A sudden stop in the operation of refrigeration equipment always becomes an unpleasant surprise, especially if there are perishable products inside. Unit owners Stinol often face a situation where the engine hums, but no cold is produced, or the compressor shows no signs of life at all. In most such cases, the culprit of the breakdown is starting relay, which is responsible for starting the engine and protecting its windings.
Independent replacement of this unit is a very real task for a person who knows how to hold a screwdriver and a multimeter. However, before proceeding with disassembly, you need to make sure that the problem lies in the relay, and not in the compressor itself or the wiring. In this article, we will look in detail at how to safely dismantle a part, check its functionality and install a new element.
Diagnostics of a faulty starting relay
The first sign of failure of the starting mechanism is a characteristic click, after which the refrigerator goes silent or, conversely, begins to hum, but does not start. If you hear periodic clicks at intervals of several minutes, this indicates that the thermal protection is triggered, trying to start the engine, but unsuccessfully. Start relay at this moment it may heat up, which is also an alarming signal.
For an accurate diagnosis, it is necessary to remove the part and carry out an external inspection. Often traces of burning, melted plastic, or a characteristic smell of burnt wiring are visible on the case. If there are no visual defects, you will need to ring the contacts with a multimeter in the ohmmeter position. It is important to understand that a serviceable relay must have a certain resistance, and its contacts must open and close freely when the position changes.
There are several types of relays installed on equipment Stinol, and their behavior in case of breakdown may differ. Induction models often simply stop switching windings, while posistor models can cause a short circuit. If after replacing the part the problem does not disappear, the compressor itself may be faulty or the power supply circuit is broken.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any diagnostic work, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply. Working with electrical appliances under voltage is deadly and can lead to electric shock.
Necessary tools and preparation of the workplace
To successfully complete the task of dismantling the relay, you will need a minimum set of tools that any amateur craftsman can find in his home. The main tool will be a flat and cross screwdriver, necessary for removing protective covers and loosening clamps. You also cannot do without pliers or pliers for working with wires and clamps.
It is highly advisable to have a multimeter on hand to check the continuity of the circuit and the resistance of the windings. Without this device, diagnostics will be only probabilistic. For ease of work, prepare a container for storing screws so that they do not get lost, and a flashlight, since access to the compressor is often limited and poorly lit.
Organize your work space so that the refrigerator can be freely moved away from the wall. You will need access to the rear of the unit. Make sure the floor is dry and clean to prevent any slipping or dust getting into the machinery. If you have a model with a bottom freezer, you may need to remove the bottom panel.
☑️ Preparation for repair
Access to the compressor and removal of the protective casing
The process begins by moving the refrigerator Stinol from the wall to a sufficient distance so that you can comfortably work from behind. In some models, access to the motor is blocked by a metal or plastic panel at the bottom of the rear wall. Fastening elements can be represented by screws or plastic latches, which require careful handling.
After removing the panel, you will see the compressor - a black metal barrel to which copper tubes and electrical wires fit. The relay is usually mounted directly on the side of the compressor terminals. An additional plastic frame or clamp may be installed around it to hold the assembly in place.
Carefully inspect the fasteners. Sometimes removing the cover requires unscrewing a screw or two, while other times you can simply squeeze the side tabs with your fingers. Proceed with caution, as the plastic becomes brittle over time and may crack if tugged inappropriately. If the casing cannot be removed, do not use force, but double-check for hidden screws.
Technology for removing the starting relay from the compressor rod
The most critical stage is separating the relay from the compressor terminals. It fits onto three contacts (pins) coming out of the motor housing and is held in place by a tight fit. On older models Stinol the fit may be very tight due to oxidation or vibrations during long-term use.
Do not pull the relay by the wires under any circumstances! This may result in broken internal wiring or damaged contacts. Take the relay by the plastic housing with both hands and begin to gently shake it from side to side, while simultaneously pulling it towards you. Movements should be progressive, without sudden jerks.
If you cannot remove the part by hand, you can use pliers, but you must act with the utmost caution. Grip the plastic housing of the relay with the jaws of the tool, being careful not to damage it, and, shaking it slightly, pull it towards you. Sometimes lightly tapping the housing with a screwdriver helps to destroy the oxide layer.
⚠️ Attention: When removing the relay, make sure that no dust or moisture gets inside the compressor. The holes for the rods should remain closed or point downwards only at the time of immediate removal.
After the relay has been removed, inspect the seats on the compressor. If black carbon deposits or oxides are visible on the contacts, they must be cleaned with fine sandpaper or an eraser. This will ensure better contact with the new element and extend its service life. Also check the condition of the wires going to the relay for insulation melting.
Checking serviceability and choosing a replacement
After dismantling, it is time for diagnostics. Visually inspect the insides of the removed relay: if soot is visible inside and the contacts are blackened, the part definitely requires replacement. Use a multimeter to check electrically. Switch the device to the resistance measurement mode (Ohm) and ring the contacts.
For a working induction relay, the resistance between certain contacts should be close to zero, and when the relay is turned over, a click is heard and the circuit opens. The posistor relays are tested for the resistance of the posistor itself, which should be several tens of ohms. If the device shows infinity or a short circuit where it should not be, start relay it is faulty.
When choosing a new part, be guided by the markings indicated on the body of the old element. For refrigerators Stinol relays of brands RCT, R600 or PTCare often used. It is important that the new relay is suitable for the type of compressor (for example, for refrigerant R134a or R600a) and motor power.
Is it possible to install a relay of a different brand?
Yes, it is possible if the electrical characteristics and mounting dimensions match. The main thing is compliance with the type of compressor (low-resistance or high-resistance) and coil voltage. However, it is better to look for an original or a complete analogue by catalog number.
Compatibility table and error codes
To simplify the search for spare parts and diagnostics, you can use reference information. Different models Stinol can be equipped with compressors from different manufacturers, which affects the type of relay required. Below is a table with common correspondences.
| Refrigerator model | Compressor type | Relay type | Error code (if any) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stinol 101, 102 | Donbass / Atlant | RKT-1, RKT-2 | Absent (mechanics) |
| Stinol 103, 104 | Secop (Danfoss) | 101N0011 / 101N0021 | F1 (sensor error) |
| Stinol 110, 115 | Embraco | PTC-Relay | No indication |
| Stinol 205 | LG / Atlant | LG-specific | Er 01 / Er 02 |
Please note that error codes are relevant for models with electronic controls and display. In mechanical models, only indicators on the panel or their absence indicate a malfunction. If you see a flashing indicator, check the instructions, but most often the startup problem is solved by replacing the relay.
⚠️ Attention: Specifications and part markings may vary depending on the year of manufacture of the refrigerator. Always check the part number on the body of the old relay with the number on the new one before purchasing.
Installation of a new relay and first start-up
The process of installing a new one start relay is carried out in reverse order. First make sure the contacts on the compressor are clean and dry. Carefully place the new relay onto the rods, pressing until they stop. It should fit tightly and without play. If the relay does not fit, do not use excessive force - check that these are the right contacts.
Connect the wires to the relay terminals according to the diagram you photographed earlier, or using the color markings. Usually the blue wire goes to one pin and the brown or black to the other, but it's better to double check. Clamp the wires in the terminal block or secure them with standard clamps.
Install the protective casing and secure it with screws or latches. Make sure that the wires are not pinched or touching hot parts of the compressor or copper pipes. Only after a thorough check of the assembly can you turn on the refrigerator.
After turning on, listen to the operation of the motor. It should start with a characteristic hum, and after a while (usually 10-20 minutes) the condenser grille at the back should begin to heat up. If the refrigerator started working normally and began to gain cold, it means the repair was successful. If the clicks are repeated, perhaps the problem is deeper and requires specialist intervention.
Why does the relay burn out again after a short time?
Repeated combustion of the relay often indicates a malfunction of the compressor itself (turn-to-turn short circuit) or problems with the voltage in the network. Also, the cause may be an incorrectly selected replacement or poor contact in the power circuit.
Is it possible to repair an old relay rather than changing it?
Theoretically, you can clean the contacts or replace a burnt out coil, but practice shows that such repairs are temporary. The cost of a new part is low, so it is more advisable to make a complete replacement to guarantee reliability.
What to do if the new relay does not fit in size?
If the relay does not fit in the mounting dimensions, it cannot be used. Attempting to bend the contacts or use adapters may result in unstable operation and fire. Find a model that strictly corresponds to the catalog number or type of compressor.
How long does the starting relay last on average?
The average service life of the starting relay is 5-10 years, depending on the frequency of switching on of the refrigerator and the stability of the voltage in the electrical network. Voltage surges significantly reduce the life of this component.