Why food freezes in the Indesit refrigerator: reasons and what to do

Did you open the refrigerator Indesitto get milk or cucumbers, but instead found an ice crust on the packages or completely frozen vegetables? This problem is familiar to many owners of equipment from this brand - especially models with the system No Frost or Low Frost. In theory, the main compartment should maintain a temperature from +2°C to +6°C, but in practice, products are often covered with frost or turn into ice.

In 80% of cases, it is not breakdowns that are to blame, but incorrect settingsclogging or operating features. However, the problem cannot be ignored: freezing leads to food spoilage, increased energy consumption and the risk of compressor failure. In this article we will analyze all possible reasons for food freezing in the Indesit refrigeratorincluding hidden faults that are not visible during a superficial inspection. You will learn how to diagnose the problem yourself and when exactly it’s time to call a technician.

1. Incorrect temperature setting

The most common reason is increased cooling power in the main compartment. In refrigerators Indesit temperature control is carried out by a mechanical thermostat (in older models) or an electronic unit (in new ones). Optimal values:

• 🥶 Main compartment: +4...+5°C (the shelf at the back wall can be 1–2°C colder).
• ❄️ Freezer compartment: –18°C (for long-term storage) or –12°C (if products are used frequently).

If the regulator is at maximum (position “5” or “Super”), the compressor works without interruption, which leads to hypercooling. Check:

1. Where the temperature regulator is located in your model (usually inside the chamber or on the top panel).
2. Set the value to “2” or “3” (for most models Indesit this corresponds to +4°C).
3. Wait 6-8 hours - the temperature will not stabilize immediately.

⚠️ Attention: In models with electronic control (for example, Indesit ITF 118 or BIAA 13), the temperature may change after a power outage. After power is restored, check the settings!

2. Clogged drainage hole or capillary tube

If food on the lower shelves freezes in the refrigerator Indesit s drip defrosting system (not No Frost!), the clogging in drainage holeis to blame. It is located on the back wall of the main chamber and serves to drain condensate. When clogged, water accumulates, freezes and forms an ice “coat”, which cools the lower sections more than usual.

How to clean the drain:

In models with No Frost (for example, Indesit ITF 118 W) the problem may lie in capillary tube - it connects the evaporator and compressor If the tube is pinched or clogged, freon does not circulate properly and the freezer “takes” cold from the main compartment. It is difficult to diagnose this on your own - you need a pressure gauge to check the pressure.

How to understand that the capillary tube is clogged?

If after defrosting the problem returns after 1-2 days, and the compressor runs non-stop, this is a sign of blockage. The condenser (the grill at the back of the refrigerator) may also heat up.

3. Malfunction of the thermostat or temperature sensor

The thermostat (in mechanical models) or temperature sensor (in electronic models) is responsible for turning the compressor on/off. If it breaks, the refrigerator either stops cooling, or, conversely, freezes food. Signs of malfunction: Indesit either stops cooling, or, conversely, works without stoppingwhen freezing food. Signs of malfunction:

• 🔊 The compressor hums constantly, without pauses.
• ❄️ A thick layer of ice forms on the back wall (even if the system No Frost).
• 📉 The temperature in the main compartment is below +2°C, despite the settings.

You can check the thermostat with a multimeter:

1. Turn off the refrigerator, remove the thermostat protective cover.
2. Close the thermostat contacts directly (if the model is mechanical). If the compressor starts, the thermostat is faulty.
3. In electronic models (Indesit BIAA 13 F etc.), you need to test the sensor: its resistance should change during cooling (for example, from 5 kOhm to 10 kOhm).

⚠️ Attention: If you are not confident in your skills, do not disassemble the electronic unit Errors! during inspection, the control board may be damaged.

4. Problems with the door seal

Worn out or dirty seal allows warm air to enter the refrigerator compartment Indesit tries to compensate for this by working more intensely, which leads to hypercooling products on shelves close to the evaporator. Check:

• 🔍 Rubber integrity: cracks, tears or deformations.
• 🧲 Fit: close the door with a piece of paper - if it pulls out easily, the seal is not airtight.
• 🧼 Cleanliness: fat, crumbs or mold on the rubber worsen the fit.

Solutions:

• 🧽 Wipe the seal with soapy water and lubricate with silicone grease.
• 🔧 If the rubber is torn, replace it (select according to the refrigerator model).
• 🔄 Adjust the door hinges: if it sags, the seal will not fit tightly.

5. Problems in the No Frost system

Refrigerators Indesit with No Frost (for example, Indesit ITF 118 W or BIAA 13 F) should defrost automatically. If the system fails, the evaporator increases. ice, which blocks the air ducts. As a result:

• ❄️ Cold air does not circulate evenly - food at the back wall freezes, but on the shelves remains warm.
• 🔊 The fan starts make a loud noise or stops.

Causes of failure No Frost:

⚠️ Attention: If the refrigerator Indesit s No Frost started to freeze after power outages, the board settings may have gone wrong management. Try turning it off for 10 minutes, then turning it on again.

6. Overloading the refrigerator with products

If you fill the refrigerator Indesit with products to the fullest, especially hot or warm, this violates air circulation. The compressor is forced to work longer to cool a large volume, which leads to local hypothermia. Loading rules:

• 🥩 Do not place hot dishes - let them cool to room temperature.
• 🧊 Do not fill the shelves more than 70% (especially the top ones, next to the freezer).
• 📦 Distribute food evenly, do not block the ventilation holes.

In models with No Frost (for example, Indesit ITF 118), overloading the lower drawers may block air duct, causing cold to accumulate in the upper part main compartment, freezing food on the upper shelves.

7. Compressor malfunction or freon leak

If all previous reasons are excluded, but the food in the refrigerator Indesit still freezes, the problem may be:

• 🔧 Compressor: it wears out and does not turn off, which leads to excessive cooling.
• ⚗️ Freon leak: if refrigerant leaks, the pressure in the system drops and the temperature is distributed unevenly.
• 🔌 Control board: it gives incorrect commands to the thermostat or compressor.

Signs of serious damage:

• The compressor hums, but does not cool (or cools too much).
• Oil stains appear on the back wall of the refrigerator (freon leakage).
• The display shows errors (for example, F01, F04 for Indesit).

⚠️ Attention: Independent repair of the compressor or refilling freon fraught with explosion or poisoning! These works must be performed by a certified technician with the equipment.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about food freezing in Indesit

Is it possible to independently replace the thermostat in an Indesit refrigerator?

Yes, if you have a mechanical model (for example, Indesit ST 167). To do this:

1. Disconnect the refrigerator from the network.
2. Remove the thermostat protective cover (usually inside the chamber).
3. Disconnect the capillary tube and wires, remembering their location.
4. Install a new one thermostat (select according to the model!) and assemble everything in the reverse order.

In electronic models (No Frost), replacing the sensor is more difficult - you need a soldering iron and knowledge of the circuit.

Why do only vegetables in the bottom drawer freeze in the Indesit refrigerator?

This is a typical problem for models with drip system. Reasons:

• The drainage hole is clogged - water accumulates and freezes under the box.
• The box is too close to the back wall, where the temperature is lower.
• The thermostat is faulty - the compressor works without stopping.

Solution: clean the drainage, move the drawer away from the wall and check the temperature settings.

How often do you need to defrost the Indesit refrigerator with No Frost?

The manufacturer claims that No Frost does not require defrosting. However, in practice it is recommended:

• Once every 6-12 months, turn off the refrigerator for 12-24 hours for preventive drying (remove condensation and prevent mold).
• Every 3 months, wipe the seal and check the drainage hole.

If ice builds up, this is a sign of a malfunction, not a feature of the system!

Can freezing of food be associated with the voltage in the network?

Yes, if the voltage is in! socket below 200V or jumps, the compressor is unstable:

• At low voltage, it cannot “gain” the required power and works longer.
• When there are surges, protection is triggered, but the temperature manages to drop below norms.

Solution: connect the refrigerator via voltage stabilizer (for example, Resanta ASN-1000).

What to do if the Indesit refrigerator freezes after moving?

After transportation, the following could occur:

• ⚗️ Freon leakage (if the refrigerator was transported lying down or at an angle).
• 🔌 Damage compressor (it must stand strictly vertically!).
• 🔧 Displacement of pipes refrigerant.

Do not turn on the refrigerator immediately! Let it stand 4–6 hours in a vertical position, then check the operation.