A sudden stop of the compressor or its characteristic hum without starting often indicates a failure of the starting relay. In refrigerators Indesit this unit is responsible for supplying voltage to the motor windings at the moment of switching on. If you are faced with the fact that the unit has stopped cooling, and the motor is either silent or makes clicking noises, the problem may lie in this compact but critical element.
Independent replacement of a part requires a minimum set of tools and basic knowledge about the design of electrical appliances. It is important to understand that working with electricity requires strict adherence to safety measures. Before starting any manipulations, it is necessary to completely de-energize the device, disconnecting it from the network to eliminate the risk of electric shock.
In this article we will analyze in detail the process of diagnosing, dismantling and installing a new relay on refrigerator models Indesit. You will learn how to correctly identify a fault and what nuances should be taken into account when choosing a component.
Diagnostics of a faulty starting relay
Before you start disassembling, you need to make sure that the problem lies in the relay. Often the symptoms of a breakdown of this unit are similar to a malfunction of the compressor or thermostat itself. The primary symptom is the absence of a characteristic sound of the engine starting or a series of quick clicks, after which the unit goes silent again.
For a more accurate check, you can use a multimeter. By testing the contacts for a short circuit or break, you can with a high degree of probability determine the condition of the part. If the contacts are melted or oxidized, replacement is inevitable.
It is also worth paying attention to the external condition of the component. If traces of burning, soot or mechanical damage are visible on the body, this is a sure sign that the element requires replacement. Internal contacts could burn out, breaking the power circuit.
- 🔊 Sound signals: loud clicks when trying to start or complete absence of noise from a running motor.
- 🔥 Visual signs: blackened housing, burning smell or visible melting on the contact group.
- ❄️ Lack of cold: the chamber is not cooling, although the power indicators may be on.
⚠️ Attention: If after replacing the relay the compressor hums but does not start, the motor itself may have jammed or the capacitor has failed. In this case, further operation may lead to permanent engine failure.
Necessary tools and preparation
To successfully complete the work, you do not need complex specialized equipment. A basic DIY kit is enough. The main thing is to ensure good lighting of the work area and free access to the back wall of the refrigerator.
Before starting work, be sure to move the refrigerator away from the wall. You will need room to maneuver to safely reach the compressor at the bottom of the unit. Make sure the floor is dry and stable.
Prepare all the tools in advance so as not to interrupt the process of finding the right screwdriver. This will speed up the work and reduce the risk of losing small fasteners.
- 🪛 Screwdriver: Phillips or flat (depending on the type of screws on the casing).
- 🔧 Pliers: for carefully removing terminals and clamps.
- 🧤 Gloves: to protect hands from dust and possible sharp metal edges.
☑️ Preparation for repair
Access to the compressor and removal of the casing
The compressor in refrigerators Indesit is located in the lower rear part of the case. It is covered with a metal or plastic casing that protects the mechanism from dust and accidental damage. Removing this protection is the first step in accessing the relay.
In some models, the casing is secured with screws, in others - with latches. Be careful not to damage the threads or plastic fasteners. If the screws are stuck, you can use penetrating lubricant, but do not use excessive force.
After removing the cover, you will have a view of the motor-compressor. The relay is usually mounted directly on the compressor contact rod or attached next to it. Be careful: refrigeration circuit tubes also pass through this area, damage to which is unacceptable.
| Type of housing fastening | Tool | Removal features |
|---|---|---|
| Screw | Screwdriver (phillips) | The screws can be hidden under rubber plugs |
| Latch | Flat screwdriver | Requires careful pressing of the latches around the perimeter |
| Combined | Screwdriver + pliers | First, remove the screws, then open the brackets |
⚠️ Attention: It is strictly forbidden to bend the copper tubes coming from the compressor. This can lead to a refrigerant leak and a leak in the system, which will require expensive professional repairs.
Nuances of older models
In older Indesit models, the casing may be welded or have a complex fastening system. If you see that access is very limited, it is better not to remove the casing completely, but try to carefully remove the relay, working in a confined space, using maximum caution.
Connection diagram and removal of the relay
Start relay in refrigerators Indesit most often it is a black plastic block, put on on the three contact pins of the compressor. A wiring harness is connected to it, transmitting voltage from the network. Before removal, it is recommended to photograph the location of the wires so that when installing a new element you do not mix up the contacts.
For dismantling, you must disconnect the terminal block. It can be held in place by a tight fit or an additional retainer. Do not pull the wires sharply - this may damage the insulation or tear off the contacts.
The relay itself is removed by moving downwards or to the side, depending on the design of the seat. If it fits very tightly, you can slightly rock it from side to side. The main thing is not to put any force on the compressor body itself, so as not to damage its terminals.
- 📸 Fixation: take a photo of the connection before disassembling for proper assembly.
- 🔌 Disconnection: remove the terminal, holding the plastic housing of the connector, and not the wires.
- 🧩 Removal: carefully pull the relay off the pins, avoiding distortions.
Installation of a new relay and assembly
The new relay must fully match the markings of the old one. The parameters starting current and connection type (vertical or horizontal) must match. Installing an unsuitable part can lead to rapid failure of the new component or the compressor itself.
Installation is carried out in the reverse order of dismantling. Push the relay onto the contact pins as far as it will go. Make sure it fits snugly and doesn't wobble. Then connect the terminal block of the wires, checking the reliability of the connection.
After connecting the electrical part, you can begin installing the protective casing. Secure it with screws or snap the latches. Make sure that the wires are not pinched and do not touch the hot parts of the compressor.
Checking the functionality is carried out by turning on the refrigerator in the network. If you hear the engine starting confidently and after a while you feel cold in the chamber, it means replacement was successful. If the symptoms remain, the problem may be deeper.
⚠️ Attention: When you turn it on for the first time, carefully monitor the operation of the unit. If there is a burning smell or smoke, immediately unplug the appliance. This may indicate a short circuit or incorrect installation.
Frequent errors during replacement and troubleshooting
One of the common mistakes is ignoring the state of the contacts. If you change a relay but leave an oxidized terminal block, the new element can burn out just as quickly as the old one. Cleaning the contacts or replacing the block is an important part of a quality repair.
Users also often confuse the type of relay. In refrigerators Indesit there are both posistor and inductive relays. They are not always interchangeable. Using the wrong type will result in the motor either not starting or operating in emergency mode.
Don't forget about the capacitor. In some circuits it is located next to the relay. If it is swollen or has lost capacity, replacing the relay alone will not solve the starting problem. It is also better to check the capacitor with a multimeter.
Is it possible to install a relay from another refrigerator model?
Theoretically, it is possible if the electrical parameters (current, voltage) and geometric dimensions of the seat match. However, manufacturers often use unique connectors. It is better to look for an original spare part or a high-quality analogue specifically designed for your series Indesit.
Why did the new relay burn out after a week?
This may indicate problems with the compressor itself (turn-to-turn short circuit), voltage surges in the network, or incorrect selection of the relay rating. Also, the cause may be poor contact in the terminal block, causing local overheating.
Does the system need to be evacuated after replacing the relay?
No. The start relay is replaced without violating the tightness of the freon circuit. You are only working with the electrical part. Evacuation is only required when repairing tubes or replacing the compressor itself.
How to understand that the problem is not in the relay, but in the thermostat?
If the relay is working properly, but the compressor does not turn on at all (there are not even clicks), try closing the thermostat contacts. If the motor starts, it means the temperature sensor is faulty. If the relay clicks, but the motor does not start, the problem is in the relay, capacitor or motor windings.
Is it dangerous to operate a refrigerator with a faulty relay?
Yes, it is dangerous. Constant attempts to start with a faulty relay create peak loads on the compressor windings, which can lead to their burnout. In addition, there is a risk of the wiring or the relay itself catching fire due to overheating of the contacts.