Situation, when Indesit refrigerator stops cooling, but continues to hum or make clicking sounds, it often confuses the owner. In most cases, the culprit of such a malfunction is precisely start relay a small but critical element of the compressor electrical circuit. Understanding exactly where it is located and how to get to it allows you to save a significant amount on calling a technician and perform the repair yourself.
The location of this component is standardized for most models of household appliances, but access to it may be difficult due to the design features of the case. Relay attached directly to the side of the housing compressor (motor), which is located in the lower rear part of the unit. To carry out work safely, it is necessary not only to know the geometry of the device, but also to comply with electrical safety rules, since we will be working with high voltage.
In this article we will analyze in detail the algorithm for searching, dismantling and checking starting relay in refrigerators brands Indesit. We will look at typical signs of breakdown, diagnostic methods and nuances that will help avoid errors during assembly. It is important to understand that any work with electrical appliances requires care and turning off the power from the network.
Principle of operation and symptoms of malfunction
Start relay in the refrigerator Indesit performs the function of a circuit breaker that supplies current to the starting winding of the compressor only when the engine starts. As soon as the motor rotor reaches the required speed, the relay opens the circuit and the refrigerator returns to normal operation. If this mechanism fails, the compressor either does not start at all, or works with characteristic clicks, trying to start, but immediately stalls.
You can determine the problem by external signs, without resorting to complex diagnostics. Often, owners notice that refrigerator compartment the food has stopped cooling, while the freezer still maintains its temperature or has also defrosted. In this case, the motor itself may be hot to the touch, which indicates attempts to start or an overload of the windings.
There are several types of relays used in technology Indesit: induction (old style) and posistor (modern). Induction models have a movable core that wears out over time, while posistor models work by changing the resistance of the heating element. In both cases, a visual inspection may reveal traces of burning, melting of plastic, or a characteristic smell of burnt wiring.
⚠️ Attention: If, after clicking the relay, you hear the hum of the motor, which suddenly stops, do not try to start the refrigerator again immediately. Allow the compressor to cool for 15–20 minutes, otherwise there is a high risk of completely burning out the motor windings.
Location of the compressor and access to the relay
To find the relay, the first step is to provide access to the lower rear part of the refrigerator Indesit. The unit should be carefully moved away from the wall, freeing up space for work. Since the compressor is located at the bottom, you will have to turn the refrigerator over or tilt it strongly, which requires two people to avoid damaging the heat exchanger or the body itself.
Once you have access to the back panel, you will see a black metal tank - this is compressor. The relay is always attached to its side or end, often hidden under a plastic protective casing. In some models Indesit access to the terminal box may be limited by a metal cover that must be unscrewed.
Before starting any manipulations, make sure that the power cord is unplugged from the outlet. Even after disconnection, there may be some residual charge in the capacitors, so do not touch these contacts with your bare hands without first discharging them if you plan to delve deeper into the circuitry than simply removing the relay.
- 🔍 Visual search: Look for a small rectangular or square block (black, white or gray) that contains a bundle of wires and that fits directly onto the three pins sticking out of the housing motor.
- 🛠️ Tools: For dismantling you may need a flat-head screwdriver, side cutters (if the terminals are soldered, although Indesit usually uses connectors) and pliers.
- 🧤 Safety: Work in dry room and use shoes with rubber soles to prevent electric shock.
The process of dismantling the start relay
Removal starting relay in refrigerators Indesit usually does not require the use of brute force, but requires care. Fastening is carried out either by a tight fit on the compressor contacts with fixation with a spring bracket, or by means of a screw connection. In modern models, the option with latches is more common.
First you need to disconnect the wires going to the relay. They can be fixed in a block or have individual connectors. If the wires are soldered (which is rare, but happens in very old models), they will have to be carefully cut off with side cutters, leaving a reserve for subsequent soldering of a new element. However, in 95% of cases, a connector system is used Faston or similar.
After disconnecting the wires, the relay itself should be removed from the compressor terminals. It may sit very tightly due to oxidation of contacts or vibration. Gently rocking from side to side will help loosen the fit. Do not pull the wires - you can break them at the base, which will complicate the repair.
☑️ Procedure for removing the relay
It is important to note that the capacitor is often removed along with the relay if it is structurally combined with it or located nearby in the same casing. When dismantling, be careful not to damage the thin copper tubes suitable for the compressor - they are very fragile and easily burst if handled carelessly.
Diagnostics and checking the element
After removal relay from the refrigerator Indesit it is necessary to carry out a visual and technical inspection. Shake the part near your ear: if something rattles inside, it means the contacts are damaged or have fallen off, and the element definitely needs to be replaced. The presence of a burning smell or melted plastic is also a 100% indicator of a malfunction.
For more accurate diagnostics, you will need a multimeter. Switch the device to resistance measurement mode (Ohm) and ring the contacts. In a working posistor relay, the resistance should be in a certain range (usually several tens of Ohms), and when heated it should increase. Induction relays are checked for the absence of an open circuit between certain contacts.
| Relay type | External signs of failure | Multimeter readings | Probability of repair |
|---|---|---|---|
| Posistor | Cracks on the case, blackening | Resistance 0 or infinity | Replacement |
| Induction | Dirt, oxidation of contacts | Open circuit or short circuit | Replacement (rarely cleaning) |
| Thermal | Bimetal deformation | Not closes the circuit | Replacement |
Is it possible to temporarily start a refrigerator without a relay?
Theoretically, you can apply voltage directly to the starting winding, but doing this is strictly prohibited in domestic conditions. This will lead to instant overheating and combustion of the compressor, since there will be no cutoff of the starting current.
If there are no visual defects, but the refrigerator does not work, the problem may lie in the compressor itself. However, statistics show that in refrigerators Indesit it is the relay that fails more often than the motor itself. The cost of a new part is disproportionately small compared to the cost of a new compressor or the service of a specialist.
Installation of a new part and assembly
When purchasing a new one relay, make sure that its markings match the original or are a complete analogue in terms of electrical characteristics. For refrigerators Indesit universal relays are often suitable, but it is better to look for original spare parts according to the model code of your unit. Installation is carried out in the reverse order of dismantling.
Place the new relay on the three pins of the compressor. It should fit tightly and all the way. If a fixing bracket or spring is used, be sure to install them in place - the vibration when the motor is running is very strong, and without fixation, the contacts will quickly separate, which will lead to sparking.
Connect the wires according to the photograph taken earlier. Make sure that the connectors Faston are seated tightly and are not loose. If the contacts are oxidized, they can be lightly cleaned with fine sandpaper or a file before connecting to ensure better contact.
Typical mistakes when replacing
One of the most common mistakes when repairing refrigerators yourself Indesit is Ignoring the state of the capacitor. Often the starting relay and the capacitor work in pairs, and if one element is burnt out, the second may be on the verge of failure. Replacing only the relay in such a situation will result in the new relay burning out after a few days or even hours.
Another mistake is using a relay of the wrong power. Compressors come in different capacities (from 1/8 to 1/3 hp), and the relay must match the starting current. Installing a relay that is too weak will lead to its rapid burnout, and a relay that is too powerful will mean that it will not open the circuit in time, which will overheat the starting winding of the motor.
- ⚡ Incorrect polarity: Although for many relays the polarity is not critical, in some circuits Indesit it is important to correctly connect the phase and zero, especially if in The relay has built-in thermal protection.
- 🔌 Bad contact: Unpressed terminals lead to heating and melting of the connector, which ultimately de-energizes the compressor again.
- 🧊 Moisture: An attempt to start the refrigerator immediately after repair, if there was moisture inside the cabinet, can lead to a short circuit. Let the equipment dry.
⚠️ Attention: Never install a relay that has even the slightest cracks on the housing. The vibration of the compressor will quickly turn the microcrack into a complete fracture, and the refrigerator will stop working again.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to replace the Indesit relay with a universal one?
Yes, in most cases you can use universal starting relays if their characteristics (current start, compressor type) match the requirements of your engine. The main thing is that the mounting dimensions and contact locations match.
Why does a new relay burn out after a week?
This may indicate problems with the compressor itself (interturn short circuit, jamming of the piston group) or a malfunction of the capacitor. Also, the cause may be unstable voltage in the network or poor contact in the connectors.
Where can you find the relay markings in the Indesit refrigerator?
The markings are usually applied to the side or top edge of the relay itself. If the inscription is erased, look for the number on the sticker inside the refrigerator compartment or on the back wall, where the technical characteristics of the model are indicated, and use them to select an analogue.
How much does it cost to replace the relay by a technician?
The cost consists of the price of the part itself (which is inexpensive) and the cost of calling a technician. Replacing it yourself allows you to save on work, since the procedure takes no more than 20-30 minutes.