Owners of household appliances are often faced with a situation where the refrigerator Indesit stops freezing, although the compressor may hum, click, or be completely silent. The main cause of such malfunctions in most cases is the failure of the start-up relay. This small but critical element is responsible for starting the motor and protecting its windings from overloads. Understanding exactly where it is located is the first step to successfully restoring the unit’s functionality.
The location of this component in the models Indesit is standardized and does not require disassembling the entire refrigerator body. You don't need to look for it inside the freezer or behind the back wall inside the cabinet. Starting relay always located directly on the compressor, which is located at the bottom rear of the unit. To access it, it is enough to move the refrigerator away from the wall to provide a convenient approach from the back.
Before proceeding to a detailed consideration of the location and replacement, it is worth noting that modern models may have different types of compressors, but the principle of fastening the protective starting device remains the same for most household refrigerators. If you hear a characteristic click, after which the engine tries to start and stalls, or the unit hums but does not cool, the problem with a 90% probability lies in this unit. Next, we will analyze the algorithm of actions in detail.
Design of the Indesit compressor unit
To accurately determine the location of the relay, it is necessary to understand the general architecture of the compressor compartment. At the bottom of the back wall of the refrigerator Indesit a black metal cylinder is fixed - this is compressor. It is this that creates the refrigerant pressure in the system. On the side of this cylinder (usually on the left or right, depending on the model and year of manufacture) there is a plastic casing or open area where the electrical components are mounted.
Three copper tubes and an electrical cable go directly to the output of the compressor rod. At the point where the cable enters the compressor, a sealed block is installed, from which the wires extend to the device we are interested in. Start-protective relay it is placed directly on the three contact pins protruding from the compressor housing. It can be hidden under a plastic cup-lid or open, depending on the series of the refrigerator.
It is important to distinguish between the two types of relays that are found in technology Indesit. Older models were often equipped with heavy starting relays with a copper coil inside (PZK, RTP series), which operated on the principle of electromagnetic closure. Modern units are often equipped with lighter posistor relays, where a thermistor plays the role of a switch. Visually, they are different: posistors are usually made in a white or black rectangular plastic case, and the old ones are in a cylindrical metal or plastic casing.
⚠️ Attention: Before any manipulations with the electrical components of the refrigerator, be sure to disconnect the device from the power supply. A voltage of 220 volts is dangerous to life, and an accidental short circuit can permanently damage the compressor.
Algorithm for searching and accessing the relay
Searching for a relay in the refrigerator Indesit does not require complex tools or deep knowledge of electrical engineering. The main thing is to follow the sequence of actions and attentiveness. The search process comes down to visual identification of the component placed on the contacts of the compressor.
To begin, move the refrigerator away from the wall at a distance of at least 50-70 centimeters. This will provide enough space to work. If there is a decorative plastic panel installed at the bottom (often it is secured with latches or two screws), it must be removed. In some models Indesit access to the compressor is closed with a metal cover, which also needs to be removed by unscrewing the mounting bolts.
After removing the protection, you will see a black round or oval compressor. Pay attention to the side of it where the electrical cable fits. You will see a plastic box (black, white or gray) that the wires go to. This is the node we are looking for. To make sure that it is a relay, you can carefully pull it towards you (after photographing the connection). It should be removable from the compressor pins.
- 🔍 Inspect the back wall of the refrigerator for additional protective shields.
- 🔌 Locate where the electrical cable enters the black compressor housing.
- 📦 Look for a plastic block placed directly on the contact pins motor.
- 📸 Take a photo of the connection before removing the part for proper reassembly.
☑️ Check before removing the relay
Types of relays and their visual differences
In refrigerators Indesit over many years of production Several modifications of start-protective devices were used. Understanding what type is installed in your unit will help when searching for a replacement. The most common are posistor relays, which are considered more reliable and modern.
A posistor relay is a compact box, inside of which there is a ceramic element (posistor) and a bimetallic protection plate. When voltage is applied, the posistor heats up and changes resistance, opening the starting winding. If an overcurrent occurs, the bimetallic strip bends and breaks the circuit, protecting the motor. Such relays can be easily distinguished by their light weight and the characteristic sound of a posistor inside when shaken.
Electromagnetic relays, which can be found in older models Indesit (for example, C, CS series), have a heavy copper coil and a movable core inside. They work by creating a magnetic field upon start-up, which draws in the core and closes the contacts. Such devices are heavier, position sensitive (they only work in a certain position of the compressor rod) and often emit a louder click when activated.
How can you tell a working relay from a faulty one by ear?
If when you turn on the refrigerator you hear a loud click, then a hum and then click again (stop), most likely the relay cannot start motor. If the relay “cracks” or sparks, it requires immediate replacement to avoid burning out the windings.
Diagnostics of the fault before replacement
Before looking for a new relay to buy, you should make sure that the problem lies in it, and not in the compressor itself. Diagnostics takes a few minutes and allows you to avoid extra costs. The main sign of a relay malfunction is a characteristic operating cycle: the compressor hums for 3-10 seconds, then clicks and silence. After some time (when the thermal protection cools down), the cycle repeats.
To check, remove the relay from the compressor. Shake it near your ear. If a ringing or knocking sound is heard inside (as if a piece of ceramic or metal has fallen off), then the device is damaged and requires replacement. In a working posistor relay there should be no extraneous sounds, although slight noise from internal elements is acceptable if it does not sound like the sound of broken glass.
Also inspect the internal contacts. If black soot, melted plastic or traces of burning are visible on them, this indicates a breakdown or overheating. In some cases, the relay may “stick” in the closed state, which leads to constant operation of the starting winding and rapid overheating of the motor. Checking the continuity of the circuit can be done with a multimeter, but a visual inspection and a “ringing test” are often sufficient.
| Symptom | Probable cause | Action |
|---|---|---|
| The compressor hums for 5 seconds and clicks | The starting relay is faulty or the compressor is jammed | Replace the relay, check the compressor |
| The refrigerator is silent, there is no light | No power, the wiring or relay is burned out | Check the socket and power cable |
| A cracking sound is heard inside the relay | The posistor or contacts are destroyed | Urgent replacement of the relay |
| The compressor is hot, does not start | Thermal protection in the relay has tripped | Allow to cool, check the relay |
It is important to understand that if after replacing the relay the situation has not changed and the compressor hums and clicks, the problem may be in the engine itself (an interturn short circuit or a mechanical wedge). In this case, simply replacing the relay will not help, and you will need to call a technician for a deeper diagnosis or replace the compressor.
The process of replacing the start-up relay
Replacing the relay in the refrigerator Indesit is a procedure that is accessible even to a beginner if you act carefully. The main rule: the new relay must fully match the markings of the old one. The parameters (operation current, compressor type) must match. The marking is usually applied to the side edge of the housing (for example, 17-119, R6, PTM-1).
Remove the old relay by pulling it strictly along the axis of the compressor pins. Do not use excessive force so as not to break the plastic clips or damage the tubes. Pay attention to the orientation: there are often arrows or inscriptions on the relay housing and on the compressor block UP (top), indicating the correct position. The relay must be installed in a strictly vertical position, otherwise the protection mechanism will not work correctly.
Push the new relay onto the pins until it stops. Make sure that it fits tightly and does not wobble. Connect the wires to the relay terminals in the same order as they were connected earlier (usually use the photo you took earlier). are fixed with snap-on terminals or inserted into the connectors. After assembly, turn on the refrigerator and listen: the motor should start reliably without prolonged humming.
⚠️ Attention: Never leave the refrigerator with a removed or faulty relay connected to the network "for checking." impractical.
Nuances for different Indesit models
Although the design of the compressor unit is different Indesit is unified, there are nuances for different series. For example, in models with a system No Frost access to the compressor may be slightly difficult due to the presence of additional air ducts or a more massive rear panel. In two-compressor models (where one motor is for the freezer, the other for the refrigerator), the relays are located on each compressor, respectively.
In some modern ones. models Indesit an inverter compressor is used. In such units there is no classic starting relay! The engine start is controlled by an electronic unit (inverter), which is located separately. If you have an inverter refrigerator and it does not start, it is useless to look for a traditional “clicking” relay on the compressor - repairing such systems requires qualified electronics diagnostics. data-i="127">It is also worth mentioning models where the relay is combined with a terminal box into a single structure. In such cases, replacement may require re-soldering the wires or using adapters. When purchasing a spare part, always check with the seller for compatibility with your model, specifying the full index (for example,
It is also worth mentioning models where the relay is combined with a terminal box into a single structure. In such cases, replacement may require re-soldering the wires or using adapters. When purchasing a spare part, always check with the seller for compatibility with your model, giving the full index (for example, Indesit DF 520).
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to repair an old relay if it is burned out?
Theoretically, posistor relays can be disassembled and the ceramic element (posistor) can be replaced with a similar one resistance. However, the cost of a new relay is low, and the time and effort required to find a part and solder it is often not worth it. It is easier and more reliable to buy a new original or high-quality analogue.
Why does the new relay click, but the refrigerator does not start?
If the relay is new and working, but the compressor only hums and clicks, it may have jammed itself. compressor (mechanical failure) or an interturn short circuit has occurred in the windings. Also, the cause may be a malfunction in the electrical circuit (wire break) or low voltage in the network.
Where to buy a suitable relay for Indesit?
Relays are sold in spare parts stores for household appliances, on radio markets and in online stores. The key parameter is the marking (numbers and letters on the body). You can use universal relays with a current range suitable for your compressor.
Is it dangerous to change the relay yourself?
If you follow electrical safety rules (mandatory disconnection from the network before starting work), the replacement procedure is safe. The main risk is to damage the compressor tubes if you are not careful. removal/installation or mix up the wires, so photographic recording is required.