How to check the Stinol refrigerator relay yourself: instructions with photos and diagrams

The refrigerator Stinol stopped freezing, hums loudly or does not turn on at all? In 70% of cases, the problem lies in a faulty relay - starting or protective. These small parts are responsible for starting the compressor and protecting it from overheating, but over time the contacts burn out, the springs weaken, and the bimetallic plates lose sensitivity. Checking the refrigerator relay Stinol does not require professional skills: just a multimeter, a screwdriver and 30 minutes of time.

In this article you will find step-by-step diagnostic schemes for both types of relays (inductive and electronic), learn how to distinguish a relay malfunction from a compressor failure, and get list of characteristic symptoms, which will indicate a specific part. We will analyze the models Stinol 100/103/107/110 and newer series - taking into account their design features.

Before you start checking, make sure that the problem is not in the network cable or socket. If the refrigerator does not respond to being plugged in, first check the voltage in the outlet (there should be 220–240 V) and the integrity of the plug. Only after this can the relay be removed.

1. Signs of a faulty Stinol refrigerator relay

The relay rarely fails suddenly - usually the breakdown is preceded characteristic symptoms, which can be noticed in advance. Here are the key signs indicating problems with the starting or protective relay:

• 🔊 The compressor does not start, but a slight hum is heard (the relay clicks, but the motor does not rotate). This is a typical symptom burnt contacts or stuck core.
• ⚡ The refrigerator turns on for 5-10 seconds and the. This is how a faulty protective relay turns offbehaves, which falsely triggers for overheating.
• ❄️ The freezer does not freeze, and in the main compartment the temperature is higher than normal. In this case, the compressor works without stopping - a sign that the relay does not turn off the motor when the desired temperature is reached.
• 🔥 The appearance of burning or the smell of plastic from the back of the refrigerator. It speaks of short circuit in the winding of a relay or compressor.
• 🕒 The work/rest cycles have become chaotic.. For example, the compressor runs for 2-3 minutes and turns off for an hour.

If you observe at least one of these symptoms, the probability of a relay malfunction is 85–90%. The remaining 10% is due to breakdowns of the thermostat, compressor or electronic control unit (in models with a display).

⚠️ Attention: If the refrigerator Stinol is equipped with an inverter compressor (200+ series), it uses an electronic relay, which is diagnosed differently. For such models, it is necessary to check the resistance of the windings and signals from the control board.

2. Types of relays in Stinol refrigerators: how to distinguish?

Refrigerators Stinol use two types of relays:

1. Starting (induction) —responsible for starting the compressor. Inside there is a coil with a core that closes the contacts when voltage is applied. Marking: RTK-XX or RTP-XX.
2. Protective (thermal) - protects the compressor from overheating. Works on the basis of a bimetallic plate. Marking: TR-1, DHR or KLIXON.

In older models (Stinol 100/103) these relays installed separately, in new ones (series 110+) - often combined in one housing (start-up relay). Here's how to visually distinguish them:

In models Stinol 107/110 a relay type is often found RTK-X1 or DHR-5. For accurate identification, look at the markings on the part body.

3. Preparation for testing: tools and safety measures

To diagnose the refrigerator relay Stinol you will need:

• 🔧 Phillips and flat-head screwdrivers — to remove the relay and compressor cover.
• 📊 Multimeter (in ohmmeter and voltmeter mode) - for checking resistance and voltage.
• 🔌 Extension cord with lamp (for 15–40 W) - for testing under load (optional).
• 📸 Smartphone —to photograph the connection diagram before disconnecting the wires.
• 🧤 Rubber gloves —for protection against electric shock.

Before starting work required:

Disconnect the refrigerator from the mains (remove the plug from the socket)|

Take a photo of the location of the wires on the relay|

Prepare a workplace with good lighting|

Wear rubber gloves and shoes with rubber soles|

Check the multimeter for functionality (measure the resistance of a known resistor)-->

If this is your first time disassembling the refrigerator, pay attention to the color marking of the wires:

• 🔴 Red/orange — starting winding compressor.
• 🔵 Blue/black —working winding.
• 🟢 Green/yellow —grounding.
• 🟡 Yellow/white —common wire (may differ depending on the model).

⚠️ Attention: Do not touch the compressor terminals with your bare hands if the refrigerator was turned on less than 10 minutes ago. Capacitors in the circuit can store dangerous voltage!

4. How to remove a relay from a Stinol compressor: step-by-step instructions

The relay is attached to the compressor using latches or screws. In models Stinol 100–110 it is located to the right of the compressor (when viewed from behind), in new series it can be hidden under a protective casing. Here's how to dismantle it:

1. Unplug the refrigerator and move it away from the wall for easy access to the back panel.

2. Remove the bottom cover (if any) - it is secured with latches or screws.

3. Disconnect the wires from relays, having previously photographed their location. In models with a combined relay, there may be 3-4 terminals:

   • 🔌 C (Common) - common wire.
   • 🔥 R (Run) - working winding.
   • ⚡ S (Start) - starting winding.

Unscrew the screw securing the relay to compressor (usually one screw for a Phillips screwdriver).

Carefully remove the relay by pulling it up. If it “sticks”, do not use force - it is better to treat the joint with alcohol or WD-40.

In some models Stinol (for example, Stinol 107) the relay may be hidden under a plastic casing. To remove it, you will need to:

1. Press the latches around the perimeter of the casing with a flat screwdriver.
2. Lift the cover and disconnect the wire chips.
3. Remove the relay along with the mount.

What to do if the relay is not is it removable?

If the relay is “stuck” to the compressor, do not try to tear it off - this may damage the terminals. Instead:

1. Treat the joint with technical alcohol or WD-40.

2. Wait 10–15 minutes.

3. Gently rock the relay left and right while pulling up.

If this does not help, the mount may be deformed. In this case, it is better to call a technician so as not to damage the compressor.

5. Checking the starting relay with a multimeter

The starting relay is responsible for starting the compressor. Its verification includes diagnostics of the coil and contacts. To do this:

1. Switch the multimeter to resistance measurement mode (200 Ohm).

2. Connect the probes to the coil terminals (usually these are contacts S i C or R). In a working relay, the resistance should be in the range 15–40 Ohm.

   • 🔴 0 Ohm —short circuit in the coil.
   • 🟢 15–40 Ohm —the coil is working.
   • 🔵 ∞ (infinity) —a break in the coil.

Check the resistance between terminals R and S (starting and operating windings). In normal condition it should be 20–50 Ohm.

Inspect the contacts for the presence of burns or melting..

If the coil or contacts are faulty, the relay must be replaced. Models Stinol often use relay types RTK-X1, RTP-1 or their analogues. For an accurate replacement, take the part with you to the store or photograph the markings.

For additional checking, you can use lamp connection method:

1. Connect to terminals C i R incandescent lamp (15-40 W).
2. Shortly apply voltage to the relay (220 V).
3. If the lamp lights up and goes out after 1-2 seconds, the relay is working properly. If the lamp does not light up or is constantly on, the relay is faulty.

⚠️ Attention: Do not apply voltage to the relay for more than 3 seconds without the compressor connected! This may damage the coil.

6. Checking the protective (thermal) relay

The protective relay protects the compressor from overheating. make: bimetallic plate and contacts. Here's how to do it:

1. Switch the multimeter to the "testing" mode (diode icon).

2. Connect the probes to the input terminals of the relay (usually these are L i T or 1 i 2).In a cold state, the contacts should be closed (resistance ~0 Ohm).

3. Heat the relay with a hairdryer. (at a distance of 10–15 cm) or immerse in hot water (60–70°C). After 1–2 minutes, the contacts should open (resistance → ∞). Let the relay cool down again. this did not happen - the relay is faulty. open (resistance → ∞).

4. Let the relay cool down. The contacts should close again. If this does not happen, the relay is faulty.

In combined relays (start-up protection), thermal protection often fails due to oxidation of the contacts. To temporarily restore functionality, you can:

• Carefully clean the contacts with emery cloth. paper (grain size 600–800).
• Blow out the relay with compressed air to remove dust.
• Apply a special lubricant to the contacts (for example, Kontakt 60).

However, such measures are necessary temporary. If the relay has already failed once failure, it is better to replace it.

7. How to distinguish a relay malfunction from a compressor breakdown?

Symptoms of a faulty relay and compressor often coincide: the refrigerator does not turn on, does not freeze, makes a humming noise. To accurately determine the culprit, perform the following tests:

• 🔧 Checking the compressor for a short circuit:
  1. Disconnect all wires from the compressor.
  2. Measure the resistance between terminals C, R and S:
     • R–S: 20–50 Ohms (starting winding).
     • R–C: 10–20 Ohms (working winding).
     • S–C: amount R–S + R–C (30–70 Ohms).
• If the resistance between any terminal and the compressor housing is not equal to ∞, the compressor is broken into the housing.
• 📊 Test under voltage (only for experienced ones!):
  1. Disconnect the relay from compressor.
  2. Apply 220 V voltage directly to the terminals C and R of the compressor (via an extension cord with a 40 W lamp for safety).
  3. If the compressor starts, the problem is in the relay. If not, it is faulty. motor.

If the compressor hums, but does not start, and the resistance of the windings is normal, it is to blame starting relayIf the windings show an open or short circuit, the compressor needs to be replaced.

⚠️ Attention: Apply voltage directly to compressor is a dangerous operation! Do this only if you are confident in your skills and use protective equipment (rubber gloves, insulated probes).

8. Replacing the Stinol refrigerator relay: selection of parts and installation

If the diagnostics showed a malfunction of the relay, it must be replaced. For refrigerators Stinol the following types of relay are suitable:

• 🔧 For models 100–110 series:
  • RTK-X1 (starter) + TR-1 (protective).
  • DHR-5M (combined).
  • KLIXON 3AM (imported analogue).
• 🔧 For models 200+ series (inverter compressors):
  • RTP-1 or electronic modules (for example, EG2000).

When choosing a relay, pay attention to:

1. Compressor type (conventional or inverter).
2. Compressor power (indicated on the nameplate, for example, 120 W).
3. Number of terminals (3 for combined relays, 2–4 for individual ones).
4. Marking of the old relay (if any).

Installing a new relay is performed in the reverse order:

1. Fix the relay on the compressor (with a screw or latch).
2. Connect the wires according to the diagram (use the photo taken before removal).
3. Make sure that the contacts are tightly secured (without backlash).
4. Turn on the refrigerator and check the operation of the compressor.

After replacing the relay, let the refrigerator operate for 1-2 hours in normal mode. If the compressor starts and turns off cyclically (runs for 10-20 minutes, rests for 5-10 minutes), the problem is solved.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about checking the Stinol relay

Is it possible to check the relay without multimeter?

Yes, but with limited accuracy. You can:

1. Shake the relay - if knocking or rattling is heard inside, this is a sign of mechanical failure.
2. Inspect the contacts for burns or melting.
3. Temporarily install a known-good relay (for example, from another refrigerator).

However, without a multimeter, you will not be able to check the resistance of the coil or bimetallic plate.

What to do if the relay clicks, but the compressor does not start?

This is a typical symptom:

• Faults starting relay (burnt contacts or burnt coil).
• Interturn short circuit in the compressor windings.
• Compressor jams (if the motor hums but does not rotate).

First replace the relay. If this does not help, check the compressor.

How much does a relay cost for Stinol and where to buy it?
The cost of the relay depends on the type:
• RTK-X1 or DHR-5M: 300–600 rubles.
• Imported analogues (KLIXON): 800–1500 rubles.
• Electronic modules for inverter compressors: 1500–3000 rubles.
You can buy a relay:
• In stores of spare parts for refrigerators (for example, "Holod-Service", "Rembyttekhnika").
• On marketplaces (Yandex Market, Ozon, AliExpress —but be be careful with fakes!).
• In service centers Stinol (original parts).
Is it possible to repair the relay or just replace it?

Theoretically it is possible to repair the relay, but this is temporary solution. Possible measures:

• Cleaning the burnt contacts with sandpaper.
• Replacing the bimetallic plate (if you find a similar one).
• Soldering a break in the coil (requires skills in working with soldering iron).

However, after such repairs, the relay will not last long (from several days to a couple of months). For reliable operation, it is better to install a new part.

Why does a new relay burn out quickly?

If a new relay fails after a short time, the reasons may be the following:

• Problems with the compressor (turn-to-turn short circuit, increased starting current).
• Unstable voltage in the network (less than 190 V or more than 240 V).
• Wrong selection relay (does not correspond to the compressor power).
• Poor contact in the terminals (leads to overheating).

Check the voltage in the socket and the condition of the compressor. If the problem persists, contact a specialist to diagnose the motor.