A sudden stop of the compressor or characteristic clicks, repeated with frightening regularity, often indicate failure of the starting mechanism. Hotpoint Ariston refrigerator relay takes responsibility for starting the engine, supplying the necessary impulse to the windings, and its failure paralyzes the operation of the entire cooling system. The owner of the unit is faced with the fact that the motor hums, but cannot start, or turns on for only a few seconds, after which the shutdown click is heard again.
Independent replacement of this element is possible even for a person who does not have deep knowledge in electronics, if one acts carefully and consistently. Start relay is a compact device attached directly to the compressor housing, and to dismantle it you do not need to disassemble the entire refrigerator or drain the refrigerant. The main safety rule is to completely disconnect the device from the power supply before starting any manipulations, since working with live electrical components is strictly prohibited.
In this article we will analyze in detail the diagnostic and replacement process, paying special attention to the nuances of fastening and the types of connectors used in various series of equipment Hotpoint Ariston. Correctly selected spare parts and proper installation can extend the life of your refrigerator for many years, restoring its ability to maintain the required temperature in the chambers.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting work, make sure that the capacitor (if your model has one) is discharged and the power cord is unplugged from the outlet. Residual voltage can lead to an unpleasant electric shock.
Diagnostics of a malfunction of the starting relay
Before starting disassembly, you need to make sure that the problem lies precisely in the starting mechanism, and not in the compressor or thermostat itself. The primary sign of a malfunction is often a characteristic sound: a series of clicks at intervals of several seconds, accompanied by a short hum of the motor. This means that starting relay is trying to start the engine, but due to internal breakage of contacts or a break in the winding inside the relay itself, the circuit opens, preventing the rotor from gaining speed.
Visual inspection can also provide important clues. If traces of soot, melted plastic, or a persistent burning smell are visible on the device body, then replacement is absolutely necessary. Some models Hotpoint Ariston use a relay with a posistor, which can fail due to power surges in the network, and this is externally manifested by blackening of the internal components.
For more accurate diagnostics, you can use a multimeter to check the resistance of the contacts. Normal resistance must correspond to the technical characteristics of a particular model, usually several tens of ohms. If the device shows an open or short circuit, then the element is faulty. It is also worth checking thermal relayif it is structurally combined with the starting unit into one unit, since they are often replaced as an assembly for reliability.
- 🔍 Characteristic clicks when trying to start the engine.
- 🔥 Presence of a burning smell or visible traces of melting on the body.
- ⚡ Lack of resistance when testing the contacts with a multimeter.
- 📉 The compressor heats up, but cold does not accumulate in the chambers.
⚠️ Attention: If after replacing the relay the situation has not changed and the compressor still does not start, perhaps the problem is in the engine itself (turn-to-turn short circuit) or in the wiring. In this case, professional diagnostics are required.
Necessary tools and workplace preparation
To successfully complete the task of replacing the relay, you will need a minimum set of tools that most men have in their home. The main tool will be a flathead and Phillips screwdriver, which are necessary to remove the back panel and dismantle the clamps. It is also extremely useful to have pliers or pliers with narrow jaws on hand for working with latches and tight connectors.
The organization of the work space plays an important role, since access to the compressor is from the back of the refrigerator, where dust often accumulates. It is recommended to move the unit away from the wall, allowing easy access from all sides, and cover the floor with cardboard or old fabric to avoid damaging the floor covering and losing small parts. Repair tools must be in good working order, especially the insulation on screwdriver handles, to avoid accidental short circuits.
Remember to prepare a container for small parts, such as screws and latches to prevent them from rolling under the refrigerator. If you have a smartphone camera, take a photo of the original position of the wires and fasteners before disconnecting them - this will help avoid errors during assembly. The connection diagram wires may differ in different modifications, so visual fixation will be your best assistant.
☑️ Preparation for repair
Sequence of removing the protective cover
Access to the electrical part of the compressor is closed with a special protective cover, which can be attached differently depending on the year of manufacture and series of the refrigerator Hotpoint Ariston. In most modern models, it is fixed with screws that must be unscrewed counterclockwise. In some cases, the cover is held on by plastic latches that require careful manipulation with a flat-head screwdriver so as not to break the fragile plastic.
After removing the external protection, you will see the compressor itself (a black metal tank) and a plastic block attached to its end. It is in this block that what you are looking for is located start relay. Be careful not to sharply yank the wires going to the cover if it has an electronic fan control board or other sensors installed. First, inspect the perimeter of the cover for hidden screws under the decorative plugs.
If access is difficult due to closely spaced condenser tubes, you may need to temporarily loosen the compressor itself, but this is done only in extreme cases. Usually it is enough just to choose the right angle of inclination of the tool. It is important to remember the order of removing the fixing brackets, since when reinstalling them they will need to be inserted into the same grooves.
- 🔩 Unscrew all visible screws securing the rear panel.
- 🧩 Carefully bend the plastic latches flat with a screwdriver.
- 📸 Take a photo of the location of the wires before completely removing the cover.
- 🛑 Check whether additional sensors are connected to the cover.
How to properly remove the relay from the compressor
The process of removing the relay from the compressor itself requires care, since the structure can be assembled quite tightly. The relay fits directly onto the three contact pins coming out of the compressor housing. First of all, you need to disconnect the electrical connectors that go to the relay. They can be fixed with additional plastic clips or held in place due to a tight fit.
To remove the relay body itself from the compressor pins, some models Hotpoint Ariston are provided with a special fixing clamp or metal bracket. This bracket must be carefully squeezed out or moved to the side using pliers. If there is no clamp, then the relay can simply be removed by hand, but this must be done with rocking movements so as not to damage the ceramic insulation of the pins.
Sometimes the relay can “stick” or get stuck due to vibration and heat over many years of operation. In this case, do not use excessive force or hit it with a hammer. It is better to carefully pry the housing with a flat screwdriver in several places, trying to distribute the force evenly. Removal of the relay should be done without using brute force, so as not to break the plastic mounting ears.
What to do if the relay cannot be removed?
If the relay is very stuck, you can try to gently warm it up with a hairdryer at low temperature for 30-40 seconds. This will soften the plastic and make it easier to remove the part. Do not use open fire!
Types of relays and their compatibility with models
Refrigerators Hotpoint Ariston are equipped with various types of starting devices, and it is important to install exactly the modification that is suitable for your compressor. The most common are posistor relays, which are compact and have no moving mechanical parts inside, which makes them more reliable. There are also electromagnetic relays, the operation of which is based on the closure of contacts when current passes through the coil.
When purchasing a new spare part, be sure to check the markings on the body of the old device. Even if it doesn’t match, the main thing is the correspondence of the electrical parameters and the contact connection diagram. Relay compatibility is also determined by the type of compressor (Danfoss, Secop, Embraco, etc.) installed in your refrigerator.
Below is a table to help you navigate the main types relays found in equipment of this brand:
| Relay type | Principle of operation | Characteristic signs of failure | Applicability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Posistor (PTC) | Heating of the element and breaking the circuit | No clicks, silence or humming | Modern models No Frost |
| Electromagnetic | Magnet closure | Frequent clicks, sparking | Old models with one compressor |
| Combined | Combination of a posistor and protection | Protection tripping, shutdown | Two-compressor units |
| With a thermal protector | Open circuit when overheated | The compressor is hot, but does not work | Powerful industrial models |
⚠️ Attention: Installing a relay with inappropriate parameters can lead to burnout of the compressor windings. Always check the current and voltage ratings before installation.
Installing a new relay and checking operation
Installing a new starting relay is performed in the reverse order. First, the device is put on the contact pins of the compressor until it stops. Make sure it fits snugly and doesn't wobble. Then a metal bracket or plastic clamp is fixed, if provided for in the design.
After mechanical installation, the electrical connectors are connected. Make sure that the wires do not touch hot parts of the compressor or sharp metal edges, which can lead to damage to the insulation in the future. Connection diagram Must be restored exactly as it was before disassembly, so use previously taken photographs.
After assembling all the elements and installing the protective lids, you can plug in the refrigerator. It is normal for the compressor to start on the first try, accompanied by a steady hum. If you hear clicks or the motor hums but does not start, immediately turn off the device and double-check the correct installation and integrity of the contacts.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible repair the old relay or just replace it?
In most cases, repairing the starting relay is impractical. Internal components such as the posistor or contacts degrade irreversibly. An attempt to disassemble and clean only gives a temporary effect, after which the breakdown recurs. Replacing with a new element is the only reliable solution.
Why does the new relay burn out after a short time?
This may indicate problems with the compressor itself, for example, interturn short circuit of the windings or jamming of the piston group. Also, the cause may be constant power surges in the network. In such cases, motor diagnostics and, possibly, installation of a voltage stabilizer are required.
Where can you find the relay markings on a Hotpoint Ariston refrigerator?
The markings are usually applied to the side or top edge of the plastic housing of the relay itself. To see it, it is not necessary to completely remove the device; just remove the protective cover of the compressor and look from the side. Also, the spare part number can be found in the technical documentation or on a sticker inside the refrigerator compartment.
Is it safe to operate the refrigerator if the relay clicks but does not start the motor?
No, operation in this mode is dangerous. The compressor tries to start, consumes high starting current and overheats. This can lead to a wiring fire or permanent failure of an expensive compressor. The device must be turned off until the malfunction is eliminated.