Sudden stoppage of the refrigerator Indesit is always stressful, because supplies are at risk products. Often the cause of compressor failure is the failure of the starting relay, which is responsible for starting the engine. If you hear characteristic clicks, but the cold does not build up, or the engine hums but does not start, there is a high probability that the problem lies in this particular unit.
Removing and replacing this part is one of the most accessible procedures in self-repair of household appliances. To complete the task, no complex specialized equipment is required; a basic set of tools and compliance with electrical safety rules are sufficient. Understanding how to remove a relay from an Indesit refrigeratorwill allow you to save time and money on calling a technician.
In this article we will analyze in detail the diagnostic and dismantling process, paying attention to the nuances of various models. You will learn how to distinguish a relay malfunction from problems with the compressor itself. The working relay should not make rattling sounds when shaken lightly; if a ringing is heard, the part requires replacement.
Diagnostics and signs of a faulty starting device
Before you begin disassembly, you need to make sure that the problem lies in the trigger mechanism. Refrigerators Indesit are equipped with reliable, but not eternal, starting systems. The first sign of a breakdown is the characteristic behavior of the motor: it tries to start, makes a hum, clicks and turns off after a few seconds.
Visual inspection can also give clues. If traces of melting, blackening, or a burning smell are visible on the relay body, the part is definitely faulty. The internal contacts may have burned out due to a power surge or normal wear and tear. Sometimes the problem lies in the oxidation of the contacts, which interferes with the passage of current.
For more accurate diagnostics, you can use a multimeter. Checking the windings and contacts allows you to determine the integrity of the circuits with high accuracy. If the device shows an open where continuity should be, or a short circuit, replacement is inevitable. It is also important to check the condition of the windings of the compressor itself to avoid more serious damage.
⚠️ Attention: If, after removing the relay, you see that the contacts on the compressor itself are blackened or melted, it is dangerous to start the equipment without restoring the contact group. This can lead to a short circuit or fire in the wiring.
A common mistake is to ignore the burning smell. If the refrigerator smells like burnt plastic during operation, this is a sure sign that it is starting relay overheating. In such cases, operation of the equipment must be immediately stopped until the malfunction is eliminated.
Necessary tools and safety measures
Working with electrical appliances requires strict adherence to safety precautions. The first and most important step is to completely disconnect the refrigerator from the electrical network. It is not enough to simply turn it off with a button; you need to unplug it from the socket. This will eliminate the risk of electric shock if you accidentally touch the contacts.
For successful dismantling you will need a minimum set of tools. In most cases, one screwdriver is enough, but it is better to prepare in advance. The presence of a flashlight will improve visibility in hard-to-reach places at the rear wall of the unit.
- 🔧 A screwdriver with a flat or Phillips blade (depending on the type of screws).
- 🔦 A flashlight or a backlit mobile phone.
- 🧤 Dielectric gloves (recommended for additional protection).
- 🧹 Brush for cleaning contacts from dust and oxides.
If the relay is secured with a metal bracket, you may need pliers to gently bend it. However, most modern models Indesit use a plastic case that is secured with latches. You need to act carefully so as not to damage the fragile plastic, especially if the equipment has been in use for a long time and the materials may have lost their elasticity.
⚠️ Attention: Never dismantle electrical components while the refrigerator is plugged in. Even when turned off, residual voltage may remain in some components.
Access to the compressor and dismantling the casing
Start relay located at the bottom of the refrigerator, directly on the compressor. To get to it, you need to remove the protective cover. In different models Indesit the design may differ: in some cases it is a metal cover with screws, in others it is a plastic box that needs to be snapped off.
The removal process is usually not difficult. If the cover is metal, unscrew the fastening screws around the perimeter. If it is plastic, carefully pry the latches with a screwdriver. The main thing is not to use excessive force so as not to break the fasteners. After removing the cover, you will have a view of the motor-compressor and the elements attached to it.
Pay attention to the condition of the tubes and wiring. They must not be pinched or damaged. Before removing the relay itself, make sure that nothing is blocking access to it. Sometimes access may be limited by the condensate collection tray or frame elements.
☑️ Preparation for dismantling the relay
It is important to ensure good lighting of the work area. The compressor area is often dusty, so before starting manipulations with the electrics, it is recommended to carefully vacuum or wipe the surface with a dry cloth, avoiding moisture on the contacts.
The technology for removing the start relay
The process of removing the relay in refrigerators Indesit is quite standardized. The device is put on three contact pins coming out of the compressor housing. Depending on the type of relay (PTC or with a posistor), the mounting design may have its own characteristics, but the principle remains the same.
First you need to disconnect the wires going to the relay. They can be fixed with terminals or simply pressed tightly onto the contacts. If terminals are used, they can be carefully removed by gently wiggling them from side to side. Do not pull on the wires themselves, so as not to break them at the base.
Then you should remove the fixing bar, if any. In older models, the relay may be held in place by a metal bracket that wraps around the body of the device. It needs to be carefully bent. In modern models, the relay is often held only by a tight fit on the contacts and a plastic case that covers the compressor.
To remove the device itself from the compressor contacts, you need to grab the relay case and, shaking it from side to side, pull it towards you. The movement should be progressive, without sudden jerks. If the relay is stuck or rusted, you can carefully use pliers, but you should act extremely carefully so as not to damage the compressor pins.
What to do if the relay cannot be removed?
If the relay cannot be removed, the contacts may have oxidized or the plastic has become deformed due to temperature. Try carefully spraying the contact group with WD-40 (avoiding contact with the windings) and wait a few minutes. After this, try to carefully loosen the part again.
After removal, inspect the inside of the relay. There should be no traces of soot or melting. Also check the condition of the pins on the compressor - they should be smooth and clean. If there is carbon deposits on them, it should be cleaned with fine sandpaper or a file.
Types of relays and their compatibility
Refrigerators Indesit are equipped with various types of starting devices. The most common are posistor relays, which have no moving parts and operate silently. There are also electromagnetic relays that have a movable core inside. When replacing, it is important to choose an analogue with identical characteristics.
The key parameter is the compressor power for which the relay is designed. Installing a device with the wrong power range may result in the engine not starting or, conversely, the relay not opening the circuit, which will cause overheating of the windings. The marking is usually applied to the body of the part.
| Relay type | Operation principle | Signs of failure | Service life |
|---|---|---|---|
| Posistor | Heating of the element and breaking the circuit | The compressor hums, but does not start | 10-15 years |
| Electromagnetic | Movement of the core in the coil | Frequent clicks, rattling | 7-10 years |
| Combined | Combination of both principles | No starting, overheating | 10-12 years |
When purchasing a new part, pay attention to the manufacturer. Original spare parts Indesit guarantee full compatibility, however, there are high-quality universal analogues. The main thing is that the technical parameters and the geometry of the seat coincide.
Installing a new relay and checking operation
Installing a new starting device is carried out in the reverse order of dismantling. First, the relay is placed on the contact pins of the compressor. It should fit tightly, without any play. If you are using a universal relay, make sure the holes line up with the pins.
Then connect the wires to the appropriate terminals. It is extremely important here not to confuse the polarity, although in most cases the terminals have different shapes or markings, which eliminates error. Check the reliability of the connection: the wires should not be pulled out with light tension.
If the design provides a fixing bracket or plastic frame, install them in place. Make sure the relay is securely fastened and does not wobble. Vibration during compressor operation should not displace the device.
After assembly, you can proceed to testing. Plug in the refrigerator. In the first seconds, you can hear a characteristic click - this is the protection being triggered or the starting winding turning on. The compressor should start smoothly, without humming or vibration. After 10-15 minutes, check whether the condenser (grid at the back) begins to heat up - this is a sign of normal operation.
Is it possible to repair an old relay rather than changing it?
In most cases, repairing the starting relay is impractical. The internal contacts burn out, and the posistor changes its properties irreversibly. An attempt to clean the contacts gives only a temporary effect, after which the breakdown recurs. Replacing with a new part is a more reliable and safe solution.
Why does the new relay burn out immediately after installation?
If the new relay burns out instantly, the reason may not be in the part itself, but in a malfunction of the compressor (turn-to-turn short circuit) or problems with the wiring of the refrigerator. This can also occur during power surges in the network. In such cases, in-depth diagnostics of the electrical circuit of the unit is required.
Where can I find the markings of the relay for replacement?
The markings are applied to the side or top edge of the relay housing. The model, voltage, frequency and permissible power of the compressor are indicated there. If the marking is erased, you can find the refrigerator model and select a relay from the compatibility catalogs for the series. Indesit.
Is it dangerous to change the relay in the refrigerator yourself?
If electrical safety rules are strictly observed (disconnecting from the network), the procedure does not pose a danger. However, if you are not confident in your abilities or see damaged wiring, it is better to turn to professionals. Unqualified intervention can lead to compressor failure.