When the refrigerator Ariston stops freezing and the compressor either hums but does not start, or clicks and immediately goes silent, the start relay is most often to blame. This small but critical element is responsible for applying voltage to the motor windings and then starting it. Owners of household appliances are often frightened by such a breakdown, believing that they cannot do without calling a technician, but in most cases, replacing or cleaning contacts is accessible even to an inexperienced user.
Before proceeding with dismantling, it is necessary to completely de-energize the unit. Disconnecting from the power supply - this is not just a formality, but a mandatory safety requirement, ignoring which can lead to electric shock. Unplug the cord from the outlet and move the refrigerator away from the wall to provide free access to the rear wall where the motor-compressor is located.
In this article we will analyze in detail the process of removing, checking and replacing the starting device on brand refrigerators Hotpoint-Ariston. You will learn how to determine the type of relay installed, what tools are needed for the job, and what to pay special attention to when inspecting the contacts. A competent approach will allow you to restore the operation of the equipment without extra costs.
Diagnostics of a faulty starting device
Before disassembling the unit, you should make sure that the problem lies in the starting relay. Characteristic signs of its failure are specific clicks that follow at intervals of several seconds or minutes, after which the compressor tries to start, but to no avail. Sometimes you can hear a quiet hum, which ends abruptly with a click - this is when the thermal protection relay is triggered, turning off the motor to prevent overheating of the windings.
Visual inspection can also provide a lot of information. If traces of burning, melted plastic or blackened contacts are visible inside the relay housing, then replacement of part it is inevitable. Often the cause of breakdown is not only natural wear and tear, but also power surges in the network that pierce the internal structure of the posistor or coil.
⚠️ Attention: If the compressor is cold and silent, and the relay clicks, the problem may be not only in the starter, but also in the motor or thermostat itself. However, you should always start diagnostics with the most accessible element - the relay.
For accurate diagnostics, a multimeter is often required. Continuity testing of the windings allows you to identify an open circuit or short circuit. If the coil resistance is infinitely high or, conversely, close to zero (in the absence of a posistor), the part is considered faulty. The models Ariston use both electromagnetic and posistor relays, and the methods for testing them may differ slightly.
Necessary tools and preparation of the workplace
To successfully carry out work on dismantling the relay, you will not need complex industrial equipment. A basic DIY kit that can be found in any garage or toolbox is enough. The main thing is to ensure good lighting of the working area, since the rear niche of the refrigerator is often darkened and filled with condenser tubes.
You will need the following tools:
- 🔧 Screwdriver (Phillips and flat) for removing protective covers and terminals.
- 🔍 Multimeter or tester for checking integrity of electrical circuits.
- 🧤 Dielectric gloves to protect hands and prevent accidental short circuits.
- 📸 Smartphone or camera for recording the wiring diagram before removal.
Pay special attention to surface preparation. Cover the floor with cardboard or old fabric to prevent small parts, screws, or insulation pieces from accidentally falling and damaging the flooring. It is also recommended to have rags and isopropyl alcohol on hand to clean contacts from oxides if you are planning not to replace, but to repair an existing device.
Access to the compressor and removal of the protective casing
The process begins with gaining access to the motor-compressor, which is in the lower rear part of the refrigerator Ariston. In most models, it is covered with a metal or plastic panel that is secured with latches or screws. Carefully remove this protection, trying not to damage the fragile plastic clips that could have dried out over years of use.
After removing the panel, you will see the black “barrel” of the compressor, to the bottom of which a plastic box is attached - this is the start relay housing. Wires from the network and from the thermostat are suitable for it. Before touching the wires, make sure once again that the refrigerator unplugged from the outlet. Even residual voltage or accidental switching on can be dangerous.
For ease of operation, sometimes you need to move the refrigerator further or even lay it on its side if access from behind is limited. If you decide to place the unit, do it carefully, on the side opposite the side where the compressor is located, so that oil does not get into the cooling system circuits, where it will be difficult to remove.
Step-by-step instructions: how to remove the start relay
Removing the start relay on refrigerators Ariston usually does not require unscrewing a set bolts, since the design is designed for quick replacement. However, it is important to act sequentially so as not to damage the appropriate wires or the compressor housing itself.
Perform the steps in the following order:
- Take a photograph of the location of the wires that go to the relay so that during assembly you do not mix up the contacts.
- Carefully disconnect the power terminals. They can fit tightly, so rock them slightly from side to side; do not pull with force.
- Find the fixing element. Depending on the relay model Aristonit may be a metal bracket, a spring clip, or plastic “ears.”
- If there is a bracket, pry it off with a flat-head screwdriver and remove it. If the clamp is plastic, carefully release it.
- Pull the relay down, removing it from the compressor contact group. It should be removed easily, without jerking.
☑️ Checklist before removing the relay
⚠️ Attention: Do not use excessive force when removing the relay. If it doesn't work, check to see if you forgot to remove the retaining bracket or disconnect all the terminals. A sudden jerk can break the plastic pins on the compressor itself, leading to costly repairs.
Once removed, inspect the inside of the relay. If there is condensation or dirt there, they can be removed, but most often a complete replacement of the unit is recommended, since restoring old contacts gives only a temporary effect.
Relay types and their compatibility with Ariston models
Refrigerators Ariston are equipped with various types of starting devices depending on the year of manufacture and model compressor. Understanding the differences is important when selecting a replacement part. The main types are electromagnetic and posistor relays.
Electromagnetic relays work by passing current through a coil, which creates a magnetic field that draws in the core and closes the contacts. They are often vertical and marked with letters or numbers. PTC relays use a thermistor, which is heated by current and opens the starting winding circuit. They are usually more compact and considered more modern.
| Relay type | Principle of operation | Symptoms of malfunction | Replacement features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electromagnetic | Coil magnetic field | Humming, lack of startup, sparking | It is important to maintain the vertical position when installing |
| Posistor | Thermistor heating | Clicks, the compressor does not start | Requires time to cool down (3-5 minutes) |
| Combined | Combination of two principles | Complicated diagnostics, overheating | Replaceable only as an assembly |
When purchasing a new part, be sure to check the markings. Even if the relay looks similar, the difference in current characteristics can cause the new element to burn out after a few days or not start the engine. The current and voltage parameters are usually stamped on the case, for example 1/4 HP or 220-240V.
Is it possible to use a universal relay?
Universal starting relays exist, but their installation requires careful selection of the current. They often have additional wires and capacitors, the connection diagram of which differs from the standard one. For Ariston refrigerators, it is better to look for original spare parts or high-quality analogues that exactly match the compressor model.
Checking contacts and installing a new relay
If you decide to check an old relay or install a new one, taking the time to clean the seat, follow a certain algorithm. The contacts on the compressor itself must be clean and free of oxidation. If necessary, clean them with fine sandpaper or a rag moistened with alcohol.
Checking the functionality of the removed relay with a multimeter is carried out in resistance measurement mode. For a posistor relay in a cold state, the resistance should be within normal limits (usually several tens of Ohms), and when heated, it should go to infinity. The electromagnetic relay must “ring” on the coil and have opening contacts in a certain position.
Installation of a new element is carried out in the reverse order. Push the relay onto the contact group of the compressor until it stops, make sure that it is seated tightly and evenly. Attach the retaining bracket or clamp. Connect the wires according to the photo you took earlier. Make sure that the terminals are fully inserted and are not loose.
After assembly, do not rush to close the back panel. Plug in the refrigerator and listen. Starting the compressor It should go smoothly, without long buzzes and clicks. The engine should pick up speed and run smoothly. If everything went well, you can fix the protective panel and move the equipment into place.
Common mistakes and precautions
When repairing refrigerators on their own Ariston beginners often make mistakes that can aggravate the situation. One of the most common is ignoring the compressor cooling time. After several unsuccessful attempts to start, the motor and thermal relay become very hot.
If you have carried out diagnostics and turned on the equipment several times, let it stand turned off for 30-40 minutes. This is necessary so that the refrigerant is redistributed throughout the system, and the thermal relay cools down and returns to operating condition. Trying to start a hot compressor can lead to its permanent failure.
⚠️ Attention: Never close the relay contacts directly to test the compressor if you do not have experience. This may result in a short circuit, damage to the motor windings, or a fire. Use only serviceable, tested components.
It is also a mistake to install a relay of inappropriate power. If you install a device designed for less current, it will quickly burn out. If it is larger, it may not open the start winding in time, which will lead to overheating and jamming of the motor.
In conclusion, replacing the start relay is a moderately complex repair that many can do. The main thing is accuracy, attention to detail and compliance with safety regulations. If after replacing the relay the problem does not disappear, perhaps the fault lies deeper, and then the help of a professional technician with specialized equipment will be required.
How often do you need to change the starting relay on an Ariston refrigerator?
The starting relay does not have a strict service life and is changed only after a breakdown. On average, a high-quality relay lasts 5-10 years or more. Frequent breakdowns can be caused by unstable voltage in the network or problems with the compressor itself.
Is it possible to repair a burnt-out relay or just replace it?
In most cases, relays Ariston are non-separable or their repair is not economically feasible. Attempts to clean the contacts give a short-term effect. It is more reliable and safer to buy a new part, the cost of which is usually low.
Why does a new relay burn out immediately after installation?
There may be several reasons: incorrectly selected power (current) of the relay, a malfunction of the compressor itself (turn-to-turn short circuit), problems with wiring or power surges in the network. Also, the relay can burn out if the compressor is jammed.
Where can I find the relay markings to buy an analogue?
The markings are usually applied to the plastic body of the relay itself (numbers and letters). Also, the spare part number can be found in the technical documentation of the refrigerator Ariston or on the sticker on the back of the unit, knowing the exact model, you can select an analogue from catalogues.