The situation when the refrigerator Indesit suddenly stops cooling, and the compressor either hums but does not start, or clicks and goes silent, is familiar to many owners of household appliances. Most often, the cause of such a breakdown is the failure of the starting relay, which is responsible for starting the engine and protecting against overloads. Finding this element is the first step to restoring the functionality of the unit, and knowing its exact location will save you time and nerves.
In this article we will look in detail at where exactly the relay is located in various models of Indesit refrigerators, how to correctly remove it for diagnostics and what to look for during a visual inspection. Start relay - this is a compact but critical unit, without which the motor-compressor cannot switch to operating mode.
Before starting disassembly, you must completely disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply. Working with electrical components requires compliance with basic safety rules to eliminate the risk of electric shock or damage to the wiring.
Design and role of the starting relay in the system
The starting relay in the refrigerator Indesit is a small device that is attached directly to the compressor housing. Its main function is to briefly connect the starting winding of the engine at the moment of start, after which it turns it off, leaving only the main winding to work. If this mechanism does not work, the motor rotor remains stationary, and the windings begin to overheat.
Modern models most often use posistor-type relays, although in older versions you can find electromagnetic analogues. A posistor relay works by changing the resistance of the heating element: when current is supplied, the resistance increases, the circuit opens, and the starting winding is switched off. Posistor malfunction is one of the most common causes of equipment failure.
⚠️ Attention: Visually serviceable the relay may not work. A microcrack may form inside the posistor, which is not visible to the eye, but breaks the electrical circuit. Do not rely only on the appearance of the part.
In addition to the starting function, the relay often serves as a protective mechanism. A thermal fuse or a bimetallic plate can be built into its design, which opens the power circuit when the temperature or current rises critically. This prevents the compressor windings from burning out in the event of jamming or power surges.
The exact location of the relay in the Indesit refrigerator
To find the relay, you do not need to disassemble the entire refrigerator. This component is located at the bottom of the unit, in the so-called engine compartment. In refrigerators Indesit access to this unit is usually from the back of the device. You will need to move the refrigerator away from the wall to provide easy access to the compressor.
The compressor is a black metal canister-like container. The start relay is placed directly on the output contacts (pins) protruding from the bottom or side of this cylinder. It is closed with a plastic casing or a metal cover, which can be secured with latches or screws. In some models, access requires removing the bottom panel at the back.
Sometimes the relay can be hidden under an additional insulating cap or secured with a clamp. If you see the wires going to the compressor, going into a small plastic box attached to its body, you have found what you were looking for. Mounting location always located in close proximity to the point of entry of the electrical cable into the motor.
Fault diagnosis: signs and symptoms
Understanding that the problem lies precisely in the relay comes with an analysis of the behavior of the refrigerator. The most characteristic symptom is a characteristic clicking sound that occurs at regular intervals (usually every 10-20 minutes). The compressor tries to start, hums for a few seconds, then a click is heard and the motor goes quiet. This triggers the thermal protection.
Another sign is the compressor heating up when the refrigerator is not working. If you touch the engine compartment and feel that the black cylinder is very hot, although the refrigerator has not cooled for several hours, this indicates that the starting winding is empty or there is a short circuit in the control circuit.
- 🔊 Frequent clicks: The relay tries to start the engine, but cannot, and the protection resets the attempt.
- 🔥 Overheating: The compressor housing or the plastic relay box itself is hot to the touch.
- ❄️ Lack of cold: In the chambers the temperature rises, food begins to deteriorate, although the light inside is on.
- ⚡ Knocking out plugs: In rare cases a short circuit inside the relay can cause the circuit breakers in the panel to operate.
If the refrigerator does not make any sounds at all and does not respond to being plugged in, the problem may be deeper - in the wiring, thermostat or the compressor itself. However, if the motor hums but does not start, the probability of a relay failure is more than 80%.
Instructions for dismantling and checking the part
To carry out diagnostics, you will need a minimum set of tools: flat and Phillips screwdrivers, a multimeter (tester) and, possibly, pliers. Before starting work, make sure that the power cord is unplugged from the outlet. Move the refrigerator aside, remove the rear protective panel, if there is one, and gain access to the compressor.
Carefully remove the plastic casing from the relay. It is usually held in place by spring clips or a single screw. Disconnect the wire terminals going to the relay. Then remove the relay itself from the compressor contacts. It simply pulls on three pins. Be careful not to damage the wires or drop the part, as there are fragile elements inside.
☑️ Procedure for dismantling
After removal, inspect the part. If you hear a rattling sound inside (like a broken rattle), then the mechanical part is damaged. For electrical testing, use a multimeter in continuity mode. Check the resistance between the contacts. If the device shows “infinity” where there should be a circuit, or zero where there should be resistance, the relay is faulty.
⚠️ Attention: Never try to repair the insides of the relay by gluing or closing the contacts “directly”. This can lead to combustion of the compressor, the replacement of which costs more than a new refrigerator.
Compatibility table and relay types
When looking for a replacement, it is important to consider that refrigerators Indesit were equipped with compressors from different manufacturers (Aspera, Danfoss, Embraco), and the relays for them may differ. An incorrectly selected part will not start the engine or will quickly fail.
| Compressor type | Power (W) | Relay type | Marking (example) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aspera (Indesit) | 1/5 - 1/4 HP | Posistor | R600a, 18-30 Ohm |
| Danfoss (Danfoss) | 1/4 HP | Electromagnetic | 101N0103 |
| Embraco | 1/5 HP | Posistor | PTC 18-40 |
| Inverter | Varies | Electronic module | Special. board |
Pay attention to the markings on the body of the old relay. Numbers such as 18-30 or 18-40indicate the posistor resistance in Ohms. This parameter must match the original. If you are not sure about the choice, it is better to take the old part with you to the store or show a photo to the seller.
Is it possible to use a universal relay?
Universal relays (for example, the PTC series) are suitable for many models, but require careful selection of current and resistance. Often the kit includes adapter bushings for installation on different types of compressors. However, the original part is always preferable.
Replacement and first start after repair
Installation of a new relay is carried out in the reverse order of removal. Push the part onto the compressor pins until it stops. Make sure it fits snugly and doesn't wobble. Connect the wires according to the photograph or color marking you took earlier. Typically, the colors of the wires match the colors of the terminals on the relay itself.
Attach the protective cover and install the back panel of the refrigerator in place. Only after complete assembly can the unit be connected to the network. When you first start, listen carefully: the compressor should start with a smooth hum, without strong vibrations and repeated clicks.
If the motor starts running smoothly, check after 15–20 minutes whether the condenser (grid at the back) begins to heat up and whether cold appears in the chambers. Successful startup and the appearance of cold means that replacing the start relay was successful, and your Indesit is ready for work again.
⚠️ Attention: If after replacing the relay the compressor starts clicking again and does not starts, the problem may be in the motor itself (interturn short circuit or wedge). Further attempts to start can completely finish off the compressor.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to start an Indesit refrigerator without a starting relay?
Theoretically, if you manually apply voltage to the starting winding, the motor can start, but it will not be able to work in this mode for a long time. Without a relay, the starting winding will not turn off, which will lead to rapid overheating and combustion of the engine. Operation without a relay is strictly prohibited.
How much does a starting relay for an Indesit refrigerator cost?
The cost of a starting relay varies depending on the manufacturer and type of part. Conventional posistor relays are inexpensive, while original components or relays for inverter models can cost much more. The price also depends on the store’s markup.
Why does a new relay burn out immediately after installation?
This can happen for several reasons: incorrectly selected posistor resistance, problems with the network voltage, or, most often, a malfunction of the compressor itself (difficult start, jamming). If the compressor is “heavy”, it consumes a huge current, which melts the contacts of the new relay.
How to distinguish a good relay from a bad one when purchasing?
Visually it is difficult to distinguish if there is no obvious damage to the housing. It is important to check the resistance markings and the correct shape of the contacts. The best way is to purchase from trusted suppliers of spare parts for household appliances with a guarantee.