When the refrigerator Indesit stops freezing, and the compressor hums for only a couple of seconds and stops, most often the culprit is the start-up relay. This small part is responsible for starting the engine and protecting it from overloads. Owners are often faced with the need to replace or clean contacts, but do not know how to properly access the mechanism without damaging the plastic latches.
The process of dismantling the protective casing and the relay itself requires care, since modern refrigerator models are equipped with fragile fasteners. Incorrect actions can lead to damage to the relay itself, which in most cases is made of fragile plastic, or damage to the insulation of the wires. It is important to understand that access to the relay is located in the lower part of the unit, where dust and moisture often accumulate, which complicates the task.
Before you begin disassembling, you need to make sure that you are dealing with the relay and not with other elements of the cooling system. In this article we will analyze in detail the algorithm of actions for various modifications of refrigerators Indesit, consider the design features and answer frequently asked questions that arise during the repair process. Compliance with safety precautions and the sequence of operations will allow you to successfully complete the job.
Preparation for repairs and safety precautions
Any work related to electrical devices requires strict adherence to safety precautions. A refrigerator is a complex device that runs on 220 volts, so the first step is to completely cut off the power. It is not enough to simply turn off the device with the button; you must unplug the cord from the outlet. This will eliminate the risk of electric shock if you accidentally touch bare contacts during operation.
After disconnecting from the network, let the equipment stand alone for at least 10-15 minutes. This time is necessary for the capacitors in the electronics (if your model has one) to discharge and for the refrigerant in the system to stabilize. In addition, during this time you will be able to prepare your workplace. You will need good lighting, as the compressor area is often obscured by the cabinet or wall of the niche.
⚠️ Warning: Never attempt to remove the relay or hood while the power cord is plugged in, even if the refrigerator is turned off with a button. This may result in a short circuit or electric shock.
You will need a minimum set of tools to work. Usually a flathead and Phillips screwdriver, as well as pliers, are sufficient. It would be a good idea to have a flashlight ready to better see the condition of the contacts and the markings of the parts. If the relay is stuck or rusted, you may need WD-40, but it must be used with extreme caution so as not to damage the plastic elements.
Pay special attention to the condition of the wires going to the compressor. Before disconnecting anything, inspect the insulation for cracks or melting. If the wiring is damaged, repairing the relay becomes meaningless without first replacing the cables. Also check for traces of moisture on the floor under the refrigerator, which may indicate problems with drainage or defrosting.
☑️ Preparing to remove the relay
Access to the compressor: removing the protective casing
The compressor in refrigerators Indesit is located in the lower rear part of the case. Depending on the model, access to it can be open or closed with a special protective casing (crankcase). In older models, the compressor is often open, and you can get to the relay right away. In modern units, especially built-in ones or series with a system No Frost, a metal or plastic box is installed.
If your refrigerator has a back panel, it must be removed. Usually it is attached to 4-6 screws around the perimeter. Unscrew them counterclockwise using a Phillips screwdriver. Be careful: the screws can be of different lengths, so arrange them in the order in which they were removed, so as not to mix up the holes during assembly.
After removing the panel, you will see a view of the motor-compressor. In some cases, access may be blocked by the condensate drain tray, which is located directly above the compressor. It also needs to be carefully removed, first freeing it from water, if there is any. The tray is usually simply inserted into grooves or held on by plastic latches.
Sometimes access to the relay can be difficult due to the dense arrangement of the elements. In such cases, do not use force. Assess which tubes or wires are in the way and carefully bend them away if their flexibility allows. Remember that the copper tubes of the cooling system are very soft and can be easily pinched or damaged, which will lead to freon leakage.
Indesit start-up protection relay design
The start-up protection relay is a key element of the engine starting circuit. In refrigerators Indesit relays of the R600, RCT or PTCseries are most often found. They are a plastic case containing contacts and a trigger mechanism. An additional plastic cover or casing is often placed on top of the relay, which must be removed to access the internals or to replace the part.
The relay is attached to the compressor by three terminals, which are inserted into the mating pins of the motor windings. On the side or top is a metal bracket or spring clip that secures the relay in place. It is this clamp that often causes difficulties during dismantling. It may be tight or oxidized.
Inside the relay housing there is a posistor (thermistor) or an electromagnetic coil, depending on the type of device. Over time, posistors wear out and stop opening the starting winding circuit, which is why the compressor hums but does not start. Understanding the internal structure helps to correctly diagnose a malfunction, even without opening the case completely.
The relay case is always marked. It contains information about the manufacturer, type of refrigerant (for example R134a or R600a) and connection diagram. This data is critical when purchasing a new part. Not all relays are universal, and installing the wrong model can lead to the compressor burning out.
Types of relays in Indesit
Indesit refrigerators mainly use two types of relays: posistor (PTC) and induction. PTC posistors are more common in modern models; they are more compact and cheaper, but less durable with frequent power surges.
Step-by-step instructions: how to remove the cover and relay
The most critical stage is the direct removal of the relay. First you need to disconnect the wires. They fit to the relay through a connector or terminals. Gently pull the connector without tugging on the wires themselves, so as not to tear them out of the insulation. If the connector does not budge, you can slightly rock it from side to side.
Next you need to release the retaining clip. In most models Indesit this is a metal bracket that covers the relay body. It is removed by bending the petals or compressing the spring. Use a flathead screwdriver to carefully pry the bracket out. The movements should be confident, but without jerking.
After removing the bracket, the relay must be pulled down from the compressor terminals. It fits quite tightly. Take the relay with your hand (or pliers if your hand is slippery, but carefully) and pull it down with a rocking motion. If the relay does not work, do not pull it sharply upward or sideways, so as not to break the ceramic terminals on the compressor.
If your goal is to remove the plastic cover of the relay itself (for example, to clean the contacts), then after removing the device from the refrigerator casing, inspect its perimeter. The lid is held on by plastic latches. They need to be carefully opened in a circle with a thin screwdriver. Sometimes the cover simply moves down relative to the housing.
⚠️ Attention: When removing the relay from the compressor terminals, hold it strictly vertically. Misalignment can lead to breakage of glass or ceramic terminal insulators, which will require expensive compressor repairs.
Diagnostics and fault table
After you managed to remove the relay cover on the refrigerator Indesit, you need to conduct a visual inspection. Often the cause of the malfunction is visible to the naked eye. Blackened plastic, melted contacts or a characteristic burning smell indicate an overload or short circuit.
If there is no external damage, you will need a multimeter to check the continuity of the circuit. A posistor in a cold state should have a resistance within several tens of ohms. If the device shows infinity or zero, the element is faulty. The integrity of the bimetallic plate is also checked, which should open the circuit when heated.
Below is a table that will help systematize the symptoms of malfunctions and their possible causes. This will simplify the decision to repair or replace the part.
| Symptom of malfunction | Possible cause | Action |
|---|---|---|
| The compressor hums for 3-5 seconds and turns off | Faulty starting relay (PTC) | Replacing the relay |
| Relay clicks, but no start | Winding break or compressor jamming | Winding continuity, check compressor |
| The relay is cracking in operating mode | Unstable voltage or contact wear | Voltage measurement, relay replacement |
| Extreme heating of the relay body | Bad contact or overload | Cleaning contacts or replacing |
If melting is detected on the contacts, you can try to clean them with fine sandpaper, but this is a temporary measure. It is better to immediately install a new component, since the metal structure has already been damaged, and the problem will soon return. Also check the condition of the terminal block on the compressor itself.
Installation of a new relay and assembly
Installation of a new relay is carried out in the reverse order of removal. Make sure that the new part fully matches the markings of the old one. Insert the relay leads into the holes on the compressor until they stop. You should feel a distinctive click or tight fit. The relay should not be loose.
Replace the retaining bracket or spring clip. This is an important point: without reliable fixation, the vibration of the compressor will quickly loosen the contacts, which will lead to sparking and repeated failure. Check whether the part is held securely by shaking it slightly with your hand.
Connect the wires to the connectors. Make sure that phase and zero are connected correctly if the connector is not symmetrical. Usually the wires are color coded, but it is better to check the diagram on the case or photographs taken previously. After connecting, check the reliability of all connections again.
Now you can install the protective casing and condensate tray in their places. Tighten all screws. Before moving the refrigerator to the wall, plug it in and listen. The compressor should start the first time and run smoothly, without buzzing or clicking. After 10-15 minutes, check whether cold begins to appear in the chambers.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to remove the relay without removing the back cover refrigerator?
In some models Indesit with an open compressor this is possible, but extremely inconvenient. You risk damaging wires or tubes due to poor visibility. Removing the rear panel takes 2-3 minutes and greatly simplifies access, so it is better to spend this time than to act at random.
Why does the new relay burn out after a short time?
This may indicate problems with the compressor itself (turn-to-turn short circuit of the windings) or unstable voltage in the network. The reason may also be the incorrect selection of the relay type (not suitable for power or starting current). In such cases, motor diagnostics are required.
How do Indesit relays differ from other brands?
The main difference is the design of the housing and the location of the pins. Although the principle of operation is the same for all, the seating may differ. For Indesit relays of the brand Denso or Secoare often used, which have a specific shape of latches.
Is it necessary to lubricate the relay contacts before installation?
No, lubricate the electrical ones contacts inside the relay or on the terminals are not allowed. The lubricant can collect dust, oxidize and degrade conductivity, causing heat. The contacts must be dry and clean.
What to do if the terminals on the compressor are broken?
If, when removing the relay, you broke the ceramic insulators or copper pins on the compressor, operating the refrigerator is impossible without professional repairs. The compressor will need to be overcooked or completely replaced, since freon will escape through the broken terminals.