The sudden stop of operation of the Indesit refrigerator or its inability to start the compressor often becomes an unpleasant surprise. Instead of the usual hum of a running engine, the owner hears only quiet clicks or complete silence of the unit. In most cases, the reason lies in the failure of the starting relay, which is responsible for starting the compressor engine.
Diagnostics of this element does not require deep knowledge of electrical engineering, but requires strict adherence to safety rules and attention to detail. Start relay is a small but critical component that supplies increased starting current to the motor winding at the moment start.
If this component stops functioning, the compressor cannot overcome the inertia and start, which causes the refrigeration chamber to stop. In this article, we will look in detail at how to independently identify the malfunction, what tools you will need and what to pay special attention to when checking the relay of brand refrigerators Indesit.
Symptoms of a faulty starter
The first step in diagnosis is the correct analysis of the symptoms. The refrigerator may behave differently, but there are characteristic signs that indicate problems with the trigger mechanism. Most often, owners notice that the engine hums, trying to start, but after a few seconds there is a loud click and the work stops.
In some cases, the compressor may not respond at all to being turned on, remaining cold and quiet. This indicates that the circuit is broken and no current flows to the motor windings. It is also worth paying attention to the temperature of the compressor housing: if it gets very hot, but the refrigerator does not cool, this is a sure sign that starting winding does not receive the necessary impulse.
⚠️ Attention: If you hear a cracking sound or see sparking in the area of the back wall of the refrigerator, immediately turn off the appliance from the network. Operation of faulty equipment can lead to a wiring fire or complete combustion of the compressor.
Frequent power surges in the network can also cause the relay to fail. In such cases, the protection operates, opening the circuit to prevent damage to the engine. If, after normalizing the voltage, the refrigerator does not work, most likely, the contact group inside the relay is already burnt out or stuck.
Necessary tools and safety measures
Before proceeding with disassembly and testing, it is necessary to prepare the workplace and tools. To carry out high-quality diagnostics, you will need a minimum set, which is available from most home craftsmen. The main tool will be multimeter (tester), which allows you to measure the resistance and ring the circuits.
You will also need screwdrivers (Phillips and flathead) to remove the protective cover and dismantle the relay itself. It will be useful to use pliers to carefully disconnect the terminals and isopropyl alcohol to clean the contacts from oxides. It is important to ensure good lighting of the work area, since the elements are located compactly.
Safety is the number one priority when working with electrical appliances. Before any manipulation, make sure that the power cord is unplugged from the outlet. The accumulated charge in capacitors can be dangerous, so do not touch live parts with your bare hands unless necessary.
Work in a dry room and use tools with dielectric handles. If there is water or high humidity on the floor, move the refrigerator to a more suitable place or wait until it dries.
Removing the start relay from the compressor
The process of removing the relay for refrigerators Indesit is usually standardized, but requires care. The compressor is located at the lower rear of the unit, covered with a metal casing. By removing it, you will gain access to the motor and attachments.
The starting relay is attached directly to the side outlet of the compressor and fixed with a plastic or metal box. To remove it, you need to carefully press the fixing tabs or unscrew the fastening screws, if they are provided for in the design.
☑️ Removing the relay
When disconnecting the wires, do not use excessive force so as not to damage the insulation or pull the terminals out of the sockets. Old wires can become brittle as the insulation dries out, so proceed with caution. After removing the relay, inspect its body for cracks, melting or burnt marks.
If traces of thermal effects are visible on the body, this is almost guaranteed to indicate an internal short circuit or overheating of the contacts. In such cases, visual diagnostics already confirm the need to replace the unit.
Visual inspection and types of relays
Indesit refrigerators most often use two types of starting devices: posistor (PTC) and induction. PTC relays are more modern and do not have moving mechanical parts, unlike induction relays, where the work is performed by an electromagnetic coil and a moving core.
When visually inspecting a PTC relay, pay attention to the ceramic element inside. If it is cracked, blackened, or shows obvious signs of decay, the part is faulty. In induction relays, it is important to check the condition of the contacts: they must be clean, without carbon deposits and shells.
Differences in relay types
The posistor relay works by changing the resistance of the heating element, and the induction one opens the circuit when a certain engine speed is reached using electromagnetic force.
Inspect also connectors and terminals. Oxidation of the contacts (greenish or white coating) can prevent the normal flow of current. In some cases, it is enough to clean the contacts with fine sandpaper or alcohol to restore functionality.
| Relay type | Principle of operation | Characteristic malfunctions |
|---|---|---|
| Posistor (PTC) | Heating the element increases the resistance | Ceramic splitting, loss of posistor properties |
| Induction | Electromagnetic opening of contacts | Burning of contacts, sticking of the core |
| Thermal | The bimetallic plate opens the circuit | Deformation of the plate, insulation breakdown |
It is important to understand that even if the relay looks intact on the outside, internal defects may be invisible to the eye. Therefore, you cannot rely only on a visual inspection - an instrumental check is necessary.
Diagnostics with a multimeter: step-by-step algorithm
The most accurate testing method is to measure electrical resistance using a multimeter. Switch the device to resistance measurement mode (Ohms) for a range of up to 2 kOhm. First, check the integrity of the thermal protection circuit, if it is built into the relay body.
Attach the probes to the corresponding contacts. If the device shows infinity (one in the most significant digit or “OL”), it means that the circuit is broken and the protection has burned out. Normal resistance should be close to zero or several ohms.
Next, we check the starting circuit. For posistor relays, the cold element resistance is usually from 15 to 50 ohms. If the multimeter shows zero, a short circuit is possible, and if infinity is an open circuit.
For induction relays, it is important to check the coil for interturn short circuit, although it is difficult to do this with a regular tester. Pay special attention to the contacts: in a quiet state they should be closed or open depending on the design, but when voltage is applied (which is dangerous to check at home), they should change state.
⚠️ Attention: The technical characteristics of the relay (resistance, type of connection) may differ depending on the specific compressor model. Always check the markings on the part body or the manufacturer's technical documentation.
If after all the checks it turns out that the relay is working properly, the problem may lie in the compressor itself or the wiring of the refrigerator. In this case, further diagnostics require a more qualified approach.
Replacement and possible errors during installation
If the diagnosis is confirmed