A sudden loss of cold in the refrigerator Indesit often becomes an unpleasant surprise, especially when there are perishable foods inside. One of the common causes of compressor failure is a malfunction of the start-up relay, which is responsible for starting the engine and protecting it from overloads. Understanding where exactly this component is located will allow you to quickly diagnose the problem and, perhaps, avoid an expensive call to the technician.
Searching for relays in models Indesit does not require disassembling the entire unit, since it is located in close proximity to the motor. However, access to this unit may be difficult due to the design features of the rear wall or the protective casing. In this article we will analyze in detail the algorithm of actions necessary for safe access to the electrical part of the compressor.
Before proceeding with any manipulations, it is necessary to completely de-energize the device. Working with live electrical components is strictly prohibited and poses a direct threat to life. Make sure that the plug is unplugged from the socket, and only then begin to inspect the back panel of the refrigerator.
Functional purpose and design of the relay
The start-up protection relay in the refrigerator Indesit performs a double function: it provides a starting pulse to the motor winding and opens the circuit when operating speed is reached, and also turns off the power in case of overload. Inside the device body there are contacts and a bimetallic plate that react to current strength. If this element fails, the compressor either does not start at all, or makes a characteristic click and hums for several seconds, after which it turns off.
Structurally, the relay is a plastic case that is placed directly on the contact group of the compressor. Different types of mechanisms can be used inside: induction (with a coil) or posistor (with a ceramic element). In modern models Indesit there are more often posistor options, which are more reliable, but require accurate diagnostics before replacement.
⚠️ Attention: A visually serviceable relay may not work due to internal mechanical damage or oxidation of the contacts. Do not rely only on the appearance of the plastic when diagnosing.
It is important to understand that the relay works in tandem with a capacitor (if it is provided for in the design of a particular model). Failure of one element often leads to failure of the other, so when replacing it is recommended to check the entire bunch of components. Ignoring this rule can lead to repeated breakdown soon after repair.
Is it possible to temporarily start a refrigerator without a relay?
Starting a compressor without a start relay is possible only in emergency situations and for a very short time (literally a few seconds) to check operation motor. Long-term operation without this element will lead to burnout of the motor windings due to the lack of phase shift and protection.
Localization of the component in the back of the refrigerator
To find the relay, you need to go to the back wall of the refrigerator. In most models Indesit, such as series CIB, DS or BIA, the motor-compressor is located in the lower niche, often covered with a decorative cover or metal casing. The relay is always attached directly to the side or bottom terminal of the compressor.
Access to the unit can be limited by a plastic box that protects the electrics from dust and moisture. This cover is usually secured with latches or a few screws. Carefully remove the protection to gain free access to the compressor and adjacent pipes. Do not use excessive force to avoid damaging the copper refrigerant pipes.
- 🔍 Inspect the bottom of the back wall for a removable panel.
- 🔍 Look for a black cylindrical or pear-shaped object - this is the compressor.
- 🔍 Note the plastic box on the side or bottom of the compressor - this is the relay.
- 🔍 Check the presence of electrical wires going to the box.
The location may vary slightly depending on the year of manufacture and the specific modification. In some older models Indesit the relay can be combined with a thermal relay in a single unit, which complicates visual identification. If you see several wires entering one plastic container on the motor housing, most likely, the element you are looking for is located there.
The process of dismantling and removing the protective casing
Before removing the relay, it is necessary to remove the fasteners holding the compressor protective panel. This is usually a metal mesh or plastic cover at the bottom of the refrigerator. Use a screwdriver of the appropriate size to unscrew the screws, or carefully press out the plastic latches if the design allows.
After removing the protection, you will see the compressor itself and the tubes suitable for it. The relay is placed on the contact group and is often additionally fixed with a metal bracket or clamp. Removing the bracket requires care: it must be pryed off with a flat screwdriver and removed, being careful not to damage the insulation of the wires. In some models Indesit the relay is simply inserted into the connector and is held in place due to the tight fit.
It is not recommended to immediately disconnect the wires from the relay itself. First, remove the entire assembly from the compressor terminals. To do this, take the relay by the body and remove it from the pins with light rocking movements. If it has become stuck due to time and temperature, you can carefully help yourself with a flat screwdriver, prying the case at the base, but without touching the contacts.
☑️ Safe removal of the relay
Diagnostics and performance check
After removing the relay from the refrigerator Indesit it is necessary to carry out a visual and technical inspection. Shake the device near your ear: if a ringing or knocking sound is heard inside, it means that the mechanical part is damaged and the element must be replaced. Also inspect the case for melting, blackening or cracks, which indicates overheating or a short circuit.
For a more accurate diagnosis, you can use a multimeter. Ring the relay contacts in different positions. In normal condition, the resistance should be close to zero or correspond to the rating specified in the technical documentation. If the device shows infinity or unstable values, the circuit is broken or the contacts are oxidized.
| Symptom of malfunction | Probable cause | Action |
|---|---|---|
| The compressor hums, but does not start | Sticking contacts or broken posistor | Replacing the relay |
| The refrigerator clicks and turns off | Thermal activation protection | Checking the current and replacing the relay |
| No sound of the motor running | Open circuit in the relay | Testing with a multimeter |
| Smell of burning in the area compressor | Overheating of contacts | Urgent replacement of the unit |
Pay attention to the condition of the contacts inside the relay. If they are covered with black soot, this indicates a poor connection and sparking. Cleaning contacts in modern sealed relays Indesit often does not provide a long-term effect, so experts recommend installing a new element immediately.
⚠️ Attention: The characteristics of the relay (power, compressor type) must strictly correspond to the model of your refrigerator. Installing an unsuitable relay can lead to burnout of the compressor windings.
Instructions for installing a new element
Replacing the relay in the refrigerator Indesit is done in the reverse order of dismantling. Make sure the new device has identical markings and pin locations. Orientation is critical: there is often an arrow on the case UP or an inscription indicating that this side should face up. Incorrect installation will lead to incorrect operation of the mechanism.
Push the relay onto the contact pins of the compressor until it stops. It should fit tightly and not wobble. If the design has a metal retaining bracket, return it to its place, ensuring that it is pressed securely. After this, you can connect the wires to the terminals, following the photograph or color marking taken earlier.
Check the reliability of all connections. Gently pull the wires - they should not fly out of the sockets. Make sure that the wires do not touch hot parts of the compressor or sharp metal edges, which could damage the insulation during vibration.
Assembly and initial startup of the system
After successfully installing the relay and checking the connections, you can begin assembly. Replace the protective casing or metal mesh covering the compressor compartment. Secure the panel with screws or snap in the fasteners. Make sure that no wires are pinched between the body and the lid.
Plug in the refrigerator. During the first minutes of operation, listen carefully to sounds coming from the rear. Startup should occur quickly, within 1-3 seconds after switching on. If you hear a confident hum of the running motor and after a while cold appears, the repair was successful.
If the compressor starts humming again and turns off after a few seconds, immediately disconnect the device from the network. This may indicate a more serious problem, such as an interturn short circuit in the motor itself or a malfunction of the starting capacitor, if it is present in the circuit.
Common mistakes during self-repair
One of the common mistakes is ignoring the reason for the failure of the old relay. If the relay burns out, then there was a reason: a power surge, compressor wear or poor contact. Installing a new element without eliminating the root cause can lead to a repeat of the situation in a short time.
Also, amateur craftsmen often forget about the orientation of the relay. In models Indesit with an induction starter, the “upside down” position will make the device inoperative, since the armature will not be able to fall under the influence of gravity to open the circuit. Always look for the position markings on the body.
- 🚫 Attempting to repair the relay by stripping the contacts (temporary effect).
- 🚫 Using a relay from another refrigerator model without checking the parameters.
- 🚫 Operation without disconnecting the power from the network.
- 🚫 Ignoring checking the condition of the compressor windings.
Do not try to seal the cracked relay housing with electrical tape. Violation of the seal will lead to moisture and dust getting inside, which is guaranteed to cause a short circuit. Sealant