The Indesit refrigerator does not cool the upper chamber: 7 reasons and what to do

You opened the refrigerator Indesit, and in the upper chamber it’s warm, like in the room? Are the products spoiling, is the compressor running non-stop or, conversely, is silent? This problem is familiar to many owners of dual-chamber models of the brand. In 80% of cases, the malfunction is related to cooling system, but sometimes little things are to blame that can be fixed in 10 minutes.

This article contains an analysis of all possible reasons why the upper chamber Indesit stopped cooling, with step-by-step diagnostic instructions. We won't advise "calling a professional" at every step: we'll focus on what you can check and fix yourself. For convenience, we added a table of symptomsa checklist for the initial inspection and an FAQ with answers to frequently asked questions.

Important: if your refrigerator is under warranty, do not disassemble it! First, contact the service center Indesit —self-repair may void the warranty.

1. Check the obvious: 3 little things that 90% of users miss

Before committing complex breakdowns, eliminate basic operating errors. These points seem primitive, but even experienced users sometimes miss them:

• 🔌 Power and socket: Make sure that the refrigerator is plugged into a working outlet. Try connecting another device (for example, a table lamp) - if it does not work, the problem is electrical. Check to see if the machine on the panel has been knocked out.
• ❄️ Defrost mode: In models with No Frost or a drip system, automatic defrosting could have worked. Wait 1-2 hours - if the camera starts working again, it was a normal process.
• ⚙️ Temperature settings: The mode may have been accidentally changed. A green light should be on on the control panel (or inside the camera) or the temperature should be displayed +4…+6°C. If the indicator blinks or shows --, reset the settings.

Pay special attention door: even a small gap due to misalignment or a worn seal leads to loss of cold. Carry out a test with a sheet of paper - if it easily pulls out when the door is closed, the seal requires replacement.

2. The compressor works, but the upper chamber does not cool: the fan is to blame

If the motor-compressor is humming, but the cold does not enter the upper chamber, the first suspected part is evaporator blower fan. In models Indesit with the system No Frost it is responsible for the circulation of cold air between the chambers. If it breaks down, the freezer may work, but the refrigerating compartment may not.

How to check the fan:

1. Disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply.
2. Remove the back panel in the freezer (usually attached to 2–4 screws).
3. Find a fan - it looks like a small turbine with blades.
4. Try to rotate the blades by hand. If they do not rotate or make a squeaking sound, the problem is in the bearing or icing.

A common reason for the fan stopping is ice on the blades. It is formed due to a faulty defrost heater or defrost sensor. In this case, you need to defrost the refrigerator for 12–24 hours, and then check the operation of the system No Frost.

How to get to the fan in Indesit models without No Frost?

In refrigerators with a drip system, the fan is usually located behind the back wall of the refrigerator compartment. To get to it, remove the shelves, then carefully remove the plastic panel (it may be on latches or screws).

3. A clogged capillary tube or a freon leak: how to recognize

If the compressor runs without stopping, but there is no cold in any of the chambers (or only in the top one), it is to blame freon circulation system. Two typical problems:

• 🔧 Clogged capillary tube: Over time, oil and freon decomposition products accumulate in the system, which block the flow of refrigerant. The compressor overheats, but the cold does not flow.
• ❄️ Freon leak: More often occurs in places where the tubes are soldered or due to corrosion of the evaporator. A sign is oil on the floor under the refrigerator (freon evaporates and the oil leaks out).

Diagnostics:

• Touch condenser (grid at the back of the refrigerator). Normally it should be warm, but not hot. If it is cold, freon does not circulate.
• Shine a flashlight on evaporator (in the freezer). If there is no frost on it or it is covered with rust, there may be a leak.
• Listen to the compressor. When clogged, it works louder than usual, intermittently.

⚠️ Attention: Repairing the freon circulation system requires special equipment (vacuum pump, refrigerant cylinder) and a certified technician. Independent attempts to solder the tubes or add freon can lead to an explosion or poisoning!

4. Failure of the thermostat or temperature sensor

In refrigerators Indesit the following are responsible for temperature regulation:

• 🌡️ Thermostat (in mechanical models) - opens the circuit when the set temperature is reached.
• 📊 Temperature sensor (in electronic models) - transmits data to the control board.

Symptoms of malfunction:

• The compressor does not turn on at all or works chaotically.
• The refrigerator compartment is too cold (food are freezing) or too warm.
• An error flashes on the display (for example, F04 or F05 for Indesit).

How to check the thermostat:

1. Unplug the refrigerator.
2. Remove the protective casing from the thermostat (usually located next to the light bulb).
3. Disconnect the wires from the terminals (take a photo of their location!).
4. Test the thermostat with a multimeter in resistance measurement mode. At room temperature, the resistance should be ~0 Ohm (if the circuit is closed when cooling (for example, put it down). thermostat in the freezer for 10 minutes) the resistance does not change - the part is faulty.

⚠️ Attention: In electronic models Indesit (for example, Indesit ITF 118) the temperature sensor is often built into the control board Its replacement requires soldering - without the skills, it is better to contact the service.

5. Problems with the control board: when the refrigerator is “glitchy”

Modern refrigerators Indesit are equipped with electronic boards that control all processes. If the board fails, the symptoms can be the strangest:

• 🔄 The refrigerator spontaneously turns on/off.
• 📛 Lights up on the display non-existent errors (for example, F12 with a working sensor).
• ❄️ The upper camera sometimes works, sometimes it doesn’t - without visible logic.

What to do:

1. Reset the settings by unplugging the plug from the socket for 10 minutes.
2. Check the contacts on the board - sometimes they oxidize or come off.
3. If you can see blackened elements or swollen capacitors on the board, it needs to be replaced.

In models Indesit BIAA 13 i Indesit DF 5200 a common problem is relay burnout on the board, which is responsible for powering the fan. It can be replaced separately without changing the entire board.

6. Malfunction of the compressor start relay

If the compressor tries to startbut after a few seconds turns off with a loud click, it is to blame starting relay. This part supplies current to the motor winding at the time of starting. If it breaks down, the compressor cannot reach the required speed and the protection is triggered.

How to check the relay:

1. Disconnect the refrigerator from the network.
2. Remove the relay - it is attached to the compressor and looks like a small box with wires.
3. Shake the relay. If something rattles inside, this is a sign of mechanical wear.
4. Test the relay coil with a multimeter. The resistance should be ~10–50 Ohms. If the device shows a break, the relay is faulty.

The cost of a new relay for Indesit is from 400 to 800 rubles. Replacement takes 10 minutes: just disconnect the old part and connect the new one, observing the polarity of the wires.

7. When the compressor itself is to blame: signs and what to do

The compressor is the “heart” of the refrigerator, and its breakdown is the worst scenario. Symptoms of malfunction:

• 🔇 Compressor does not turn on at all (no sound, no vibration).
• 🔥 Compressor housing excessively hot (impossible to hold your hand).
• 💥 When starting are heard knocking or grinding - this is a sign of destruction of the piston group.

How to check the compressor:

1. Turn off the refrigerator and wait until the compressor cools down.
2. Remove the starting relay (as described in the previous section).
3. Test the compressor windings with a multimeter:
   • Resistance between C (common) and S (start) — ~20–40 Ohm.
   • The resistance between C and R (run) is ~10–20 Ohms.
   • The resistance between S and R is the sum of the two previous values (~30–60 Ohm).

If at least one value is equal to 0 (short circuit) or ∞ (break), the compressor is faulty.

Repairing the compressor is not cost-effective - it is replaced with a new one. The cost of the part for Indesit is from 5,000 to 12,000 rubles (depending on the model). If the refrigerator is more than 7-10 years old, it is more economical to buy a new one.

⚠️ Attention: Refrigerator compressors Indesit are often unified with models Ariston i Hotpoint. Before purchasing, check the markings on the compressor sticker (for example, RL60KA or DL50XC).

FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions

Is it possible to use the refrigerator if only the upper chamber does not work?

It is possible, but with caveats:

• If the freezer operates normally, the food in it will not spoil.
• It is better not to load the upper chamber with perishable products (meat, milk, ready meals).
• Long-term operation in this mode can lead to compressor overload and its breakdown.

How much does it cost to repair an Indesit refrigerator if the upper chamber does not work?

The cost depends on the cause:

Breakage	Repair cost (RUB)
Replacement of fan	1 500–2 500
Replacement of thermostat/sensor	1 200–2 000
Refilling freon + soldering	3 500–6 000
Replacement of control board	2 500–4 500
Replacement of the compressor	6 000–10 000

Prices do not include the cost of parts. In the regions, repairs may be 20–30% cheaper.

How to defrost an Indesit refrigerator with No Frost if the fan does not work?

Instructions:

1. Unplug the refrigerator.
2. Remove all food and shelves.
3. Leave the doors open for 12-24 hours. To speed up the process, place a pan of hot water inside (not boiling water!).
4. After defrosting, wipe all surfaces dry. with a rag.
5. Check whether the fan rotates after switching on. If not, replacement is required.

What to do if the Indesit refrigerator shows error F04 or F05?

These errors are related to temperature sensors:

• F04 — malfunction of the refrigerator compartment sensor.
• F05 — malfunction of the freezer compartment sensor.

Solutions:

1. Try to reset the error by turning off the refrigerator for 10 minutes.
2. Check the sensor contacts (they may oxidize or come off).
3. If the error remains, replace the sensor. For models Indesit sensors are suitable NTC 10k or 5k (check the markings).

Can I do it myself? fill the refrigerator with freon?

Technically it is possible, but it is highly not recommended for reasons:

• Freon (for example, R134a or R600a) is toxic and explosive if handled incorrectly.
• To refill, you need to vacuum the system (remove moisture and air), which requires special equipment.
• An error in freon dosage will lead to repeated breakdown.

If you have experience working with refrigeration equipment, buy refill kit (vacuum pump, pressure manifold, cylinder with freon). For beginners, it is better to contact the service.