The freezer compartment of the Indesit refrigerator does not freeze: a complete analysis of the reasons and solutions

Have you opened the freezer Indesitand instead of the usual cold there are puddles, melted food and an unpleasant smell? The problem when the refrigerator works, but the freezer does not freeze, occurs in models Indesit more often than it seems. In 70% of cases, it is not critical breakdowns that are to blame, but minor malfunctions that can be fixed on your own - without calling a technician and costly repairs.

In this article we will analyze all possible reasonswhy the freezer compartment Indesit stopped freezing: from banal icing of the fan to serious malfunctions compressor. You will learn how to diagnose the problem by external signswhat manipulations you can do yourself, and when exactly it’s time to call a specialist. We will pay special attention to models with the system No Frost —their breakdowns are often disguised as “normal” behavior of the equipment.

Spoiler: in 30% of cases it is enough to defrost the refrigerator for 12 hours or reset the thermostat settings. But if you see an error F04, F07 or F11 on the display, this is a signal of a malfunction that cannot be ignored. Next, we will analyze each scenario in detail.

1. Primary diagnostics: what to check first

Before disassembling the refrigerator or looking for the service center number, do basic checks. They will take no more than 10 minutes, but will help eliminate obvious causes:

• 🔌 Power and socket: Make sure that the refrigerator is connected to a working outlet. Try plugging in another device (for example, a phone charger). If the socket does not work, check the circuit breaker in the electrical panel.
• ❄️ Holiday mode: On some models Indesit (for example, Indesit ITF 118 or Indesit BIAA 13) there is a function Holiday, which turns off the freezer. Check whether this mode is accidentally activated.
• 📉 Temperature settings: The freezer regulator (Freezer) may be set to minimum. The optimal value is -18°C.
• 🚪 Door closure tightness: If the sealing rubber is torn or the door is skewed, warm air gets inside and the freezer cannot cope with the load.

If everything items are normal, but the freezer still does not freeze - proceed to in-depth diagnostics. At this stage, it is important to pay attention to the behavior of the compressor:

• 🔊 The compressor does not turn on at all —the problem is in the thermostat, start relay or electronics.
• ⏳ The compressor works without stopping, but there is no cold - a freon leak or a clogged capillary tube.
• 🔄 The compressor turns on and off immediately —the relay or the motor itself is faulty.

2. Fan icing: why does No Frost stop freezing? This happens due to:

Refrigerators Indesit with the system No Frost (models Indesit ITF 118 W, Indesit BIAA 13 NF etc.) are especially susceptible to one breakdown: icing of the fan. This happens due to:

• 💧 Faulty defrost heater (heating element). It must be turned on periodically to melt the ice on the evaporator. If the heating element burns out, ice builds up, blocks the fan, and cold stops flowing into the freezer.
• 🕒 Failure of the defrost timer. It is responsible for the heater on/off cycle. If it breaks down, the cycle is broken and the ice does not melt.
• 🧊 Refrigerant leaks through microcracks in the evaporator. In this case, the ice forms unevenly, and the compressor works almost without interruption.

How to check:

1. Unplug the refrigerator and defrost it for 10–12 hours (no less!). Quick defrosting with a hairdryer or hot water will not help - you need the ice to melt naturally.
2. After defrosting, turn on the refrigerator and listen: if the fan is in the freezer does not spin or you hear extraneous sounds (crackling, grinding) - the problem is icing or breakdown of the fan motor.
3. If after 1-2 days the ice has grown again, the defrost heater is faulty data-i="114">timer or timer.

Disconnect the refrigerator from the mains

Defrost for 10–12 hours

Listen to the operation of the fan after turning it on

Check ice formation after 24–48 hours-->

Critical sign of a No Frost breakdown: the freezer compartment does not freeze, but the refrigerator compartment works normally. This almost always indicates icing on the evaporator or a malfunction of the fan.

⚠️ Attention: If you see an error F07 on the display, this is a direct indication of a problem with the defrost system. In 90% of cases, replacement of the heating element or timer is required.

3. Malfunctions of the thermostat and thermostat

The thermostat (or thermostat) is the “brain” of the freezer. It measures the temperature and sends a signal to the compressor to turn on/off. If the thermostat is broken, the compressor either does not start or works chaotically.

Signs of a thermostat malfunction:

• 🔴 The compressor does not turn on at all, although the light in the refrigerator is on.
• 🔄 The compressor turns on for 5-10 seconds and immediately turns off (cycle repeats endlessly).
• ❄️ The freezer freezes food (the temperature drops below -24°C).

How to check the thermostat:

1. Unplug the refrigerator.
2. Remove the thermostat protective cover (usually it is located inside the freezer camera or on the back wall).
3. Press on small button on the thermostat (if there is one) - a click should be heard. If there is no click, the thermostat is faulty.
4. For accurate diagnostics you will need a multimeter: check the resistance between thermostat terminals. At room temperature it should be 0 Ohm (closed), when cooling it should be open.

If the thermostat is mechanical (with an adjustment knob), it can be replace it yourself. To do this:

1. Buy a similar thermostat (the model number is indicated on the body of the old one).
2. Disconnect the capillary tube (thin copper tube) from the evaporator.
3. Disconnect the terminals and install a new thermostat.

4. Freon leak: how to recognize and what to do

Freon is a refrigerant that circulates through the refrigerator system and provides cooling If a microcrack appears somewhere (more often. just evaporator or condenser, the freon evaporates and the freezer stops freezing.

Signs of a leak freon:

• 🔊 The compressor works continuously (or with very short pauses), but there is no cold.
• 🧊 Condenser (grid on the back wall) room temperature (normally it should heat up).
• 💨 Warm air blows in the freezer, although the fan is spinning.
• 🛠️ Visible on the back wall of the refrigerator oil stains (freon leaves along with the oil).

A freon leak cannot be eliminated on your own - here you need a technician with equipment for:

1. Detecting the location of the leak (using a leak detector).
2. Elimination cracks (soldering or replacing the evaporator/condenser).
3. Refilling a new portion of freon (usually R-134a or R-600a for modern models).

Average cost of repairs for a freon leak:

• 🔧 Diagnostics + soldering: 2 500–4 000 ₽.
• 🔄 Replacing the evaporator: 5 000–8 000 ₽.
• ⚗️ Freon refilling: 1 500–2 500 ₽.

⚠️ Attention: If the leak occurs in the foamed part of the refrigerator (for example, in the wall), the repair will cost more - You will have to open the case and re-foam it. In some cases, it is cheaper to buy a new refrigerator.

What happens if you ignore a freon leak?

Without refrigerant, the compressor runs “idle,” which leads to its overheating and failure. The average lifespan of a compressor in this mode is 1–3 months. Replacing the compressor will cost 6,000–12,000 rubles, so the freon leak must be repaired immediately.

5. Compressor breakdown: when you can’t do without a repairman

The compressor is the “heart” of the refrigerator. If it is broken, the freezer will not work at all. Signs of a compressor malfunction:

• 🔇 Compressor does not turn on (no characteristic hum).
• 🔥 Compressor heats to a high temperature (can get burned).
• ⚡ When turned on, you can hear relay clicks, but the engine does not start.
• 💥 The compressor turns on, but after a few seconds knocks out the machine in the dashboard.

The most common causes of compressor failure:

How to check the compressor:

1. Unplug the refrigerator.
2. Remove the back cover (you will need a screwdriver).
3. Inspect the compressor for oil drips or melted wires.
4. Test the windings with a multimeter:
   • The resistance between the terminals should be 20–40 Ohm.
   • If the resistance 0 Ohm is a short circuit.
   • If the resistance is ∞ the winding is broken.

The cost of a new compressor for Indesit is from 6,000 to 12,000 RUR (depending on the model). Replacement with work will cost 10 000–15 000 ₽. If the refrigerator is more than 10 years old, it is more advisable to buy a new one.

6. Clogged capillary tube: why the refrigerator does not freeze

The capillary tube is a thin channel through which freon enters the evaporator. Over time, it may clogged due to:

• 🔧 Metal shavings (gets in when soldering tubes).
• 🧊 Moisture in the system (if the refrigerator has been standing for a long time turned off).
• 💨 Dirt or oil (if freon is charged incorrectly).

Signs of a clogged capillary:

• 🔄 The compressor operates without stops, but the freezer is not cooling.
• 🧊 Condenser (grid at the back) cold (normally it should be warm).
• 💧 On the back wall of the refrigerator condensate or ice.

How to remove the blockage:

1. The technician connects pressure gauge and checks the pressure in the system.
2. If the pressure at the inlet to the capillary is high, and at the outlet is low, the tube is clogged.
3. For cleaning use:
   • 🔧 Nitrogen under pressure (purge).
   • 💨 Vacuum pump (pumping and repeated refilling freon).

Cost of cleaning the capillary tube: 3 000–5 000 ₽ (including diagnostics and refilling freon).

7. Problems with electronics: control board and sensors

Modern models Indesit (for example, Indesit ITF 118 W or Indesit BIAA 13 NF) are equipped with electronic control boards. If the board burns out or the sensors fail, the freezer may stop freezing, although the compressor is working.

Signs of electronics failure:

• 📛 The display shows errors (F04, F07, F11).
• 🔄 The refrigerator reboots on its own.
• 🎛️ Does not respond to button presses.
• 💡 The light inside is on, but the compressor does not turn on.

Decoding errors Indesit:

What can be done yourself:

1. Disconnect the refrigerator from the network on 5-10 minutes (sometimes resetting the error helps).
2. Check contacts on the board - the wire may have come loose.
3. If you can see blackened elements or a burning smell on the board, replacement is needed.

Cost of electronics repair:

• 🔧 Replacing the temperature sensor: 1 500–2 500 ₽.
• 💻 Repairing the control board: 3 000–6 000 ₽.
• 🔄 Replacing the board: 5 000–10 000 ₽.

⚠️ Attention: If you do not understand electronics, do not try to repair the board yourself. Incorrect actions may result in a short circuit or fire.

8. When to call a specialist: a checklist for making a decision

Not all breakdowns can be fixed with your own hands. Here signalsit’s time to contact a professional:

The freezer is not freezing, but the compressor is running non-stop

Error F04, F07 or F11 is on the display

Visible oil stains on the back wall

The compressor clicks but does not start

After defrosting, the problem returns within 1-2 days-->

Average prices for repairs in service centers (2026):

How to choose a service center:

• 🔍 Check reviews on Yandex.Maps or 2GIS.
• 📋 Ask if they provide a guarantee for the work (minimum 6 months).
• 💰 Check whether diagnostics are included in the cost of repairs (sometimes they are calculated separately).
• 📞 Call several workshops and compare prices.

If the refrigerator is under warranty - do not disassemble it yourself! Contact the official service center Indesit. Warranty repairs are free, but only if the conditions are met (for example, if the breakdown is not the fault of the user).

⚠️ Attention: The design details of refrigerators may vary depending on the model and year of manufacture. Before repairs, check the instructions for your model or check with a specialist for details.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the Indesit freezer

The Indesit freezer does not freeze, but the refrigerator compartment works. What is the reason?

In 90% of cases, this is a problem with the system No Frost: the fan has iced up or the defrost heating element has burned out. There may also be a freon leak in the freezer circuit or a malfunction of the freezer thermostat. Defrost the refrigerator for 12 hours - if the problem returns, call a technician.

Error F07 appears on the display. What does this mean and how to fix it?

Error F07 indicates a malfunction of the defrost system No Frost. Reasons:

• Burnt defrost heater (heating element).
• Broken defrost timer.
• Faulty defrost sensor.

You can defrost the refrigerator yourself and check if the error returns. If yes, parts need to be replaced.

The compressor works, but the freezer does not freeze. What to do?

Probable reasons:

• Freon leak (the compressor runs "idle").
• Clogged capillary tube (freon does not circulate).
• Malfunction of the freezer thermostat (the compressor does not receive a signal for cooling).

Diagnostics: touch the condenser (grid on the back). If it is cold, there is a leak or blockage. If it’s hot, the problem is in the thermostat or electronics.

Is it possible to fill freon into the Indesit refrigerator yourself?

No. To refill freon you need:

• Special equipment (pressure gauge, vacuum pump).
• Experience in working with refrigerants (freon is explosive if handled incorrectly).
• Knowledge of the exact type of freon for your model (R-134a, R-600a etc.).

Self-refueling can lead to damage to the compressor or gas leakage.

How much does the repair cost? Indesit freezers in service?

The cost depends on the breakdown:

• Replacement of the thermostat: 1 500–3 000 ₽.
• Repair No Frost: 3 500–5 000 ₽.
• Freon leak: 4 000–7 000 ₽.
• Replacement compressor: 10 000–15 000 ₽.

If the refrigerator is more than 10 years old, repairs may not be practical - it is cheaper to buy a new one.