Sudden stoppage of the compressor or characteristic Clicking sounds at the back of the refrigerator Indesit often indicate problems with the starter. It is this small component that is responsible for starting the engine and operating it normally. If you notice that the motor hums but does not start, or, conversely, quickly heats up and turns off, most likely you will need to replace the relay.
Doing this procedure yourself can significantly save on calling a technician, since the dismantling process is technically simple and does not require complex specialized equipment. However, like any work with electrical appliances, it requires compliance with strict safety rules and attention to the details of the design of your unit.
In this article we will analyze in detail the algorithm of actions necessary to safely remove the device, diagnose its condition and install a new part. You will learn how to distinguish a burnt element from a serviceable one and what design nuances of different models you should pay special attention to before starting work. Indesit You should pay special attention before starting work.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any work on disassembling the refrigerator, be sure to disconnect the appliance from the electrical network. Working with live conductive elements is deadly to life.
Diagnostics of a faulty starting device
Before you start disassembling, you need to make sure that the problem lies in the relay, and not in the compressor or thermostat itself. The primary sign of a malfunction is often a characteristic sound: the compressor tries to start, there is a loud click, followed by a pause, and the cycle repeats. This indicates that the starting winding is not receiving an impulse or the mechanism is jammed.
Visual inspection can also provide a lot of information. If you see traces of soot, melted plastic, or smell burning inside the relay housing, then the part definitely requires replacement. Sometimes the problem lies in oxidized contacts, which can be cleaned, but most often in such cases the trigger itself suffers. thermal effects. trigger.
- 🔊 The compressor hums for 5-10 seconds, then a click is heard and the motor stops.
- 🔥 The relay housing becomes very hot or has visible traces of thermal effects.
- ❄️ The refrigerator has stopped freezing, although the light inside is on and glowing.
- ⚡ The automatic fuse in the electrical panel is knocked out when trying to turn on the refrigerator.
It is worth noting that similar symptoms can be observed when the motor windings are shorted between turns. Therefore, if replacing the relay did not help, a more in-depth diagnosis of the compressor using an ohmmeter will be required. However, in most cases (about 80%) with the described symptoms, the culprit is the start-up protection device.
⚠️ Attention: If, after replacing the relay, the compressor does not start again and is humming, do not try to turn on the refrigerator repeatedly. This can permanently damage the engine. Contact a professional technician to check the windings.
Necessary tools and preparation of the workplace
To successfully perform dismantling, you will need a minimum set of tools that can be found in every home. The main requirement for organizing the process is good lighting and free access to the rear wall of the unit. Prepare a flat-head screwdriver in advance, since some latches may fit tightly, and pliers for working with clamps.
Pay special attention to the cleanliness of the work area. The internal contacts of the relay must be absolutely dry and clean. If moisture or dust gets inside a new device, it can cause immediate failure or a short circuit. It is also recommended to have a multimeter on hand to check the continuity of the circuit.
If you plan to diagnose an old relay, you may need contact cleaning solvent or fine sandpaper. However, given the low cost of new components, repairing an old device is often impractical and takes longer than a simple replacement.
☑️ Preparation for repair
Procedure for accessing the compressor and relay
Access to the starter The relay in refrigerators Indesit is usually carried out through the rear panel at the bottom of the case. In some models, the compressor is covered with a metal or plastic casing, which is secured with bolts or latches. You need to carefully remove this protection to get a full view of the motor.
Find the compressor - this is a black metal cylinder in the shape of a pear or cylinder. A plastic box is attached directly to its terminals (contacts), which is the starting relay. It may be black, white or gray, depending on the manufacturer of the component and the year of manufacture of the refrigerator.
Before removing the part, take a photograph of the location of the wires and connectors. This will help you avoid mistakes when connecting a new device. Pay attention to the markings of the wires: they are usually color-coded, but in older models the colors may fade, and the photo will become your main guide.
Technology for removing the starting relay
The removal process depends on the type of fastening used by the manufacturer. In modern models Indesit the relay is most often simply put on the compressor contacts and secured with a plastic bracket or clip. Older versions may use a metal clamp that wraps around the relay body and presses it against the engine.
If you see a metal bracket, carefully pry it off with a flat-head screwdriver or remove it with pliers, being careful not to damage the plastic mounting ears. After removing the retainer, grasp the relay body and pull it down with a gentle rocking motion from side to side. Do not use excessive force to avoid damaging the compressor terminals.
After removing the compressor from the contacts, disconnect the electrical connector. It may have a latch that you press, or it may simply be pulled tight. In some cases, the wires may be sealed, and they will have to be carefully cut through if you are changing the entire relay along with the wires.
| Type of fastening | Removal tool | Removal features | Risk of damage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plastic clip | Flat screwdriver | Removed with light pressure | Low (plastic can be broken) |
| Metal clamp | Pliers / Screwdriver | Requires spring release | Medium (risk of slipping) |
| No fixation (tension) | Hands | Simply tightened down | Low |
| Screw connection | Phillips screwdriver | It is necessary to unscrew the screws | Low |
After After the relay is removed, inspect the seat on the compressor. There should be no traces of moisture, oil or oxidation. If the contacts on the compressor itself look dirty, they can be carefully cleaned with a dry rag or alcohol wipe, after making sure that there is no voltage.
Design features of different Indesit models
Refrigerators Indesit are produced at different factories and in different years, so the design of starting devices may vary. There are relays with internal posistor protection and electromagnetic type. Externally, they may look similar, but their internal circuit and operating principle are different, which is important to consider when selecting a replacement.
Models with the system No Frost are often equipped with more compact relays integrated into the overall control system, while classic two-chamber refrigerators use standard block devices. It is also worth paying attention to the engine power for which the relay is designed; it is indicated on the marking.
Relay compatibility
Relays from one Indesit model are often suitable for others if the compressor power and type of mounting (PTC or electromagnetic) match. However, it is better to look for a replacement using the catalog number indicated on the body of the old part.
There is a common misconception that all relays are universal. In fact, incorrect selection can result in the compressor operating under overload or not starting at all. Always check the markings, even if the parts are visually identical.
Typical errors during replacement and their consequences
One of the most common mistakes is ignoring the orientation of the relay during installation. The device body often has a marking UP or an arrow indicating the top position. Installing the relay upside down can disrupt the operation of the heat exchanger or lead to improper closure of the posistor contacts.
Another common mistake is poor contact in the connectors. If you have not inserted the wires fully or have not properly tightened the terminals on the compressor terminals, heat will begin to be generated at the connection point. This will lead to melting of the insulation and, in the worst case, to a fire.
- 🔌 Installation of a relay of inappropriate power (too weak or powerful).
- 🔄 Incorrect orientation of the device relative to the horizon.
- 💧 Moisture or condensation getting inside the relay housing when installation.
- 🧶 Twisting or tension of wires leading to breakage.
⚠️ Attention: Technical characteristics of compressors and requirements for starting fittings may vary depending on the modification. Always check the parameters of the new part with the data on the nameplate of your refrigerator.
Checking functionality after installation
After the new relay is installed and all wires are connected, do not rush to immediately push the refrigerator into place. First, plug in the appliance and listen. The compressor should start with a characteristic hum, without strong vibrations and repeated clicks.
Feel the body of the new relay after 5-10 minutes of operation. It may become slightly warm, but should not be hot. If the temperature is normal and the refrigerator begins to get cold, the replacement can be considered successful. Complete cooling of the chambers will take several hours.
If you have completed all the steps correctly, your Indesit will again delight you with stable operation. Regularly cleaning the back wall of dust will help extend the service life of both the new relay and the compressor itself, providing effective heat dissipation.
Is it possible to repair an old relay, or is it necessary to buy new?
In most cases, repairing an old relay is impractical. Inside there is either a posistor, which changes its properties when heated, or a coil with contacts. It is almost impossible to restore their factory characteristics at home. The cost of a new part is low, so replacing with a new one is the only correct solution.
Why did the new relay burn out a week after replacement?
This may indicate a more serious problem with the compressor itself, for example, an interturn short circuit of the windings or jamming of the piston group. The cause may also be a power surge in the network or incorrect selection of relay power. Motor diagnostics by a specialist is required.
Where can I find the markings of a suitable relay for Indesit?
The markings are usually applied to the plastic body of the relay itself (for example, 125030200, R600a, etc.). Information can also be found in the technical documentation for the refrigerator or on specialized forums, indicating the exact model of your unit.
Is it dangerous to change the relay yourself if the refrigerator is under warranty?
Yes, if the refrigerator is under warranty, any independent intervention, including removing seals and replacing parts, will lead to loss of warranty. In this case, you must contact only an authorized service center.