The situation when the refrigerator Indesit suddenly stops cooling food, and the compressor is either silent or makes clicks and buzzes for only a few seconds, is familiar to many owners of household appliances. Most often, the cause of such a breakdown is the failure of the start-up relay, which is responsible for starting the engine and protecting it from overheating. Replacing this unit on your own is a very real task for a person who knows how to hold a screwdriver and follows basic electrical safety rules. This will save a significant amount on calling a technician and return the unit to operation in a matter of minutes.
Before starting disassembly, you must clearly understand that start relay is not just a switch, but a complex mechanism that coordinates the operation of the electric motor windings. Refrigerators Indesit most often use devices of the R600 or RCTseries, which may differ in design, but perform the same function. Incorrect diagnosis can lead to the purchase of unnecessary spare parts, so it is important to make sure that the problem lies in this element, and not in the compressor or wiring itself.
In this article we will analyze in detail the algorithm of actions that will help you correctly remove the old element, check its condition and install a new one. You will learn how to distinguish a burnt part from a working one, what tools you will need for the job, and what to pay special attention to during installation. Remember that any work with electrical appliances requires caution, and ignoring safety precautions can lead to electric shock.
Diagnostics of a malfunction of the starting relay
The first sign that start relay has failed is the characteristic sound of the unit. The refrigerator may turn on, the compressor begins to hum, but after 3-5 seconds a click is heard and the motor stalls. After some time, the cycle repeats. This indicates that the engine is trying to start, but the relay cannot switch the windings correctly or opens the circuit due to a false operation of the protection. In some cases, the compressor may not make any sound other than the quiet hum of the transformer.
Visual inspection can also provide important clues. If you get to the unit and see traces of soot, melted plastic on it, or smell something burning, then the diagnosis is obvious. However, the external integrity of the case does not guarantee the serviceability of the internals. Often a spring breaks inside or the spiral of a bimetallic plate burns out, which is impossible to determine visually without opening it. For accurate diagnostics, you need to “ring” the contacts using a multimeter.
⚠️ Attention: Before carrying out any diagnostic work, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply! Even briefly touching live parts can be fatal. Do not rely only on the switch on the case - unplug the cord from the outlet.
To check, you will need a multimeter switched to resistance measurement mode. The removed relay needs to be shaken near the ear: if a knock is heard inside, it means the mechanism is destroyed (relevant for posistor and electromagnetic models). When “dialing”, depending on the type of device, the resistance between certain contacts should be either zero or infinite. For example, in a working posistor, the resistance increases as it warms up, and in an electromagnetic coil, the coil must have a specific resistance, usually in the range of 20-30 Ohms.
Necessary tools and workplace preparation
Replacing a relay in a refrigerator Indesit does not require a professional workbench or complex equipment. Everything you need can be found in any DIYer's toolbox. The main thing is to ensure good lighting in the work area, since the compressor area is often located in a dark corner or against a wall. Prepare everything you need in advance so as not to be distracted during the work process.
The basic set of tools includes:
- 🔧 Flat-head screwdriver (for removing terminals and latches).
- 🔧 Phillips screwdriver (for dismantling the casing).
- 🔧 Multimeter or tester (to check the circuit).
- 🔧 Pliers (carefully remove the terminals if they are stuck).
- 🔧 Flashlight (to illuminate the back wall).
It is also recommended to prepare a clean rag for wiping the contacts and perhaps a little alcohol to degrease if oxides are visible on the contacts. Make sure you have a new spare part in advance. Relays for Indesit are often marked with codes R600, RCT10, RCT11 or RCT12. It is best to buy an original spare part or a high-quality analogue that fully matches the markings of the old device, since the seats and electrical parameters may differ.
Removing the protective casing and accessing the compressor
The replacement process begins with providing access to the compressor, which in refrigerators Indesit is located in the lower rear part of the unit. To do this, you need to move the refrigerator away from the wall to a convenient distance. Make sure the floor is level and there is nothing stopping you from walking around the equipment. If the refrigerator is built-in, you will need to remove the back panel of the niche or pull out the case completely.
On the back wall you will see a metal or plastic panel covering the motor-compressor. It is attached with bolts or latches. In some models Indesit the panel can be screwed to the refrigerator body itself, in others it can be a separate casing. Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the fasteners. Do not lose the bolts, as they will be needed for reassembly.
After removing the panel, you will have a view of the “heart” of the refrigerator - a black cylindrical compressor with copper tubes and electrical parts suitable for it. It is at the end of the compressor, closed with a plastic or metal box, that the required relay is located. Be careful not to sharply pull the copper tubes, they can be fragile, especially if the refrigerator is old.
☑️ Preparation for dismantling
Removing the old relay and connection diagram
Start-protective relay in refrigerators Indesit usually placed directly on the three pins of the compressor and secured with a metal bracket or plastic latches. The first step is to carefully remove the fixing bracket. It can be spring or screw. Proceed carefully so as not to damage the plastic elements, which may have become brittle over time.
After removing the fixation, the relay can be easily removed from the compressor studs. However, there are wires connected to it that cannot simply be cut off. The terminals may fit tightly, so they need to be removed by rocking them from side to side and carefully tightening them with pliers, holding the wire at the base. Under no circumstances pull on the wire itself, so as not to damage the insulation.
It is important to remember which wire is connected where. The standard circuit for most models Indesit is as follows:
- ⚡ One wire goes to the starting winding (usually through a posistor).
- ⚡ The second wire provides power to the main winding.
- ⚡ The third contact is a common zero or phase, coming from the thermostat.
If you are not sure about the color coding, be sure to take a photo or sketch a diagram. In different modifications, the colors of the wires may differ, but their location on the relay block is standard. Set the removed relay aside; it will no longer be needed, unless you plan to repair it for training purposes.
| Relay type | Compatibility with Indesit | Installation features | Probability breakage |
|---|---|---|---|
RCT10 |
High | Put on 3 studs | Medium |
R600 |
High | Requires precise orientation | High |
RCT11/12 |
Medium | Universal, with adapter | Low |
PTC |
Depends on models | Posistor type | High |
Installation of a new starting relay
Installation of the new element is carried out in the reverse order of dismantling. Get a new relay and make sure it is the same model as the old one. Carefully inspect the inside of the block: it should be clean, without cracks, and the contacts should be smooth. If you are using a universal relay, the kit may include an adapter strip for the compressor contacts - install it first, tightly fitting it onto the studs.
Place the relay onto the compressor studs. It should fit tightly, without distortion. Orientation is important: usually the relay has a marking UP (top) or an arrow that should face up. Incorrect installation may result in the mechanism not working or working incorrectly, which will quickly damage the new part.
Then connect the wires to the terminals according to your diagram or photograph. Make sure that the terminals are pushed all the way in and are not loose. Poor contact will result in sparking, heating and further failure. After connecting the wires, reinstall the retaining bracket or spring that presses the relay to the compressor housing.
⚠️ Attention: Make sure that the relay is installed strictly vertically, as it was removed. In the design of many models Indesit, the “upside down” or “on its side” position disrupts the operation of the bimetallic plate, and the protection will not work at the right moment, which can burn the compressor.
What happens if the wires are mixed up?
If the wires of the starting and working windings are mixed up, the compressor may hum, but not start, or it will start in the opposite direction (which is rare for piston compressors), but will quickly overheat. In the worst case, a short circuit will occur inside the windings.
Checking functionality and first startup
After installing all the elements, you can proceed to testing. Visually check again that all wires are connected, that they are not loose or touching hot parts of the compressor or sharp metal edges. Close the protective panel of the rear wall, but do not screw it tightly yet, so that if something happens you can quickly access the unit.
Plug in the refrigerator. In the first seconds, you can hear the characteristic click of the relay, followed by the smooth hum of the operating compressor. If the unit starts up and begins to gain cold, it means the replacement was successful. Pay attention to the current strength (if it is possible to measure) or just listen: the sound should be smooth, without knocking or interruptions.
Let the refrigerator operate for about 30-40 minutes. During this time, it should enter the mode and turn off when it reaches the set temperature. If the compressor runs continuously and does not turn off for more than an hour, it is possible that the problem was not only in the relay, or the tightness of the system was broken. If the compressor clicks and stalls again, the motor itself may be faulty or there are problems with the wiring.
Common errors during replacement
Despite the apparent simplicity of the operation, beginners often make mistakes that nullify all efforts. One of the most common is ignoring the orientation of the relay during installation. As mentioned earlier, position UP is critical for proper operation of the thermal protection. The “as it turns out” setting often leads to the new element burning out after a few days.
Another error is poor contact in the terminals. If you do not fully seat the terminal or it has oxidized, heat will begin to be generated at the connection point. This leads to melting of the plastic relay housing and destruction of the contacts. Always strip the terminals to a metallic shine and crimp them tightly.
Also often, users try to install a relay that is not compatible in current characteristics. Even if it physically fits in size, its internal parameters may not match the power of your compressor Indesit. This will lead either to constant false shutdowns or to a lack of motor protection.
Is it possible to install a relay from another brand?
Theoretically, it is possible if the electrical characteristics (current, voltage) and geometric dimensions of the seat match. However, it is better to use original spare parts Indesit or proven analogues (Danfoss, Seco), since they are guaranteed to fit the operating algorithms.
How long does a new relay last?
The service life of a high-quality starting relay is on average 5-7 years, but depends on the frequency of switching on the refrigerator and the stability of the voltage in the network. Voltage surges significantly shorten the life of this element.
Why did the new relay burn out?
There may be several reasons: incorrect installation (not according to markings), poor contact in the terminals, a voltage surge in the network, or, worst of all, a “dying” compressor that consumes too much starting current, overloading the protection.
Do I need to wait after turning it on?
Yes, after replacing the relay and connecting it to the network, it is recommended to wait 3-5 minutes before turning it on again if you manipulated the connected device (although we recommend always working with it disconnected). This is necessary to equalize the pressure in the system and cool the posistor if it was heated.
What to do if the compressor is hot?
If after replacing the relay the compressor remains hot to the touch and does not start, the motor may be jammed or there is a problem in the windings. In this case, independent repair is impossible; a compressor replacement or professional diagnostics is required.