The situation when the refrigerator Indesit stops freezing, but continues to hum or, conversely, is silent, often indicating a malfunction in the electrical circuit of the compressor. In most cases, the problem lies in the start-up relay, which is responsible for starting the engine and protecting it from overloads. Replacing this unit on your own is a real task for a home craftsman, if you follow safety precautions and understand the principle of operation of the device.
Before starting disassembly, you need to make sure that the unit is completely disconnected from the power supply. Start relay is a compact but critical element that connects the starting winding of the motor at the time of start. If the contacts inside it are burnt or the spring has lost its elasticity, the compressor either will not start or will work with strong jerks, which can lead to its complete failure.
In this article we will analyze in detail the process of diagnostics, dismantling the old relay and installing a new component on refrigerators Indesit. You will learn how to distinguish a working part from a burnt one, what tools you will need and what to pay special attention to when assembling the unit.
Diagnostics of a faulty starting relay
The first sign that you need to connect a new refrigerator relay Indesitis a characteristic sound when you try to start. You may hear a loud click followed by a hum that lasts a few seconds, followed by another click and silence. This indicates that the compressor is trying to start, but starting winding does not receive the necessary impulse.
Visual inspection often helps identify the problem without deep disassembly. If the relay body shows signs of plastic melting, blackening or liquid leakage, the part definitely requires replacement. It is also worth checking the condition of the contacts on the compressor itself: if they are oxidized, the new unit may burn out immediately after installation.
For accurate diagnostics, you can use a multimeter in dial mode. The resistance between the contacts should be zero (or close to it) when closed and infinite when open. If the device shows a short circuit where it should not be, or an open circuit, the relay is faulty.
Sometimes the reason lies not in the relay itself, but in the compressor windings. If the resistance of the motor windings shows zero or infinity, replacing the relay will not help - repair or replacement of the compressor itself will be required.
- 🔊 Loud clicks when starting, after which the refrigerator goes silent.
- 🔥 Burning smell or visible signs of overheating on the relay body.
- 📉 The compressor hums, but does not start, thermal protection is triggered.
- 🌡️ The refrigerator works, but does not reach the desired temperature due to frequent stops.
It is important to understand that ignoring these symptoms can lead to more serious damage. An overloaded motor consumes increased current, which is dangerous for the wiring and other electronic components of the refrigerator Indesit.
Tools and preparation of the workplace
To successfully replace the relay, you will need a minimum set of tools, which can be found in every home. The main requirement is cleanliness and good lighting, since you will have to work with small parts and electrical contacts. Before starting work, make sure that you have prepared a convenient place to remove the back panel.
You will need pliers to remove the retaining brackets, a screwdriver (usually a Phillips or flathead screwdriver, depending on the model Indesit) and possibly a knife to strip the contacts. If you plan to check an old part, don't forget to use a multimeter.
Be sure to have a container of water and detergent ready to wash your hands and tools after work, as contaminants can accumulate inside refrigeration systems. It is also recommended to have a rag on hand to wipe the contacts from oxidation.
⚠️ Attention! All work must be carried out strictly with the refrigerator disconnected from the network. Residual voltage in the capacitors can be dangerous, so let the equipment sit for 10-15 minutes after unplugging it.
If you are replacing the relay on a model with a system No Frost, access to the compressor may be limited by plastic covers. In this case, you will need to carefully remove the back cover without damaging the plastic latches.
Removing the old relay from the compressor
The removal process begins with access to the motor-compressor, which is usually located in the lower rear part of the refrigerator Indesit. Remove the cardboard or metal cover covering the unit. Be careful not to damage the tubes and wiring.
Locate the start relay: it is a small plastic block placed directly on the contact group of the compressor. Depending on the model, it can be attached using a metal clip-bracket or simply held in place by a tight fit on three contacts.
If the relay is fixed with a bracket, carefully bend it with pliers. Do not use excessive force to avoid breaking the plastic mounting tabs. After removing the latch, gently rock the relay from side to side and remove it from the contacts.
Pay attention to the orientation of the part. The relay housing and the compressor often have a marking UP or an arrow indicating the top position. This is critical for the correct installation of the new element.
☑️ Removing the relay
After removing the relay, inspect the contact pads on the compressor. If they have black deposits or oxides, they must be carefully cleaned with fine sandpaper or a blade, being careful not to bend the pins.
Wiring diagram and installation of a new relay
Installing a new relay is the reverse process of dismantling, but it requires attention to detail. New starting relays for Indesit are often universal and suitable for different models of compressors, but the connection diagram must strictly correspond to the original.
First, attach the wire terminals to the corresponding relay contacts. Usually there are three of them: one common, one for the starting winding and one for the working winding. It is difficult to confuse them if you go by the color marking of the wires, but it is better to check the diagram if it is preserved on the body of the old relay.
| Contact | Designation | Wire color (often) | Function |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | C (Common) | Red / Brown | Common power input |
| 2 | S (Start) | Black / Blue | Start winding |
| 3 | R (Run) | White / Yellow | Working winding |
| Grounding | GND | Yellow-green | Casing protection |
After connecting the wires, put the relay on the compressor pins. It should fit tightly, without play. Make sure that the marking UP faces up. Secure the relay with a metal bracket, if provided by the design.
Check the reliability of all connections. The wires must not touch hot parts of the compressor or sharp edges of the metal housing. If necessary, secure them with plastic ties.
What to do if the new relay does not fit in shape?
If the purchased relay has a different shape of the seat, but matches the electrical parameters, you can carefully file down the plastic guides inside the relay body or use an adapter if it is included. The main thing is to ensure tight contact with the compressor pins.
Checking operation after replacement
After installing the new relay, do not rush to close the back cover. It is better to carry out the initial start-up with open access to the compressor in order to control the process visually and audibly. Plug in the refrigerator.
In the first seconds, you can hear a characteristic click, followed by the smooth hum of a running motor. If the compressor starts on the first try and runs smoothly, it means connection diagram assembled correctly. Let it run for 10-15 minutes.
Check the temperature of the compressor housing. It should gradually heat up, but not be red-hot. If you feel intense heat or hear a crackling sound, immediately unplug the device.
⚠️ Attention! If, after replacing the relay, the compressor hums for 3-5 seconds and turns off again, perhaps the problem is not in the relay, but in the engine itself (turn-to-turn short circuit) or in the thermostat. Reinstalling the old relay in this case is useless.
After making sure that the operation is stable, you can put the back cover back in place. Secure it with screws or latches. Now the refrigerator is ready for full operation.
Typical errors when connecting
Even experienced craftsmen sometimes make mistakes that can lead to repeated breakdowns. One of the most common is incorrect relay orientation. If you turn the part upside down, the mechanism will not work correctly, and the contacts may stick.
Another common mistake is poor contact in the terminals. If the wire is not inserted completely or is oxidized, sparking and heating will occur at the connection point. This can lead to melting of the plastic and a fire hazard.
Some users try to “reanimate” the old relay by stripping the contacts or tapping. Start relay is a consumable item with a limited resource for on/off cycles. Repairing an old relay is a temporary measure that rarely gives long-term results.
- ❌ Ignoring checking the contacts on the compressor before installation.
- ❌ Installing the relay without fixing it with a bracket, which leads to vibration and waste contacts.
- ❌ Using a relay with inappropriate current and voltage parameters.
- ❌ Trying to start a refrigerator with exposed live wiring.
Always check the voltage markings. A relay designed for 110V will burn out instantly in a 220V network, and a relay for powerful compressors may not start a low-power engine.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Can I use a relay from another brand, for example, from Atlant or Bosch?
Yes, this is often possible. Many manufacturers use compressors of the same design (for example, Danfoss or Secop). The main thing is that the electrical parameters (current, power) and the mounting dimensions of the contacts match. Universal relays are often labeled as suitable for a wide range of brands.
Why did the new relay burn out immediately after installation?
This may indicate a more serious problem: a malfunction of the compressor itself (short circuit of the windings), a malfunction of the thermostat (which does not turn off the compressor when the temperature is reached) or a power surge. Also, the cause could be poor contact in the terminals.
How often do you need to change the starting relay?
The starting relay does not have a scheduled replacement period. It changes only after a breakdown. Under normal operating conditions, it lasts as long as the compressor itself - 10 years or more. Frequent replacements indicate problems in the electrical network or the refrigerator control system.
Is it dangerous to change the relay in an Indesit refrigerator yourself?
The process of replacing the mechanical part is safe if the refrigerator is disconnected from the network. The only danger is when working with live electricity. If you are not confident in your abilities or see traces of complex electronics (inverter compressors), it is better to contact a professional.
Where can I find the markings of a suitable relay?
The markings are usually applied to the side or top edge of the relay itself. Look for codes like PTC, current values (for example, 1/4 HP or 1/3 HP) and voltage. This data will help you choose an exact analogue in a spare parts store.