Having troubles with your Indesit fridge freezer compressor? This article explains a few common problems with this compressor and how to fix them.
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Indesit Fridge Freezer Compressor Not Working – How to Fix
If the compressor of your Indesit fridge freezer has stopped working, the following are possible causes and how to fix them:
1. Faulty Start Relay
Disconnect the power cord of the fridge freezer from the wall outlet. Next, move the unit to gain access to the compressor. You will find the relay, which is a small ink cartridge-like box, attached to it.
Pull it out and examine for burn marks. If there is none, shake a little bit. If the relay rattles while you shake it, consider replacing it. While you do this, if you smell any burnt odor coming from the component, then replace it.
However, to be sure, check to see if the relay still has continuity. Place the probes of a multimeter between the run and start terminals. If there is no reading or if it is wrong, replace the relay.
The job of the relay is to supply a power boost to the compressor so that it can run. If the relay becomes faulty, the compressor may not work at all.
2. Dusty Condenser Coils
The compressor may be overloaded with heat, causing it to shut down and not work. One of the causes of the overheating problem is dusty condenser coils.
While the coils should not be tampered with regularly, it is important to clean them once or twice every year. Therefore, inspect them to see the amount of dirt on them. If it is significant, it may the origin of the compressor problem.
With a vacuum cleaner or condenser cleaning brush, clean the dust and dirt off the coils. Be sure to get every visible one. If your coils are hard to reach, even though they are visible, you may have to employ the services of a professional.
Sweep the floor around the fridge freezer after this cleaning process. Not sweeping up the dirt will cause it to adhere to the coils again quickly and easily.
3. Defective Condenser Fan Motor
Go to the unit’s back and take a look at the fan. It should be spinning well as long as the fridge freezer is working. If the blades are not spinning, there is a problem so check it.
Before checking the fan, unplug the fridge freezer. Then, inspect the blades for any sign of wear and tear. Also, check to see if there is any debris keeping the blades from spinning freely.
If they look fine, try to turn them with your hand. And if there is any sign of stiffness, the motor may be defective.
Clean the blades well and remove dirt and debris. This is especially needed if you have hairy pets that shed.
Afterward, remove the motor and test for continuity using a multimeter. If you find no continuity, replace the motor.
When the motor of a condenser fan fails, the compressor tends to overheat. This is because the fan is responsible for cooling the compressor and coils so they don’t overheat. And when the compressor overheats on a regular basis, it will stop working eventually.
4. Insufficient Power Supply
While this problem affects the entire fridge freezer and not just the compressor, it is worth it to check the voltage supply.
There are few things that can affect the supply. Begin with inspecting the power cord. Any damage or wear and tear will affect how well it delivers power to the unit. So, if you notice it is damaged in any way, replace it.
Next, check the wall outlet. If the power cord is working fine, the outlet may be faulty. Connect another electrical appliance to it and see if it comes on. This will tell you whether or not the supply is sufficient for the fridge freezer.
However, if the outlet checks out fine, then it is time to check the fuses or circuit breaker for the unit. Something may have burned out there and needs replacing.
5. Damaged Compressor
The fault may be from the compressor itself. It may have stopped working because it is burned out or has failed.
To determine this, test its windings to check the resistance. The results will tell you whether or not you need a new compressor.
A recent power surge or a power failure may have affected the compressor. Another possible cause of a bad compressor is age. If the fridge freezer is old, it is likely the compressor is worn out.
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Indesit Fridge Freezer Compressor Hot – Quick Fix
An inoperative condenser fan and dirty condenser coils are chief reasons why a compressor runs hot. Another possible reason is a faulty start relay.
1. Fan
The fan should blow air over the compressor to keep it from overheating. Normally, a compressor is warm or hot while working. However, if the fan fails or becomes inoperative, the compressor will keep working but will begin to overheat.
Replace the fan or its motor if you notice it is no longer working.
2. Coils
The coils are responsible for dissipating heat from the gas that cools the fridge freezer. The heat won’t be able to transfer into the unit and compromise its cool temperature.
But if the coils are significantly dirty, they cannot dissipate heat. Consequently, the unit begins to get warm and the compressor starts to run round the clock in a bid to lower the rising temperature. The constant running makes it hot.
Clean the condenser coils if you inspect them and notice that they are significantly dirty.
3. Start Relay
The start relay powers the compressor to get it up and running. But if it becomes defective, the compressor will keep trying to run without success. The effort of the compressor to start and run makes it hot and causes it to make a clicking sound.
Replace the relay if it rattles when shaken, smells as if it is burnt, or has no continuity when you test it with a multimeter.
The constant running of the compressor makes it hot. Find out why it is running constantly and fix it.
Some possible reasons for this are:
- Weak or torn door seal
- Frequent door opening
- Wrong location and room temperature
These factors cause the internal temperature of the fridge freezer to rise. And when this happens, the compressor tends to start running constantly, eventually overheating from all the work.
Recap
If an Indesit fridge freezer compressor is not working, check the start relay, condenser coils, condenser fan, power supply, and the compressor itself.
And if the compressor is hot, clean the coils and fix the fan beside it. Additionally, check the door seal, room temperature, location, and how often you open the door of the unit.
However, if none of the above works for your compressor, contact Indesit as soon as possible to report the issue. Alternatively, use any of our technicians. Contact them right away.
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