Users of Bosch brand refrigerators often encounter a situation where the equipment issues a warning signal. Usually it is audible - refrigerators squeak if the door of one of the chambers is open for a long time. But sometimes the squeak is accompanied by the words “alarm” or “alarm off”. Why this happens and what it means will be discussed in our article.
The purpose of alarm off on a Bosch refrigerator
The indication is triggered when the temperature in the refrigerator or freezer compartment rises. The alarm warns the owner of the equipment about a breakdown and indicates the risk of damage to stored products. The translation of the English word alarm into Russian means “alarm.” Simultaneously with the light reminder, the alarm buzzer sounds. The warning also lights up when the temperature drops below the permissible limit.
Depending on the design of the refrigerator, the error is displayed:
- warning message alarm or alarm off on the display, shown in red, orange or dark letters (depending on the model);
- red LED located in the control panel, which flashes in time with the sound.
Sound and light signals from the refrigerator indicating malfunctions
Bosch refrigerators are equipped with an Alarm off temperature indicator. When warm air enters the device, a signal sounds and a red button lights up on the control panel. If the Bosch refrigerator beeps and flashes after defrosting, it means that its food freezing function is disabled. This is what the flashing Alarm button indicates.
In other refrigerators, fault notification occurs a little differently, but the principle of operation is the same. For example, Whirlpool devices have a flashing red triangle with an exclamation mark. This is also accompanied by a sound signal. On Samsung refrigerators, problems with the compressor are signaled by the Alarm list ful button, and the light on means that the temperature is increasing to the set values. The red light on the Electrolux device lights up when there is a refrigerant leak.
Problems that you can solve yourself
Reasons for activating the alarm icon on working Bosch refrigeration equipment:
- It is normal for the indicator to be activated when a new refrigerator is turned on for the first time or when equipment is put into operation after washing or repair. After the chambers have cooled down, the alarm turns off automatically.
- When loading a large amount of food, the refrigerator compartment warms up, which causes the signal to activate. After cooling, the alarm turns off; to speed up the freezing process, you can enable the accelerated temperature reduction function (Super mode).
- If the door is not tightly closed, warm air enters the chamber. Remove the foreign object and close the lid tightly.
- The formation of a layer of ice on refrigerators without a No Frost system prevents the normal operation of the compressor and evaporator. An additional sign is the prolonged operation of the engine, which is trying to cool the chambers. The repair consists of defrosting the refrigerator.
How to eliminate squeaking and blinking
The squeak goes away quickly. To do this, you need to turn off the sound of fault alerts. On the body panel there are Mute buttons, crossed out speaker, bell or sound wave and others like that, which turn off or turn on the signal with one click.
If it is difficult to determine such a button for a particular model, you need to read the operating instructions for the equipment. Everything is clearly and accessiblely described in it. For example, if a Bosch refrigerator beeps and flashes after defrosting, then you need to press Alarm to turn off the sound.
The blinking of the indicator is eliminated immediately after the problem is corrected. If the reasons for the alarm are not very serious and the problem can be quickly resolved on its own, disconnecting the equipment from the network for a few minutes can help remove the warning light.
Malfunctions requiring repair
Common breakdowns that cause the alarm indication to turn on on Bosch brand refrigerators:
- destruction of the rubber seal;
- misalignment or wear of the hinges;
- lack of tightness of the cooling circuit, leading to freon leakage;
- contamination of the capillary channels by deposits of oil present in the refrigerant;
- breakdown of the sensor that determines the temperature in the refrigerator and controls the operation of the compressors;
- failure of components of the No Frost automatic deicing system;
- failure of electronics or breakage of electrical wiring harnesses inside the refrigerator;
- jamming of the distribution valve responsible for supplying cold air.
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The freezer seal is worn out or damaged.
There is a rubber edging along the perimeter of the door that prevents warm air from entering the freezer or refrigerator compartment.
If tears are detected, the seal should be replaced. Otherwise, the compressor operates with overload, which leads to damage to the electric motor or piston group.
The hinges are loose
Refrigerator doors are installed on adjustable hinges; if the settings are not adjusted, gaps form between the seal and the body.
To check contact at home, use a sheet of paper, which should be tightly clamped with a rubber edge.
The owner needs to adjust the position of the door by adjusting the reach of the supports and moving the hinges. If the defect cannot be eliminated, the hinges must be replaced.
Common compressor failure
Bosch refrigerators are equipped with a common cooling circuit with a single compressor. There are models with separate units for the freezer and refrigerator compartment. If a common unit breaks down, the temperature rises in both compartments.
If one of the electric motors fails, the problem is observed in the upper or lower chamber. The drive fails due to short circuit or breakage of the windings or destruction of the piston group. The compressor cannot be repaired; a new unit must be installed and the circuit must be recharged with refrigerant.
Freon leak
The compressor circulates the refrigerant through the tubes; in the event of a leak, the temperature in the chambers increases, which causes the indicator to turn on.
To restore integrity, it is necessary to determine the location of the leak, and then solder the cracks or disconnect part of the circuit.
For example, craftsmen often cut off the heating pipe around the perimeter of the freezer. The damaged evaporator radiator is replaced entirely, and repair work is carried out in a service center. On refrigerators with 2 compressors, if freon leaks from one circuit, the second remains operational.
Clogged capillary line
The capillary channels are not designed to allow oil particles to enter, which form dense deposits on the walls and block the cross-section. If a problem occurs, the compressor does not maintain the set temperature. Service is carried out in a service center.
If it is not possible to rinse the capillary channels with a solvent and blow them with compressed air, then the tubes will need to be replaced. Under domestic conditions, it is impossible to remove oil from pipelines.
The temperature sensor has failed
There are sensors in the freezer and refrigerator compartments that monitor the temperature and control the operation of the compressor. If the sensor breaks down, the electric motor runs constantly or does not turn on. It is necessary to diagnose the equipment and install new sensors. The work is carried out in a service center. The reaction to a breakdown is determined by the design of the refrigerator; with 2 compressors, the temperature background in the freezer increases; in products with 1 pumping device, when the sensor fails, the ice melts in both chambers.
The No Frost defrost system is faulty
If the No Frost system in Bosch refrigerators breaks down, an alarm goes off and the temperature in both chambers or only the freezer increases (for models with 1 and 2 compressors, respectively).
The owner can reset the error by disconnecting the equipment from the power supply for a few minutes. But after some time, the malfunction occurs again, and the compressor stops pumping refrigerant into the circuits. Repairing No Frost system components is difficult and expensive; many owners prefer to purchase a new refrigerator.
Failure of the electronic unit or its elements
If the electronic controller malfunctions, neither the chamber is cooled, but the backlight or compressor may work. The cause of the defect is oxidation of the tracks or breakage of the wiring harnesses.
The problem also occurs after a voltage surge in the power circuit.
Repair consists of carrying out diagnostics in a service center, determining a list of failed parts and replacing or restoring elements. The cost reaches half the price of new equipment; some components are not supplied to the spare parts market, but are removed from decommissioned refrigerators.
Cold air damper jammed
The design of refrigerators uses a damper that regulates the flow of cold air depending on operating conditions. When the valve jams, the temperature rises, which is detected by a sensor that triggers an alarm. To fix the problem yourself, turn off the power for 8-12 hours and defrost the equipment. The procedure allows you to remove the layer of frost that impedes the movement of the damper. If there is mechanical damage to the valve, you must call a technician who will identify the defect and repair the unit.
Fan breakdown in No Frost models – from RUB 2,300*
The fan in Bosch models with No Frost is responsible for circulating cooled air in the refrigerator and freezer compartments. When it fails, the fan motor burns out or the impeller breaks. Typically, this breakdown is associated with a malfunction of the defrost system, when the evaporator, and then the fan itself, becomes covered with ice.
SIGNS
The freezer is freezing, while the temperature in the refrigerator compartment is higher than the set temperature. The motor rarely turns off. It is possible that the fan was heard grinding before the refrigerator compartment stopped cooling.
HOW TO FIX
The faulty fan is replaced with a new one.
Note! If the No Frost defrost system in your refrigerator has failed and the fan has been blocked by ice, then try defrosting the refrigerator. The fan may start working after defrosting. If this does not happen, you will have to repair the defrost and replace the fan.
*Prices are only for the work of the master, a new fan is paid separately.
Reasons why the refrigerator beeps when the door is closed
The main reasons for the activation of the indication when the camera doors are closed:
- Overloading the refrigeration compartment with products or turning on the equipment after a long period of inactivity. The sensor detects an increased temperature and indicates to the owner a malfunction. A correctly operating compressor cools the air to the set threshold, and the alarm turns off automatically.
- Insufficient compressor performance or freon leak. This causes the alarm to sound, but the refrigerator may operate normally when the temperature is set to a higher value. It is necessary to carry out diagnostics and eliminate the breakdowns, since with further operation the pump may fail due to overheating.
- The capillary block is filled with oil when transporting or storing the refrigerator on its side. After delivery, the equipment must stand in an upright position for at least a day, and then you can turn on the compressor and set the required temperature. Otherwise, the piston group, operating without lubrication, will quickly wear out. Oil that gets into the capillaries disrupts the normal working process of the refrigerant moving into the evaporation chamber.
- Any electronic failure that affects the operation of the cooling circuit. If the equipment is unable to maintain the set temperature or the sensor inside the chamber transmits an incorrect signal, the control unit automatically triggers an alarm. The problem can also occur if the sash is held open for a long time. The air from the room warms up the chamber; after locking, the sensor detects the increased temperature and activates the alarm.
When the alarm signal turns on, the owner of a Bosch refrigerator should check the operating parameters and make sure that the compressor is working and that there are no cracks along the door contour. If the problem cannot be resolved, it is recommended to contact a service center. Self-repair may result in parts breaking and voiding the warranty. It is possible to turn off the sound.
Prevention of breakdowns
To avoid constant squeaking, you need to use the refrigerator correctly. Load only chilled products, do not freeze large volumes at once. Place dishes correctly on the shelves so that nothing interferes with closing the door. And defrost regularly to prevent icing of the controls. Frequent causes of breakdowns are also the following problems:
You can get acquainted with the most common causes of malfunctions and ways to overcome them from the table:
| Cause | How does it manifest itself other than squeaking? | What to do |
| First start | Warmth in the chambers | Wait until the compartments cool down |
| Door not closed tightly | Lights are flashing, water is leaking | Close the door and check the seal for leaks |
| Super Freeze function enabled | The motor is constantly running | Disable this mode |
| Large layer of ice | Increased temperature in the compartments, lights flashing | Defrost the refrigerator completely |
| Freon leak | Temperature rises, lights flash | Call a specialist |
| The fan is broken | Cold air does not circulate, fan hum is not heard | Cooler needs replacement |
| Control panel malfunction | Buttons cannot be pressed, light blinks, temperature rises | Clean the panel if it doesn’t help, call a technician |
Typically, modern refrigerators beep when the door is not tightly closed. You need to check the placement of products, push containers deeper. If the sound does not disappear, it is recommended to completely defrost the refrigerator. When you cannot fix the problem on your own, it is better to call a specialist. After all, a sound signal may indicate a serious malfunction. Without fixing it, the refrigerator will fail.
The light in the Samsung refrigerator does not light up
In Samsung refrigerators, the lamp light is protected by a lampshade; remove it to gain access
During operation, you may encounter a diametrically opposite situation: lights and indicators do not light up in the situation when they should light up. This can happen due to the burnout of the reed switch, which is responsible for the operation of the light bulb and indicators.
Important! When a reed switch burns out, you may hear a characteristic smell of burnt plastic.
The reed switch is hidden under the front top panel. To access it, you need to remove the cover. But don't rush. Perhaps the reason is more banal. For example, there is no electricity in the house, or the power cord or socket is damaged. It is also possible that the light bulb itself may burn out, which means that the burnt-out lamp needs to be replaced.
If problems such as replacing the compressor, refilling with refrigerant and replacing the reed switch require the intervention of specialists, then you can change the light bulb yourself.
To do this, turn off the refrigerator, remove from the chamber all shelves and trays that interfere with access to the lampshade. After this, unscrew the screw that secures the lampshade and disconnect the wiring, unscrew the light bulb and replace it with a similar one. After this, perform all steps in reverse order.
