Malfunction of the starting relay is one of the most common reasons why the refrigerator Indesit stops freezing. The owner may notice that the unit hums, but does not start, or it turns on for a couple of seconds and immediately clicks, after which it goes silent. In such cases, the compressor does not receive the necessary impulse to start, and the cooling system stops. Often the problem is solved by replacing this small but critical element of the electrical circuit.
Before taking active steps, you need to make sure that the work is safe. Any manipulations with electrical wiring and internal components of refrigeration equipment require completely disconnecting the device from the network. If you notice a burning smell or visible damage to the wiring, further DIY repairs may be dangerous. In this article, we will look in detail at how to correctly diagnose a breakdown, find the relay and carefully dismantle it for replacement.
It is worth understanding that the design of refrigerators Indesit is quite standardized, but the location of the components may vary slightly depending on the model and year of manufacture. The main focus should be on the compressor compartment, which is usually located at the lower rear of the case. It is there that the engine is hidden, without which circulation of the refrigerant is impossible. Replacing the relay - a procedure that is accessible even to a beginner, if you act strictly according to the instructions and follow safety precautions.
Diagnosing a malfunction of the starting relay
First a sign that starting relay has failed is the characteristic behavior of the compressor. The refrigerator is trying to start: you hear the hum of the motor, lasting 3-5 seconds, after which there is a loud click and the sound stops. After some time, the cycle repeats. This indicates that the motor windings are receiving power, but the starting mechanism does not operate, and the thermal relay turns off the circuit to prevent overheating.
Sometimes the problem may lie not only in the relay itself, but also in the compressor windings or wiring. Before removing the part, it is worth conducting a visual inspection. If traces of soot, melted plastic, or the smell of burnt insulation are visible on the relay body, replacement is necessary in any case. It is also worth checking the integrity of the wires going to the terminals.
⚠️ Attention: If after replacing the relay the situation has not changed and the compressor continues to hum and click, the motor itself may be faulty or something has happened (clogging) in the system. In this case, further repairs require specialized equipment and skills in working with freon.
For accurate diagnostics, you can use a multimeter. By ringing the relay contacts in different positions, you can determine whether the circuit is closing properly. However, given the low cost of the spare part, it is often easier and faster to simply replace the element with a known good one to eliminate this cause of failure. This will save time on searching for micro-cracks in contacts.
Preparation of tools and workplace
To remove the relay on the refrigerator Indesit quickly and without damage, you need to prepare a minimum set of tools in advance. You don't need complex professional equipment; a basic home DIY kit is enough. The main thing is to ensure good access to the rear wall of the unit and sufficient lighting of the working area.
Organize the space so that nothing prevents you from bending down and looking into the compressor niche. If the floor is slippery, lay down a rug. Make sure there is an outlet nearby to plug in a lamp or flashlight if there isn't enough natural light. All tools should be at hand so that you don’t have to interrupt the search process.
- 🔧 Screwdriver: Phillips or flat (depending on the type of screws on the protective cover).
- 🔦 Flashlight: for illuminating the darkened space behind the refrigerator.
- 🧤 Gloves: preferably fabric or rubberized so as not to cut yourself on the sharp edges of the metal.
- 📸 Smartphone: be sure to take a photo of connecting the wires before removing!
☑️ Preparation for repair
Special attention It's worth paying attention to safety. Before starting work, the refrigerator must be completely defrosted and disconnected from the power supply for at least 15-20 minutes. This is necessary to discharge the capacitors and stabilize the pressure in the system. Ignoring this rule may result in electric shock or damage to the compressor.
Access to the compressor group
On refrigerators Indesit the compressor and start relay are located at the bottom of the rear wall. In some models, access to them is completely open, in others it is closed with a metal or plastic cover. If the protection is present, it must be carefully removed by unscrewing the fastening screws or unlatching the latches.
After removing the cover, a black cylindrical or pear-shaped element will appear to your eyes - this is the compressor. The relay is attached directly to its output contacts (pins) on the side. It is a small plastic block to which a bundle of wires fits. Often this unit is closed with an additional metal clamp or bracket.
If access is difficult due to the proximity of a wall or other objects, the refrigerator will have to be carefully tilted or pulled forward. Be careful: do not allow sudden jerks to avoid damaging the copper tubes of the cooling system, which can be fragile after long-term use. Copper tubes Do not bend or squeeze.
⚠️ Attention: It is strictly forbidden to touch or try to unscrew valves or connections of copper tubes. Working with freon requires a license and special equipment. We work only with the electrical part.
Visually assess the condition of the wires going to the relay. If the insulation is cracked or melted, this may be causing a short circuit. In this case, before installing a new relay, it is better to strip and re-insulate the wires or replace the terminals. This will ensure reliable contact and prevent re-breakage.
Step-by-step instructions: how to remove the relay
The dismantling process requires care and accuracy. The main rule is not to exert excessive physical effort, since plastic elements can become fragile from time and temperature changes. First you need to disconnect the electrical connectors. Usually the wires are fixed with terminals, which are simply removed by hand or using pliers (carefully, without pulling the wires themselves).
After disconnecting the wires, you need to remove the relay itself from the compressor pins. It may fit tightly. Take the relay by the body (not by the wires!) and pull it up with light rocking movements from side to side. If the relay is held on a metal bracket, you must first straighten it or unscrew the fastening screw.
Procedure:1. Disconnect the refrigerator from the network.
2. Remove the rear protective panel.
3. Take a photo of the wire connection diagram.
4. Disconnect the wire terminals from the relay.
5. Remove the metal fixing bracket (if any).
6. Carefully remove the relay from the compressor contacts.
It is important to remember the orientation of the relay: which side was facing up and which side was facing down. The housing often has a marking UP or an arrow indicating the correct position. Installing a new relay in the wrong orientation can lead to immediate failure or failure of the compressor.
Why should the relay not be dropped?
Inside the start relay there is a movable core and contacts. If there is a strong impact or a fall from a height, the mechanism may become dislodged or crack, rendering the part inoperable. Handle it with care.
Compatibility table and relay types
Relays for refrigerators Indesit there are different types, depending on the power and model of the compressor. The most common are posistor (PTC) and induction relays. PTCs are more common in modern models. They do not have moving parts inside, but use a heating element to open the circuit.
When purchasing a new spare part, be sure to compare the markings on the old relay and the new one. Even if it doesn’t match, the technical characteristics are important: voltage, current and compressor type. Using an unsuitable relay can lead to burnout of the motor windings.
| Relay type | Marking (example) | Application | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Posistor (PTC) | PTC R6, 15A | Most Indesit models | No moving parts, quieter operation |
| Induction | RT, R-1 | Old models of refrigerators | There is a movable core, it clicks louder |
| Combined | RT, 3-pin | Models with a fan | Includes thermal protection |
If you are not sure about the choice, it is better to take the old relay with you to the store or show its photo to the seller. There are no universal solutions, although some masters use adapters. However, for long-term operation Indesit it is better to use original spare parts or high-quality analogues recommended by the manufacturer.
Installing a new relay and checking operation
Installation is done in the reverse order. First, the new relay is pushed onto the pins of the compressor until it stops. Make sure it fits snugly and doesn't wobble. Then the metal bracket (if any) is fixed. After this, the wires are connected according to the photo taken earlier. The terminals must be pressed on firmly, ensuring tight contact.
After assembling all electrical connections, do not rush to close the back cover. Plug in the refrigerator and listen. The compressor should start with a characteristic hum, which after a while will become quieter and smoother. If startup does not occur, or a click is heard again, check the connections.
- ✅ Checking the contacts: Make sure that the terminals are put on the correct pins.
- ✅ Orientation: Check whether the relay is positioned correctly (arrow up).
- ✅ Heating: After 10-15 minutes of operation, the relay may heat up slightly - this is normal for a posistor.
If the refrigerator starts and gets cold, you can secure the back panel and move the unit into place. Leave the refrigerator running idle for 2-3 hours to ensure the stability of the on and off cycle. Thermoregulator The motor should turn off correctly when the set temperature is reached.
⚠️ Attention: If, when turned on, the machine in the panel knocks out or sparking appears, immediately turn off the power. This indicates a short circuit in the circuit or a malfunction of the compressor itself.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to repair an old relay rather than changing it?
Theoretically, if the relay is inductive, you can try to clean the contacts or bend the spring. However, posistor relays (which are in most Indesits) cannot be repaired, since there is a ceramic element inside that simply burns out. The repair is temporary, so replacing with a new element is the only reliable solution.
Why does a new relay burn out after a week?
A common reason is incorrect orientation during installation or mismatch of characteristics. Also, the problem may be in the compressor itself: if it starts “hard” due to the exhaustion of its resource, the starting current exceeds the norm, and the relay burns out. In this case, motor diagnostics are required.
Where to find the relay markings on the Indesit refrigerator?
The markings are applied directly to the plastic housing of the relay. To read it, the part must be removed. Also, information about the type of relay required may be on a sticker located on the back wall of the refrigerator or inside the chamber, where the technical parameters of the model are indicated.
Is it dangerous to leave the refrigerator running without the back cover?
For a short time - no. But missing a cover will cause dust to accumulate on the compressor and relay, which will impair heat transfer and may cause overheating. In addition, exposed wires pose a risk of accidental contact. After checking the operation, the cover must be returned to its place.