A sudden stop of the compressor or a loud click followed by silence are classic signs of failure of the start-up relay. For owners of two-chamber refrigerators Indesit this situation often becomes a cause for panic, but in most cases the problem is solved by simply replacing an inexpensive component. Start protection relay is responsible for starting the engine and protecting it from overloads, so its serviceability is critical for the operation of the entire system.
Independent replacement of this element does not require complex professional equipment, but requires strict adherence to safety precautions and attention to detail. Two-chamber models Indesit (NBS, C, T series) have a similar compressor compartment design, which makes the procedure unified for most devices. Before you begin disassembly, you need to clearly understand what kind of malfunction you are faced with.
If you hear the motor trying to start, humming for a few seconds, and then a shutdown click is heard, the probability of a relay failure is more than 80%. In this article, we will analyze in detail the algorithm of actions that will allow you to bring the refrigerator back to life with your own hands, avoiding an expensive call to the technician.
Diagnostics of a faulty start relay
The first step should always be an accurate diagnosis, since symptoms of a relay malfunction are often confused with a breakdown of the compressor or thermostat itself. The main sign that start-up protection relay has failed is a characteristic operating cycle: the refrigerator turns on, a hum is heard, lasting 3-5 seconds, followed by a loud click and a complete stop of the unit. After some time, the cycle may repeat automatically.
Visual inspection can also provide important clues. If traces of burning, melted plastic or black spots are visible on the relay body, then replacement is absolutely necessary. Sometimes you can hear rattling inside the case, which indicates the destruction of internal contacts or the mechanical part of the mechanism.
⚠️ Attention: If after the relay clicks the compressor continues to hum and does not turn off for more than 10-15 seconds, immediately turn off the power to the refrigerator. This may indicate an interturn short circuit in the motor windings, and further operation in this mode will lead to complete combustion of the compressor.
For a more accurate check, you can use a multimeter by ringing the contacts for resistance. However, in everyday life, they most often rely on the external signs and age of the part. The relay is a consumable item, and its resource is limited by the number of on-off cycles.
Preparation for repair: tools and safety
Replacing a relay on a two-chamber refrigerator Indesit requires a minimal set of tools, which most home craftsmen can find. The main condition for success is the complete de-energization of the device. No work inside the electrical circuit should be carried out while the power cord is connected to the outlet.
You will need a flathead and Phillips screwdriver to remove the protective covers, as well as pliers or side cutters to work with the terminals. It would be a good idea to prepare a rag to wipe away dust and compressor oil that may accumulate in the niche.
☑️ Preparing to replace the relay
It is important to ensure good lighting of the work area, since the compressor compartment is often darkened. If you have poor eyesight, use a magnifying glass or a flashlight with zoom to clearly see the contact markings.
Access to the compressor and removal of the casing
In two-chamber refrigerators Indesit the compressor is traditionally located at the bottom of the rear wall of the device. To access it, you need to move the unit away from the wall, providing room for maneuver on both sides.
First, remove the rear metal panel that covers the engine compartment. It is attached to several screws around the perimeter. In some models Indesit the panel may be plastic and held on by latches, but most often standard fasteners are used.
After removing the panel, you will see a black cylindrical or pear-shaped object - this is the compressor. A plastic box, often black or white, is placed on the side or top of it. This is what we are looking for Start-protective relay. Wires from the thermostat and a power cable go to it.
Nuances of fastening the casing
In some modifications of Indesit, the metal cover can be covered with a layer of sticky dust and dirt, which makes it difficult to unscrew the screws. It is recommended to first wipe the fastening points with alcohol or degreaser to prevent the screwdriver from slipping.
Carefully unscrew all the screws and put them in a safe place so as not to lose them. Now you have access to the “heart” of the refrigerator and its starting system.
Removing the old relay
The process of removing the relay requires care, since plastic elements become fragile over time. First of all, you need to remove the metal retaining bracket, if present. It presses the relay body to the compressor terminals.
Then you need to disconnect the electrical wires. They can be mounted on terminals or simply inserted into connectors. Remember or take a photo of the connection order, although in modern relays Indesit it is difficult to mix up the wires due to the different shapes of the connectors.
The most important thing is to remove the relay from the compressor contacts. To do this, grab the relay body with both hands and, rocking it from side to side, pull it towards you. Do not apply excessive upward or downward force to avoid breaking the motor terminals.
⚠️ Attention: When removing the relay, be careful of its orientation. The body usually has a "UP" marking or an arrow indicating the up position. Installing the relay upside down will cause instant failure of the new part the first time you turn it on.
After removal, inspect the inside of the relay. If there are traces of oil there, wipe the seat on the compressor. Also check the condition of the contacts on the motor itself - they should be clean and not oxidized.
Selection of a new part and connection diagram
When purchasing a new relay, you need to focus on the model of your refrigerator Indesit or the marking of the old device. Start relays come in different types: for R600a and R134a compressors, with and without a timer, for different capacities. An incorrectly selected part will not start the motor or will burn out.
The main parameters that must match: the number of contacts (usually 2 or 3 pins), the type of connection (horizontal or vertical) and operating power. Markings are often applied directly to the plastic housing, for example PTC R600a or Klixon.
| Relay type | Characteristics | Application in Indesit |
|---|---|---|
| Posistor (PTC) | Black plastic, ceramic element inside | Modern models, quiet start |
| Thermal (Klixon) | Metal or white plastic, audible click | Old models, more noisy |
| Combined | Combines start-up and protection functions | Most common in 2-chamber |
When connecting a new part, make sure that the wires are tightly seated in the terminals. If the connectors are loose, they can be carefully tightened with pliers, but without fanaticism, so as not to split the plastic.
Installation and initial startup
Installation of a new one start-protective relay is done in the reverse order. Place the part on the three pins of the compressor, maintaining a vertical position (marked up). You should feel confident contact.
Fix the metal retaining bracket, if it was in the design. Connect the electrical connectors to the appropriate terminals. Check that the wires do not touch the hot compressor tubes and are at a safe distance.
Now you can put the back metal panel in place and secure it with screws. Only after the case has been completely assembled should you plug in the refrigerator. The first start-up may be accompanied by a louder sound than usual, this is normal for a new part.
After switching on, listen to the operation of the unit. The compressor should start the first time, without prolonged hums or repeated clicks. If the startup was successful, leave the refrigerator to work for 2-3 hours without loading food to make sure that the temperature is stable.
What to do if the refrigerator does not start after replacement?
If after installing the new relay the situation has not changed (humming and clicking continues), the problem may be deeper. Perhaps the compressor itself is faulty (jamming of the piston group) or there is a break in the windings. It is also worth checking the thermostat - if it does not give a command to turn on, the relay will not work. In rare cases, a new relay may be defective, so do not exclude this option.
Is it possible to temporarily start a refrigerator without a relay?
Theoretically, you can start a motor without a starting element by applying voltage directly to the starting winding, but this is strictly not recommended. Without protection, the compressor can burn out in a few minutes due to overheating of the windings or jamming. This is an emergency measure only for diagnostics, but not for operation.
How often do you need to change the relay on Indesit?
The average service life of a start-up protection relay is 5-7 years of active operation. However, with frequent power surges in the network or unstable operation of the thermostat (frequent on/off), the service life of the part may be reduced to 2-3 years.