The loss of the refrigerator’s ability to maintain a given temperature often confuses the owner, especially if the brand’s appliances Indesit suddenly stopped freezing or, conversely, began to turn food into ice. In most such cases, the cause of the malfunction is the failure of the thermostat, which is responsible for turning the compressor on and off. Understanding where exactly this element is located is the first and most important step for self-diagnosis or repair.
The location of the thermostat can vary significantly depending on the model of your unit, be it a classic two-chamber refrigerator or a modern device with a No Frost system. Erroneous actions during the search can lead to damage to the insulation or plastic elements of the interior, so you must clearly understand the design of your model Indesit before starting work. In this article, we will analyze in detail all possible options for placing the sensor and provide a step-by-step algorithm of actions.
⚠️ Attention: Before any manipulations with the electrical components of the refrigerator, be sure to disconnect the device from the power supply. Working with live electrical wiring is dangerous to life and health.
Principle of operation and role of the thermostat
The thermostat, or thermostat, is an electromechanical device that controls the temperature inside the refrigerator or freezer. Its main task is to open and close the electrical circuit of the compressor depending on the readings of the sensitive element. When the temperature reaches a preset threshold, the contacts open and the motor stops; as the temperature rises, the process repeats.
In refrigerators Indesit capillary thermostats are most often used, where the sensitive element is a tube filled with freon or gas. This tube, called a bellows tube, is attached to the evaporator or placed in a special tube inside the chamber. A change in the volume of gas inside the tube is transmitted to the membrane, which affects the electrical contacts.
The malfunction of this unit can manifest itself in different ways: the compressor may not turn on at all, work without stopping, causing icing, or turn on too rarely. Accurate diagnosis requires an understanding where the thermostat is located of your specific model in order to access it for testing with a tester.
Location in refrigerators with mechanical controls
In classic models of refrigerators Indesit with a mechanical temperature control knob, the thermostat is most often hidden behind a plastic panel inside the refrigerator compartment. This is the most common scheme for devices released in past years, where control is carried out by a rotary switch.
To get to the unit, it is usually necessary to dismantle the lampshade or decorative trim on which the control knob is attached. In some modifications, the thermostat itself can be located directly behind the rear wall of the chamber, and its capillary tube is led to the evaporator through a special hole.
Access to the electrical contacts is opened after removing the protective casing. It is important to act carefully, since plastic latches on equipment Indesit over time become fragile and can break if handled carelessly. If the control knob is difficult to remove, do not use excessive force; it is better to pry it with a thin screwdriver through the technological holes.
Search features in models with electronic control
The situation changes dramatically if you are the owner of a modern refrigerator Indesit with an electronic display and push-button control on the door. In such devices, the role of a mechanical thermostat is played by electronic temperature sensors, which can be located in completely different places.
Often the main sensor that controls the air temperature in the chamber is hidden in a special plastic box on the ceiling of the refrigerator compartment or built into the control panel. To access it, you may need to remove the top decorative panel inside the chamber or even dismantle the entire control panel on the outside of the door.
Electronic modules are more sensitive to moisture and voltage changes, so their diagnosis requires not only a visual inspection, but also a resistance check with a multimeter. Unlike mechanical analogs, there is no bellows tube, and the signal is transmitted through wires directly to the main control unit refrigerator.
⚠️ Attention: In models with electronics, incorrectly replacing the sensor with an analogue with other resistance parameters can lead to incorrect operation of the entire unit. Use only original spare parts or complete analogues.
Access to the thermostat in the No Frost system
Refrigerators Indesit with the No Frost system have a more complex design, which also affects the location of the temperature sensors. In such models, the thermostat (or defrost sensor) is often located in the evaporator area, which is hidden behind the rear panel inside the freezer.
To access the unit, you must completely defrost the refrigerator, remove all shelves and drawers, and then dismantle the rear plastic wall. It is under it that the evaporator and the sensors attached to it are located. This is a more labor-intensive process that requires care when working with plastic fasteners.
It is important to note that the No Frost system can use several sensors: one monitors the air temperature, the other controls the degree of icing of the evaporator to start the defrost mode. Confusion in their purpose can lead to incorrect repairs, so it is important to identify exactly the element that is responsible for turning on the compressor.
☑️ Preparation for disassembly
Table: Typical locations by series
To simplify the search, we have systematized data on the most popular series of refrigerators Indesit. Although the design may vary slightly depending on the year of manufacture, this data will help narrow down your search.
| Series / Model | Control type | Thermostat location | Access features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Indesit C 138 | Mechanical | Inside the chamber, under the shade | Removing the handle and protective cover |
| Indesit DF 520 | No Frost | Behind the rear panel of the freezer | Requires complete defrosting |
| Indesit DS 318 | Mechanical | Inside the chamber, top left | Access through the lamp niche |
| Indesit Smart | Electronic | In the ceiling panel | Removing the decorative linings |
Diagnostics and signs of malfunction
Before you begin complex disassembly, you should make sure that the problem lies in the thermostat. One of the simple ways to check is the exclusion method: if the compressor starts when the contacts are forced to close, then the problem is in the control circuit, and the thermostat is the main suspect.
It is also worth paying attention to the behavior of the refrigerator as a whole. If the engine hums but does not start, or, conversely, runs around the clock without stopping cycles, these are sure signs of a malfunction thermal sensor. A visual inspection of the bellows tube for damage is also required.
For accurate diagnostics, use a multimeter in dial mode. At room temperature, the contacts of a working thermostat should be closed (if it is not a defrost sensor). When placing the sensitive tube in the cold (for example, in a freezer), the circuit should open with a characteristic click.
What to do if there is no click?
If, when the tube cools, a click is not heard and the contacts do not open, the thermostat is faulty and requires replacement. However, if the tube is damaged and the gas comes out, there will also be no click, but such a thermostat can no longer be repaired.
Common mistakes when replacing
Independent repairs often involve the risk of making mistakes that can aggravate the situation. One of the most common problems is improper installation of the bellows tube. It must fit tightly to the evaporator or enter the mounting hole to the required depth, otherwise the temperature readings will be incorrect.
Another common mistake is ignoring the state of the insulation. When installing a new thermostat in Indesit it is important to make sure that the wires are not pinched or touch sharp metal edges, which can lead to a short circuit in the future. All connections must be securely fixed.
Do not forget about calibration. After installing a new regulator, you may need to adjust the position of the knob or check the temperature conditions using a thermometer placed inside the chamber. This will ensure that the refrigerator is in operating mode.
⚠️ Attention: Technical characteristics and location of components may vary slightly depending on the specific modification and year of production. Always check the technical documentation of your model, if available.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
Is it possible temporarily close the thermostat to make the refrigerator work?
Yes, this is possible for diagnostics or temporary use. It is necessary to connect the wires coming from the thermostat to each other, eliminating it from the circuit. However, in this case, the refrigerator will work constantly until you open the circuit again, which can lead to freezing of food and increased energy consumption.
Where to buy an original thermostat for Indesit?
Original spare parts are best purchased at authorized service centers or specialized stores of spare parts for household appliances. When purchasing, pay attention to the markings; the length of the capillary tube and the temperature range must match the original.
Why does the new thermostat not click?
If the new thermostat does not make clicks when the temperature changes, it may be defective or intended for another model. It is also possible that the sensing tube was damaged during installation. In some cases, the click can be very quiet and difficult to hear without tools.
How long does it take to replace a thermostat?
In models with mechanical controls and access through the ceiling, replacement takes about 30-40 minutes. If disassembling the No Frost system with complete defrosting is required, the process may take from 12 to 24 hours, including time for thawing the ice.