Refrigerator indesit DIY repair

In detail: indesit refrigerator do-it-yourself repair from a real master for the site my.housecope.com.

The Italian brand Indesit refrigerators are well-known and loved in Russia. The production is organized in Lipetsk. Good value for money, reliability of the device and availability of spare parts make the products popular. Malfunctions in the Indesit refrigerator occur due to aging, the development of a service life.

Most of the Indesit refrigerators are two-compartment, on their examples we will consider the malfunctions characteristic of these models. Signs of a malfunction of the compressor of the Indesit refrigerator are:

the unit works noisily, with uncharacteristic knocking, whistling;
starts for a few seconds and stops;
does not generate cold.

Replacing a compressor, filling the system with refrigerant is an expensive and complex repair. It is caused by prolonged operation of the device in conditions that do not meet the requirements for operation or the development of a resource.

The most common and less costly reason will be the failure of the thermostat. The manufacturer has set the operating time for the thermostat at 5 years. Symptoms of a malfunctioning thermostat:

The temperature in one of the chambers does not hold.
The compressor may not turn on, it may run continuously.
The electromechanical thermostat does not emit a characteristic click when the knob is turned to 0.

You can replace the temperature sensor yourself. The node is connected to the thermostat.

Why is the cooling mode not maintained in the chambers? If the compressor does not turn on, you need to check the contacts of the start-up relay. They may burn out or stick and need to be replaced.

Long-term operation of the device is accompanied by the gradual volatilization of freon. In case of mechanical damage to the evaporator, leaks during corrosive wear of the joints of the copper and aluminum pipes, in the door heating circuit, the gas quickly leaves the circuit. The lack of freon impairs the performance of the refrigerator. Heat dissipation is reduced. The signs will be a rise in temperature and the formation of a "fur coat" in the refrigerator. It is necessary to refuel the circuit with freon.

Video (click to play).

The refrigerator will work with the same symptoms as a lack of freon if the capillary tube gets clogged. The difference is determined by the temperature of the condenser and its heating zones.

A defective circuit board in an electronically controlled refrigerator will paralyze all systems. Failure occurs when there are power surges in the network. To avoid problems, all devices with electronic control units must be connected through a voltage stabilizer.

For Indesit refrigerators with No Frost, malfunctions are possible associated with the operation of the fan and thawing of ice. The electronic board displays the code F04. The fan may stop due to freezing of the blades, a malfunction in the electrical circuit. To defrost the inner ice behind the wall and in the chamber, to dry it, it is necessary to run the fan for at least a day. Ice builds up on the propeller when the ice defrost heater on the evaporator is not working. It turns on at the command of the thermostat. Possible malfunction of heating element, wiring, thermostat. Error code F7.

Each model of refrigerators has features in design, cooling circuit, electrical and electronic control circuits. Let us analyze the malfunctions characteristic of different Indesit refrigerators, why they do not turn on, do not freeze.

Two-chamber model, with 1 compressor, electromechanical control. Condensate drain from the refrigerating chamber is drip, the freezer requires manual defrosting.The refrigerator is very reliable, during normal operation it has been working without repair for more than 10 years.

A typical breakdown in the model is the failure of the thermostat. This is a housing part with internal relay contacts and a membrane. If the unit malfunctions, the refrigerating chamber does not work, and the temperature in the freezer drops. Due to the inability to analyze, the sensor sends incorrect commands to the module. The compressor can run non-stop and cause damage. The motor will not turn on if the sensor does not give a start command.

The thermostat cannot be repaired and must be replaced. To do this, the refrigerator is disconnected from the network, and the sensor is replaced, according to the instruction manual. We offer you to watch a video on replacing the thermostat on the refrigerator.

Two-compartment combined refrigerator with one compressor and electromechanical control. The Nou Frost defrosting system in the freezer and the "crying" wall in the cold chamber are used.

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. Defective components of the Indesit refrigerator of this model, when the temperature in the chambers does not hold, can be:

freezer thermostat, if the desired minus is not typed in the freezer;
thermostat of the upper chamber, if the temperature in the refrigerator is incorrect;
sticking of the switching solenoid valve;
Freon leakage or compressor failure.

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

In the condensate drainage system, the condensate drainage system in the refrigerator may become clogged. Failure of heaters in the Know system will result in freezer growth in icing. The fan will stop clogged with ice. An inoperative defrost timer will also lead to such consequences.

A specialist can find and eliminate the malfunction, but before that, the lower chamber should be defrosted within 24 hours. During this time, the blades of the refrigerator will be released, and it will be possible to check whether the No Frost power grid is working properly.

The refrigerator is two-compartment, with the lower location of the freezer has an energy efficiency class A. Apparatus with one compressor with full Know Frost in the chambers. On the forums, the model is characterized as reliable, malfunctions happen, but the masters advise you to carefully consider the service.

The model with an external condenser mounted in a grid above the motor will last longer if the heat exchanger is thoroughly cleaned of dust and pet hair once a year.

If the Indesit refrigerator does not freeze, malfunctions may be identified:

damage to the network or lack of power.
malfunctions of the thermostat;
Freon leakage due to the appearance of fistulas in evaporators or refrigerant pipes;
plug in the capillary system.
failure of the motor-compressor.

The Know Frost system in both chambers is located behind the refrigerator wall. The products are cooled by an air stream, condensate is deposited inside the system. The main symptom of a malfunction of the air-cooled Indesit refrigerator is the appearance of ice inside the chamber and an increase in temperature due to a violation of heat transfer.

After a complete defrosting of the chamber with an inoperative fan, it turns out:

the defrost timer has failed;
open circuit in the heater power supply;
the fan has broken.

If puddles form under the refrigerator, you need to check the integrity and serviceability of the condensate drainage system into the container installed on the compressor.

The appearance of frost in the refrigerator when the fan is running indicates a violation of the tightness of the chamber. It is necessary to check the fit of the seal, its integrity. Adjust or eliminate door slack. Choose a more correct operating mode. Optimally, choose a medium setting.

Two-compartment refrigerator with a small 63 liter freezer underneath, energy efficiency class B.The chambers use Nou Frost defrosting.

The main reason for the malfunction of the Indesit refrigerator of this model will be the failure of the thermostat, the device that maintains the set temperature in the cabinets. Symptoms of a malfunction are:

the refrigerator does not turn on, but there is a light inside;
the compressor runs continuously;
subzero temperature in the cold chamber;
the compressor has stopped freezing.

How to check the compressor's performance, find the one you need for the freezer and refrigerator, change it yourself, a step-by-step video instruction is offered.

However, the master may find other reasons as well. These include the lack or absence of freon, clogging of the capillary tube by the decomposition products of the refrigerant in reaction with oil, and compressor malfunction.

Refrigerator series Giugiaro with bottom freezer. The device is electronically controlled. Used by Know Frost in both branches. There is a freshness zone. Adjusting camera modes on the front panel at the same time. There is an indication of the parameters of work and a signal in case of deviations or violation of the tightness of the circuit. The energy efficiency of the equipment is class B. The main malfunctions of the Indesit refrigerator of this model relate to the control system and the cooling circuit.

In the refrigerator, the electronic control system can fail in case of voltage surges in the network. Therefore, the device must be connected through a stabilizer. The problematic knot is the complete Know Frost system. Most often it is necessary to change the fan or the power supply to it. If water flows from under the refrigerator, you need to revise the condensate removal system.

Freestanding refrigerator with electromechanical control. Used for manual defrosting of the freezer and drip defrost for the refrigerator. The compact device with a height of 167 cm has a volume of 241 liters.

The main malfunction of the Indesit refrigerator, when the refrigerator does not keep the temperature, the lower cabinet does not freeze. There are several reasons, the main ones are:

malfunction of the thermostat in the upper chamber and the thermostat in the lower one;
absence or lack of freon due to leakage in the circuit or damage to evaporators;
plugs in the capillary system;
failure of the motor-compressor or starting relay.

But first of all, when melting food is found, you need to check whether there is voltage in the power line, whether the power-on indicator on the refrigerator is on.

What kind of refrigerant the refrigerator is charged with is a question that is rarely asked. There are 2 types of refrigerants used in refrigerators for Europe and Asia. Freon R134a replaced the prohibited R12. It is believed to have depleted the ozone layer. With the introduction of the new component, the capillary tubes began to clog more frequently. It is believed that freon reacts with the oil in the system, creates a sediment, clogging the capillary in 5-6 years. Isobutane, the R600a refrigerant brand, is free from these disadvantages. The unit runs quietly, the filling volume is 30% less. However, in the event of a leak, it is more expensive to repair the device. The gas is explosive, the equipment for working with it is more expensive. The refrigerant isobutane is more expensive than freon. For single-compressor double-chamber refrigerators, the R600a filling is more reliable.

An illustrative and detailed lesson by the master on how to choose and install a thermostat on your own, without spending money on calling specialists.

The technique of the Italian trade mark "Indesit" is in great demand among buyers. However, not everyone knows that refrigerators are produced in Russia, in the city of Lipetsk. Therefore, they have a low cost, a wide range and technical support in service centers. This allows you to quickly eliminate breakdowns. What malfunctions in the Indesit refrigerator occur most often and why, can you fix them yourself, read below.Indesit models are equipped with a self-diagnosis system, therefore, when a malfunction occurs, an error code is displayed on the display. The instructions always indicate the interpretation of all errors for a particular model. You can locate the breakdown and repair it.What problems happen in refrigerators? Let's take a closer look at breakdowns and ways to eliminate them.The relay is part of the motor-compressor. When turned on, it starts the compressor and the chambers begin to cool down. When turned off, the motor stops “to rest”. If the relay sticks in one position or fails, the temperature in the chambers will rise, because the motor does not start.For what reasons, the relay breaks down:

Terminals and contacts burn out when there is a voltage surge.

Moisture gets on the parts.

Incorrect connection leads to short circuit and burnout of the element.

Clean up contacts.

Check the correct connection and tightness of the wiring connection.

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

We wrote more about this problem in the article "Freezer does not work". Here we describe common issues to look out for.

The latest Indesit models are equipped with a Nou Frost defrost 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 the food. The compressor can be heard, but the temperature in the compartment does not decrease. The temperature controller needs to be checked. It may have been set to the wrong value, or it may have failed. Also visually inspect the door seal and diagnose the circuit for refrigerant leaks.
The engine starts for a few seconds and turns off. Freezing does not work. The causes of the malfunction could be: a starting relay, burnt wiring, or a failure in the electronic board. You need to contact the service center.
Ice on the walls. The thermostat is set to high values. The capillary line may be clogged, so the refrigerant cannot circulate normally.

Fans in refrigerators with Nou Frost drive cold air evenly throughout the chamber. They can stop their work for the following reasons:

Ice is frozen on the blades, so they do not rotate. I need to defrost the refrigerator.
Lost connection between main module and fan. Inspection of wiring and replacement of faulty elements is carried out.
The motor burned out. A complete replacement of the part is required.

To check the functionality, the fan wiring is connected to the operating voltage. If it spins, it's okay.

Such a malfunction can be indicated by the F07 code in electronic models and the blinking of three indicators on the 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, in case of a malfunction, change the parts.

To diagnose and replace the heating element, proceed as follows:

Remove all drawers from the compartment.
Remove the back wall, behind which the heating element and the evaporator are located.
To test the defrost timer, short-circuit its contacts with a wire. If it works, then everything is in order.
Measure the relay contacts with a multimeter. If the tester beeps, the relay is working.

Watch the video for more details:

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

If the refrigerator does not turn on and does not start, the mains cable is checked first. If at the same time you hear that it clicks somewhere, you need to check the motor. The relay clicks in an attempt to start the engine.

When the equipment does not turn off and does not cool, this indicates engine wear. It lacks the power to generate pressure and cool. Therefore, it does not turn off, because the system is trying to reach the set temperature.To ensure that it does not completely break down, carry out diagnostics and repairs.

Most often, breakdown occurs in two-compartment models with a bottom freezer. Condensation from the upper chamber drips onto the body of the freezer. A refrigerant circuit runs under it. Due to corrosion, the circuit pipes are destroyed, and freon gas begins to leak.

What signs indicate a problem:

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

The troubleshooting methods are simple: call the wizard. A specialist with equipment can independently perform this work. It is necessary: to find damage, eliminate the leak, refuel the system with freon.

Touching the case and getting a slight shock? The use of such a technique is prohibited. Disconnect it from the mains and check the insulation of the wiring, power cord. Connection of large-sized devices must be done through a grounded socket.

Found a bare wire? Do not isolate it, it is better to completely replace it.

When the light bulb gets very hot or burns out, you can do it yourself:

Unscrew the screw that secures the cover. Take it off.
Unscrew the bulb and replace with a new 15W.
Replace the cover.

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

After installation, did the technician begin to hum? Check the correct leveling of the housing. It should be installed tilted back a couple of degrees. To do this, adjust the front legs.

Is there a crackling sound during operation? This is possible when freezing is turned on: the thawed plastic is deformed from the temperature difference. This is not a breakdown if the device cracked from the first days after purchase.

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

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

In such cases, diagnostics of the control board is carried out, the contacts from the module to the panel are checked.

An unpleasant odor is felt in the ward, although the temperature is normal. The unit needs to be defrost and cleaned.

Disconnect it from the network.
Remove all food and leave to defrost for at least 24 hours.
Wipe down 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 load the food.

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

You can tell a lot about the repair of Indesit refrigerators and 1 article is clearly not enough for this, since this brand produces not only a large number of models, but also refrigerators with different defrosting or freezing systems (here whoever wants it is called). I will try to succinctly tell you about each of these systems, but still I will pay more attention to the crying defrosting system, since today, these are perhaps the most common refrigeration units in the homes of residents of the former Soviet Union, I will pay special attention to automation, because it is the malfunctions associated with a thermostat or relay, you can do it yourself, as for a freon leak or a motor replacement, in such cases you cannot do without the help of a master. There is also an important point related to the engine, that is, the compressor, the main thing here is to correctly diagnose its breakdown. It often happens that at first glance the motor is out of order, but as a result it turns out that this part is quite working.Now, after you have done a small introductory part, you can start looking for the causes of the malfunction of your refrigerator.

In more than 50%, the thermostat or relay fails, but the real scourge for these refrigerators is the leakage of freon in the foamed part of the case, below I will try to list all the malfunctions that are associated with this defrosting system. Here I would immediately like to note that if the master has identified a freon leak in your refrigerator and recommends that you install a crying evaporator on the back wall in the refrigerator compartment, then it is advisable to agree with this, do not be greedy. This is so, a small digression, but on the case, and now I will list everything that can break in your coldness

Motor start relay - In this case, the motor simply does not start or starts for a few seconds
Fridge motor burned out - The signs are the same as in the first paragraph, plus if you hear a barely noticeable hum of the engine, then most likely a kirdyk came to him, read the rest below
Freon leak - No cold in the refrigerator compartment or frost in the freezer
Capillary clogged - The same as in the previous case, that is, in paragraph 3
Broken thermostat - The refrigerator does not turn on or works in the wrong mode

Then we will disassemble everything in order and first of all, we will start with the most important thing, that is, with the start-up relay and the refrigerator compressor

Now let's add a little more, this paragraph. It happens that the engine runs for an hour or 2, but after it is turned off by the thermostat, the compressor cannot start, this is more due to the overheating of the motor and therefore, until it cools down, it will not work. There is only one reason, it sticks the piston on the compressor and fix it, such a malfunction, you can only change the engine. In general, if the refrigerator engine does not start, then first of all, remove the relay and take it to the workshop, a master, who thinks a little, will immediately determine the breakdown. It is very important, do not poke every 5 seconds, plug into the outlet, this cannot be done, the minimum interval between turning off and on must be at least 10 minutes

Here it is, the biggest mess, in two-compartment refrigerators with a drip thawing system. As you guessed, we will talk about a freon leak and a clogged capillary. If the injection tube, that is, the capillary, is clogged, then first of all you need to look at the heat exchanger, this is a metal grill on the back of the refrigerator, it is also called a condenser or a radiator. In general, it is advisable to check how this heat exchanger heats up, if two rolls are very hot to the touch, and the rest are cold, then most likely we are talking about a clogged filter or capillary tube. Without a master, you cannot make such repairs with your own hands. For complete reliability of the picture, it is necessary to release the gas from the system, drop the air pressure into it and see the passage of the capillary tube at the outlet. If, at the exit from the capillary, the air blows well, that is, as expected, then it is necessary to insert a crying evaporator. An illustrative example of such work, I showed in the video, which you can watch below, and now let's look at the signs that a freon leak has occurred in the refrigerator

The temperature in the refrigerator compartment has risen

On the back wall of the refrigerator compartment, there is a swelling of plastic, that is, the so-called flapper, you can easily determine this by pressing on the plastic, if there is a free space under it, then a crying evaporator must be installed 100%

The temperature in the freezer is too low and the temperature is too low to shut off in the refrigerator

Unpleasant smell of oil is felt

The refrigerator does not turn off

In the corner on the back wall of the refrigerator compartment, there is ice, that is, a block of ice

Watch the video.What to do if there is no cold in the upper compartment of the Indesit refrigerator

For example, they may not provide adequate sealing of the refrigerator compartment. The gap becomes the cause of leakage, and as a result, frost leakage occurs. With this malfunction, repair is easy and quick. It is necessary to purchase new rubber circuits and replace the old ones. Use glue or epoxy to plant them.

The problem with the lack of cold in the chamber most often appears as a result of freon leakage from the compressor. At the same time, the problem is easy to see with the naked eye (read how to do this here). If you fail to notice the leak by eye, then you should proceed as follows:

There is a special sealed tube on the compressor. Find her.
Pump out freon through this tube.
After that, pump in air, while the pressure should be low.
Find the leak by the characteristic hiss from the damaged area.

When you find the location of the problem, you should use a soldering iron. It is impossible to patch the hole with other methods. When the gap is eliminated, you can pump freon back. This must be done in full.

Sometimes the refrigerator freezes too much. The reason for this may be incorrect setting of the thermostat by the masters. In other words, the factory temperature regime was violated, so the unit freezes too intensively. To fix the situation will help relay adjustment... However, you will not be able to do this on your own. You should call the wizard, who will make the correct settings.

Sometimes the freezing effect occurs when there is refrigerant leak... This does not happen so often, because usually the compressor starts to freeze worse. If there is a leak, it is recommended to treat the compressor. This will be enough, and it is not necessary to change it to a new one.

There are problems that negatively affect the operation of the equipment, but they cannot be called critical. For example, when during the operation of the unit you hear noise and strong vibration. This phenomenon indicates incorrect installation equipment, as a result of which the electric motor cannot operate normally. Most modern models are almost silent, so you should not treat this problem as a normal phenomenon.

To eliminate noise and vibration, it is enough to take a building level and use it to properly position the refrigerator.

A common cause of problems is incorrect positioning of the equipment protection relay. Correct installation will help to correct the situation. This can be done using the scheme.

Please note that the installation should be carried out strictly according to the scheme, otherwise it will lead to more serious consequences.

A sudden unpleasant odor may also indicate a malfunction. The reason is that during long-term operation of the refrigerator, the drain pipe could get clogged. Cleaning it shouldn't be a problem. Flush the nozzle or blow it out with compressed air.

The refrigerator can be single-chamber or double-chamber.Of course, their device is somewhat different from each other. However, in the event of a breakdown, troubleshooting will not be much different. Unless in a two-compartment refrigerator, for example, there may be several compressors. In this case, problems can also arise with only one part - with the freezer or with the refrigerator itself, while the second part will work properly.

Of course, not all refrigerator malfunctions can be corrected with your own hands without the involvement of specialists. However, some problems can still be solved.

Despite the fact that all models are different, differ not only in manufacturers, but also in modification, the principle of troubleshooting is still similar for them. In the instructions for the refrigerator, you can find the necessary device diagrams. Using them, it will be much easier to carry out repairs. In addition, the diagrams reduce the risk of incorrect installation of the device. In some cases, this error can cost a compressor breakdown. And its replacement will cost a pretty penny.

If you install a voltage regulator, there will be no electrical problems.

If dust or metal particles get into the compressor, ordinary cleaning is unlikely to correct the situation. The part will have to be changed.

But in general, repairing equipment with your own hands is not difficult and will not take you much time. It is imperative to carry out diagnostics before starting work in order to once again make sure what the malfunction is.

Video (click to play).