Sudden failure of the refrigerator Atlant is a situation familiar to many owners of this equipment. The unit may stop cooling, with the motor humming for only a few seconds, and then a characteristic click is heard and silence ensues. Often the reason for this behavior is a failure start relay, which is responsible for starting the compressor engine. Unlike more complex breakdowns, replacing this part does not require calling a technician or expensive equipment.
For successful repairs, you will only need a minimum set of tools and an understanding of the sequence of actions. Do-it-yourself dismantling will save your budget and bring the refrigerator back to life in the shortest possible time. It is only important to observe safety precautions and strictly follow the disassembly algorithm so as not to damage the fragile elements of the system.
In this article we will look in detail at how to properly disconnect the terminals from the old relaywithout damaging the wiring, and what nuances you should pay attention to when working with compressors of various series. You will learn how to determine the type of malfunction and whether it is worth changing the part at all or you can try to restore its functionality.
Diagnostics and signs of a relay malfunction
Before you start disassembling, you need to make sure that the problem lies in the trigger mechanism. The main symptom is the cyclic operation of the motor: it starts, hums for 2-3 seconds, after which the thermal protection is triggered and shuts down. If you touch the compressor at this moment, it may be hot, which indicates attempts to start.
Sometimes the refrigerator may not turn on at all, or the motor runs constantly without turning off, while the temperature in the chambers does not drop to the required values. In the latter case, sticking of the contacts inside the relay is often to blame, which is why the starting winding does not turn off after the engine starts. For an accurate diagnosis, it is recommended to test the part with a multimeter.
Visual inspection can also provide important clues. If traces of burning, melting of plastic are visible on the relay body, or there is a smell of burnt insulation, then replacement is necessary in any case. Ignoring these signs can lead to more serious consequences, including burning out the compressor windings.
⚠️ Attention: If, after clicking the relay, the compressor continues to hum and does not start for more than 5-10 seconds, immediately unplug the refrigerator. Long-term operation in this mode leads to overheating and engine wedge.
Necessary tools and preparation for work
To carry out repair work, you do not need complex professional tools. It is enough to have a standard flathead or Phillips head screwdriver on hand, depending on the type of screws on your unit. You may also need pliers to carefully remove the terminals if they are too tight.
Be sure to have a container of water and a rag ready, as when moving the refrigerator away from the wall, you may need to access the back, where condensation sometimes accumulates. It is better to work in good lighting so that you can clearly see the markings of the wires and the condition of the contacts. It would be a good idea to have a multimeter to check the continuity of the circuit.
The main safety condition is to completely turn off the power supply. Unplug the power cord and make sure that all indicators on the display (if there is one) go off. Only after this can you begin to manipulate electrical components.
☑️ Preparation for repair
Sequence of removing the protective casing
Access to the compressor in refrigerators Atlant usually located in the lower rear part of the case. Depending on the model, the compressor may be open or closed with a metal or plastic casing. If protection is present, it must be removed by unscrewing the mounting screws or releasing the latches.
Be careful when removing the cover, as the metal edges may be sharp. Inside the casing there is sometimes a tray for collecting condensate, which must also be carefully removed so as not to splash water. After removing the protection, you will see a view of the motor-compressor and the parts attached to it.
On the compressor you will see a black cylindrical or rectangular element - this is the starting relay. It is put directly on the compressor rod and fixed either with clamps or simply sits tightly on the contacts. Before removal, it is recommended to take a photograph of the location of the wires so as not to confuse the contacts during assembly.
Technology for removing the starting relay
The process of removing the relay depends on the type of fastening used in your model Atlant. Most modern models use a system of quick-release terminals and plastic clips. First, you need to carefully squeeze out the plastic latches that hold the relay cover, if it is collapsible, or the terminal block itself.
Next, remove the terminals from the relay contacts. This should be done by rocking movements from side to side, holding the metal part of the terminal, and not the wire. A sharp tug can lead to a wire break at the very base, which will require additional soldering and extension.
After disconnecting the wires, the relay must be removed from the compressor rod. It can fit quite tightly. Grasp the part with both hands (or use soft-nose pliers to avoid crumbling the plastic) and, turning slightly left and right, pull down. Do not use excessive force to avoid damaging the compressor outlet tubes.
| Type of fastening | Removal features | Tool |
|---|---|---|
| Plastic latches | Requires pressing fasteners on the sides | Flat screwdriver |
| Metal bracket | You need to straighten or unscrew the screw | Pliers / Screwdriver |
| Tight landing | Removed by rocking without clamps | Hands |
Features of relays of different Atlant series
Refrigerators Atlant equipped with compressors from various manufacturers, including themselves Atlant, Danfoss (Danfoss) and Sekop (Secop). The relay design for them may differ. For example, relays for Danfoss TL or BD series compressors often have a specific shape and method of fastening the terminals, which differs from standard domestic analogues.
In older models, there may be relays with an external capacitor, which is mounted nearby on the frame or on the relay itself. In such cases, it is important not to lose the capacitor and connect it correctly when installing a new part. New models are often equipped with integrated starting systems.
When purchasing a spare part, be sure to check the markings. Even if the relay is visually similar, the electrical characteristics (operation current, voltage) may differ. Installing an unsuitable relay will lead to rapid failure of either the new part or the compressor itself.
Is it possible to use a relay from another brand?
Yes, you can, but only if the electrical parameters and geometric dimensions of the seat match. Often relays from Danfoss are suitable for Secop compressors, since they are the same company.
Checking the removed device and replacing
After the relay has been removed, it should be checked. Shake the part near your ear: if a ringing is heard inside, it means that the starting bushing (posistor or mechanical core) has broken, and the relay must definitely be replaced. If there are no sounds, you will need a multimeter to check the contacts.
When installing a new device, proceed in reverse order. First, push the relay onto the compressor rod as far as it will go, making sure it sits evenly. Then connect the terminals according to the photo or color marking you took earlier. It is important that the terminals are put on with a characteristic click and are held securely.
After assembly, do not rush to close the casing. Plug in the refrigerator and listen to the motor running. The startup should be quiet, without prolonged buzzing or repeated clicks. If the motor runs smoothly and after some time cold appears in the chambers, you can consider the repair successful and install the protection back.
⚠️ Attention: Make sure that the new relay matches the orientation of the compressor. Some relays are marked "UP" (top) and must be installed strictly in a certain position, otherwise the mechanism will not work correctly.
Frequently asked questions
Is it possible to repair an old relay, or is it only necessary to replace it?
In most cases, repairing the starting relay is not economically feasible. If a posistor fails or the contacts burn out, it is easier and more reliable to buy a new part, the cost of which is low. Attempts to clean the contacts often give only a short-term effect.
Why does a new relay burn out a week after replacement?
This may indicate a more serious problem, for example, an interturn short circuit in the compressor windings or a malfunction in the electrical network (voltage surges). Also, the reason may be the incorrect selection of the relay model based on the starting current.
How to understand that the problem is not in the relay, but in the compressor?
If, when turned on, the refrigerator knocks out the circuit breakers in the panel, or the motor hums, but the shaft does not turn even with a working relay (and a characteristic metal clanging sound is heard), perhaps the compressor stuck. It is also worth checking the capacitor if it is in the circuit.
Where can I find the markings of a suitable relay for my Atlant?
The markings are usually applied to the body of the relay itself (for example, RTK-1, R-3, DANFOSS 101L0011). Information can also be found in the technical documentation of the refrigerator or on the nameplate located on the back wall or inside the chamber.
Is it necessary to change the thermostat when replacing the relay?
No, the thermostat (thermostat) is a separate unit responsible for temperature control. If it is in good condition, it does not need to be replaced. However, if the refrigerator does not turn on at all, it is worth checking the thermostat circuit.