A sudden stop of the compressor or characteristic clicks when trying to start are sure signs that starting relay has failed. In refrigerators Indesit this element often causes breakdowns, as it experiences constant electrical and thermal loads. Ignoring the problem can lead to burnout of the motor windings, which will require much more expensive repairs.
Independent replacement of the part is a real task for the owner who knows how to handle the tool and follows safety precautions. You do not need to be a professional electrician to perform this procedure, but care and precision are critical. In this article, we will analyze the process of dismantling and installing a new relay so that you can return the refrigerator to working order.
Before starting disassembly, you need to make sure that the problem lies in the relay, and not in the compressor or thermostat itself. The starting relay in Indesit models often fails due to voltage surges in the network or natural wear of the contacts. Correct diagnostics at the initial stage will save your time and money on buying unnecessary spare parts.
Diagnosis of a faulty starting relay
The first sign of a malfunction is a characteristic sound: the refrigerator hums, but does not start, or audible frequent clicks. The compressor tries to start, the relay is activated, but the engine does not pick up speed and turns off after a few seconds. If you touch the motor housing at this moment, it may be hot, which indicates operation in emergency mode.
For an accurate check, it is necessary to visually inspect the part. If traces of burning, melted plastic are visible on the housing, or the smell of burnt insulation is felt, replacement is inevitable. It is also worth checking the contacts: oxidation or charring indicates a poor connection and overheating.
- 🔍 The compressor hums for 3-5 seconds, then a click is heard and there is silence.
- 🔥 The relay housing has blackening, cracks or a specific burning smell.
- ❄️ The refrigerator has stopped freezing, although the indicators are on and there is light inside.
- ⚡ When the tester calls, the relay contacts do not close or show a short circuit.
Sometimes the problem may be hidden in the jamming of the compressor piston group, and a working relay will simply clicking, unable to start the engine. Therefore, before purchasing a new part, it is recommended to make sure that the motor-compressor itself is not jammed. This can be done by applying voltage directly (with caution), but it is better to entrust such a check to a specialist if you are not confident in your abilities.
Necessary tools and safety measures
Working with electrical appliances requires strict adherence to electrical safety rules. Disconnection from the network is the first and mandatory action that must be performed before starting any work. Even a short-term touch of live parts can be life-threatening.
To dismantle the relay you will need a minimum set of tools. In most cases, a simple screwdriver and pliers are sufficient. However, if the relay has not been removed for a long time, the plastic may have become brittle, so you need to act without excessive force so as not to damage neighboring nodes.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting work, be sure to unplug the power cord from the outlet. Don't rely solely on the switch on the body or thermostat - physically disconnecting from the network will ensure that there is no voltage.
Prepare your work area: it should be well lit and the floor should be dry. Humidity in the room where electrical equipment is being repaired is unacceptable, as this increases the risk of electric shock and can damage electronic components.
You may need the following tools:
- 🔧 Flathead and Phillips screwdrivers for removing protective covers.
- 🔩 Pliers or pliers for carefully remove the terminals.
- 🧤 Dielectric gloves for additional hand protection.
- 📸 Smartphone for photographing the connection diagram before disassembling.
Do not forget that in some models Indesit access to the compressor may be limited by the design features of the rear wall. If you see that access is difficult, do not use force - you may need to remove an additional protective panel or move the refrigerator.
Localization of the relay in Indesit models
In refrigerators Indesit the starting relay is usually located at the bottom of the unit, at the back. It is attached directly to the compressor terminals and is covered with a plastic or metal casing. It is accessed through a technological hole in the rear wall.
The relay can be combined with a thermal protective device (thermal relay) or be a separate unit. In modern models, a combined version is more common, where both starting and protective functions are located in one housing. Older models may have had separate components, making it easier to replace them individually.
To find the relay, tilt the refrigerator forward (have someone help if the unit is heavy) and look at the bottom of the back wall. You will see a round black element - this is a compressor, and on the side or top there is a small box attached to which the wires fit. This is the part you are looking for.
Why does the relay heat up?
The starting relay heats up when the compressor starts, when a large starting current passes through its contacts. During normal operation it cools down. If the relay is hot all the time, the compressor will not start and current will continue to flow through the start winding, causing overheating and tripping the thermal release.
Sometimes access may be obstructed by accumulated dust or cobwebs. Gently clean the area around the compressor with a dry cloth or soft brush so you can better see the fasteners and wires. Do not use wet cleaning in the immediate vicinity of electrical contacts.
Step-by-step instructions for removing the relay
The process of removing the relay does not require complex disassembly of the entire refrigerator. The main thing is to act consistently and remember (or record) the order in which the wires are disconnected. An error in the connection can lead to failure of the new relay or the compressor itself.
First remove the protective cover covering the compressor group. It can be secured with latches or screws. Be careful with plastic clips, which become brittle over time. If the cover is metal, check its edges for the absence of sharp burrs.
☑️ Algorithm for removing the relay
After gaining access to the relay, carefully examine how it is secured. In most cases, it is simply slipped onto the three pins of the compressor and secured with a metal bracket or plastic clips. Carefully bend the clips and remove the relay from the terminals.
The next step is to disconnect the wires. It is critical here not to confuse the polarity and purpose of the contacts. Before disconnecting the wires, take a photo or draw a diagram. The wires can be secured in the terminal block or placed directly on the relay contacts.
Proceed carefully:
- Pull the wire terminals with pliers if they are tight.
- Do not pull the wires themselves so as not to damage the insulation.
- If the wires are stuck, carefully warm the connection with a hairdryer (not with an open fire!).
- Remove the old relay and compare it with the new one in appearance and markings.
⚠️ Attention: Never remove the relay with a jerk, holding only the wires. You can damage the fragile copper leads of the compressor, and then repair will become impossible without replacing the entire unit.
Connection diagram and contact marking
Correct connection is the key to successful repair. The new relay body and wires usually have markings on them, but they may be worn off or not obvious. The standard connection diagram for refrigerators Indesit assumes the presence of three main contacts on the compressor.
The contacts are designated by letters or numbers. Most often you will find the designations C (Common - general), R (Run - working winding) and S (Start - starting winding). Some circuits use numbering: 1, 2, 3 or 4, 5, 6, where the location depends on the orientation of the compressor.
| Designation | Function | Wire color (often) | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
C or M |
General contact | Black or White | Top or central |
R |
Working winding | Red or Brown | Side |
S |
Start winding | Blue or Green | Bottom or side |
PE |
Grounding | Yellow-green | On the body |
It is important to understand that the colors of the wires may vary depending on the year of manufacture of the refrigerator and the specific series Indesit. Therefore, you need to rely primarily on the markings of the contacts on the relay itself and the compressor, and not just on the color of the insulation.
If you purchased a universal relay, the kit may include instructions with a correspondence table for different compressor models. Study it carefully to set the jumpers correctly or select the desired connection configuration. Universal relays often require manual adjustment for a specific type of engine.
Installing a new relay and testing
After the old relay has been removed and the circuit has been studied, you can begin installing a new part. Make sure that the new relay has identical characteristics: coil voltage, contact type and overall dimensions. Installing an unsuitable relay can lead to instant combustion.
Connect the wires to the contacts of the new relay according to the diagram or photograph you made earlier. Make sure the terminals are tight and not loose. Loose contact will cause sparking and reheating, causing failure again.
Carefully slide the relay onto the compressor pins. It should click into place with slight force and be secured with latches or a bracket. Check whether the structure is loose - vibration during operation of the compressor should not loosen the connection.
Check steps after installation:
- 🔌 Plug in the refrigerator and listen to the start.
- 🔊 The compressor should start with a characteristic hum without clicks.
- 🌡️ After 10-15 minutes, check the heating of the condenser (grid at the back) - it should get warmer.
- ❄️ Make sure that cold starts to appear in the freezer.
⚠️ Attention: If after turning on again Clicks are heard and the compressor does not start, immediately unplug the refrigerator. This means that the problem is not with the relay, or the new relay is also faulty/not suitable. Further inclusions can finish off the compressor.
Install the compressor protective casing, but do not screw it tightly yet, so that you can observe the operation process. If for 20-30 minutes the refrigerator operates stably, there are no clicks, and cold appears, you can finally assemble everything.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to repair an old relay rather than change it?
Theoretically, if the relay is mechanical (RTK, RTP), you can try to clean the contacts or replace the burnt out coil, but this is a temporary measure. Modern relays (PTC) are not repairable - they are disposable. Considering the low cost of a new part, repairing the old one does not make economic sense and can be dangerous.
Why did the new relay burn out a week after replacement?
This may indicate problems with the compressor itself (interturn short circuit, jamming) or voltage surges in the network. The reason may also be incorrect selection of relay (wrong power or type). In such cases, in-depth diagnostics of the refrigeration system is required.
Where to buy an original relay for Indesit?
Original spare parts can be found in authorized service centers or specialized stores of spare parts for household appliances. However, for most models, high-quality universal analogues are suitable, which can be easily found by marking the old relay.
Is it dangerous to change the relay yourself?
The main danger is electric shock when the device is plugged in. If you follow the “unplug and work” rule, the risk is minimal. Mechanical damage to the compressor due to careless removal of the relay is the second most likely risk.