Indesit refrigerator thermostat: how to check and replace

If your refrigerator Indesit stops turning off or, conversely, does not start the compressor at all, leaving the food warm, the temperature control system is the first to come under suspicion. It is thermostat (or the thermostat) that is responsible for maintaining the microclimate inside the chambers, sending a signal to the engine about the start or end of the cooling cycle. In domestic Indesit models, mechanical sensors are most often used, which over time can wear out, lose seal, or contacts oxidize.

Independent diagnostics of this unit is a very real task for a person who knows how to hold a screwdriver and a multimeter. You do not have to call a technician for an initial inspection, since the symptoms of a breakdown are often obvious, and the inspection process itself takes little time. However, it is important to understand that the sealed bellows tube of the sensor is filled with freon R12 or R134aand its damage during careless removal will lead to complete inoperability of the new thermostat.

In this article we will analyze the algorithm of actions from visual inspection to accurate measurements resistance. We will look at how to distinguish a breakdown of the thermostat from a malfunction of the start relay or a refrigerant leak. Safety when working with electrical appliances comes first, so all manipulations with the electrical part are carried out only after the equipment is completely disconnected from the network.

Principle of operation and signs of malfunction thermostat

The temperature regulator in the refrigerator Indesit works on the principle of opening and closing an electrical circuit depending on the temperature of the sensitive element. Inside the housing is a bellows (accordion) filled with gas or liquid, which reacts to heat transmitted through the capillary tube. When the temperature in the chamber rises above the set threshold, the pressure inside the bellows increases, the pusher opens the contacts, and the compressor starts.

⚠️ Attention: If you notice that the Indesit refrigerator has started to work continuously without turning off for hours, this can lead to overheating of the compressor and melting of the wiring. Do not leave a faulty device unattended for a long time.

You can understand that thermostat it is out of order by characteristic signs that are difficult to ignore. Most often, users are faced with either a complete lack of cold or an excess of it, leading to freezing of food in the refrigerator compartment. Mechanical damage to the adjustment handle or “running away” of the settings also indicate problems with the unit.

Symptoms may be as follows:

• ❄️ The compressor works without interruptions, the “fur coat” freezes on the back wall.
• 🔇 The refrigerator is silent, although the light is on and there is power in the socket.
• 🌡️ The temperature inside the chambers does not correspond to the position of the regulator knob.
• 💥 There was a click, after which the equipment stopped cooling.

Sometimes the reason What makes the unit “silent” is not the sensor itself, but the oxidation of the contacts inside it or the breakage of the capillary tube. If the tube is damaged, the gas escapes and the bellows can no longer open to close the contacts. In this case, only complete replacement element with a new one helps.

Preparation for diagnostics and safety measures

Before disassembling the refrigerator Indesitit is necessary to ensure safe working conditions. The main risk is electric shock, since the thermostat is energized at 220 volts. There is also a risk of damaging fragile elements of the cooling system or the insulation of wires if handled carelessly.

To carry out high-quality diagnostics, you will need a minimum set of tools:

• 🔌 Multimeter (tester) for continuity testing.
• 🪛 Set of screwdrivers (phillips and flat) for removal panels.
• 🔦 Flashlight for illuminating the interior space.
• 🧤 Dielectric gloves (recommended).

The first step should always be to completely disconnect the device from the power supply. Unplug the plug from the socket. If the refrigerator has been defrosted, make sure there are no puddles of water inside that could get on the electrical contacts. When working with models where the thermostat is hidden behind plastic panels, act carefully so as not to break the latches.

If you are not confident in your abilities or are afraid of damage capillary tube, it is better to stop at the visual inspection stage. A small crack in the sensor tube will make it unusable, since the working substance will instantly evaporate.

Where is the thermostat located in Indesit models

The location of the thermostat depends on the specific series and year of manufacture of your refrigerator Indesit. In older models and classic two-chamber refrigerators, the sensor is most often located inside the refrigerator compartment. In more modern versions, it can be hidden behind the top cover or in a niche above the door.

Main installation locations:

• 📍 Inside the refrigerator compartment on the right or left wall (the adjustment knob is visible).
• 📍 Behind the top plastic cover of the refrigerator (above door).
• 📍 In some No Frost models, the sensor may be located in the evaporator, but this most likely refers to the air dampers rather than the main thermostat.

If the temperature control knob is located inside the chamber on the wall, then the thermostat housing itself is hidden behind this wall or behind a decorative strip. To get to it, you often have to remove the lampshade or dismantle the top panel of the housing. In models with electronic control, there may not be a mechanical thermostat at all - there are electronic sensors.

To access the contact group in classic models it is usually enough:

1. Remove the temperature control knob (it simply pulls towards itself or is held on a screw under the plug).
2. Unscrew the screws securing the plastic case thermostat.
3. Carefully remove the assembly, paying attention to the length of the capillary tube so as not to stretch it.

Difficulty of access in different series

In some Indesit series (for example, C series), access to the thermostat requires complete dismantling of the top cover of the refrigerator, which takes more time. In the B and PB series, access is often easier - through the lamp shade or by removing a small decorative trim on the chamber wall.

Visual inspection and initial check

Once you have reached the thermostat Indesitcarry out a thorough visual inspection. Often the cause of the malfunction is visible to the naked eye. Pay attention to the condition of the wire insulation, the presence of traces of burning, melting or oxidation on the contacts. If the contacts are blackened, this may indicate arcing and poor contact, which will require stripping or replacement.

Inspect the bellows tube. It should be smooth, without creases, cracks or signs of corrosion. If traces of oil or obvious damage are visible on the tube, then the seal is broken. Repair such sensors cannot be used, they can only be replaced. Also check the integrity of the plastic case - cracks can let moisture inside, causing a short circuit.

Carry out a simple “by ear” test. If the refrigerator was turned off and warmed up to room temperature, and you plugged it in (being careful!), a working thermostat should make a characteristic click, starting the compressor. If there is no click, and the compressor hums but does not start, the problem may be in the start relay, and not in the thermostat.

⚠️ Attention: Never check the operation of the thermostat by touching metal parts with your hands or tools while the device is plugged in. The risk of electric shock is extremely high.

If no visual defects are found, we proceed to instrumental diagnostics using a multimeter. This is the most reliable way to determine the condition of contact group.

Diagnostics of a thermostat with a multimeter

For an accurate check, you will need a multimeter switched to continuity mode (ohmmeter). Before starting measurements, make sure that the refrigerator is unplugged. Remove the wires from the contacts of the thermostat, having previously photographed their location so as not to confuse them during assembly.

The checking process is as follows:

1. Connect the multimeter probes to the contacts of the thermostat (usually there are two or three).
2. At room temperature, the contacts should be closed (resistance is close to 0 Ohm or a squeak is heard).
3. Immerse the thermostat sensitive tube in a container of cold water (about 0°C) or press it against a frozen product.
4. After some time (depending on the model), a click should be heard and the resistance should become infinite (break circuits).

If the circuit does not ring either in a cold or warm state, or vice versa, it rings constantly, regardless of the temperature, then the thermostat is faulty. It is also worth checking the breakdown on the housing: place one probe on the contact, the other on the metal body of the thermostat. The device should not show resistance.

Below is a table of typical resistance values for a working thermostat in various states:

It is important to consider that for three-pin thermostats, the third contact can be responsible for a light bulb or for emergency mode. In such cases, you need to call pairs of contacts. Typically, the marking indicates the purpose: L — line (power), C or H — compressor, L1 — lamp.

Replacing the thermostat: step-by-step instructions

If the diagnostics confirm a malfunction, it is necessary to replace replacement the thermostat with a new one. It is important to choose an analogue with identical parameters, especially the length of the capillary tube and the temperature range of operation. For refrigerators Indesit thermostats of the TAM, K59 brand or their direct analogues are often suitable.

Procedure for replacement:

• 🛠️ Disconnect the refrigerator from the network and remove the old thermostat, remembering the diagram connecting the wires.
• 🛠️ Carefully remove the capillary tube from the seat in the chamber wall, without bending it sharply.
• 🛠️ Install the new sensor, straightening the tube in the same way as the old one (usually it is fixed in the groove).
• 🛠️ Connect the wires according to the photograph or diagram taken earlier.
• 🛠️ Secure the thermostat housing and install the adjustment knob.

⚠️ Attention: The capillary tube of the new thermostat must not be bent at an acute angle or twisted. This can lead to its rupture and loss of working gas, which will make the new device inoperative immediately after installation.

After installation, turn on the refrigerator and check its operation for several hours. The compressor must turn on and off at certain intervals. If the refrigerator is working correctly, you can load food.

If after replacement the situation has not changed, perhaps the problem lies deeper: in the start relay, the compressor itself, or in a freon leak from the system. In this case, more complex diagnostics will be required with the participation of a specialist and pressure gauge equipment.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Is it possible to temporarily close the contacts of the thermostat to Is the refrigerator working?

Yes, this is possible for a short-term check of the compressor or as an emergency measure. To do this, you need to connect the wires coming from the network to the compressor contact, bypassing the thermostat. However, remember: in this mode, the refrigerator will work continuouslywithout turning off, which will lead to freezing of food and overloading the engine. Use this method only for diagnostics!

Which thermostat is better to buy for Indesit: original or analogue?

Original spare parts Indesit (often labeled Cylinda or Ariston) are ideal, but they are difficult to find. High-quality analogues (for example, TAM-133, K59-L1196) work no worse if the tube length and temperature range are the same. The main thing is to avoid cheap Chinese copies without markings, which can have a wide range of response temperatures.

Why did the refrigerator start turning on and off frequently after replacing the thermostat?

This may indicate that the sensitive tube was installed incorrectly. If it does not fit tightly enough to the evaporator wall or chamber, the thermostat will respond to the air temperature rather than the surface temperature, causing frequent cycling. It is also possible that a thermostat with the wrong temperature range was selected.

How long does the thermostat in an Indesit refrigerator last?

The average service life of a mechanical thermostat is 5-7 years of active use. However, with frequent power surges or regular defrosting with a hairdryer (which is strictly not recommended to be done abruptly), the service life can be reduced to 3 years.