A sudden stop of the refrigerator compressor Indesit is always stressful for the owner, as food supplies are at risk. Most often, the reason for the absence of the characteristic hum of the motor is the failure of the start-up relay, which is responsible for starting the motor and protecting its windings from overloads. Replacing this unit on your own is a very real task for a person who knows how to hold a screwdriver and follow safety precautions when working with electricity.
However, before you begin dismantling and installing a new part, you need to be sure of the diagnosis. Failure to start does not always indicate a breakdown; sometimes the problem lies in the compressor itself or the thermoregulation system. In this article we will analyze in detail the diagnostic process, the algorithm for replacement and the nuances of connecting various modifications of devices found in household appliances of this brand. start relay, sometimes the problem lies in the compressor itself or the thermoregulation system. In this article we will analyze in detail the diagnostic process, the replacement algorithm and the nuances of connecting various modifications of devices found in household appliances of this brand.
It is important to understand that a refrigerator Indesit is a complex unit where the electrical part is directly related to circulation refrigerant. Incorrect connection of the relay contacts can lead to a short circuit of the compressor stator windings, which will make repairs economically impractical due to the high cost of the new motor. Therefore, carefully study the theoretical part, prepare the tools, and only after that proceed to practical actions to restore the functionality of your equipment.
Diagnostics of a faulty starting device
The first sign that the relay has failed is a characteristic click heard from the back of the refrigerator, after which the compressor either does not start at all, or runs for a few seconds and turns off again. If you hear the engine trying to start, humming, but then there is a click and silence, this is a classic symptom of a faulty starter or a jammed piston group. A visual inspection may also reveal melting of the plastic or the appearance of carbon deposits on the contacts if the protective casing is removed.
For a more accurate diagnosis, you need to “ring” the device using a multimeter. If you have minimal skills in working with electrical engineering, this stage will most likely allow you to confirm or refute the hypothesis of a breakdown. Resistance between the contacts must correspond to certain values, and the moving elements inside the case must move freely without being jammed by oxidation products or mechanical damage.
⚠️ Attention: Before any manipulations with the electrical components of the refrigerator, be sure to disconnect the appliance from the network. Even briefly touching live parts can cause serious injury or death.
There are two main types of devices used in refrigerators Indesit: posistor and induction. PTC models work by changing the resistance of the heating element, which opens the starting winding circuit after heating. Induction (electromagnetic) opens the circuit when the compressor reaches a certain speed. Understanding the type of your device will help you correctly interpret the measurement results.
Preparing tools and selecting a new part
To successfully replace the relay, you will need a minimum set of tools, which is found in the garage of most men. The main tool will be a flathead and Phillips screwdriver for removing the protective panels and dismantling the terminal block. You may also need pliers with insulated handles to carefully remove the wires, and perhaps a knife to strip the contacts if oxidation is found on them.
A critical step is to purchase the correct analogue. Relays for refrigerators Indesit may vary in the method of attachment, the number of contacts and the type of connector. The body of the old part is always marked, for example R600, PTC or a specific manufacturer's part number (Danfoss, Ariston, Indesit). You should buy universal models with caution, checking the connection diagram.
☑️ Preparing to replace the relay
When choosing a new spare part, pay attention to the condition of the case - it should be without cracks or chips. If you buy a used or second-hand device, make sure that there are no loose parts inside that may indicate destruction of the ceramic posistor or coil. A high-quality part is the key to a long service life of the compressor after repair.
Removing the old start relay
The removal process begins with access to the compressor, which is located in the lower rear part of the refrigerator. Some models Indesit may require you to remove the back metal panel secured with screws, while others allow access. Be careful with the copper tubes of the condenser - they are thin and easily deformed if handled carelessly.
On the compressor, the relay is mounted directly on the rod and side contacts. It can be secured with a metal bracket, plastic latches, or simply held in place by a tight fit. Carefully remove the retaining bracket, if there is one, and pull the device down or to the side, being careful not to apply excessive force to the wires. Often the wires are short, and sudden movement can cause them to break at the base.
Before disconnecting the wires, it is highly recommended that you take a close-up photo of the wiring diagram. The wire color codes may fade or become tangled over time, and the photo will be your main guide during assembly. Remember or write down which wire (black, white, red) went to which contact on the block.
⚠️ Attention: Do not try to forcefully remove the relay if it is stuck or stuck. A slight rocking from side to side will help loosen the seat without the risk of damaging the compressor terminals, the repair of which is extremely difficult.
Connection diagram and installation of a new relay
Installation of a new part is carried out in the reverse order of dismantling. First, make sure the new relay is oriented correctly: there is usually a marking UP or arrow on the housing indicating the up position. This is critically important, since incorrect orientation will disrupt the operation of the internal contact opening mechanism.
The wires are connected according to the photograph taken earlier or the diagram on the case. Typically, the terminals have color markings or letter designations: L (Line) - phase, N (Neutral) - nl, R (Run) - working winding, S (Start) - starting winding. Place the pads tightly until you hear a characteristic click, making sure that the contact is reliable and the wire will not pull out during vibration.
What do the numbers on the relay terminals mean?
Usually the terminals are numbered 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. Standard circuit: 1 and 2 - mains power, 4 and 5 — connection to the compressor windings. However, the numbering may differ between manufacturers, so always check the diagram specifically for your Indesit model.
After connecting the wires, the device is placed on three pins coming out of the compressor housing. It should fit tightly, without any play. If the relay sits too loosely, this can lead to sparking and burning of the contacts during operation. In this case, it may be necessary to replace not only the relay, but also the intermediate block.
Checking the system functionality
After installing all the elements in place, but before closing the rear panel, perform a test run. Plug in the refrigerator and listen carefully. The compressor should start almost immediately, with a characteristic even hum. The absence of clicks, buzzing or vibrations indicates that the work was performed correctly.
Let the unit operate for 10-15 minutes. During this time, you will be able to assess whether the relay itself is overheating (slight heating is acceptable, but not to the point where it is impossible to touch) and whether the compressor is making any unusual sounds. Also check if the temperature in the freezer begins to rise, which will confirm that the refrigeration circuit is working.
If the startup was successful, secure the protective panel and move the refrigerator to its permanent location. Do not forget to leave technological gaps for ventilation so that the motor does not overheat in the future. Regular cleaning of the condenser from dust will extend the life of the new relay and compressor.
Table of typical faults and solutions
To quickly navigate possible problems that may arise during the repair process or after it, use the following table. It will help differentiate relay failure from other system malfunctions.
| Symptom | Probable cause | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Click, silence, cold compressor | Faulty relay or starting winding | Replace the relay, ring the windings |
| Humming, overheating, protection shutdown | Stuck compressor or relay | Check motor mechanics, relay replacement |
| The relay heats up, but does not click | The posistor inside the relay has burned out | Urgent replacement of the starting device |
| Sparking in the contact area | Loose contact or oxidation | Clean contacts, tighten terminals |
⚠️ Attention: The characteristics and location of elements may vary slightly depending on the year of manufacture of the model. Indesit. Always check the technical documentation of a particular device if the standard circuit does not work.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to use a relay from another brand, for example, Danfoss, for Indesit?
Yes, often a relay brands Danfoss or Ariston are suitable for Indesitif the electrical parameters (power, compressor type) and geometric dimensions of the seat match. The main thing is the correspondence of the contact diagram.
Why does a new relay burn out a week after replacement?
This may indicate problems with the compressor itself (turn-to-turn short circuit), voltage surges in the network, or incorrect selection of relay power. Also, the cause may be poor contact in the terminal block.
Is it necessary to defrost the refrigerator before replacing the relay?
Complete defrosting is not necessary, since access to the compressor is from the outside. However, if the refrigerator was working with an overload, letting it stand turned off for a couple of hours will be useful for cooling the oil in the system.
How to understand that the relay is “stuck”?
If, after disconnecting from the network and waiting 5-10 minutes, when you turn it on again, a click immediately occurs and starts without delay, perhaps the contacts are stuck in the closed position. A working relay should have time for the posistor to cool down.