the electronic unit	3 000–6 000
Elimination of freon leakage	5 000–10 000

Advice: before calling the technician write down the model of the refrigerator (located on the sticker inside the chamber or on the back) and symptoms (how often clicks, whether there are other sounds, whether the light is on, etc.). This will help a specialist quickly diagnose the problem.

8. Prevention: how to prevent clicks and breakdowns

To ensure that the refrigerator Indesit works quietly and without failures, follow these recommendations:

• 🔌 Use a voltage stabilizer —especially if your network experiences frequent surges. For refrigerators Indesit stabilizers are suitable Resanta ACH-1000/1-C or Energy Hybrid 1000.
• 🧹 Regularly defrost the refrigerator (even if he has No Frost). Once every 6 months is enough.
• 🌡️ Do not place the refrigerator next to heat sources (battery, stove, window on the sunny side). Optimal room temperature - 16–30°C.
• 🔧 Check the door seal - if it is worn out, the compressor runs longer, which increases the load on the relay.
• 🔄 Do not overload the refrigerator with products - this interferes with air circulation and causes the compressor turns on more often.

Also pay attention to the quality of the electrical wiring:

• The refrigerator must be connected to separate socket (without tees and extension cords).
• Check grounding - its absence can lead to breakdown on the housing.
• If the house has old aluminum wiring, replace it with copper - this will reduce the risk of power surges.

⚠️ Attention: if you are away for a long time (for example, on vacation), do not turn off the refrigerator from the network for a long time. When turned off, the lubricant in the compressor may dry out, which will lead to it jamming the next time it is started. It is better to leave the refrigerator on in mode Holiday (if available) or at minimum temperature.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about clicking noises in Indesit refrigerators

❓ The Indesit refrigerator clicks, but does not turn on. What to do?

Most likely, the problem is start-protection relay or compressor. First test the relay (as described in section 2). If it is in good condition, check the compressor windings. If the compressor is faulty, it needs to be replaced.

❓ Is it normal that the new Indesit refrigerator clicks when turned on?

Yes, this is normal. In newer models (especially those with an inverter compressor), the start protection relay may click louder than in older ones. The main thing is that the clicks are regular (with an interval of 10-20 minutes) and are not accompanied by other problems.

❓ Why does the Indesit refrigerator click and the light blinks?

This sign electronic unit malfunctions or power problems. Check the voltage in the outlet (there should be 220–230 V). If the voltage is normal, most likely the varistor or transistor on the control board has burned out.

❓ Is it possible to replace the relay in the refrigerator yourself Indesit?

Yes, if you have experience working with electricity. The main thing is disconnect the refrigerator from the networkto discharge the capacitor (by short-circuiting it with a screwdriver with an insulated handle) and correctly connect the wires to the new relay. For models Indesit relays are suitable DANFOSS 103N0010 or LgB 1-14.

❓ Why does the Indesit refrigerator with No Frost click and does not freeze?

Probable reasons:

• ❄️ The fan is frozen (you need to defrost the refrigerator for 12-24 hours).
• 🌡️ Malfunction of the defrost sensor or heating element (replacement required).
• 🔌 Problems with the control board (need diagnostics).

Start with defrosting - if this does not help, call a specialist.