How to repair a refrigerator: finding the cause of the breakdown + repair methods

Shorted windings or broken wires

If the damage is more complex and simple lubrication does not help, you will have to disassemble the fan in more detail.

First, do all the disassembly machinations as indicated above.After removing the propeller, unscrew the plastic front locknut, which is located immediately behind it, and throw off the entire protective frame.

In your hands remains the engine itself and the leg, in which the power wires pass and the push-button mechanism is located.

Disassemble this leg by unscrewing 6 screws.

First of all, check the soldering of the wires. It is quite possible that one of them, or even a few, fell off or burned out.

If everything is intact, how to understand which wire goes where and what it is responsible for? Start testing with two wires from the power plug.

One of them, let it be black (as in the photo below), goes directly to the fan motor through the backlight.

The second wire goes to the lower terminal of the dial switch (button 0).

Further, by pressing the appropriate buttons - 1st speed, 2nd, 3rd, one or another switch contact is closed, and thereby the engine speed changes.

Each wire from these buttons goes to its own terminal on the winding, with more or less turns. Applying voltage to them, you make the propeller spin faster or slower.

Refrigerator not freezing

Insufficient temperature in the refrigerator compartment with a normally working freezer is a common problem that is typical for refrigerators of all types (although the causes of the malfunction are different)

And the problem is quite serious, even if we do not take into account constantly perishable products: the compressor strives to reach the desired temperature, wears out, which significantly reduces its working life; one faulty element creates emergency conditions, increasing the load on the remaining nodes by 2-3 times, which ultimately leads to a reduction in the life of the refrigerator

The temperature may be insufficient not due to any malfunction, but for simple, easily remedied reasons: the door is not tightly closed (something interferes with it, for example, a large saucepan); the fan is frostbitten, therefore it does not spin, cold air almost does not enter the chamber. It is necessary to check if something is preventing the door from closing tightly, and if it is a fan, defrost the refrigerator completely (do not turn it on for at least 10 hours). If the indicated measures did not help, the refrigerator compartment still does not freeze, one of the breakdowns is to blame:

• The fan motor has failed. Repair - replacement of the fan or its motor.
• Fridge compressor defective. It can be repaired or replaced - depending on the scale of the problem (find out during the diagnostic process). Visually (with a slight decompression), a breakdown can be determined by the presence of an oily substance that accumulates under the refrigerator - in such a situation, the assembly can be repaired. When the device runs for about 10 seconds and turns off, the compressor will have to be changed.
• Freon leak in the sealed sector of the refrigerator. Repair - replacement of the evaporator, filling with freon. A malfunction can be diagnosed visually by the heterogeneity of the frost that has appeared and the swelling of the walls.
• Freon leakage through the steel circuit of the freezer (usually located below). Repair - elimination of malfunctions of the circuit and drainage system, refilling with freon. A breakdown can be visually determined by rust / rusty streaks on the body at the location of the freezer (a steel circuit corrodes under the influence of water, due to blockage in the drainage system accumulating and passing through micro-holes in the plastic).
• Mechanical damage and, as a result, freon leakage. Repair - determination of the place of leakage, restoration of tightness, refilling with freon.

The last malfunction in the list occurs due to excessive zeal and active participation in the process of defrosting the refrigerator (the ice is removed by hand, while damaging the circuit) - do not do this, defrosting should be natural. In addition to the above, the refrigerating chamber may not freeze due to the failure of the start-up relay, thermostat, sensors, or a blood clot in the capillary tube or filter-drier.

Refrigerator is too cold

Excessive cold is accompanied by various abnormal signs:

• Ice has formed in the freezer of the refrigerator with No Frost, water is leaking: the seal is worn out, the door does not fit snugly, which is why warm air enters the chamber, forcing the compressor to work for wear. Repair - replacement of the seal.
• The refrigerator is too cold, ice/water accumulates in the drawers/bottom: blockage in the drainage system. Repair - removing blockage.
• The motor works too intensively, it is too cold in the refrigerator, and it is warm in the freezer: a blockage in the capillary system - due to a blood clot, the motor cannot pump the refrigerant through the system. Repair - removal of blockage, refueling with freon.
• It is too cold in the chambers of an electromechanical refrigerator: the thermostat is faulty, the brain does not receive a signal that the desired temperature has been reached and does not give a command to stop cooling. Repair - replacement of the thermostat.
• In a single-compressor appliance, it is too cold in the refrigerator compartment: the mode changeover valve is faulty. Repair - valve replacement.

Equipment diagnostics

Agree, before you climb to disassemble the refrigerator, you need to deal with the problem. Sometimes it is not at all necessary to remove the motor-compressor, as the problem may lie elsewhere. So, diagnosis is the very first thing you should do. There are practically no difficulties

If the equipment does not freeze, or freezes, but does not create a sufficiently low temperature for storing food, then you should pay attention to a violation of the regulation or to the compressor. It is quite possible depressurization and leakage of freon. If the equipment simply does not turn on, then there are several options for solving the problem.

For example, there is a banal problem, which is the lack of nutrition. It is enough to replace the cable, plug or socket, and everything will be fine. In other cases, the problems lie in the breakdown of the thermostat or other equipment. In principle, we will no longer talk in general about what a refrigerator is. Do-it-yourself repair - that's what you should definitely mention

If the equipment simply does not turn on, then there are several options for solving the problem. For example, there is a banal problem, which is the lack of nutrition. It is enough to replace the cable, plug or socket, and everything will be fine. In other cases, the problems lie in the breakdown of the thermostat or other equipment. In principle, we will no longer talk in general about what a refrigerator is. Do-it-yourself repair is something worth mentioning.

Ways to check the refrigerator thermostat

There are several ways to check the temperature sensor of the refrigerator, which can be done both independently and by contacting the master.

1. Bellows check. In order to use this method, you must have basic technical knowledge. In this case, there is no need to remove and disassemble the part. It is enough to get to it, find the terminals, move and click them. If movement and clicks are present, then the regulator is working. Otherwise, it must be replaced.
2. Tester check. The most common verification method among craftsmen. With such a check, the thermostat is removed, checked with a multimeter set to the “resistance” mode with minimal settings.
3. Directly. It is carried out with the engine of the unit turned off, by closing the relay contacts. If the refrigeration device works when the contacts are connected, the thermostat must be replaced.

A specialist can check the breakdown of the temperature sensor in several ways.

The easiest way to check the operation of the thermostat is to use a tester.

Operating tips

In the process of using the equipment, you should follow the basic recommendations and tips. Compliance with simple rules will help to avoid malfunctions and make everyday operation extremely comfortable.

If it was off

When the refrigerator has been turned off, regardless of the reason, you should wait 5-10 minutes before turning it back on. This is necessary so that all internal components have time to shut down properly and then return to operating mode.

If it was defrosted

After defrosting the device, it is necessary to turn it on and wait for one cycle to be completed without loading food inside.After the refrigerator stops making noise and turns off, you can use it in standard mode. This measure is necessary for the safety of products. The use of equipment with an automatic defrost function eliminates the need for such actions.

How to adjust the thermostat

Depending on the thermostat setting, the temperature inside the refrigeration chamber changes. Turning on to the minimum level leads to the fact that the products are not cooled enough, and operation at maximum power creates an excessive load on the engine. The recommended value of the thermostat is in the range of 3-6 degrees.

Weeping Vaporizer

In some types of equipment, a so-called weeping evaporator is placed on the inside of the rear wall. It got its name because of the water droplets formed on the surface, which flow into the melt water drain system. Food should not be leaned against the weeping evaporator, and the water outlet should also be cleaned periodically.

Defrost Rules

Failure to comply with the defrosting rules can lead to defects

It is important to consider the following rules:

• before defrosting, turn off the unit and unplug the power cord from the outlet;
• in the process of defrosting the refrigerator, do not pick out the ice with hard objects, as this can damage the mechanisms;
• to speed up the procedure, you can open the doors and place containers filled with warm water on the shelves.

Do not store sunflower oil

Vegetable oil does not deteriorate and retains its characteristics when stored at standard room temperature.The presence of sunflower oil inside the refrigerator leads to a loss of elasticity of the sealing tape on the door.

Do not place near heating appliances

It is better to place the refrigerator away from heating appliances, as they will heat the back, where the cold air evaporates. Due to the effect of heat, the consumption of electricity will increase, the load will increase, and the unit will fail. In addition, the coating of the case cracks from overheating and the appearance of the equipment deteriorates significantly.

Checking electrical circuits

As noted a little above, if the equipment is used for too long and moisture gets on its terminals to one degree or another, then it is likely that the connections have oxidized and do not have electrical contact. In this case, it is enough to carry out an elementary cleaning of the terminals, after which the operability will be restored.

In order to quickly detect the problem, we need the electrical circuit of the refrigerator. With its help, we carry out the dialing of the equipment. If it turns out that the starting relay is faulty, then it makes no sense to repair it. It is advisable to immediately buy a new one and install in place of the old one

But pay special attention to positioning. Before changing the relay, check the motor winding for resistance. If there is a break, it must be eliminated and only then a starting relay should be installed.

If there is a break, it must be eliminated and only then a starting relay should be installed.

The refrigerator does not turn on - the compressor is broken

Almost always, if a household appliance often “clicks” and the light inside is on, but the refrigerator does not turn on, the causes of the malfunction lie in the compressor. It is very difficult to independently diagnose, for this you need a special device - an ohmmeter. If you do not have the proper experience, do not hesitate to entrust diagnostics and repairs to specialists.

Three problems can occur in the motor:

1. the winding is broken;
2. an interturn short circuit has occurred;
3. there was a short circuit - as a rule, on the refrigerator case.

All three problems are identified with an ohmmeter. If the contacts or the winding “do not ring”, and the device shows a voltage of less than 20 ohms, then you will have to replace the motor-compressor with a new one.

Repair due to a compressor breakdown is the most expensive: it will take at least 5,000 rubles to purchase a new part alone, not counting the services of a master.

If the diagnostics did not reveal all the problems described above, it is very likely that there are problems with the control module - the "inner brain" of the refrigerator. This happens even with new household appliances, for example, during power surges, when the lights turn off. There are two ways to solve the problem - a complete flashing of the control module or its replacement.

If you are “lucky”, the refrigerator does not turn on due to a lack of power or a failure of the thermostat, then the repair will not be ruinous, it will be quite within the power of a person who is more or less familiar with the technique. In other cases, we would not advise you to take risks and take on the repair yourself - the refrigerator is easy to break completely, and even the most experienced master will not be able to help you.

Where to start the repair?

Checking the wiring

Make sure that power is supplied to the refrigerator.To do this, open the door and see if the light turns on. If not, turn off the device from the network and proceed to check the condition of the cable, plug and socket:

• The wire. In the presence of external damage, it is better not to try to wrap it with electrical tape, we replace the cord completely.
• The fork can also be a problem. If the plug is disassembled, and you have the necessary skills, we fix it. There are also non-separable versions. In this case, replacement is indispensable.
• We look at the socket. If a crack is observed, the plug is loosely inserted and walks, then we can fix the problem in half an hour with straight hands and appropriate tools.

Checking the thermostat

The meaning of the work is to maintain the desired temperature by periodically switching on and off. The reason is determined as follows: food does not freeze, the freezer does not function, but the compressor works. Models of the new generation are divided into types: mechanical and digital. The first ones have built-in thermostats, the second ones have sensors.

Diagnostics

1. We find the regulator, which should be located near the light bulb.
2. We take out two wires, close with each other. The engine starts - the cause is found.

A new part will cost inexpensively (approximately 1,500 rubles). You need to select the device in accordance with the model of the refrigerator. It is best to take a broken one with you, knowledgeable people will pick up an alternative replacement.

Compressor failure

There are several types of problem:

• The light turns on, but the refrigerator makes a click when you try to turn it on. If you are not a master specializing in household appliances, then you cannot solve the problem. We contact the repair service, a professional will diagnose.
• The following may also be observed: the device turns off immediately after being turned on. The compressor overheats due to a short circuit in the interturn winding. In this case, it will not work to make a replacement, since the new generation of freezers is equipped with non-separable components. It is more expedient to think about buying new equipment.

Disassembly and engine malfunction

First, the engine must be freed from all plastic parts. Unscrew the 4 screws on the front side and remove the cover.

On new models, in addition to screws, there are still latches. They need to be bent with a screwdriver.

To detach the leg, you need to find another screw, which is usually hidden under the plug.

Loosen it and pull out the mounting shaft. To dismantle the wires that pass through the leg, they will need to be bitten out or soldered from the terminal blocks on the speed buttons.

At the same time, write down or sketch where which one is initially connected.

As a result, you should have a bare fan motor in your hands without everything superfluous.

We parse it. Loosen the screws securing the back cover.

At the same time, before disassembling, be sure to put marks on all covers and hardware on how everything was assembled initially.

Otherwise, after incorrect docking, you will lose alignment. There will be problems with the wedging of the shaft and the rotation of the blades.

Why is the fan not working?

In total, there are 5 main reasons for the failure of floor fans:

old dried grease or lack of it

dry condenser

blown thermal relay or fuse

winding short circuit or wire breakage

mechanical displacement of the motor shaft

The main problem of cheap models, which for some reason few people pay attention to, is the incorrect casting of the blades. Because of this, imbalance occurs, bearings break, clearances increase.

You cannot influence this in any way, since you have already bought a fan with such an initial defect. Sometimes it seems to work, the impeller rotates normally, but it does not blow.

That is, there is no cooling air flow from it. Why is this happening?

Due to the wrong angle of attack of the blades. Its petals are deformed and drive the air flow in a circle, and do not throw it out.

This effect may appear over time, after the fan has been standing under the direct rays of the sun for a long time and its impeller, having warmed up, began to gradually change its shape.

It is treated only by replacing the impeller with a new one.

Why the refrigerator does not turn off: the main reasons

Your refrigerator runs smoothly and does not turn off at all - the following reasons serve as an explanation:

• relay breakdowns;
• failure of the thermostat;
• malfunctions of thermoregulation circuits or boards;
• violation of the integrity of door seals;
• freon agent leak;
• clogging of capillary tubes;
• installation of equipment in an excessively warm room;
• custom installation of the program.

Each of these reasons requires detailed consideration.

Damaged door seal

The rubber seal is located around the perimeter of the refrigerator door, ensures its sealing and prevents cold leakage. In the event of a loose closure of the leaf, the load on the compressor increases. Thus, the motor compensates for excess external heat.The breakage is eliminated by replacing the seal.

You set this mode

When super freezing or express cooling is turned on, the engine can operate without stopping. To troubleshoot:

• the mechanically controlled refrigerator does not turn off, runs loudly and constantly until the user turns off the continuous cooling program;
• compressors on electronically controlled models stop after 8 hours.

Advice! When connecting new equipment to communications, immediately check the indicators of cooling and freezing modes.

High room temperature

The location of the device near pipes, radiators, heaters, fireplaces or on the sunny side of the room is contraindicated. Some models work non-stop even at a room temperature of + 30 degrees. The following steps will help resolve the issue:

• installation of air conditioning and ventilation systems in the kitchen;
• moving the refrigerator to another room;
• decrease in heating temperature at the installation site of the equipment.

Important! The optimum temperature of the room where the refrigerator is located is up to +5 degrees. Units must not be placed on a balcony or left in a country house without heating

The thermostat is out of order

The thermostat or temperature sensor gives a signal to open the circuit. If it breaks down, the compressor runs smoothly - it has already received information about reaching a low temperature and further freezing.

When the refrigerator is constantly working, without stopping and not turning off, you can determine what the reason is as follows:

1. Disassemble the back wall of the equipment.
2. Remove thermostat.
3. Press on the plate next to the center nut.
4. If there is no click, replace the part.

You can also identify the problem by checking the resistance with a multimeter.

Important! Work on the diagnosis of breakdowns and replacement of parts should be performed only by a specialist

Compressor failure

Faults in the compressor opening relay cause the contacts to stick and cause non-stop operation. With natural wear of the part, pressure in the discharge pipe ceases to form, and the set temperature is not reached.

The breakdown is eliminated only by replacing the motor, which is carried out by the master. The works are expensive because they include:

• disassembly of the refrigerator;
• compressor installation;
• re-injection of freon;
• start the temperature sensor;
• testing and commissioning of equipment.

Signs of a broken refrigerator compressor It is better to repair the compressor, because when buying new equipment, the risk of part failure remains.

Refrigerant leaked from the system

The compressor pumps liquid freon into the system. The substance takes heat from the food and removes it to the outside. If the integrity of the pipes is broken or kinked, the refrigerant flows out. The rise in temperature and the non-stop operation of the refrigerator begin when the gas becomes low.

The problem is eliminated by refueling freon, but only a specialist should carry out the work.

Broken evaporator pipes

Why at all household refrigerator does not turn offif the main parts are OK? The compressor is running smoothly when an ice clot has formed in the evaporator tube. In case of violation of the tightness of the pipes, a similar phenomenon occurs.

It is difficult to fix the breakdown on your own - you need to almost completely disassemble the equipment.

Control module failures

The element is responsible for processing the signal from the temperature sensor.During power surges or from moisture access, the part may break, and the motor can constantly work. To fix the breakdown, you need to flash the control module, which will be performed by the master.

Problems with single compressor models

If the cold is constantly generated and the compressor is not turned off, wear or damage to the sensors is possible. The switch position is normalized manually. If the failure persists, you need to change the compressor or thermostat.

Diagnosis of a refrigerator malfunction

Before starting work, you need to determine the location, as well as the very cause of the malfunction, by visually inspecting the refrigerator. When the refrigerator leaks, then possible defects are:
Drainage pipe leak;
Overflow of the condensate collection tank;
Drainage blockage;

If there is no cold in the refrigerator, check if the contacts of the electrical circuit are oxidized. This happens when moisture gets on the contacts. Oxidation of contacts leads to the fact that the electrical circuit ceases to conduct current. By cleaning the contacts, you will solve this problem and it is possible that cold will appear in the refrigerator again.

There is moisture in the refrigerator

Drops of liquid may appear on the walls of the chambers, a puddle may appear below. The joints of the pipes of the drainage system should be inspected. It is possible that one of them moved to the side. You can try to put the tube back in place, and then the refrigerator will function normally.

Water can flow down due to the fact that the liquid drain tank has overflowed or changed its position, the drain pipe is clogged, which can be cleaned with an ordinary fishing line.

The capillary tube may be clogged.

This tube plays an important role in the functioning of the refrigeration unit, since freon enters the cooling circuit through it. Clogging of this element is fraught with stopping the operation of the device. It is not recommended to start cleaning it yourself, as such an action can damage the pipeline. Masters perform the procedure using a special hydraulic tool.

It should be remembered that self-repair of the refrigerator should be started only when it was possible to visually determine the cause of the breakdown.

Independent actions can lead to further breakdowns. In this case, the cost of repairs will increase significantly.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

Information on the principles of operation and repair of the refrigerator start relay can be found here:

This video shows in detail the process of diagnosing a freon leak:

A visual demonstration of the compressor replacement procedure:

Wear and tear of individual parts, improper operation and problems with electrical wiring are the most common causes of breakdowns in Indesit refrigerators. This is a quality piece of equipment that doesn't break very often. If you try to protect it from damage, such a refrigerator will last a very long time without malfunctions.

Please leave comments, ask questions in the block below. Tell us about how you repaired the refrigerator with your own hands. Share technological nuances that may be useful to site visitors, and photos with repair steps.