If your refrigerator Indesit stops freezing, but at the same time you hear a quiet hum of the motor or short clicks that start every minute, most likely the problem lies in the start-up relay. This small but critical component is responsible for starting the compressor engine and protecting it from overheating. Knowing where the start relay of the Indesit refrigerator is located will allow you to carry out initial diagnostics and, possibly, quickly fix the problem without calling a technician.
In most models of household appliances of this brand, the design is the same, which greatly simplifies the search for the part. Start relay always located directly on the compressor housing, which is located in the lower rear part of the unit. You do not need to disassemble the entire refrigerator; all you need to do is gain access to the motor. However, before any manipulations, it is necessary to completely de-energize the device by removing the plug from the socket, since working with live electrical components is deadly.
Next we will analyze in detail the algorithm for searching, checking and replacing this element. Understanding the principle of operation and the exact location of the unit will help save time and money.
Design features of the Indesit compressor unit
The compressor in refrigerators Indesit is a sealed metal tank, painted black, to which a system of tubes and an electrical connector are suitable. It is on the side or bottom of this tank (depending on the model and year of manufacture) that the plastic casing is attached. Inside this casing the required starting relayis hidden, as well as thermal protection. The design is designed to minimize vibrations and protect contacts from moisture and dust.
Access to this unit is from the rear wall of the refrigerator. On some modern models, you may need to remove the lower metal or plastic panel covering the engine compartment to gain a clear view. The fastening element is usually made in the form of a plastic cover that either snaps on or is secured with a single screw. Inside you will see the wires going to the relay contact group.
It is worth noting that in different series of refrigerators Indesit can be used relays from different manufacturers, such Danfoss, Secop or Chinese analogues. Externally, they may differ in the shape of the body, but the principle of their installation remains unchanged: they are put directly on the three pins coming out of the compressor. These pins are the key connection points for the motor windings.
Exact location: step-by-step search algorithm
To find the starting relay, follow a clear algorithm. First, move the refrigerator away from the wall, giving yourself room to work in the back. Remove the cardboard or metal panel covering the bottom of the back wall. If the panel is missing (in some budget models), you will immediately see a black round or oval compressor tank.
On the side surface of the compressor, where the electrical cable connects to it, you will see a plastic box. This is the place where the start relay of the Indesit refrigerator is located. It can be black, white or grey. To remove it, you need to carefully remove the retaining bracket or press the plastic latches, then remove the cover.
- 🔍 Visual inspection: Locate the plastic block placed on the three copper pins of the compressor.
- 🔌 Checking the contacts: Make sure that the wires are not broken and are tightly seated terminals.
- 🧊 Assessing the condition: Check for signs of burning, melting or a characteristic odor on the relay body.
- 📏 Identification: Read the markings on the body to search for an analogue in the store.
After dismantling the compressor protective casing, the full picture will open before you. The relay is usually mounted on a special frame or simply sits tightly on the terminals. Be careful when removing: old plastic parts may be fragile. If the relay is stuck or strongly oxidized, do not use excessive force so as not to damage the rubbing elements of the compressor.
☑️ Diagnostics of the refrigerator relay
Symptoms of a malfunction of the starting protection device
You can understand that the problem is in the relay by the characteristic signs of the refrigerator. Thermal relay and the starting coil work in conjunction, and the failure of any of these elements leads to a stop in the cooling cycle. Most often, users are faced with a situation where the motor hums for a few seconds, then a click is heard and the motor stops. After some time, the cycle repeats.
Another sign is the complete absence of starting the compressor when the light in the chamber is working and the thermostat is working. If you only hear a low hum but no triggering, the trigger contacts may be stuck. In the case when the refrigerator turns on, runs for a couple of minutes and turns off with a characteristic click, the thermal protection, which is part of the same assembly, is often to blame.
⚠️ Attention: If after replacing the relay the situation has not changed and the compressor continues to hum and turn off, the compressor itself may be faulty (interturn short circuit) or there are problems with the wiring. Do not install new parts repeatedly without accurate diagnostics, this can lead to final failure of the motor.
It is also worth paying attention to the appearance of the part after removal. If inside the housing you see black carbon deposits, melted plastic or smell burnt insulation, then diagnostics it is complete - the element requires replacement. Sometimes a relay may look intact, but not perform its functions due to wear of the mechanical part or loss of properties of the bimetallic plate.
Relay types and compatibility table
In refrigerators Indesit most often there are two types of starting devices: posistor (PTC) and induction. PTCs are more modern and reliable; they have no moving parts and switch the windings by changing the resistance of the heating element. Induction ones operate on the principle of an electromagnetic core and more often fail due to mechanical sticking.
When selecting spare parts, it is important to take into account the power of the compressor and the type of refrigerant, although visually they are often identical. The markings on the case will tell you what type you have installed. For example, marking PTC indicates a posistor type. An incorrectly selected relay may not start the compressor or, conversely, not turn off the starting winding, which will lead to engine combustion.
What is the difference between a posistor and induction relay?
A posistor relay (PTC) uses a ceramic element that is heated by current and changes resistance, breaking the circuit of the starting winding. It is cheaper and more reliable. An induction relay has a coil and a movable core that closes the contacts when starting and opens them when the speed increases. It is more sensitive to installation orientation.
Below is a table that helps identify the main parameters of common relays used in technology Indesit. Please note that compatibility is determined not only by the brand, but also by the electrical characteristics.
| Relay type | Marking (example) | Application | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Posistor (PTC) | 18-101, 18-116 | Danfoss/Secop compressors | Independent of position, reliable |
| Induction | R-6, R-8 | Old Indesit models | Requires strict orientation (arrow down) |
| Combined | CT-18, K-18 | Together with thermal protection | Includes overheating protection |
| Universal | PTC (China) | Analogues in the absence of the original | Requires selection based on starting current |
Replacement instructions start relay
Replacing the start relay is a procedure accessible to a person with basic skills in handling tools. The main thing here is accuracy and compliance with safety precautions. The process requires no special equipment other than a screwdriver and possibly pliers. Before starting work, make sure that the refrigerator is defrosted and unplugged for at least 30 minutes.
First, remove the back panel and find the compressor. Carefully disconnect the wires going to the relay. It is best to mark them with a marker or take a photo so that during assembly you do not confuse phase and zero. Then remove the retaining bracket that holds the relay to the compressor terminals. It can be metal or plastic.
- 🛠️ Removal: Remove the old relay from the three pins of the compressor. It may sit tightly, slightly rock it from side to side.
- 🧹 Cleaning: Wipe the compressor pins with a dry cloth, removing oxides and dirt.
- 🔧 Installation: Put the new relay on the pins all the way. It should fit tightly and evenly.
- 🔒 Fixation: Install the fixing bracket and connect the wires according to the marks made earlier.
After installation, reassemble everything in the reverse order. Plug in the refrigerator and listen. The compressor should start with a characteristic hum, after a few seconds the hum should become quieter and smoother. If startup is successful, reinstall the back panel. If you hear a crackling sound or the motor does not start, immediately turn off the device and double-check the connections.
Common mistakes when doing it yourself repair
When trying to replace starting relay with their own hands, beginners often make mistakes that can lead to new breakdowns. One of the most common is ignoring the relay orientation. Some models, especially induction ones, have an arrow on the body that should point straight down. If you install such a relay upside down, the mechanism will not work and the compressor will burn out.
Another mistake is using a relay with inappropriate current characteristics. Installing a more powerful relay “just in case” will cause the starting winding to work too long, overheat and burn out. Conversely, a weak relay will constantly knock out the protection, preventing the refrigerator from starting.
⚠️ Attention: Never try to repair the insides of the relay (clean the contacts, solder) at home. These are disposable items and their recovery is temporary. Saving on the cost of a new relay (which is inexpensive) can lead to the purchase of a new compressor.
They also often forget to check the thermal protection, which is built into the same housing or mounted nearby. If the relay is new, but the problem remains, it is possible that the thermal protection “pill” has burned out. In some models, the relay and protection are sold separately, in others - as a single unit. Always check the integrity of both elements.
Is it possible to start a refrigerator without a relay?
Theoretically, you can start a compressor without a starting relay by applying voltage directly to the starting winding for a short time, but this is extremely dangerous and requires qualifications. It is strictly not recommended in domestic conditions, as you can easily get an electric shock or damage the motor windings. In addition, without thermal protection, the compressor will be left without safeguards in case of overload.
How long does the starting relay last in an Indesit refrigerator?
The average service life of a high-quality starting relay is 5-7 years of active use. However, this period may be shortened if there are frequent power surges in the network, unstable operation of the electrical network, or if the compressor itself is overloaded (for example, due to a dirty condenser or a freon leak).
Why does the new relay burn out immediately?
If a new starting relay fails immediately after installation, this almost always indicates a more serious problem with the compressor. Possible reasons: interturn short circuit in the motor windings, jamming of the piston group or problems with the capacitor (if there is one in the circuit). In this case, simply replacing the relay will not help; diagnostics of the motor is required.