A sudden stop of operation of the refrigerator Atlant often takes you by surprise, but in many cases the cause of the breakdown is the failure of the start-up relay. This small but critical element is responsible for starting the compressor and protecting the motor from overloads. If you hear characteristic clicks, but the refrigerator does not start, or the compressor hums for only a few seconds and then goes silent, there is a high probability that the problem lies in this unit.
Independently replacing the relay is a task quite accessible to a person with basic skills in working with tools and an understanding of the basics of electrical safety. Unlike complex repairs that require opening the freon circuit, there is no need for special licenses or expensive equipment. The main thing is to strictly follow the algorithm of actions and not ignore precautions when working with electricity.
In this article we will analyze in detail how to correctly diagnose a malfunction, remove the old relay, check its functionality and install a new component. You will learn about the differences in relay design for different models Atlant, understand why you cannot ignore even the slightest signs of unstable operation, and get answers to frequently asked questions.
Diagnostics of a faulty starting relay
Before proceeding with dismantling, you need to make sure that the problem is really in the relay, and not in the compressor or thermostat itself. Start relay is an electromechanical switch that supplies a pulse to start the engine and opens the starting winding circuit after a set of revolutions. If this mechanism jams or the winding burns out, the motor cannot start. The first sign is often an intermittent hum: the unit tries to start, the sound of a running engine is heard, but after 5-10 seconds a shutdown click follows, and silence ensues.
Another symptom is the complete failure of the compressor to start when the lighting is working and the thermostat is working. In some cases, you may notice heating of the side walls of the housing in the area of the compressor or the appearance of a burning smell if the relay is overheated. It is important to note that such symptoms may also indicate an interturn short circuit in the windings of the motor itself, so a visual inspection and a simple test with a multimeter are mandatory steps.
⚠️ Attention: If after replacing the relay the situation has not changed and the compressor continues to hum and turn off, do not try to start the refrigerator again. This may indicate that the piston group of the compressor is jammed, and further attempts to start will lead to the final failure of the unit.
For an initial check, you can carefully remove the relay (which will be discussed below) and shake it near your ear. If you hear the sound of separated contacts or debris inside, the part definitely requires replacement. However, the absence of sound does not guarantee serviceability, since the contacts can simply burn out without losing mechanical integrity.
Necessary tools and safety measures
Working with electrical appliances requires strict adherence to safety rules. The very first and most important operation is to completely disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply. It is not enough to simply turn it off with a button, if there is one; you must remove the plug from the socket. Any manipulations with live electrical components are strictly prohibited and dangerous to life.
To perform work on dismantling and installing the relay, you will need a minimum set of tools. In most cases, a regular Phillips or flathead screwdriver and pliers are sufficient. If you plan to carry out in-depth diagnostics with contact testing, do not forget to prepare multimeter (tester).
It is also recommended to have a clean rag on hand for wiping the contacts from oxides and, possibly, WD-40 or a similar cleaning agent if the contacts are dirty but not burnt. It is better to work in good lighting, since the compressor area is often darkened by the casing or the design of the refrigerator itself.
- 🛠️ Screwdriver (Phillips and flat) for removing the casing and terminals.
- 🔌 Multimeter to check circuit continuity and resistance.
- 🧤 Dielectric gloves for additional hand protection.
- 📸 Smartphone with a camera for photographing the connection diagram before disassembling.
Remember that the compressor heats up during operation. If the refrigerator has just turned off after trying to start, let it cool for 15-20 minutes before starting work to avoid getting burned or damaging the plastic elements with hot metal parts.
Access to the compressor and removal of the protective casing
In refrigerators Atlant the compressor is traditionally located in the lower rear part of the case. To access it, you need to move the unit away from the wall, providing convenient access from behind. In some models, access to the unit may be partially limited by the design of the rear panel, but in classic two-chamber models the compressor is open.
A plastic or metal cover is attached to the compressor, covering the electrical part and the junction of the tubes. This cover is usually secured with latches or screws. You need to act carefully so as not to break the plastic clips, which can become brittle over time. If the cover is metal and is held on by screws, use an appropriate screwdriver.
After removing the cover, you will see the compressor itself, to the end of which a black plastic box is attached - this is the start relay casing. It is inside it that the desired detail is hidden. Wires from the network and from the thermostat are suitable for the relay, and it is also placed directly on the terminals of the compressor windings.
It is important not to use excessive force when removing the casing. If it cannot be removed by hand, check whether there are additional fixing elements or clamps that need to be loosened.
Technology for dismantling the old relay
Removing the relay is the most crucial moment that requires care. The starting device is placed on three pins of the compressor and fixed in a metal frame or plastic holder. Depending on the model Atlant, the fastening may differ: in older models the relay is simply inserted into the grooves, in new ones it can be additionally fixed with a bracket.
First of all, you need to disconnect the electrical wires. The terminals are usually removed by hand or with pliers if they are very tight. Do not pull on the wires themselves to avoid damaging the insulation or tearing the contact out of the relay socket. Grasp the plastic housing of the terminal.
Then you should carefully remove the relay from the compressor pins. It may be tight due to oxidation or heat. Rock it from side to side, applying even force. A sudden jerk can break the ceramic insulator or damage the compressor terminals, which will become a much more serious problem.
⚠️ Attention: When removing the relay, pay attention to its orientation. The housing is often marked "UP" or an arrow to indicate the correct position. Installing a new relay upside down will lead to its immediate breakdown and possible failure of the compressor.
If the relay is held in place by a metal strip, you must first bend it or unscrew the mounting screw. After releasing the fasteners, the part can be easily removed from the motor terminals.
Checking functionality and choosing a replacement
After removing the relay, it must be inspected. The presence of soot, melted plastic or a characteristic burning smell clearly indicates a malfunction. However, to be absolutely sure, it is better to carry out an electrical test using a multimeter. Switch the device to resistance measurement mode (Ohms).
Ring the relay contacts. Depending on the type of device (RT, RTP, RTK), the test scheme may differ, but the general principle is this: the circuit between certain contacts should ring, and between others should be open. If the meter shows "infinity" where there should be a contact, or "zero" where there should be a break, the relay is faulty.
When choosing a new relay, it is critical to consider the compressor model and refrigerant type. Refrigerators Atlant can be equipped with motors from different manufacturers, and the relay from a model with R12 freon will not fit a model with R134a or R600a. Markings on the body of the old relay (for example, RTK-1, RTP-1) is your main guideline when purchasing.
| Relay type | Application | Features | Compatibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| RTK (Kotorushechnoye) | Old Atlant models | Has a movable core, sensitive to tilts | SK series compressors |
| RTP (posistor) | Modern models | Works on the basis of posistor heating, more reliable | Atlant, Danfoss compressors |
| RT (Thermal) | Universal | Current protection, bimetallic plate | Depends on motor power |
| 17.136 (Analog) | Replacement of RTP/RTK | Often used as a universal replacement | Requires checking the circuit |
If you are not sure of the type of your relay, it is better to remove it and take it with you to the store or find an exact analogue using the compressor catalog number. Installing an unsuitable component may result in the refrigerator not turning off or, conversely, not being able to start.
☑️ Check before installation
Installing a new relay and testing
The installation process is performed in reverse order. The new relay is pushed onto the three pins of the compressor until it stops. Make sure it fits snugly and evenly, without distortion. If a retaining frame or bracket is used, return it to its place and secure it.
Next, connect the electrical terminals to the corresponding relay contacts. This is where a photo taken before disassembly will come in handy. The wires must be connected to the same sockets from which they were removed. After connecting, carefully lay the wires so that they do not touch hot parts of the compressor or moving elements (if there are any in the access area).
Install the protective casing in place and secure it. Now you can turn on the refrigerator. In the first seconds after turning on, listen carefully: you should hear a confident start of the engine without prolonged hums and clicks. If the compressor starts working smoothly, after a while (10-15 minutes) check whether the condenser (grid at the back) begins to heat up or the freezer compartment begins to cool.
B If, after turning on, clicks are heard again and the motor does not start, immediately turn off the device. This means that either the relay is selected incorrectly, or the problem lies deeper - in the compressor itself or the wiring.
Frequently asked questions and answers (FAQ)
Is it possible to repair an old relay and not change it?
Theoretically, if the problem is only burnt contacts, they can be cleaned. However, in modern relays of the RTP type with a posistor, repair is impossible, since they are filled with a compound or cannot be disassembled without destroying the housing. In addition, stripped contacts quickly burn out again. It is safer and more reliable to buy a new part, the cost of which is low.
Why did the relay burn out? Is it necessary to look for the cause?
The relay rarely burns out on its own. Most often, this is a consequence of power surges in the network, natural wear of contacts after many years of service, or, worse, problems with the compressor (stiff running, interturn short circuit). If the new relay also quickly fails, be sure to call a technician to diagnose the motor.
Is a universal relay suitable for the Atlant refrigerator?
There are universal starting devices, but their use requires precise selection of the compressor power (in Watts or Amperes). Using a universal relay “by eye” may lead to incorrect operation. It is better to use original spare parts or complete analogues specified in the technical documentation for your model.
How long does it take to replace a relay?
For an experienced technician this process takes 10-15 minutes. For a beginner acting carefully and for the first time, the entire procedure, including diagnostics and searching for tools, can take about 40-60 minutes. The main thing is not to rush and follow safety precautions.
What to do if the compressor is hot, but does not start?
If the compressor is heated to a high temperature, but does not start even with a new relay, most likely there is a breakdown of the winding insulation or jamming of the mechanism. In this case, professional repair or replacement of the compressor is required, which is not always economically feasible.
Replacing the start relay is one of the most common types of refrigerator repairs Atlantwhich you can actually do yourself. By following the sequence of actions and choosing the right components, you can bring your equipment back to life without a costly service call. Remember that regular maintenance and protection against voltage surges will help avoid similar breakdowns in the future.