Sudden stop of the refrigerator Stinol is always a cause for concern, because the safety of food depends on the operation of the unit. One of the most common reasons why a motor stops starting or turns off after a few seconds is the failure of the start relay. This small but critical element is responsible for supplying voltage to the starting winding of the compressor at the moment of start.
Before calling a technician or buying a new part, it makes sense to conduct an initial diagnosis. In most cases, if you have basic skills in handling tools, you can check the relay for functionality yourself, without resorting to complex equipment. You will only need a minimal set of tools and attention to detail.
In this article we will analyze in detail the design of the trigger mechanism, the symptoms of its breakdown and a step-by-step algorithm for checking with a multimeter. We will also look at how to distinguish a faulty relay from more serious problems with the compressor itself, so that you can make an informed decision about repairs.
Signs of a faulty starting relay
You can determine that the problem lies in the starting device by characteristic external signs. The refrigerator Stinol can behave in different ways, but most often the breakdown manifests itself in cyclical attempts to start. The motor hums and tries to start, but after 5-10 seconds a click is heard and the unit goes quiet.
Sometimes the situation looks different: the refrigerator is simply silent, although the light inside the chamber is on and the indicators on the control panel are active. In rare cases, you may hear a characteristic cracking or ringing sound coming from the rear of the housing where the compressor is located.
Visual inspection can also provide important clues. If you remove the protective cover and remove the relay, traces of melting, carbon deposits, or even cracks may be visible on its body. The smell of burning is another sure sign that an electrical breakdown has occurred inside.
- 🔊 The compressor hums, but does not start, a click is heard.
- ❄️ The refrigerator has stopped freezing, although the light inside is on.
- 🔥 Relays are visible on the housing traces of soot or melted plastic.
- ⚡ During operation, a cracking or ringing of the metal tongue is heard.
It is important to understand that starting relay is a consumable material, the resource of which is limited by the number of switching cycles. Over time, the contacts burn out, and the spring mechanisms lose their elasticity, which leads to failure.
Design and principle of operation of the Stinol refrigerator relay
To successfully ring a part, you need to understand how it works. In refrigerators Stinol combined type start-up protection relays are most often used. They combine the functions of starting the engine and protecting it from current overloads.
Inside the plastic case there is an electromagnetic coil, a movable core with contacts and a bimetallic plate. When voltage is applied, current passes through the coil, creating a magnetic field that draws in the core and closes the contacts of the starting winding.
As soon as the engine picks up speed, the current drops, the magnetic field weakens, and the contacts open under the influence of the gravity of the core or spring. Thermal protection works in parallel: if the current becomes too high, the bimetallic plate heats up, bends and opens the circuit, preventing the motor from burning out.
⚠️ Attention: Some models Stinol can use relays from different manufacturers (for example, Danfoss, Indesit or Clixon). Their design may differ slightly, but the principle of operation remains the same.
There are also relays with a posistor, where the role of a switch is performed by a ceramic element that changes resistance when heated. Such devices do not have moving parts and often fail due to loss of properties of the posistor.
Preparation for diagnostics: tools and safety
Before starting the test, it is necessary to ensure safe working conditions. Electrical current combined with moisture or rough handling of the tool can be dangerous. First of all, the refrigerator Stinol needs to be completely disconnected from the network.
Unplug the plug from the socket and provide access to the compressor. To do this, the unit is usually moved away from the wall. You will need to remove the rear protective panel at the bottom of the refrigerator, which covers the motor compartment.
To carry out diagnostics, you will need the following tools:
- 🔧 Screwdriver (Phillips or flat) to remove the casing.
- 🔌 Multimeter (tester) to measure resistance.
- 🧤 Dielectric gloves for additional protection.
- 🔦 Flashlight for illuminating hard-to-reach places.
The main tool will be multimeter. Make sure its batteries are charged and the probes are not damaged. Switch the device to the resistance measurement mode (Ohm), usually this is the sector with the Ω icon.
Removing the relay from the compressor
The starting relay is attached directly to the compressor terminals. In refrigerators Stinol it is usually fixed on the side or bottom of the motor casing. Fastening can be done using a bracket, screws, or simply a tight fit.
Carefully remove the plastic box that contains the relay. Often the wires will not come off right away, so be careful not to damage the insulation. If the relay is held on a bracket, it needs to be bent or unscrewed.
Remove the relay from the compressor contacts. It fits on three pins. Do not use excessive force; swing the part from side to side. Before complete removal, it is advisable to photograph or sketch which wire fits where, although modern relays have markings.
Inspect the removed part. If a ringing sound is heard inside when shaken, this may mean that the ceramic posistor has fallen apart or the contact has broken off. In this case, there is almost no point in calling - the part definitely requires replacement.
Checking the relay with a multimeter: step-by-step instructions
Now we move on to the most important stage - measuring the resistance. If you have an electromagnetic type relay, it has input contacts (L, N) and output contacts for the compressor. The resistance between the input contacts should be minimal or absent (depending on the condition).
Checking the continuity of the circuit is carried out in several positions. In the normal position (contacts open), the resistance between the output terminals should tend to infinity. If you turn the relay over (simulating startup), the contacts should close, and the tester will show 0 Ohm or a value close to it.
For posistor relays, the test is different. The resistance of the posistor itself at room temperature should be approximately 20-50 Ohms. If the tester shows infinity or zero, the element is faulty.
Below is a table with approximate resistance values for serviceable elements:
| Test type | Normal reading | Fault | Probable cause |
|---|---|---|---|
| Posistor circuit | 20–50 Ohm | ∞ (infinity) or 0 | Open or short circuit |
| Contacts (closed) | 0–2 Ohm | ∞ (infinity) | Burning or oxidation of contacts |
| Thermal protection | 0 Ohm | ∞ (infinity) | Rupture of the bimetallic plate |
| Case insulation | ∞ (infinity) | Any value | Breakthrough to the housing (dangerous!) |
If the multimeter shows values that are very different from the norm, or the readings “jump”, the relay must be replaced. Repairing such units is usually impractical, since the cost of a new part is low, and the reliability of the restored element will be low.
Diagnostics of compressor windings
It often happens that the relay does not burn out on its own, but due to problems with the engine. Therefore, before installing a new part, you definitely need to check compressor windings the refrigerator Stinol. If the motor is faulty, installing a new relay will only cause it to burn out again.
Find the three contacts on the compressor where the relay was put on. They are usually arranged in a triangle. You need to ring them in pairs with each other. For a working motor, the resistance between any two contacts should be in the range from 10 to 60 Ohms.
It is also necessary to check that there is no breakdown on the housing. Touch one probe to any contact and the other to the copper tube or unpainted part of the compressor housing. The tester should show infinity. If there is at least some resistance, the motor is broken and requires replacement.
⚠️ Attention: If the resistance between the windings is very different (for example, between two pairs is 30 Ohms, and between the third pair is 100 Ohms), this may indicate an interturn short circuit. Such a compressor will not work for a long time.
However, a complete absence of resistance (short circuit) or infinity (break) clearly indicates an engine malfunction.
Replacement and first start
If the diagnostics showed that the relay faulty, and the compressor windings are in order, you can proceed with replacement. Buy a similar part. There is a marking on the body of the old relay, according to which you can choose a replacement in a spare parts store for household appliances.
Installation is carried out in the reverse order of removal. Push the new relay onto the compressor contacts as far as it will go. Make sure it fits snugly and doesn't wobble. Connect the wires according to your diagram or photograph.
Secure the relay with a bracket or screw, and install the protective casing. Only after complete assembly can you turn on the refrigerator. It is better to check the first start: listen to how the motor works, to see if there are any extraneous noises.
The refrigerator should start with a characteristic hum, after a few seconds the click of the relay should turn off the starting winding, and the unit will go into operating mode. If after 10-15 minutes the chamber starts to get cold, it means the repair was successful.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to start a refrigerator without a relay?
Theoretically, you can start the engine by applying voltage directly to the starting winding, but this is absolutely not possible recommended without special knowledge. This is life-threatening and can completely kill the compressor. In addition, without a protective relay, when the motor is jammed, a fire hazard will arise.
Why does a new relay burn out after a short time?
Most often, the reason lies in the compressor itself (interturn short circuit, jamming) or in voltage surges in the network. It is also possible that a relay with unsuitable current characteristics has been selected. In such cases, in-depth diagnostics of the motor are required.
How much does it cost to replace a relay in a service?
The cost consists of the price of the part (usually from 500 to 1500 rubles) and the work of the technician. At the service center, the total amount can vary from 2000 to 4000 rubles, depending on the region and model of the refrigerator. Stinol.
Where can I find the relay markings?
The marking is applied to the plastic body of the part. Look for brand names (Danfoss, Indesit, Clixon) and number codes (for example, 17710, R600a). This data will help you find an exact analogue on sale.