How to properly remove the start-up relay of a refrigerator compressor: instructions with photos and tips

The starting protection relay is a small but critical element of the refrigerator, which is responsible for starting the compressor and protecting it from overloads. When the refrigerator stops freezing, makes strange clicks or does not turn on at all, the problem often lies in this device. Remove the relay yourself It can be done in 15–30 minutes if you know the exact sequence of actions and have a minimum set of tools on hand.

However, before you take on screwdriver, you should make sure that it is the relay that is to blame, and not the compressor itself, thermostat or electrical wiring. For example, if a refrigerator Samsung or LG clicks but does not start, in 60% of cases the culprit turns out to be starting relay (data from service centers). In this article, we will look at how to carefully dismantle it without damaging the compressor or compromising the tightness of the system.

⚠️ Important: Working with the electrical components of the refrigerator requires compliance with safety precautions. If you are not confident in your skills, it is better to contact a specialist - errors during dismantling can lead to a short circuit or failure of the compressor.

1. Signs of a faulty start-up relay

Before removing the relay, make sure that it is really faulty. Here are the typical symptoms:

• 🔊 Clicks without starting. The refrigerator makes characteristic clicks (relay activation), but the compressor does not start working. This is the most common symptom.
• ❄️ No cold. The compressor does not turn on at all, although the light in the chamber is on and the thermostat is working.
• ⚡ Short operating cycles. The compressor starts for 1-2 seconds and immediately turns off - this may indicate a malfunction protective part of the relay.
• 🔥 Overheating relay. If you touch the relay body, it is hot (above 60°C), this is a signal of a problem.

To exclude other causes, check:

• 🔌 Power. Make sure that the socket is working (connect another device).
• ❄️ Thermostat. Turn the thermostat knob to position MAX - if the compressor worked, the problem is not in the relay.
• 🔧 Contacts. Inspect the relay terminals for oxidation or burning.

2. Tools and preparation for work

To dismantle the start-up relay you will need:

• 🔧 Phillips and flathead screwdrivers. Most relays are secured with screws for a Phillips screwdriver, but sometimes you come across models with flat slots.
• 📸 Smartphone or camera. Take a photo of the location of the wires and terminals before disconnecting - this will save you from errors during reassembly.
• 🧲 Multimeter. To check the resistance of the compressor windings and relay circuit (optional, but useful).
• 🧤 Dielectric gloves. They will protect against accidental electric shock if there is voltage left in the circuit.
• 🔦 Flashlight. Lighting will help you see the markings of wires in hard-to-reach places.

Before you start work:

1. Unplug the refrigerator and remove the plug from the socket.
2. Give access to the compressor - it is usually located at the bottom of the back wall.
3. If the refrigerator is No Frost, wait until it is completely defrosted (2-4 hours) to avoid a short circuit from condensation.

3. Where is the start-up relay located in the refrigerator

The location of the relay depends on the model of the refrigerator, but in 90% of cases it is attached directly to the compressor housing. Here are the typical options:

In refrigerators with a system No Frost the relay is sometimes located not on the compressor, but on the control module. In this case, dismantling is more difficult - you will need to remove the back cover and disconnect the connectors.

How to find the relay in electronically controlled refrigerators?

In models Samsung RL-34 or LG GA-B489 the relay is often hidden behind a plastic panel on the back wall. To gain access:

1. Remove the top cover (unscrew the 2 screws).

2. Detach the plastic panel by pulling it up.

3. The relay will be in a black or gray case with 3-4 wires.

Do not confuse it with starting capacitor it is round and aluminum.

4. Step-by-step instructions for removing the relay

Follow this algorithm to remove the relay without damage:

1. Turn off the power.

   Unplug the plug from the socket and wait until the capacitors are completely discharged (5-10 minutes).

2. Remove the protective cover.

   On most models (Atlant, Indesit), the relay is covered with a plastic or metal cover, which is secured with 1-2 screws. Unscrew them and remove the cover.

3. Take a photo of the wire connection. This is the most important step - without a photo, you can confuse the terminals when reassembling. Pay attention to the colors of the wires and letter designations (C — common, S — start, M — main).
4. Disconnect wires.

   Carefully pull the terminals or loosen the screws (depending on the type of fastening). Do not pull the wires - they may come off!

5. Remove the relay from the compressor.

   It can be attached:

   • On on the latches - pry it up with a screwdriver.
   • On the screws - unscrew them.
   • On the spring clamp - pull upward with force.

If the relay is “stuck” to the compressor (often happens in old refrigerators ZIL or Minsk), do not try to tear it off:

• 🔧 Treat the joint with WD-40 or alcohol.
• 🕒 Wait 10-15 minutes.
• 💪 Gently rock the relay from side to side until it moves.

5. Typical mistakes when dismantling the relay

Even experienced craftsmen sometimes make mistakes that lead to breakdown of the compressor or relay. Here's what you shouldn't do:

⚠️ Attention: If you accidentally short the terminals S i M on a compressor without a relay, it can burn out the starting winding. In this case, the compressor will have to be changed completely (cost - from 8,000 rubles).

• ⚡ Work under voltage. Even if the refrigerator is turned off with the button, the capacitors may remain charged. Always remove plug from the socket!
• 🔌 The wires are mixed up. If after assembly the compressor hums but does not start, you most likely swapped S and M. Check the photo taken before dismantling.
• 💥 A blow to the relay. The relay body is fragile - if it is dropped or hit, the spring mechanism inside may crack.
• 🔧 Use of inappropriate tools. Do not unscrew screws with pliers or pliers - this will tear off the splines.

Another common problem is damage to the sealing rubber on the compressor. If it is torn or dislodged, it will cause a refrigerant leak. In this case, the system will need to be refilled (from 3,500 rubles).

6. How to check a removed relay for functionality

Before buying a new relay, make sure that the old one is really faulty. To do this:

1. Visual inspection.

   Check the housing for cracks, melting or signs of burning. If the contacts are blackened, the relay must be replaced.

2. Test with a multimeter.

   Set the resistance test mode (200 Ω) and measure the resistance between the terminals:

   • S and M —should be 20–40 Ohm (starting + operating winding).
   • C and S — 10–20 Ohm (starting winding).
   • C i M — 5–10 Ohm (working winding).

⚠️ Attention: If the resistance between any terminal and the relay body is less 1 MΩ, this indicates an insulation breakdown. It is dangerous to use such a relay!

Checking operation.

Connect the relay to the compressor (without installing it in place) and briefly apply power. A working relay should click and start the compressor. If there is no click or the compressor does not start, the relay is faulty.

If the relay is working, but the refrigerator still does not turn on, the problem may be in:

• 🔋 Thermostat (call its contacts).
• 🔌 Electrical wiring (check the power at the terminals compressor).
• 🏭 Compressor (measure the resistance of the windings).

7. How to choose a new relay: compatibility and models

Not all relays are suitable for all compressors. When choosing a replacement, consider:

• 🔍 The brand and model of the refrigerator. For example, for Atlant MXM-170 a relay is suitable RTK-XM, and for Indesit BIAA 13 — RBM-4.
• 📏 Compressor type. There is a plate with the model on the compressor housing (for example, Danfoss NL12FX or Secop SC10G). You can use it to select a compatible relay.
• 🔌 Mounting type. Relays are available with screws, latches or spring clips. Make sure that the new relay is mounted in the same way as the old one.
• 💡 The presence of thermal protection. Some relays (for example 3TS-02) have built-in thermal protection. If your old relay had protection, the new one should also have it.

Here is the compatibility table for popular models:

If you are not sure of the choice, take the old relay with you to the store or take a photo of its markings. Service centers often have compatibility catalogs by brand.

⚠️ Attention: Cheap Chinese relays (for example, nameless ones from AliExpress) often do not correspond to the declared characteristics. This may cause the compressor to overheat. Buy relays in trusted stores (for example, 220-volt, All-Repair) or from authorized dealers.

8. Installing a new relay and checking operation

Installation of a new relay is performed in the reverse order:

1. Install the relay on the compressor.

   Secure it in the same way as the old one (with screws, latches or a retainer). Make sure that the relay fits tightly to the compressor housing - this is important for heat dissipation.

2. Connect the wires.

   Check the photo taken before dismantling. Typically:

   • C (common) - common wire (often black or brown).
   • S (start) - starting winding (usually red or orange wire).
   • M (main) - working winding (blue or white wire).

Close protective casing.

Make sure that all wires are laid neatly and are not pinched by the lid.

Connect the refrigerator to the network.

Turn it on and check operation:

• The compressor should start without long clicks.
• After 5-10 minutes, the relay body should be warm, but not hot.
• The refrigerator should start to freeze (check the temperature after 1-2 hours).

If after replacing the relay the refrigerator still does not work:

• 🔌 Check the power at the compressor terminals (should be 220V).
• 📸 Compare the wire connections with the photo - they may be mixed up S i M.
• 🏭 Measure the resistance of the compressor windings - if it differs from the norm, the problem is it.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the start-up relay

Can it be repaired? relay or just replace it?

In most cases, the relay is not repaired - it is replaced with a new one. However, if the problem is in oxidized contacts, they can be cleaned with sandpaper (P1000) and checked for functionality. If the coil or spring inside the relay is burned out, restoration is impossible.

What will happen if you connect it. Is the relay incorrect?

If you mix up the terminals S and Mthe compressor will not start, but it won’t burn out either. short circuit and can damage the compressor. Always check the connection photo! S or M to the housing - this will cause a short circuit and may damage the compressor. Always check the connection photo!

How much does it cost to replace a relay in a service center?

The cost of replacing a relay in workshops varies from 1,500 to 3,000 rubles (without taking into account the cost of the part) In the regions the price may be lower (from 800 rubles). you buy a relay yourself, take it with a reserve - sometimes you come across defective copies.

Is it possible to start a compressor without a relay for testing?

Yes, but shortly (no longer 1-2 seconds!) To do this:

1. Disconnect the relay from the compressor.
2. Connect the starting winding (S) to the working winding (M) via the button (for example, from a doorbell).
3. Apply power briefly.

If the compressor starts, the problem is in the relay. If not, the compressor is faulty or there is a break in the windings.

Why does the new relay quickly burn out?

This happens for three reasons:

1. Faulty compressor. If it has an interturn short circuit, it overloads the relay.
2. Wrong relay. For example, instead RTK-XM installed RTP-1 with other characteristics.
3. Poor contact. Oxidized or loose terminals cause sparking and overheating.

Before installing a new relay, always check the compressor with a multimeter!