The refrigerator Stinol 101 has established itself as a reliable unit that can operate for decades, but even with such equipment there comes a time when the compressor stops starting. Often the cause is a failure of the starting relay, which is responsible for supplying voltage to the motor windings at the time of start. If you hear a characteristic click, after which the motor hums for several seconds and turns off, or the unit is silent, but the light inside is on, then the problem most likely lies in this unit.
Before taking active steps, you need to understand that replacing a relay is a procedure that requires compliance with safety precautions and precision of movements. Improper disassembly may damage the contacts or the compressor itself, resulting in more expensive repairs. In this article we will examine in detail how it is safe to remove the relay of the Stinol 101 refrigeratorto check its performance and install a new part.
It is important to note that for models of the 101 series, relays of the RT type (thermal protection) are often used paired with a starting device, or combined blocks. Understanding exactly what type you have installed will help you diagnose correctly and avoid assembly errors. Let's look at the process of preparing and directly removing the element.
Fault diagnosis before removal
Before disassembling the back panel, you should make sure that the problem is really in the relay, and not in the compressor or wiring itself. The situation when the motor tries to start, makes a humming sound and after 5-10 seconds clicks and goes silent is a classic sign of a “sticking” starter or burnt-out windings. If the refrigerator simply does not make any sounds, although the thermostat requires cooling, this may indicate an open circuit in the relay itself or the thermal protection.
Visual inspection can also provide important clues. If you have already reached the back of the unit, pay attention to the condition of the wires and the plastic body of the part itself. The presence of traces of soot, melted plastic or a specific burning smell clearly indicates that element of the electrical circuit it is out of order and requires immediate replacement. In some cases, you can see scattered powder inside the case - this is a burnt posistor tablet in models with a starting capacitor.
⚠️ Attention: If after the start click the compressor gets very hot and the relay makes a crackling noise, under no circumstances try to start the unit again many times in a row. This can lead to a wedge of the motor piston group or final burnout of the windings.
For accurate diagnostics, professionals use a multimeter, checking the resistance of the windings and the integrity of the relay contacts. However, if you do not have measuring instruments on hand, and the refrigerator requires urgent repair, the elimination or direct replacement method is often used, since the cost of a new starting device is relatively low compared to calling a technician.
Necessary tools and preparation of the workplace
Procedure for removing the relay on the model Stinol 101 does not require complex professional equipment, but a basic set of tools must be prepared. First of all, you will need a flathead and Phillips screwdriver to remove the compressor protective cover and possibly the clamps. Also, pliers with thin jaws and side cutters will come in handy if you need to strip the wires.
Particular attention should be paid to the organization of lighting. The back of the refrigerator, especially in the compressor niche, is often poorly lit, and working with small contacts in the twilight is dangerous and inconvenient. Use an additional light source, such as a flashlight or table lamp, to clearly see the wire markings and the condition of the terminals.
For comfortable work, provide free access to the rear wall of the unit. Move the refrigerator away from the wall at a distance of at least 50-70 centimeters. This will allow you to move freely around the equipment and not accidentally damage other components or the floor covering. Also prepare a container for small parts so that screws and brackets do not get lost during the work.
Ensuring electrical safety during dismantling
The most critical stage of any work with electrical appliances is turning off the power. Before touching the back panel of the refrigerator Stinol 101be sure to unplug the cord from the outlet. Do not rely on the fact that the thermostat may be turned off or the unit is in defrost mode - complete blackout is the only guarantee of your safety.
After unplugging, let the refrigerator stand for 5-10 minutes. This is necessary so that the capacitors in the starting circuit are discharged and the heated elements cool down if the motor has previously tried to work. In addition, this time can be devoted to studying technical information.
Find a sticker with technical data on the back wall or inside the refrigerator compartment. You are interested in the marking of the compressor and the type of start relay used. For Stinol 101 relays of the RT, R-1, R-2 series or more modern analogues from Danfoss and other manufacturers are often used. Knowing the exact model will help you choose the right replacement if it turns out that the old part is beyond repair.
⚠️ Attention: It is strictly prohibited to carry out any manipulations with live electrical contacts. Even briefly touching a phase wire while the plug is plugged into a socket can result in serious electric shock.
Make sure the floor under your feet is dry and your hands are not wet. If you work in a garage or on a balcony during the cold season, make sure that condensation from the surface of the compressor does not drip onto open contacts. Following these simple rules will allow you to avoid unpleasant situations and focus on high-quality repairs.
Obtaining access to the compressor and relay
In refrigerators Stinol 101 the compressor unit is located in the lower rear part of the case. Access to it is usually open, but the motor itself is covered with a metal or plastic casing, which performs a protective function and directs air flows for cooling. This casing is usually secured with latches or several screws.
To remove the protective casing, carefully bend the locking tabs or unscrew the mounting screws using an appropriate screwdriver. Be careful not to damage the threads or break the plastic clips, which may become brittle over time. After removing the casing, you will have a view of the compressor, condenser grille and pipelines.
Find the compressor shank - this is a protruding part with three contacts, on which a black plastic box is “put on”. This is the starting relay assembled with a thermal protection relay. Wires from the thermostat come to it and wires go to the motor windings. In some modifications starting device can be additionally secured with a metal bracket or a plastic retainer.
☑️ Preparation for dismantling
Inspect the area around the relay. If you see traces of corrosion on metal tubes or the wire insulation is cracked, this is a reason to conduct an additional inspection of the condition of the wiring. However, if your goal is only to replace the relay, focus on the fastening elements of the block itself.
Technology for removing the starting relay
Removing the relay from the compressor Stinol 101 is a process that requires care, since the contacts may be “stuck” or oxidized. In most cases, the relay is simply pressed tightly onto the three pins of the compressor. To remove it, you need to firmly grasp the plastic case and, slightly rocking it from side to side, pull it down and towards you.
Do not use excessive force, act progressively. If the relay does not respond, you can slightly warm up the plastic case with a hair dryer (not a hair dryer, but a regular hair dryer) for 10-15 seconds. The plastic will become softer and the part will be easier to remove. However, avoid overheating to avoid melting the wire insulation or damaging internal components.
After the relay is removed from the starting contacts, it will remain hanging on the wires. Now you need to disconnect the terminals. Depending on the model, the wires can be connected through detachable chips or simply twisted and insulated. If there are chips, connect them by holding the latches. If there are twists, carefully unwind the insulation and disconnect the wires.
| Contact type | Removal method | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Detachable chip | Pressing the latch + pulling | Requires care so as not to break the retainer ears |
| Twisting with electrical tape | Unwinding the insulation + unwinding | During assembly, new insulation or heat shrink will be required |
| Soldering (rarely) | Using a soldering iron | Requires soldering and soldering skills |
It is important to remember or write down which wire was connected where. Usually the wires are color coded, but in older refrigerators the colors may have become distorted by time. Standard circuit: one wire goes to the common contact, the other to the starting winding. An error in the connection can lead to the compressor humming but not starting, or a new part burning out.
What to do if the relay is stuck?
If the relay cannot be removed by hand, you can use a special puller or carefully pry the housing with a flat screwdriver at the connection points with the compressor, being careful not to damage the ceramic contact insulation.
Checking the removed relay and choosing a replacement
After removing the relay from the circuit, it should be carefully inspected. Shake the part near your ear: if a ringing or knocking sound is heard inside, it means that the internal elements are destroyed, and such a relay cannot be restored. Also inspect the inlet holes for melting or carbon deposits - this is a sure sign of current overload.
For a deeper check, you can use a multimeter in continuity mode. Check the integrity of the thermal contacts: they should ring (show zero or close to zero resistance) when cold. If the circuit is open on a cold relay, it means that the thermal protection has tripped and has not returned to its original position, which indicates a malfunction.
When choosing a new relay for Stinol 101 pay attention not only to compatibility by refrigerator model, but also to the power of the compressor. The relay must correspond to the engine power (indicated on the compressor nameplate, for example, 1/5 HP, 1/4 HP). Using a relay with an inappropriate power range will either result in frequent false shutdowns or prevent the compressor from reaching operating speed.
⚠️ Warning: Do not attempt to repair sealed plastic relay housings by opening and stripping the contacts. Such measures give a temporary effect, after which the device fails completely, often with a short circuit.
Modern analogues may differ in appearance from the original Soviet relays, but perform the same functions. The main thing is the coincidence of the connection diagram and landing dimensions. If you bought a universal relay, carefully study the attached instructions for connecting the wires.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to start the Stinol 101 refrigerator without a relay?
Theoretically, you can start the compressor by applying voltage directly to the working and starting windings using a button or manually closing contacts, but this is dangerous and requires qualifications. It is impossible to operate a refrigerator without a standard relay, since there is no overload protection and a mechanism for disconnecting the starting winding, which will lead to the motor burning out.
Why does a new relay burn out after a few days?
There may be several reasons: incorrect selection of relay power, a malfunction of the compressor itself (interturn short circuit), problems with voltage in network or poor contact at the junction of the wires. It is also possible that the thermostat is jammed, preventing the compressor from resting.
Where can you find the relay markings on a Stinol refrigerator?
The markings are usually applied to the side or top edge of the black plastic relay case. Also, information about the type of relay can be indicated on a sticker with technical data inside the fridge compartment or on the back wall of the unit in the section of the electrical diagram.
Is it necessary to change the thermal relay together with the starting one?
In the design Stinol 101 the starting and thermal relays are often combined into one unit or tightly connected. If the starting element burned out, the thermal element could also suffer from overheating. It is recommended to change the entire assembly to guarantee reliability, since their service life is approximately the same.
How much does it cost to replace a relay with your own hands?
The cost consists only of the price of the new part, since no special tools are required. The relay itself is inexpensive, usually several times cheaper than calling a technician. The main thing is to correctly diagnose the malfunction so as not to change a working part.