Sudden stoppage of the compressor or lack of cooling in the refrigerator chambers Beko often indicates a failure of the starting mechanism. This small part is responsible for starting the engine and operating it normally. If you notice that the engine hums but does not start, or, conversely, clicks and immediately stalls, the problem most likely lies in this unit.
Independent replacing the relay is a procedure that is accessible even to non-professionals, if you act carefully and follow safety precautions. Equipment owners Beko often face the need to replace this part after 5-7 years of active use. Understanding how to remove a relay from a refrigerator Bekowill allow you to save a significant amount on calling a technician and quickly bring the unit back to life.
Before starting any work, it is critical completely disconnect the refrigerator from the electrical networkto remove the cord from the socket. Failure to do so may result in electric shock due to the high voltage present in the compressor. You should also prepare a workplace and the necessary tools so that the process goes smoothly and without losing small parts.
Diagnostics of a malfunction of the starting relay
Before disassembling the equipment, you need to make sure that the problem lies in the relay, and not in the compressor itself or thermostat. Start relay is an electromechanical switch that provides an impulse to start the engine. If it breaks down, the compressor may make a characteristic clicking sound, but not start, or run jerkily. Often a malfunction is accompanied by a burning smell or visible traces of melting on the body of the part.
For an initial check, you can use the exclusion method. If the refrigerator Beko stops freezing and the light inside is on, this is a good sign - it means electricity is supplied to the network. Next, you should listen to the operation of the motor. If it is silent or makes a low hum without starting, the relay is likely to be faulty. In some models with inverter compressors, diagnostics are more complicated and require special equipment.
- 🔍 The compressor hums for 5-10 seconds, then a click is heard and it goes silent - a classic sign of a burnt-out relay.
- 🔍 The motor (does not respond at all), but the thermostat clicks - perhaps the relay is not sending a signal to startup.
- 🔍 Visible damage: cracks on the case, blackened contacts, smell of melted plastic.
⚠️ Attention: If after replacing the relay the situation has not changed, perhaps the problem lies in the windings of the compressor itself. In this case, self-repair can be dangerous and ineffective.
It is also important to consider that in some cases the relay may be in working order, but not work due to a jammed compressor piston. Therefore, a visual inspection and a simple check with a multimeter (if you have the skills) will not be superfluous. However, most often in refrigerators Beko it is the thermoplastic case or internal relay contacts that fail due to current overloads.
Necessary tools and preparation
To successfully complete the task of dismantling the part, you will need a minimum set of tools. The main requirement is that the tool must be in good working order and easy to use, so as not to damage the fragile plastic elements of the refrigerator body Beko. The work will take no more than 20-30 minutes, unless complications arise with stuck contacts.
First of all, prepare screwdriver (most often a cross or flat nose, depending on the fastener model) and pliers. You will need pliers to carefully remove terminals, which may oxidize and become stuck over time. It is also a good idea to have a multimeter on hand to check the continuity of the circuit of the new and old part, although this is not always necessary.
☑️ Preparation for repair
Ensure good lighting of the work area. The back wall of the refrigerator, where the compressor is located, is often in the shade, especially if the unit is in a niche. Use a flashlight or hand-held lamp to clearly see wire markings and contact conditions. This will help avoid mistakes when connecting a new element.
If you have the opportunity, take a photo of the back panel and connection diagram before starting disassembly. This will come in handy if you forget which wire was connected where. In models Beko the colors of the wires are usually standard, but it is better to play it safe, especially if you are doing this for the first time.
Access to the compressor and protective casing
To remove the relay, you need to get to the lower back of the refrigerator. Move the unit away from the wall, allowing easy access from all sides. Be careful not to damage the flooring or pinch the copper refrigerant pipes that may be vented to the rear.
On the back wall you will see a metal plate covering the compressor. In refrigerators Beko it is usually attached to several screws or latches. Carefully unscrew the fasteners and remove the cover. Under it you will find a black barrel-shaped compressor, a capacitor (often in the form of a grid) and, directly at the output of the motor rod, the unit we need.
| Element | Location | Function | Visual sign |
|---|---|---|---|
| Compressor | Bottom, center | Refrigerant compression | Black metal tank |
| Start relay | Side compressor | Starting the engine | Plastic box |
| Condenser | Next to the motor | Energy storage | Metal cylinder |
| Pipes | Included in the compressor | Freon circulation | Copper or steel |
After removing the protective cover, inspect the space around the motor. There may be dust, cobwebs or traces of oil. Carefully remove dirt with a dry cloth or soft brush so that it does not get inside the mechanism during further operation. Cleanliness in the repair area is the key to safety and convenience.
The process of removing the old relay
The very moment of dismantling requires care and accuracy. Start relay on refrigerators Beko usually placed directly on the three contact pins coming out of the compressor. It can be additionally secured with a metal bracket or a plastic retainer. If you see a bracket, you need to carefully bend it or unscrew the fastening screw.
Next you need to disconnect the wires going to the relay. Usually there are two or three. They are connected via terminals. Do not pull on the wires themselves! You only need to grab the plastic terminal tips. If the terminals are tight, wiggle them slightly from side to side or use pliers, but without excessive force, so as not to break the wire.
- 🛠️ Remember or photograph the color coding of the wires before disconnecting.
- 🛠️ If the terminals are oxidized, carefully clean them fine-grained sandpaper.
- 🛠️ Remove the relay by moving it downwards and slightly towards you so as not to break the plastic ears.
Sometimes the relay may be enclosed in an additional plastic casing or bracket. In this case, the bracket itself is first removed. Proceed methodically: unscrew the fastener and remove the part. In models Beko with inverter compressors, instead of a conventional relay, there may be an electronic control unit, which is attached with screws to the motor housing.
⚠️ Attention: Do not use excessive force when removing the relay. If it does not fit, check that all fasteners have been removed. A sharp jerk can break the ceramic insulator on the compressor.
After the part is removed, inspect the seat on the compressor. There should be no soot or melting. If the studs are blackened, they must be cleaned, otherwise the new relay will quickly fail. Also check the integrity of the wires - there should be no insulation cracks on them.
What's inside the relay?
Inside the plastic case there is an inductor and a moving contact. When current is applied, the coil creates a magnetic field that raises the contact, completing the trigger circuit. Over time, the contacts burn out and the coil may burn out.
Checking and selecting a new part
The old relay can be checked visually and “by ear”. Shake it near your ear: if a rattling sound is heard inside, it means the mechanism is destroyed and the part definitely needs to be replaced. Also, the presence of cracks, melting or a burning smell clearly indicates a malfunction. However, even outwardly a whole relay may not work.
When choosing a new part for Bekothe main parameters are the compressor power and the type of refrigerant, although most often the relay is selected by marking. Numbers and letters are stamped on the body of the part (for example, R600a or R134a, as well as power in Watts or Horse Power). Be sure to check this data with the characteristics of your compressor.
Universal relays exist, but they may not work correctly or be noisy. It is better to look for an original spare part or a high-quality analogue, specifically designed for your series of refrigerators. An incorrectly selected starting device may not start the motor or, conversely, not disconnect the starting winding, which will lead to the compressor burning out.
If you buy a part in a store, take with you an old relay or at least its exact photo and model of the refrigerator. Consultants will be able to select the appropriate option. In online stores, the search is carried out by part code or unit model. Do not forget to purchase a new relay if the old one shows signs of overheating.
Installation of a new relay and testing
Installation is carried out in the reverse order. First, we put new relay on the compressor studs. It should fit tightly and not wobble. Orientation is important: the relay has the correct position in which it is put on; turning it upside down will not work due to the shape of the contacts and the case.
Then we connect the wires to the terminals according to the previously made diagram or photo. Make sure the terminals are pushed in all the way and are held securely. If there is a fixing bracket or screw, install it in place. Check that the wires do not touch hot parts of the compressor or sharp metal edges.
Sequence of actions:1. Place the relay on the compressor studs.
2. Connect the wire terminals.
3. Secure the bracket/screw.
4. Install the protective cover.
5. Plug in.
After assembling all the elements, replace the metal protective cover of the compressor and secure it with self-tapping screws. Make sure the cover does not pinch any tubes or wires. Now you can carefully move the refrigerator to the installation site, maintaining clearances for ventilation, and turn it on.
In the first minutes of operation, listen carefully to the refrigerator. Startup should be smooth, without unnecessary clicks or buzzing. After 10-15 minutes, check whether the evaporator has started to get colder (usually the back wall in the refrigerator or freezer). If the cold starts, it means the repair was successful.
What to do if the refrigerator does not work after replacement?
If the situation has not changed after replacing the relay, check the quality of the contacts. The terminal may not be fully seated. It is also worth checking the thermostat - if it does not close the circuit, the relay will not receive a signal to start. In the worst case, the compressor itself could burn out.
Can an old relay be repaired?
Theoretically, if only the coil has burned out or the contacts have burned out, they can be replaced. However, the cost of a new relay is low, and the reliability of the restored part will be questionable. It is easier and safer to buy a new original component.
How often do you need to change the relay?
The service life of the relay depends on the quality of the electrical network and the frequency of switching on of the refrigerator. On average, a part lasts 5-10 years. Frequent power surges can shorten this period. Preventive replacement is not required, they are replaced only if there is a malfunction.