Sudden stoppage of the compressor or a characteristic hum without starting the motor are often the first signs of failure of the start relay in a two-chamber refrigerator Indesit. This small but critical element of the electrical circuit is responsible for providing a starting impulse to the motor windings, allowing it to overcome the resting inertia and begin the cooling cycle.
If you are faced with a situation where the unit hums for a few seconds, and then there is a click and there is silence, there is a high probability that this particular component needs to be replaced. Owners of household appliances often wonder whether it is possible to independently diagnose and replace the part without calling a technician.
The answer to this question is affirmative: the procedure for dismantling and installing a new relay does not require specialized education, but requires strict adherence to safety precautions and attention to detail. Correct completion of all stages will allow the refrigerator to return to operation in a short time and with minimal financial costs.
Before starting disassembly, you need to make sure that the problem lies in the starting device, and not in the compressor or thermostat itself. Start relay is an electromechanical switch that supplies voltage to the starting winding of the engine only at the moment of start, after which it opens the circuit.
Symptoms of a malfunction can be different, from complete silence of the refrigerator to periodic attempts to start with a loud crash. Understanding the principle of operation of the unit will help you accurately determine the cause of the breakdown and avoid purchasing unnecessary spare parts.
Diagnostics of a faulty start relay
The first step in the process of restoring the functionality of the refrigerator Indesit should be a thorough visual and acoustic diagnosis. If the engine hums but won't start, or starts and immediately dies, these are classic signs of a problem with the starting circuit. It is important to distinguish these symptoms from a breakdown of the compressor itself, which requires a more complex repair.
Pay attention to the nature of the sound: if you hear a metallic clanging or rattling sound in the rear of the unit, this may indicate destruction of the internal relay contacts. In some cases, the malfunction is accompanied by a burning smell, which indicates overheating of the windings or melting of the plastic.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any diagnostic work, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the electrical network. Working with electrical appliances under voltage is deadly and can lead to electric shock.
For a more accurate diagnosis, you can gently shake the removed relay near your ear: if you hear a knock inside, it means the contacts are damaged or the mechanism is jammed. A working device should not make any sounds when shaken.
It is also worth checking the condition of the contacts for oxidation or carbon deposits, which often causes a poor connection. Oxidized contacts create high resistance that prevents the normal flow of current to the motor windings.
Necessary tools and preparation of the workplace
To successfully replace the relay from a refrigerator Indesit two-chamber type, you will need a minimum set of tools, which is usually available in every home. Preparing the workplace and having all the necessary items on hand will significantly speed up the process and eliminate the need to interrupt work to find a screwdriver.
The main tool will be a flathead and Phillips screwdriver, which will be required to remove the protective cover and loosen the clamps. On some models, you may need a socket wrench or 8 mm socket to remove the compressor mounts if access to the relay is difficult.
It is also recommended to prepare a multimeter to check the continuity of the circuit and an ohmmeter if you plan to conduct in-depth diagnostics of the removed part. It would not be amiss to have pliers with insulated handles and a small flashlight to illuminate darkened areas in the lower part of the unit.
- 🔧 Screwdrivers (phillips and flat) for loosening screws and removing latches.
- 🔌 Multimeter for checking electrical resistance and integrity of contacts.
- 🧤 Dielectric gloves to ensure additional safety when working.
- 📸 Smartphone for photographing the connection diagram before disassembling.
It is important to ensure good lighting of the work area, since the compressor area is often in the shade and requires illumination for detailed inspection. High-quality lighting will allow you to notice small cracks on the relay body or melted wire insulation.
Order of access to the compressor compartment
Two-chamber refrigerators Indesit are designed in such a way that the compressor group is located in the lower rear part of the case. To access it, you need to move the unit away from the wall, providing free access to the rear panel. Be careful not to damage the floor covering or pinch the copper pipes.
On the back of the refrigerator you will see a metal or plastic panel covering the motor compartment. It is secured with screws or special latches that must be carefully released. In some models, the panel may be screwed to the body, which will require the use of a screwdriver.
After removing the panel, you will have a view of the compressor, capacitor and start-up relay. Do not touch copper pipes harshly as they can be brittle, especially if the refrigerator has been in use recently and the metal has become hot.
⚠️ Warning: Copper refrigerant pipes are very thin and are easily deformed. Any damage will result in a freon leak and require expensive professional repairs and refills.
Inspect the area around the compressor for water or oil, which may indicate other hidden problems. A dry and clean engine compartment is a sign that the drainage system is working properly and there are no leaks.
Locate the black cylindrical or box-shaped element attached to the side or top of the compressor. It is to this unit that the electrical wires fit, and it is this that we will dismantle for replacement.
Technology for dismantling the old relay
The process of removing the relay begins with disconnecting the electrical wires that fit the contact group. Before doing this, it is strongly recommended to once again make sure that the power cord is unplugged from the outlet and that there is no voltage in the network.
Carefully remove the protective casing, if present, and remove the insulation from the contacts. The wires can be secured with plastic clips or simply inserted into the connectors, which must be carefully pulled towards you while holding the relay body.
The relay itself is usually placed on three pins of the compressor and secured with a metal bracket or plastic latches. To remove it, you need to bend the fixing bracket with pliers or press the latches, after which the element can easily be removed from the pins.
☑️ Removing the relay
Be careful when removing the part: there may be condensation or oil residues inside, which should not get on the electrical contacts. Sudden movements can damage the compressor pins, so act smoothly and confidently.
After removing the device, inspect the seat on the compressor: the pins should be smooth, clean and free of traces of heavy carbon deposits. If rust is visible on the compressor contacts, it should be carefully cleaned with fine sandpaper.
Dismantling is completed, and now you have a faulty part on your hands that needs to be replaced with a new one. The old relay can be disposed of, since, as a rule, it cannot be repaired at home.
Installing a new starting relay
Installing a new relay is carried out in the reverse order of dismantling, but requires special attention to the orientation of the part. There is often a marking on the body of the new element UP or an arrow indicating the correct position when installed on the compressor.
Push the relay onto the compressor pins until it stops, making sure that it is seated tightly and without distortion. After this, replace the retaining bracket or snap the plastic holders to securely secure the device in place.
Connect the electrical wires to the appropriate contacts, referring to the photographs or color markings you took earlier. It is important not to confuse the wires going to the starting and working windings, otherwise the engine will not start or will burn out.
| Relay type | Compressor power | Compatibility | Features installation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Posistor | Up to 250 W | Indesit, Ariston | Requires cooling before restarting |
| Induction | More than 250 W | Old models | Position sensitive (vertical only) |
| Combined | Universal | Most models | Includes thermal protection |
| Electronic | Any | Modernization | Requires precise selection of parameters |
After connecting all the wires, check the reliability of the connections by lightly pulling each wire. They should not jump out of the connectors, and the contacts should be completely hidden inside the insulation.
If you are using a universal relay, make sure that its parameters match the characteristics of your compressor. Power mismatch can lead to rapid failure of the new part or the engine itself.
What to do if the new relay does not fit?
If the purchased relay is slightly different in geometry, you can carefully bend the metal contacts or use an adapter if it is included. The main thing is to ensure tight contact with the pins of the compressor.
Checking the functionality and starting the system
After installing all the elements in place, you can begin testing the work performed. Plug in the refrigerator and listen to the sounds it makes in the first seconds of operation.
The smooth hum of the compressor without any extraneous clicks, crackling or buzzing is considered normal. If the engine starts smoothly and after some time the cooling process begins, then the replacement was successful.
Pay attention to the operating time of the compressor: in the first hours it may work longer than usual, gaining the required temperature in the chambers. This is a normal situation, and there is no need to worry if the refrigerator does not turn off within several hours.
⚠️ Attention: If after turning on you hear a buzzing and clicking sound again, turn off the appliance immediately. This may mean that the problem is not in the relay, or the new device is also faulty/not suitable.
Check the heating of the relay housing during operation: it should not heat up to high temperatures. Allow only slight heating that does not interfere with hand touch.
Put the back panel in place and secure it with screws, but do not move the refrigerator close to the wall yet. Leave a gap for air circulation and final monitoring of the operation of the unit during the day.
Frequent errors and precautions
When repairing refrigerators yourself Indesit beginners often make common mistakes that can ruin all their efforts. One of the most common is ignoring the orientation of the relay during installation, which is especially critical for induction models.
Another mistake is poor contact connection, which leads to sparking and re-burnout of the part. Always check the tightness of the terminals and the absence of oxides on the wires before final assembly.
Some users try to clean the contacts of the old relay with sandpaper and reuse it. This is a temporary solution that rarely gives a long-term effect, since the internal structure of the posistor or mechanics is already damaged.
- ❌ An attempt to repair non-separable sealed relays.
- ❌ Installing a part without fixing it with a bracket, which leads to vibration.
- ❌ Ignoring the integrity check compressor windings.
- ❌ Work without turning off the power supply.
Remember that safety above all else, and if you are not confident in your actions, it is better to turn to professionals. Electricity and refrigerants require respectful and careful handling.
If, after replacing the relay, the refrigerator works but does not freeze, the problem may lie in a freon leak or a clogged capillary system. In this case, simply replacing the electrics will not help, and the intervention of a technician with refueling equipment will be required.
How often do you need to change the relay in the Indesit refrigerator?
The relay does not have a specific service life and is replaced only after a breakdown. On average, a high-quality relay lasts 5-10 years, but the period may be shortened due to power surges or frequent power outages.
Is it possible to use a relay from another brand of refrigerator?
Yes, you can if the electrical parameters (power, current) and the geometric dimensions of the seat match. Universal relays are often suitable for different models, including Indesit, Ariston and Stinol.
Why did the new relay burn out immediately after installation?
This may be caused by a malfunction of the compressor itself (turn-to-turn short circuit), a voltage surge in the network, or incorrect selection of relay power. Also, the cause may be poor contact in the power circuit.
Where can I find the markings of a suitable relay?
The markings are usually applied to the body of the old relay. Look for power designations (eg 1/4 HP, 1/3 HP) or compatibility codes. Information can also be found in the technical documentation for your refrigerator model.