Refrigerators Indesit are deservedly popular due to their reliability, but even the highest quality equipment breaks down over time. One of the most common problems that owners encounter is the compressor refusing to start or running briefly followed by a clicking sound. In most cases, the culprit in this situation is starting relay, which is responsible for starting the engine and protecting against overloads.
Independent replacement of this component is a completely solvable task for a person who knows how to hold a screwdriver in his hands and understands the basics of electrical circuits. However, it is important to realize that working with electrical equipment requires extreme care and compliance with safety precautions. Incorrect connection can lead to the final failure of an expensive compressor.
In this article we will analyze in detail the process of diagnosing, removing the old and installing a new relay on refrigerators Indesit. You will learn how to determine the type of malfunction, what tools you will need for the job, and what nuances to pay special attention to during installation. A competent approach will extend the life of your refrigerator without calling a technician.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any work on repairing the refrigerator, be sure to disconnect the device from the power supply. Working under voltage is deadly and can lead to electric shock.
Design and principle of operation of the starting relay
The starting relay in refrigerators Indesit is an electromechanical switch that supplies voltage to the starting winding of the compressor only at the moment of startup. As soon as the engine reaches the required speed, the relay opens the starting winding circuit, and the motor continues to operate on the main winding. This mechanism prevents overheating and overload of the engine.
Modern models are most often equipped positor relays, where the role of a switch is performed by a temperature-sensitive element - a posistor. When current is applied, it heats up and increases its resistance, essentially breaking the circuit. Older models can use relays with induction principle actions, where switching occurs due to a change in the magnetic field in the coil.
In addition to the starting function, this unit is often combined with a thermal protection relay. If the current in the motor circuit exceeds the permissible values (for example, when the piston group is jammed), the bimetallic plate heats up and opens the contacts, de-energizing the compressor. It is this element that makes a characteristic click when trying to start a faulty unit.
- 🔹 PTC relay: works based on changes in resistance when heated, has no moving mechanical parts inside.
- 🔹 Induction relay: uses an electromagnetic coil to open contacts after starting the motor.
- 🔹 Thermal protection: built-in fuse that turns off the power in case of overcurrent or temperature.
⚠️ Attention: You can visually determine the type of relay by the markings on the case, but the internal structure of different manufacturers may differ even with the same appearance.
Understanding the operating principle helps to be more precise diagnose the problem. If the relay clicks but the compressor does not start, the start winding may be burned out or the piston may be stuck. If there is silence, the problem may be a lack of contact or a burnt posistor.
Diagnostics of faults before replacement
Before running to the store for a new spare part, you need to make sure that the problem lies in the relay, and not in the compressor or wiring. The first sign of a problem is often the nature of the sound when the refrigerator is turned on. If you hear a buzzing sound that lasts a few seconds, followed by a loud click and silence, this is a classic symptom.
For a more accurate diagnosis, you will need a multimeter. After removing the relay from the compressor, you need to “ring” the contacts. In a working posistor relay, the resistance between the contacts should be within normal limits (usually from 3 to 15 Ohms, depending on the model). If the device shows infinity or one, the circuit is broken and the part requires replacement.
It’s also worth inspecting the contacts for oxidation or carbon deposits. Sometimes the problem is solved by simply cleaning the contact pads if they are not completely burnt. However, given the low cost of the relay, it is most often more advisable to make a complete replacement in order to avoid repeated repairs in the near future.
⚠️ Attention: If after replacing the relay the situation has not changed and the compressor still does not start or immediately knocks out the machine, the motor itself or the inter-turn short circuit of the windings may be faulty.
Necessary tools and preparation
To successfully replace the relay, you do not need a complex professional tool. A minimal set is enough, which most home craftsmen can find. The main thing is to provide good access to the bottom of the refrigerator, where the compressor is located.
You will need:
- 🔧 Screwdriver (Phillips or flat, depending on the casing fastening).
- 🔧 Pliers or pliers for removing clamps and clamps.
- 🔧 Multimeter to check the continuity of the circuit (preferably).
- 🔧 Flashlight to illuminate the working area in the compressor niche.
Before starting work, the refrigerator must be moved away from the wall to ensure free access from behind. Be sure to remove the back metal or cardboard panel covering the compressor compartment. In some models Indesit access is through the lower plinth at the front, but most often the compressor is located at the back.
☑️ Preparation for repair
Make sure the work area is dry and clean. Do not allow moisture or metal objects to come into contact with the compressor contacts. It is also recommended to take a photo of the original wire connection so that there is no confusion during assembly.
The process of removing the old relay
Removing the old relay is a step that requires care. On a compressor, the relay is usually placed on top of three contact studs and secured either with a plastic box or a metal bracket. In models Indesit most often there is a fastening with a latch bracket or simply a tight fit on the contacts.
First you need to disconnect the wires going to the relay. They can be secured to the terminal block or simply slipped onto the contacts. Remember or mark which wire is connected where, although in most cases the color coding is standard: phase, neutral and ground.
Then carefully remove the relay from the compressor studs. Do not use excessive force to avoid damaging the ceramic insulators or the studs themselves. If the relay is held on a metal strip, you need to bend it or unscrew the fastening screw.
Pay attention to the orientation of the relay. There is usually an arrow on the body indicating the "Up" or "Up" direction. This is a critically important point, since incorrect installation of a new relay will lead to its incorrect operation or combustion.
What is inside a burnt-out relay?
Inside the posistor relay there is a ceramic element, which can crumble into dust if it breaks down. In induction relays, the contacts often burn out or the coil core gets jammed. Visually, it may look like black carbon deposits or melted plastic.
Connection diagram and installation of a new relay
Installation of a new relay is carried out in the reverse order of removal. The most important thing here is to correctly combine the contacts. There are corresponding sockets and protrusions on the inside of the relay and on the compressor studs. Usually they have different diameters or shapes, which eliminates installation errors if you act carefully.
The connection diagram is standard for most models Indesit: two contacts are responsible for supplying power to the main and starting windings, the third (often side) is for grounding or thermal protection. If you are using a universal relay, you may need to use the adapter that comes with the kit.
| Contact type | Designation on the diagram | Function | Wire color (standard) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main winding | R (Run) | Continuous engine operation | Red / Brown |
| Starting winding | S (Start) | Engine starting | Blue / Black |
| General contact | C (Common) | Network connection | White / Yellow |
| Grounding | PE | Protection against electric shock | Yellow-green |
After installing the relay on the studs, make sure that it sits tightly and does not dangle. Secure it with a mounting bracket or plastic case. Connect the wires to the terminals, observing polarity if indicated, although for alternating current the phasing inside the relay is often not critical, but it is better to follow the color coding.
Checking operation and first launch
After assembling the entire structure, do not rush to immediately close the back panel. It is better to start the first time in an open state in order to control the process visually and audibly. Plug in the refrigerator.
In the first seconds you can hear a quiet hum, which after 1-3 seconds should turn into the smooth hum of a working compressor. If there is a click and silence, turn off the device immediately. This means that the relay did not work or the compressor is blocked.
Check the heating of the relay. After 5-10 minutes of operation, it may warm up slightly, but should not heat up to temperatures dangerous to touch. Also check whether the evaporator inside the chamber has begun to gain cold.
If everything went well, let the refrigerator operate for about an hour without loading food to make sure the operation is stable and the desired temperature is reached. Only after this can you return the protective panel to its place and push the unit against the wall.
Common mistakes and expert recommendations
When doing independent repairs, mistakes are often made that nullify all efforts. One of the most common is installing the relay upside down. As already mentioned, posistor relays are sensitive to orientation in space, and ignoring the “Up” marking will lead to rapid failure of the new part.
Another mistake is using relays from other brands without checking the compatibility of the current characteristics. Although physically they may fit the connector, the current protection threshold may not correspond to your compressor Indesit.
Also, do not neglect cleaning the contacts. If you place a new relay on oxidized or burnt compressor terminals, the resistance at the contact point will increase, causing heating and repeated failure.
- 🔸 Always check the integrity of the wires going to the relay for melted insulation.
- 🔸 Do not use a relay with a crack case, even if the contacts are intact, this is a violation of the tightness.
- 🔸 When purchasing, check what power compressors (in watts or amperes) the relay is intended for.
⚠️ Attention: Technical characteristics of compressors and relays may vary depending on the specific series and year of manufacture of the refrigerator. Always check the markings on the body of the old part with the new one before installation.
Following these simple rules will allow you to carry out quality repairs and forget about the problem for many years. Repairing a refrigerator with your own hands is not only saving money, but also a useful skill that will be useful in the future.
Is it possible to repair an old relay?
In 95% of cases, repairing an old relay is impractical. The posistor inside changes its properties irreversibly, and the mechanical contacts in the induction relays burn out. An attempt to clean the contacts gives only a short-term effect.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to use a universal relay instead of the original Indesit?
Yes, you can. There are universal starting relays that are suitable for most compressors. The main thing is that the current characteristics (amperage) match the requirements of your compressor. Often, a universal relay comes with a set of adapter terminals for different types of seats.
Why does a new relay burn out after a few days?
There may be several reasons: incorrect installation (not marked “Up”), excessive voltage in the network, a malfunction of the compressor itself (interturn short circuit, jamming), which creates overload, or using a relay with inappropriate current characteristics.
How to determine that the problem is in the relay and not in the compressor?
If you hear a click when you turn it on, but the compressor is silent, and after replacing the relay the situation does not change, there is a high probability of a compressor malfunction. You can also try to “pump” the compressor (apply voltage directly for a short time), but this is dangerous and requires skill. It’s easier and safer to measure the resistance of the compressor windings with a multimeter.
Where can you find the relay markings on an Indesit refrigerator?
The markings are on the relay body itself. To see it, you need to remove the back panel of the refrigerator and remove the plastic or metal protective casing from the compressor. The manufacturer's code and technical parameters will be printed on a white or black box, placed on the studs.
Is it dangerous to change the relay yourself?
If you follow the safety rules (mandatory disconnection from the network before starting work), the risk is minimal. The main danger is electric shock if you turn on the device during disassembly, or damage to the compressor pins when removing the relay carelessly.