The situation when the upper chamber in the refrigerator Indesit stops cooling is familiar to many owners of this popular Italian appliance. Usually, users notice a problem suddenly: the food in the freezer begins to thaw, and the frost disappears on the walls, or, conversely, a huge coat of ice forms, but the temperature remains above zero. This is an alarm signal indicating a violation of the refrigerant circulation or a malfunction of the control system.
Before calling a technician or panicking, it is worth conducting an initial diagnosis. Refrigeration unit is a complex system where even the slightest depressurization or blockage can lead to a stop in cooling. In most cases, the problem lies in one of several typical malfunctions specific to two-chamber models Indesit with the No Frost system or drip defrosting.
It is important to understand that further operation of the equipment in this mode can lead to damage to products and complicate repairs. If the compressor runs continuously without turning off, but there is no cold, this is a sure sign of a freon leak or a serious blockage. In this article we will analyze in detail all possible causes, methods for identifying them and ways to troubleshoot problems.
The main reasons for the lack of cold in the freezer
To understand why Indesit refrigerator it stopped freezing, it is necessary to consider the principle of its operation. Cooling occurs due to the circulation of refrigerant in a closed circuit. If an obstacle or loss of substance occurs in any area, the process is disrupted. The most common cause is a banal freon leak.
The second common culprit is failure of compressor or the start relay. The engine may hum, click, or be completely silent. It is also worth paying attention to the defrosting system when it comes to No Frost models. A malfunction of the heating element, timer or defrost sensor leads to ice fouling on the evaporator, which blocks the supply of cold air.
The third group of problems is associated with mechanical damage or factory defects of the capillary tube. A blockage in a narrow channel prevents freon from circulating freely, creating a blockage. The pressure in the system increases, but the cooling capacity drops to zero. In such cases, qualified intervention is required.
⚠️ Attention: If you hear hissing or see oily spots under the refrigerator, this may indicate a breakdown of the circuit. In such cases, turning on the equipment independently is dangerous for the compressor.
Diagnostics of the No Frost defrosting system
In models with the system No Frost the lack of cold is often disguised as other problems. The fan may hum, creating the illusion of operation, but the air is not cooled. This occurs when the evaporator, hidden behind the back wall, is completely covered with ice. The ice crust blocks the air channels, and the cold simply does not enter the chamber.
To check, you need to remove the back panel of the freezer. If you see a massive piece of ice on the radiator, the defrost system has failed. The cause may be a burned out Evaporator heating element, faulty defrost sensor or timer. In some models Indesit an electronic control module is responsible for this.
Checking the elements requires a multimeter. It is necessary to “ring” the circuits for breaks. If the heating element is intact, but does not heat, the problem may be in the voltage supply. Often the temperature sensor fails, which “thinks” that there is no ice and does not give the command to heat up.
⚠️ Attention: When defrosting ice, it is strictly forbidden to use sharp objects for chipping or a hair dryer with hot air. This may damage plastic parts or burn the evaporator.
Problems with the compressor and start relay
The heart of the refrigerator is compressor. If it does not start, the cold is not physically produced. Often, owners hear a characteristic click, a buzzing sound for a few seconds, and then silence. This is a classic symptom of a faulty start relay or jammed engine.
The start relay is a small plastic block attached to the compressor housing. Inside there is a starting winding and a posistor. Over time, the contacts burn out and the mechanism wears out. Replacing a relay is a simple procedure that you can perform yourself by selecting an analogue according to the marking.
A more serious situation is an interturn short circuit of the motor windings or mechanical wear of the piston group. In this case, the compressor may become very hot, consume increased current, or knock out the circuit breaker in the apartment. Repairing such a unit requires replacing the compressor itself, which is not always economically feasible.
Refrigerant leakage and blockage of the capillary system
If the compressor works non-stop, trying to gain temperature, but there is no cold, most likely it has occurred freon leak. Freon is an inert gas; it is not consumed during operation. If it becomes smaller, it means that a microcrack has formed somewhere. This often happens in the foamed part of the body or in the door heating circuit.
Another problem is clogged capillary tube. Oil circulates through the system, which over time can oxidize or mix with moisture to form a plug. If there is a clog, one part of the tube will be hot and the other will be cold or at room temperature. This can be easily checked by touch if you get to the condenser.
Eliminating a leak or blockage is a complex process. You need to find the location of the damage, solder it, evacuate the system and refill the freon. Without specialized equipment (vacuum pump, pressure gauge station) it is impossible to do this efficiently.
| Symptom | Probable cause | Difficulty of repair | Necessary equipment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Compressor buzzes and clicks | Faulty start relay | Low | Screwdriver, multimeter |
| Engine runs constantly, no cold | Freon leak | High | Vacuumator, freon, burner |
| Freezer overgrown with ice | Defrosting system failure | Medium | Multimeter, hair dryer (carefully) |
| Noisy operation, vibration | Compressor wear | High | Unit replacement |
Malfunctions of the thermostat and electronics
In older models Indesit the mechanical one is responsible for the temperature thermostat. This is a device with a capillary tube that senses the temperature in the chamber. If the thermostat is stuck in the off position, the compressor simply will not receive a signal to start. You can check it by closing the contacts directly (for diagnostics).
Modern models are equipped with an electronic control module. The board analyzes sensor readings and controls all nodes. If one of the temperature sensors or the module itself burns out, the refrigerator may behave inappropriately: turn on for a minute and turn off, or ignore commands.
Diagnostics of electronics requires knowledge in radio engineering. Often swollen capacitors or traces of burning are visible on the board. However, sometimes only one chip burns out, and replacing the entire module can be expensive. In some cases, simply resetting the error helps.
⚠️ Attention: When working with electrical components, be sure to unplug the refrigerator. An attempt to test a live circuit will result in the multimeter burning out and causing electric shock.
Environmental influences and proper operation
Sometimes the reason for the lack of cold is trivial and not related to a breakdown. For example, if the refrigerator is located close to the wall or in a niche, the air circulation around condenseris impaired. The unit overheats and goes into protection, stopping freezing.
It is also important to take into account the climate class of the equipment. If a refrigerator designed for a temperate climate (SN, N) is placed in an unheated room at a temperature below +10°C, it may not start or may operate intermittently. The oil in the compressor thickens and the mechanism cannot turn.
Regular defrosting (for drip systems) and cleaning the drainage holes prolongs the life of the equipment. A clogged water drainage hole causes water to flow inside the housing, causing corrosion and damage to the thermal insulation.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to use a refrigerator if it does not freeze the upper chamber?
Short-term - yes, if the food does not spoil. However, prolonged operation in this mode will lead to overheating of the compressor and its eventual combustion. It is better to turn off the equipment until the reasons are determined.
How long does it take to defrost a refrigerator after a breakdown?
It takes at least 24 hours for complete defrosting and evaporation of moisture from hard-to-reach places. Do not rush to turn on the unit, otherwise moisture may cause a short circuit in the electrics.
Why did the refrigerator work after defrosting, but after a week it stopped again?
Most likely, there was moisture left in the system, which, when frozen, again formed an ice plug in the capillary. This requires professional nitrogen purging and replacement of the filter-drier.
Is it worth repairing an old Indesit refrigerator?
If the problem is in the thermostat, relay or heating element, it is definitely worth it. If a compressor burns out or a leak occurs in the foamed part, repairs can amount to up to 70% of the cost of a new appliance, which is often unprofitable.