The refrigerator works, but does not freeze, causes and troubleshooting

The equipment gives an electric shock

When you feel a small electrical discharge when you come into contact with the body of a household appliance, you cannot use such a product. We urgently need to find out the cause of the breakdown on the housing; there is a simple method for this: you need to measure the insulation resistance of the device using a megger
. We turn off the refrigerator and visually inspect all the wires; if the fault cannot be visually determined, we begin checking the wiring one by one.

We connect the “Ground” wire from the device to the case, and the “Line” wire – we alternately touch the wires going to the relay, thermostat, and compressor. After finding the wire where there was a breakdown, replace it with a new one. Experienced craftsmen advise that it is better not to take risks with additional insulation of a faulty wire.

Malfunctions of the refrigerator Indesit C138NFG

Two-chamber combined refrigerator with one compressor and electromechanical control. The No Frost defrosting system is used in the freezer and a “crying” wall in the cold chamber.

The temperature control in the chambers is independent, thanks to the presence of a magnetic valve on the refrigerant line between the freezer and the refrigerator. Faulty components of the Indesit refrigerator of this model, when the temperature in the chambers is not maintained, can be:

freezer thermostat, if the required minus is not reached in the freezer;
upper chamber thermostat, if the temperature in the refrigerator is incorrect;
sticking of the switching magnetic valve;
Freon leak or compressor failure.

Elimination of the causes is possible after a complete diagnosis by service center specialists.

The condensate drainage system in the refrigerator may become clogged. Failure of heaters in the No-growth freezer system will result in icing. The fan will stop, clogged with ice. A non-working defrost timer will also lead to such consequences.

A specialist can find and fix the problem, but before doing this, you should defrost the lower chamber for 24 hours. During this time, the refrigerator blades will be freed, and it will be possible to check whether the No Frost electrical network is working properly.

What can you do before calling a specialist?

If a puddle is spreading under the refrigerator, and the food in the freezer has become soft, then the upper chamber is not working. The breakdown needs to be fixed urgently, and to do this you need to determine the cause. In some cases, you can fix the problem yourself.

Here are the steps you can do yourself:

Disconnect the device from the mains and leave it to thaw for 24 hours. It often happens that due to a loose fit of the door, ice freezes on the walls, even in No Frost system refrigerators. At the same time, you can carry out a “general cleaning” inside the refrigeration chambers. After defrosting, check that the connection is correct: the refrigerator must be plugged directly into the outlet, without tees or extension cords;
look at what mode is set on the display or regulator. It may turn out that the settings are set incorrectly or the room is too hot and the device simply cannot cope with the load;
The upper chamber may stop working due to the fact that the device is not level. It’s easy to identify the problem: put a glass of water on top; if the liquid flows to one edge, level the refrigerator. To do this, you need to tighten the legs of the unit. Next, check the serviceability of the freezer;

Has the problem been resolved? Great, we got away with a “slight fright.” If frost does not appear in the upper compartment, you need to call a specialist.

Causes of malfunction

The most likely reason why the refrigerator compressor is heating up could be:

burnt out or “stuck” start-up relay;
uninterrupted operation in fast freezing mode;
violation of the tightness of the refrigerating or freezing chambers;
freon leak;
clogging of capillary channels;
software failures in the control module.

A damaged rubber seal causes the door to not fit tightly, warm air penetrates into the working chamber, and the motor has to pump more refrigerant.

Freon leakage can occur due to mechanical damage to the circulation channels. This usually happens due to attempts to scrape ice off the walls of the freezer or unsuccessful transportation. In this case, sealing of damaged channels and refilling of freon is required.

Sudden voltage surges in the electrical network lead to malfunctions in the operation of the control module, its configuration and settings. In some cases, overvoltage provokes burnout of electronic components. The problem can be solved by reprogramming the module or completely replacing the board. Frequent power outages and power surges are a fairly common situation these days. Therefore, to avoid such troubles, you need to take care of high-quality stabilizers and network filters in advance.

If you notice that the refrigerator motor is getting too hot, unplug it and call a repair technician. Only a specialist will be able to determine the exact cause of the breakdown that led to the compressor overheating.

What could be the reason for the breakdown of the upper or lower chamber of the refrigerator?

It is important to understand that the causes of the malfunction can be different. It is difficult to say why this or that trouble happens. Sometimes something just goes wrong, and a small breakdown leads to the most tragic consequences for the refrigerator and its owner.

Only a master or service center specialist can give an exact answer to the question of why your refrigerator broke down. However, if you decide to independently investigate possible problems.

Here are a few reasons why the Indesit refrigerator does not freeze:

It could happen that the refrigerator could be disconnected from the power supply (power outages, problems with the socket or plug of the appliance).
If the door of the upper chamber of the refrigerator was not tightly closed for a long time, cold could escape from it. To avoid this, distribute the contents of the refrigerator correctly.
Over time, the seal between the refrigerator and the door wears out, which can also cause insufficient cooling.
Some two-chamber models are equipped with temperature control sensors inside the refrigerator. Such a device could fail.
The upper or lower refrigerator compartment settings may have changed due to a power outage. This may cause the refrigerator to be set to a higher cooling temperature.
Sometimes the cooling system pipes can become clogged, preventing the refrigerator from working properly. There is a special tool for cleaning them.

If after a long search you can’t find out what the problem is, call a specialist.

Why the Indesit refrigerator does not freeze - reasons

The cooling circuit may fail due to a malfunction of one of the parts. Most often, the cause is a lack or complete leak of freon in the Indesit refrigerator. A malfunction can be detected by the following signs:

the temperature in the freezer is maintained, and the refrigerator gradually increases;
the compressor hums incessantly;
gurgling of liquid is heard intermittently, the temperature continues to drop;
condenser - grill on the back of the refrigerator, cold;
After stopping to clear the ice, the freezer does not freeze, the compressor works, it is very hot.

Why did the Indesit refrigerator stop freezing after cleaning? It was enough to maintain the regime in the frozen chamber of the agent, and during a long period of inactivity the gas finally evaporated into a leak. The circuit may have been broken when cleaning the tubes mechanically.

Before filling the system with refrigerant, the technician will have to find the leak and possibly turn off the heating circuit. One of the signs of a fistula site is swelling of the chamber wall. There is a black oily stain around the hole.

Often, the Indesit refrigerator does not freeze well as a result of a clogged capillary tube. The white precipitate is a reaction product of freon and oil and clogs the capillary. The unit requires replacement or repair. It is rare, but sometimes the compressor is faulty. It does not create the required pressure in the gas environment.

The reason may be in the control system of the Indesit refrigerator. The compressor turns on and stops depending on the command of the thermostat, which controls the process using sensors and relays. The thermostat in a single-compressor apparatus is installed in the upper chamber. Therefore, when the start relay fails, the upper chamber does not freeze at first.

However, clients often complain that it gets very cold in the plus chamber. The reason is also a malfunction of the thermostat of the Indesit refrigerator. At this time, the walls of the chamber freeze over because the compressor works non-stop.

The Indesit refrigerator will not freeze well if the inside of the chamber is overgrown with ice, which does not conduct heat and acts as an insulator. At the same time, a coat of ice can disrupt the tight fit of the doors. Incoming jets of warm air will cause additional ice. When eliminating frost, you should check or clean the condensate drain hole in the drip defrost system. Make sure the defrost turns on and works.

You can determine that the Indesit refrigerator has started to work poorly by the constant operation of the motor or the absence of compressor starts.

You should pay attention if the compressor turns on for seconds and turns off with a loud knock. It happens that the start relay clicks, but the motor does not turn on. But if the light in the chamber is on and the refrigerator does not turn on, start checking with the thermostat

But if the light in the chamber is on and the refrigerator does not turn on, start checking with the thermostat.

How to fix the problem?

Depending on what the problem with the freezer is, the appropriate repair methods are chosen:

if freon leaks, a specialist will reinstall the damaged tube and fill the chamber with refrigerant;

if the motor breaks down, you will have to replace an expensive part, for which you must first manually defrost the entire refrigerator, disconnecting it from the electricity;

when the filter drier is clogged, you can clearly hear the howling of the compressor; this can also be eliminated only in a service center, where the capillary tubes will be cleaned or the filter will be replaced;

if the thermostat timer is stuck in place, then you can use a screwdriver to tighten the screw a little and adjust the hour hand;

If the salt rod inside the relay has burned out, you can, if you have certain skills, replace it yourself.

Sometimes the reason that the camera does not freeze is a poorly closed door. If, for example, ice has frozen on it, then the seal does not fit properly. To do this, you will have to unplug the refrigerator and leave it for 24 hours until all the ice has melted. After this, try closing the door with a piece of paper inserted between it and the wall. If it falls out easily, it means there is not enough elasticity and the seal should be replaced.

It is also important to check that the unit is installed correctly. If the balance is disturbed, then the system cannot work as expected. To do this, pour some water into a plate and place it on top. If the refrigerator is unevenly positioned, fluid displacement will be noticeable. Then all that remains is to install the refrigerator correctly.

Video: Indesit refrigerator, the main chamber does not cool well.

What are the most common faults?

In Indesit two-chamber refrigerators, the upper refrigerator compartment may fail to function - there are several reasons.

Start protection relay does not work

The relay is used to turn on and off the compressor in the refrigerator. As a result of prolonged operation, the part could stick, or its contacts could burn out. Therefore, a thorough diagnosis and replacement of the relay is carried out.

Fan problems

Several signs indicate problems with fan operation:

The self-diagnosis system may display error code F04 on the display.
You may also notice that the fan does not spin in the refrigerator with the No Frost system; the blades are covered with snow. Then the refrigerator is defrosted and restarted.
If the blades do not rotate after defrosting, then check the wiring of the fan motor - measure the resistance using a multimeter. If a problem is detected, the fan should be replaced.

The defrost heater is broken

In this case, the display may display code F07, which will help you find out the cause of the failure. The problem can also be noticed by external signs:

Snow and ice are accumulating on the walls of the departments;
the fan does not rotate;
the temperature in the chambers is below the set temperature.

In this case, the wiring of the heating element is checked, the fuses are checked, perhaps one of them has blown. A new heater is being installed.

Motor-compressor malfunction

If the motor starts to run noisily or does not turn on at all, you need to call a technician for diagnostics. The compressor could burn out due to voltage fluctuations in the network, as well as during long-term operation, when all parts wear out. Wear can be determined by the following signs:

the compressor starts for a few seconds and stalls;
oily streaks are visible near the body;
there is no cold in the cells.

If a breakdown occurs, a new compressor is installed. The main thing is to choose the right part in accordance with the model of your refrigerator.

No light in the department

Having problems with lighting? Check the light bulb, but first unplug the refrigerator. If the light bulb is covered by a shade, unscrew the fasteners and remove it. Then unscrew the damaged one and install a new light bulb.

What to do if the Indesit refrigerator compressor breaks down?

One of the most common problems with refrigerators, including Indesit, is that the compressor does not work.

Signs of a compressor failure in an Indesit refrigerator:

The motor does not turn on . In a regular refrigerator, two chambers do not work at once. And in a two-chamber one, one of them. The light inside the refrigerator may turn on. And if it is the latest model, there will be an error on the display or a beep.
The Indesit refrigerator motor turns on and off . You may hear a characteristic click before turning off. As in the previous case, in a regular refrigerator two chambers do not work, but in a two-chamber refrigerator one of them does not work. But the light is always on. If the refrigerator is equipped with an electronic system, the light on the body will blink, you will hear an audible alert, or you will see an error code on the control panel. Usually the cause is a short in the winding of the compressor or motor. The technician will notice that the engine has become hot, and it may even knock out the plugs in your apartment.
The Indesit refrigerator works and does not turn off . At the same time, the temperature inside the chambers is higher than it should be. This is a problem with equipment that was purchased a long time ago; the motor has worn out over time. It can no longer cool fully, but it is trying to correct the situation and works smoothly. If the refrigerator is single-chamber, then the temperature is high in two compartments. But in two-chamber systems, the problem occurs in one of the chambers. The light is always on. An error code may appear or a light on the case may light up.

What to do? If the compressor of the Indesit refrigerator does not turn on, then it needs to be replaced.

Possible problems

Main components of the unit:

motor-compressor;
evaporator;
fan;
heating element;
thermostat;
start-protection relay;
refrigerant lines;
air channels between the walls of the refrigerator.

Each of these structural elements can fail, as a result of which the refrigerator or freezer stops working or, conversely, functions at the limit of its capabilities, but does not turn off. The nature of the breakdown of any equipment (and Indesit units) allows us to determine the likely malfunction. In this case, specific symptoms often appear, but if they are uncharacteristic (inherent in other problems in the operation of the refrigerator), you need to invite a specialist.

Start protection relay is faulty

This unit is located on the side of the housing. Its main task is to control the operation of the motor-compressor. The principle is the following: the relay is responsible for distributing energy to the motor windings; this unit operates in conjunction with a temperature sensor. When the chamber becomes warm/cold, the relay starts or turns off the motor-compressor.

In the event of a breakdown, 2 operating modes are possible: the No Frost unit does not cool or functions without shutting down. One of the reasons for the relay to turn off is the appearance of carbon deposits on the motor contacts. You need to understand how to test a relay. A test device is used for this. It is necessary to determine the resistance of the circuit, and also check the condition of the electromagnetic switch.

Freezer not freezing

If it has been noticed that the performance of the refrigerator has decreased, and the lower chamber does not freeze, 2 reasons are suggested: a malfunction of the thermostat, a violation of the integrity of the routes through which freon passes. In the first case, the motor-compressor does not start when the temperature in the freezer changes to the limit value and becomes warmer.

In this case, the motor-compressor turns on more often or works constantly, because in this way it compensates for the lack of freon, which gradually evaporates through invisible cracks. A more obvious reason that the Indesit refrigerator does not freeze well is the incorrect installation of the sealing circuit during replacement.

Unpleasant odors

The unit can turn on and operate normally. A smell in an Indesit two-chamber refrigerator is not always a consequence of a malfunction; it happens that this is caused by improper operation. It is necessary to defrost the unit, while it is disconnected from the power supply. Take out the food and wash the chambers using citric acid or soda.

If the smell soon reappears, and at the same time the food quickly deteriorates, the refrigerating chamber of the No Frost unit does not work. Moreover, the compressor may start, but does not perform its function due to a malfunction of the associated components: relay, temperature sensor.

The light is not on or the Alarm signal is constantly on

There may be several reasons why the light inside the refrigerator compartment does not light up:

The light bulb has burned out (the most likely option).
No power (open circuit or simply no light in the apartment).
The lighting unit key has failed.

As a rule, there are no problems with replacing a lamp; the main thing is to know the technical characteristics of the light bulb so that you can buy exactly the same one. If the light does not light due to a failure of the mechanical key, there is no need to panic either. Most often, the spring responsible for the functionality of the plastic button falls off inside.

You can change either a separate key or the entire system along with the lamp. The situation is different when the red light with a bell is on on the control panel. Depending on the product model, it may have an additional inscription “Alarm” or a triangle symbol with an exclamation point inside. In any case, if the red light is on, this signal should not be ignored. The most common reasons include:

The door in the upper compartment of the refrigerator was open for a long time. Check the seal, close the door and wait until the temperature inside reaches the set value.
The refrigerator is loaded with warm food and cannot immediately reach the desired mode. Wait a couple of hours, the light should go off.
Refrigerant leak or malfunction of one of the refrigerator systems. In this case, professional diagnostics are necessary to find out the reasons why the refrigerator broke down.

The most common cause of such a breakdown may be a gas leak. The refrigerant will not escape by itself from a closed circuit. A technician can find the location of the microcrack and restore the seal.

A clogged capillary tube prevents the system from working. It accumulates sediment from the breakdown of oil in the freon environment. If the refrigerant is isobutane, such a breakdown is less common. The plug is pressed out or the tube is replaced with a new one.

Read more: Why the refrigerator stopped working: reasons and what to do

The reason for the lack of cold in one of the refrigerator chambers may be a faulty thermostat. Its breakdown may be the reason why the refrigerator works, freezes, but does not turn off.

The motor-compressor has failed. At the same time, it can turn on and off for a short time. Rumbling and grinding noises are heard. The compressor may be jammed, which will inevitably lead to the replacement of the entire energy unit. The motor can fail either from a lack or from an excess of freon in the circuit. That is why a specialist must charge the refrigerant.

In a refrigerator with a No Frost system, heat removal may be impaired due to a malfunction of the defrost system and fan. Cold air will not flow into the positive chamber if the pipeline is frozen or the fan does not work.

Why does the refrigerator click but does not turn on?

The most expensive repair you'll need is if your refrigerator clicks but won't turn on. Clicking noises are a symptom that in most cases indicates a motor failure. These sounds are produced by the start-up relay when it unsuccessfully tries to start the compressor. A burnt out engine cannot be repaired. It can only be changed.

Clicking noises are also observed when the thermostat breaks down. If the temperature controller does not give a signal about the lack of cold in time, a working compressor will not start. In this case, you will have to change the thermostat. This problem often occurs with Nord refrigerators.

Tips and tricks

In order for household appliances to work without failures, you should follow the recommendations:

Drip-type refrigerators must be defrosted regularly.
The device must be placed on a flat and solid surface.
The upper and lower compartments should not be overloaded with products.
It is prohibited to install household appliances of this type near heat sources.
The evaporator (radiator on the rear wall) must be protected from the possibility of mechanical damage.
The device must be transported carefully.

If your household appliances are not equipped with a No Frost system and you need to defrost, you need to wait until the ice melts on its own. You cannot pick at it with sharp objects - there is a risk of damaging the refrigerant pipes.

It is prohibited to place hot food - violation of the temperature regime and the formation of a large amount of moisture will lead to serious damage. If malfunctions occur, you should immediately contact a specialist: independent repairs can only worsen the situation.

Breakdowns leading to the freezer freezing but the refrigerator not

Let's look at the main types of breakdowns that result.

Blockage in the capillary system

The filter tube may be clogged with oil. At the same time, everything is fine with freezing, and the refrigerator compartment is warm. The situation under consideration can be confused with a breakdown of another nature, for example, a malfunction of the evaporator. To find out the exact cause, technicians conduct a temperature analysis in the compressor-condenser section. You can try to deal with minor blockages on your own.

Sometimes tapping the tube helps, but it is important not to overdo it. If this does not save the situation, it is better not to try to fix the breakdown on your own (which is not always possible to do successfully), but to immediately call a qualified specialist

He will professionally clean the system, replace the refrigerant, and remove excess air from the evaporator.

Where is the capillary tube located in the refrigerator?

Drain hole clogged in refrigerator with drip defrost

Typically, all refrigerators have a brush in the drainage hole located at the bottom of the back wall. It is recommended to regularly clean the drainage system with it. The more often you do this, the less risk of getting a major jam. Crumbs and other contaminants contribute to congestion. They prevent water from draining into a special bath. Water accumulates at the bottom and then flows out. You can clean it using a syringe. It needs to be filled with warm water and forcefully squeezed into the channel. The steps must be repeated a couple of times, not forgetting to remove all dirty water from the tray located under the compressor.

Cleaning the drainage tube with a rubber bulb

There is another way to clean the system. For example, using a hand pump or soft wire. To do this, it is necessary to alternate translational and rotational movements, using wire. This procedure takes about 3 minutes. If desired, you can combine two methods: cleaning with a rubber bulb or using a wire.

To make sure that the system is cleaned, you need to pour some water into a glass and pour the liquid into the gutter located next to the drain hole. If the drainage system is cleaned well, the water will drain quickly. If the water does not want to leave and stagnates, the procedure must be repeated again.

Freon leak

As a result of mechanical damage or corrosion, the system circuit may be damaged. Due to the formation of microcracks, gas escapes out. The compressor, trying to make up for the lack of cooling, works almost without pauses, but this is not enough. The cold may simply not be enough.

Damage to the magnetic valve responsible for switching modes

If the refrigerator is single-compressor, the magnetic valve may get stuck in the freezer cooling mode. This unit needs to be replaced.

Temperature sensor failure

The temperature sensor in electronically controlled models is located inside the chamber. It may be accidentally damaged. A sensor showing erroneous information causes the compressor to operate at increased power. Other sensors in the refrigerator’s electronic system may also be damaged, and mechanical buttons tend to become clogged and break. Due to an automation failure, the equipment may behave in different ways, including freezing only the freezer.

Fan motor failure

If the refrigerator makes suspicious sounds, there is something wrong with it. This is not necessarily an engine failure. The fan blades may simply freeze. To correct the situation, you need to defrost.

Failure of one of the motors in a two-compressor refrigerator

If the refrigerator has two motors and only the freezer is functioning, the compressor responsible for the operation of the refrigerator compartment may have broken down. The breakdown of another unit leads to a diametrically opposite situation - the freezer does not freeze.

Refrigerators with two compressors

And one last thing. Damage may occur on the refrigerator body, outside and inside: cracks, holes, etc.

Typical problems with an Indesit refrigerator

Indesit models are equipped with a self-diagnosis system, so if a malfunction occurs, an error code is displayed on the display. The instructions always indicate the explanation of all errors for a specific model. You can determine the location of the breakdown and carry out repairs.

What problems happen in refrigerators? Let's take a closer look at the breakdowns and ways to eliminate them.

Start protection relay is faulty

The relay is part of the motor-compressor. When turned on, it starts the compressor and the chambers begin to cool. When turned off, the motor stops “to rest.” If the relay sticks in one position or fails, the temperature in the chambers will increase, because the engine will not start.

For what reasons does the relay break?

Terminals and contacts burn out during a power surge.
Moisture gets on the parts.
Incorrect connection leads to short circuit and burning of the element.

Clean contacts.
Check the correct connection and tightness of the wiring.

Watch a video about the principle of operation and diagnostics of the starting relay:

Freezer not freezing

We wrote more about this problem in the article “The freezer does not work.” Here we will describe common problems to look out for.

The latest Indesit models are equipped with the No Frost defrosting system. This means that ice does not form on the walls, and the equipment does not need frequent defrosting. However, some people notice that ice freezes on the back wall.

Here's what users are complaining about:

The freezer does not cool food. You can hear the compressor running, but the temperature in the compartment does not decrease. You need to check the temperature regulator. The value may be set incorrectly, or it may be faulty. Also inspect the door seal and diagnose the circuit for refrigerant leaks.
The engine starts for a few seconds and turns off. Freezing doesn't work. The causes of the malfunction could be: a start relay, burnt wiring, or a failure in the electronic board. You need to contact the service center.
Ice on the walls. Thermal relay settings are set to high. The capillary line may be clogged, so the refrigerant cannot circulate properly.

Fan doesn't work

Fans in refrigerators with No Frost circulate cold air, distributing it evenly throughout the chamber. They can stop their work for the following reasons:

Ice is frozen on the blades, so they don't rotate. The refrigerator needs to be defrosted.
The connection between the main module and the fan is broken. The wiring is inspected and faulty elements are replaced.
The motor burned out. A complete replacement of the part is required.

To check the functionality, the fan wiring is connected to operating voltage. If it rotates, everything is fine.

The heating element in the chamber does not work

A similar malfunction can be indicated by code F07 in electronic models and by the blinking of three indicators on electromechanical ones. Do not immediately replace the element and take the error literally. If the camera does not defrost, you need to check the wiring, the quality of the connection, and only then, if there is a malfunction, change parts.

To diagnose and replace the heating element, do this:

Remove all drawers from the compartment.
Remove the back wall, behind which there is a heating element and an evaporator.
To test the defrost timer, connect its contacts with a wire. If it works, then everything is fine.
Measure the relay contacts with a multimeter. If the tester beeps, the relay is working.

Watch the video for more details:

Compressor problems

It happens that the compressor does not work or, on the contrary, constantly works.

If the refrigerator does not turn on or start, the first thing to check is the power cord. If at the same time you hear something clicking somewhere, you need to check the motor. The relay makes clicking noises when trying to start the engine.

When the equipment does not turn off and does not cool, this indicates wear and tear on the motor. It lacks the power to create pressure and cool. Therefore, it does not turn off, because the system is trying to reach the set temperature. To prevent it from breaking completely, carry out diagnostics and repairs.

Refrigerant leak

Most often, breakdowns occur in two-chamber models with a bottom freezer. The condensation that drains from the upper chamber drips onto the freezer body. A refrigerant circuit runs underneath it. Due to corrosion, the circuit tubes are destroyed and freon gas begins to leak.

What signs indicate a problem:

Ice freezes on the walls and evaporator.
The refrigerator does not freeze well or does not cool at all.
The back wall is swollen.
The compressor turns off for only 5-10 seconds, trying to reach the set temperature.

The troubleshooting methods are simple: call a technician. A specialist with equipment can do this work independently. You need to: find the damage, eliminate the leak, refill the system with freon.

The body is electrocuted

Do you touch the body and get a small shock? The use of such technology is prohibited. Disconnect it from the network and check the insulation of the wiring and power cord. Large appliances must be connected through a grounded outlet.

Found a exposed wire? There is no need to isolate it, it is better to completely replace it.

The light doesn't light up

When the light bulb gets too hot or burns out, you can replace it yourself:

Unscrew the screw that secures the lampshade. Take it off.
Unscrew the light bulb and install a new one at 15 W.
Reinstall the lampshade.

It's worth checking the switch. When the door is closed, the light should turn off. If this does not happen, then the switch is repaired.

The refrigerator is noisy, humming, crackling

After installation, did the equipment start to hum? Check that the housing is correctly positioned and level. It should be installed tilted back a couple of degrees. To do this, adjust the front legs.

Do you hear crackling noises during operation? This is possible when freezing is turned on: thawed plastic is deformed due to the temperature difference. This is not a breakdown if the device cracked from the first days after purchase.

The unit is leaking, there is water under the fruit boxes

In models with drip defrost, the drainage hole is clogged. Moisture from the walls should go down the drain, but instead it flows down the compartment.

The hole can be easily cleaned with a thin wire. Cover all food to prevent crumbs and small particles from falling into the drainage hole.

The indicators on the panel do not light up

In such cases, the control board is diagnosed and the contacts from the module to the panel are checked.

Unpleasant odors

There is an unpleasant odor in the department, although the temperature is normal. The unit needs to be defrosted and cleaned.

Unplug it.
Remove all food and leave to defrost for at least 24 hours.
Wipe the walls and shelves with a solution of water and lemon juice. Close the doors for half an hour.
Wipe the contents with a dry cloth and add food.

To avoid equipment malfunctions, it is enough to adhere to the operating instructions. Before purchasing, you should pay attention to the climate class of the refrigerator in order to install it in suitable conditions.

Why doesn't the refrigerator compressor work?

There are several main reasons why a motor fails:

The compressor winding broke, the winding shorted, and the motor itself shorted. As for the windings, the only thing left to do is change the winding or replace the motor itself. The technician can recommend the second option, which will significantly extend the life of your refrigerator. However, it’s up to you to decide what kind of repairs to make.
Closing the contacts in the compressor does not lead to good results; repairs are required, urgent repairs. How to test the compressor directly? It happens that the relay has failed, and the unit needs to be turned on in order to check its serviceability. In this case, the wizards proceed as follows: connect two wires to the working main terminal, then connect the third wire to this terminal. Next, apply voltage and with one touch touch the third wire to the starting winding terminal. Be extremely careful - work is carried out with high voltage.
Relay fault. A failed relay leads to the fact that the engine cannot start, because they are interconnected. How to check the refrigerator relay? Quite simple. The first step is to remove the relay cover, disconnect it and check the contact resistance with a multimeter. If the problem is with this part, then repair or replacement will be needed.
The defrost button sticks. When the button is stuck, the work slows down. The unit system does not turn on the cooling and the engine does not start. The button needs to be repaired or replaced.
Thermostat malfunction. If a malfunction is detected in the temperature controller, repair or complete replacement will be required.

What to do if the engine does not start?

Check the cable first. If there is no damage, inspect the motor itself. How to check the motor? Inspect and touch to see if it is overheated. If overheating, unplug and allow to cool completely. Defrosting will not solve the problem completely, but you will have time to call a technician, and he will immediately get to work.

Also check the switch button and thermostat.

In the best case, of course, you should immediately call a mechanic from the service center, who will check everything, tell you, and eliminate the cause of the breakdown. You should not repair it yourself - there is a risk of aggravating the situation.

What repairs will be needed to start the refrigerator engine?

Main types of work:

Repairing the relay or replacing it;
Replacing the thermostat;
Motor winding repair;
Replacing the motor;
Replacing the defrost button.

If you find that your refrigerator suddenly turns off and stops working, then this is a reason to contact a service center. You can contact us by number or leave a request on the website.

The technician will arrive to you within an hour and fix the problem that is bothering you.

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Common breakdowns of Hotpoint Ariston

Although Ariston refrigerators have proven themselves to be reliable, problems sometimes occur. It’s good if a fault code appears on the display, then you can look at the instructions and calculate the breakdown. If this does not happen and the device is not functioning normally, you can run test mode. How to do this is also described in the user manual.

Common refrigerator problems:

It makes noise and buzzes when working.
Makes strange sounds (crackling, clicking).
There is no light in the cell.
The refrigerator compartment does not cool, the freezer does not freeze well.
The freezer gets very cold and the food freezes.
It beeps and the red light is on.
The motor-compressor does not turn off, it works without stopping.
The compressor does not turn on.
The back wall of the chamber freezes.

Water at the bottom of the compartment.

Why such breakdowns happen and how to fix them, read below.

Malfunctions of the refrigerator Indesit C138NFG

Two-chamber combined refrigerator with one compressor and electromechanical control. The No Frost defrosting system is used in the freezer and a “crying” wall in the cold chamber.

freezer thermostat, if the required minus is not reached in the freezer;
upper chamber thermostat, if the temperature in the refrigerator is incorrect;
sticking of the switching magnetic valve;
Freon leak or compressor failure.

Elimination of the causes is possible after a complete diagnosis by service center specialists.

The fuse in the Indesit No Frost refrigerator has blown

The fuse is intended for emergency opening of the heater circuit in the event of a malfunction of the No Frost defrost. Usually it is located in the same housing with a defrost sensor (defroster) and fails along with other defrost components: sensor, timer or heating element.

Signs	Remedy	Cost* (work only)
The No Frost evaporator defrost system does not work. Therefore, a layer of ice builds up on the evaporator in the freezer, which blocks the supply of cooled air to the refrigerator compartment, and it does not cool, although the compressor runs constantly. At the same time, the freezer does not freeze well.

There may also be grinding sounds when the fan touches the frost formed on the No Frost evaporator.

*Spare parts necessary for repairs are paid separately.

Possible malfunctions of the No Frost refrigerator

A fan is used to circulate air in a confined space. It forces air from the chamber through an evaporator consisting of a battery of tubes. The fan has stopped - the cold does not enter the chamber. This happens in cases:

engine failed;
the blades are frozen, create a large load, the engine knocks out;
Ice frozen on the evaporator prevents the fan blades from rotating.

Before stopping, the device will spin noisily, cracklingly, touching the ice.

The evaporator will freeze up if a crust of ice grows on it, and the heating element passing nearby is cold. This will happen if a failure occurs and the timer does not give the command to start the heater. But it is possible that the fuse has blown or the heating element is faulty. If the compressor runs without stopping, there will be no signal for defrosting, and the evaporator will continue to freeze.

In a two-chamber device with full No Frost, cold air goes up through an air channel equipped with a damper. The temperature in the refrigerator will rise if the inside of the duct is covered with ice or the damper fails.

Behind the wall of the freezer there is a condensate removal unit - a hole for collecting water and a tube for draining into a special bowl above the container. The tube may become clogged or frozen. Gradually, the entire internal cavity will be covered with ice, and water will roll down it into the chamber, freezing the ice. After a while the fan will also stop.

Let's sum it up

The No Frost refrigerator reduces the time it takes to maintain the appliance. The food in it should be stored in airtight containers to create less ice. Once a year, a preventive inspection of the device by a specialist and cleaning is necessary.

We offer a video with a specialist explaining how No Frost works.

https://youtube.com/watch?v=Odjg73r_7a0

No Frost refrigerator malfunctions

The defrost sensor in the Indesit refrigerator with No Frost has failed

The defrost sensor (defroster) measures the temperature of the No Frost evaporator and transmits information when defrosting needs to be turned on or off. If it fails, the defrost will not turn on. Usually the defrost sensor fails along with the fuse or defrost timer.

Signs	Remedy	Cost* (work only)
Ice has appeared in the No Frost freezer, which is blocking the supply of cold air through special channels to the refrigerator compartment. As a result, the refrigerator compartment cools poorly or does not cool at all. The refrigerator compressor runs almost non-stop.

Due to ice accumulation on the evaporator, the cooling capacity of the evaporator is reduced and the freezer does not freeze well.

*Spare parts necessary for repairs are paid separately.

Proper care will eliminate problems

Malfunctions often arise due to the fault of the owners of household appliances themselves. The following errors are considered the most common:

neglect of regular defrosting of the unit; defrosting too often; placing the device in a warm place; overloading the chamber with products; installation of heavy objects on the top panel of the unit; careless handling that led to depressurization; attempts to remove ice with sharp objects.

It is important to follow the instructions for defrosting your refrigerator. You need to turn off the power, open the doors slightly and let the frost melt naturally. With proper care, the device will work properly for many years.

With proper care, the device will work properly for many years.

If the cycle of turning on and off the compressor is violated, do not postpone repairs. It is necessary to call a specialist who will figure out why the refrigerators do not turn off and take action. Delay will lead to the motor burning out and the cost of returning the refrigerator to working condition will increase significantly.

Top 10 reliable refrigerators under 30,000 rubles

The Indesit refrigerator works, but does not freeze

What to do if the refrigerator is constantly running, but there is no cooling? Understand the causes of the problem. You should check:

Is the camera door closed properly? If there is a gap visible through which warm air passes, then the motor will work without stopping, compensating for the temperature. It is necessary to take measures, replace the seal, tighten the door fastenings.
Is there adequate ventilation around the refrigerator? When the room is hot, the case is close to the wall or radiator, the equipment begins to overheat, and the compressor works without interruption. Move the body away from the furniture so that there is a distance of 7-10 cm between them.

More serious malfunctions are also possible:

The thermostat or temperature sensor is broken. Now the module cannot receive messages about the temperature in the chamber, so the motor runs all the time.
The control board is faulty. In this case, the module does not process the data correctly, therefore, the refrigerator compartment may not cool well and the freezer may not work. The board needs to be re-flashed or replaced.

User comments

Blockage of the evaporator tube. As a result of depressurization, a blood clot forms in the tube, so it is better to call a specialist who will remove the blockage.
A refrigerant leak leads to a decrease in freon gas in the system, which is why you observe poor cooling in the chamber. It is necessary to find the cause of the leak and top up the system with freon.
The motor wears out and is noisy. The compressor parts wear out and it lacks the power to create the required pressure to reduce the temperature.

Indesit without No Frost - the upper chamber does not cool

In the overwhelming majority of cases, in two-chamber Indesit units, problems begin with the fact that the temperature in the upper chamber increases. If timely measures are not taken, then over time the entire refrigerator will stop freezing. When the upper chamber of the device does not freeze, and the No Frost system in this unit is not provided by the manufacturer, the reasons may be as follows:

the temperature indicators on the regulator are set incorrectly;
The thermostat has failed;
the sealing rubber on the chamber door is damaged or worn out;
the capillary tube is clogged;
There is insufficient volume of freon in the system.

When the temperature is turned up to the maximum, the power of the equipment may not be enough if the temperature and humidity are elevated in a room with poor ventilation. It is better to set the temperature to medium. In this option, a smaller volume of cold will be redirected to the freezer compartment and the temperature in both compartments will be at a normal level.

Failures of the temperature regulator can be identified by the fact that the compressor in the unit operates continuously and the walls of the chamber freeze over. Also, the thermostat has failed when the compressor does not start and the start relay does not operate. It is not difficult to determine whether a thermal relay is malfunctioning; when this part fails, the following occurs:

the lighting in the cell is correct;
the compressor does not change operation when the thermostat is switched;
There is no click when the thermostat turns off.

When the seal is broken, an ice “coat” grows inside the chamber, which changes the heat removal properties. The Indesit unit will not freeze enough, the compressor will begin to function continuously. It is necessary to align the door correctly, place the refrigerator on a level place and promptly replace the sealing rubber in the event of the first signs of wear of this element.

Over time, the welds between the aluminum evaporator tubes and the steel or copper circuit may corrode. Also, there is a possibility of damage to the pipeline during defrosting when using improvised materials. With a freon leak, not only the upper chamber begins to cool poorly, but also the lower one. The gas gradually comes out and the compressor begins to function non-stop. At the first sign of this condition, a technician is called, who determines the location of the leak, seals it and refills the cooling circuit with refrigerant.

Attention! The listed reasons lead to a lack of cooling in the chambers not only of Indesit brand refrigerators, but also of other manufacturers - Gorenje, Liebherr, Ardo, Zanussi, Biryusa, Nord, Beko, Atlant and others.

With top chamber

Refrigerators with an upper freezer are most often provided by the Indesit RAA 28 and Indesit TIAA 16 models (shown in the photo). Buyers leave good reviews about the first small-sized model:

height 143 cm,
width 55 cm,
depth 58 cm.

The total volume is 212 liters, of which 171 liters are in the refrigerator compartment, and the freezer occupies 41 liters.

The operation of the refrigerator is facilitated by equipping the refrigerator compartment with an automatic defrosting system or, as it is also called, a drip defrosting system. The refrigerator compartment defrosts on its own. It contains:

3 glass shelves with white profile,
4 door baskets,
special container for storing vegetables.

The freezer is equipped with an autonomous cold storage system for 20 hours, its freezing capacity is 2 kg/24 hours. The freezer is defrosted manually.

In addition, the refrigerator has mechanical temperature control, low noise level, and an integrated door handle. The design allows you to rehang the doors if necessary. Electricity consumption at a rated voltage of 220-240 V is 226 kW/h.

The two-chamber Indesit TIAA 16 has larger dimensions: its height, width and depth are 167, 60 and 66 cm, respectively. The total volume of the refrigerator is 300 liters, 53 of which are in the freezer compartment, and 247 are contained in the refrigerator compartment.

The model has a reduced noise level of 39 dB, mechanical control, and a static cooling system. In the refrigerator compartment:

4 glass shelves,
2 drawers designed for storing vegetables,
4 shelves on the door.

The freezer compartment has a container for storing ice and is also equipped with a static cooling system. Indesit TIAA 16 has an integrated door handle and antibacterial coating. If necessary, you can move the refrigerator doors to either side.