The refrigerator Indesit stopped freezing, but the compressor is humming or does not turn on at all? In 70% of such cases, the culprit starting relay is a small plastic block that is attached to the motor housing. Replacing it or diagnosing it requires careful dismantling, but many are afraid of damaging the system if done incorrectly. In fact, you can remove the relay from the compressor Indesit in 15 minutes, having a screwdriver and basic knowledge of electrical safety on hand.
In this article you will find step-by-step instructions with photosa selection video in Russian from the masters, as well as a relay compatibility table for popular models Indesit (including C132G, B16FNF, T18). We will figure out how to distinguish starting relay from thermal protection, what tools you will need, and what to do if the contacts are stuck. And at the end - an FAQ with answers to the most common questions about repairs.
If your the refrigerator Indesit makes clicks, but does not start, or vice versa - it works without stopping, most likely the problem is in the relay. Do not rush to call a technician: in 80% of cases the part must be replaced with your own hands. The main thing is to dismantle it correctly, without damaging the compressor and electrical circuits.
Does not turn on at all|Works without stopping|Clicks, but does not start|Other-->
1. What is a start relay and why remove it?
Start relay is an electromechanical device that is responsible for starting the refrigerator compressor. It is located next to the motor and performs two key functions:
- Closes the circuit to supply current to the starting winding of the compressor at the moment of switching on.
- Open the circuit after the motor accelerates, switching the power to the working winding.
If the relay fails, the compressor either does not start or works intermittently.
Signs of a relay failure Indesit:
- 🔊 The refrigerator makes noise loud clicks, but the motor does not start.
- ❄️ The compressor works without stoppingwithout turning off for rest.
- ⚡ You can see melted contacts or blackening on the relay body.
- 🔥 The part smells burning (a sign of a short circuit).
Removing the relay is necessary for: diagnosis (continuity multimeter), replacement to a new part, cleaning contacts (if they are oxidized).
⚠️ Attention: If the compressor Indesit does not start, but the relay is apparently intact, the problem may be in thermal protection (built-in fuse) or the motor itself. In this case, comprehensive diagnostics will be required.
2. Tools and preparation for dismantling
To remove the relay from the compressor Indesit you will need:
- ⚒️ Phillips screwdriver (usually PH2).
- 🔧 Flat screwdriver (for prying latches).
- 📸 Smartphone —to photograph the wiring diagram.
- 🧤 Rubber gloves (for protection against static electricity).
- 🔌 Multimeter (optional, to check the relay).
Before starting work:
- Disconnect the refrigerator from the network minimum in 10 minutes - this will discharge the capacitors.
- Move the refrigerator away from the wall to gain access to the back panel.
- Remove the bottom cover (if there is one) - it is usually secured with 2-4 screws.
⚠️ Attention: Do not touch the relay contacts with your bare hands if the refrigerator was turned on less than 10 minutes ago. Capacitors can retain a dangerous charge!
Unplug the refrigerator from the outlet|Wait 10 minutes for the capacitors to discharge|Take a photo of the wire connection|Prepare tools-->
3. Step-by-step instructions: how to remove the relay from the compressor Indesit
The process of removing the relay is the same for most models Indesit (including C132G, B16FNF, T18, BIAA 13). Follow the instructions:
Step 1. Find the compressor and relay
The compressor is located at the bottom of the back wall of the refrigerator. The relay is attached to its body and is a black or gray plastic block measuring ~5x5 cm with outgoing wires.
Step 2. Disconnect the wires
Gently pull chips with wires from the relay. If they are tight, pry them out with a flat screwdriver. Do not pull on the wires themselves - you can damage the contacts!
📌 Advice: Take a photo of the location of the wires or mark them with tape so as not to get confused when reassembling.
Step 3. Remove the relay mount
The relay is attached to the compressor either:
- 🔩 On one screw (most often - in models Indesit before 2015).
- 🔗 On a plastic latch (in new models, for example, Indesit ITF 118).
In the first case, unscrew the screw with a Phillips screwdriver. In the second, carefully press out the latch with a flat screwdriver, prying it on the side.
Step 4. Remove the relay
After removing the fastening, pull the relay up and down. yourself. If it does not give in, do not apply force - the contacts may be stuck (see section 5).
⚠️ Attention: On some models Indesit (for example, Indesit BIAA 13) the relay is combined with starting capacitor. In this case, remove the entire unit without separating the parts.
What to do if the relay cannot be removed?
If the relay is “stuck” to the compressor, do not try to tear it off - you will damage the contacts instead:
1. Check if there is an unnoticed screw or screw. latch.
2. Gently rock the relay left and right to loosen the fastening.
3. If the contacts are oxidized, use WD-40 (spray on the mounting location and wait 5 minutes).
4. How to distinguish a starting relay from thermal protection
Many people confuse starting relay and thermal protection (thermal relay), although these are different parts. Here's how to distinguish them:
| Characteristics | Start relay | Thermal protection (thermal relay) |
|---|---|---|
| 📍 Location | Attached from the outside to the compressor, visible immediately | Built in inside the compressor or in the starting relay |
| 🔌 Connection | Has 3-4 contacts for wires | Connected sequentially to the winding circuit |
| 🔧 Function | Starts the compressor and switches the windings | Turns off the power when the motor overheats |
| 🛠️ Repair | Can be replaced separately | Often soldered into the compressor, replacement is more difficult |
📌 How to check what exactly is broken?
- If the refrigerator does not turn on at all - rather In all, the starting relay is to blame.
- If the compressor heats up and turns off the problem is in thermal protection.
⚠️ Attention: In models Indesit After 2018, thermal protection is often built into the starting relay (for example, in parts like RBM 401). In this case, you will have to change the entire block.
5. What to do if the relay is stuck to the compressor
Sometimes the relay sticks to the compressor housing due to oxidation of the contacts or overheating. Here's how to remove it without damage:
Method 1. Mechanical loosening
Gently rock the relay left and right while pulling up. Do not use excessive force - the plastic case may crack.
Method 2. Using WD-40
Spray WD-40 or a similar lubricant onto the mounting location. Wait 5-10 minutes, then try again. The lubricant will dissolve the oxides and facilitate dismantling.
Method 3. Heating (as a last resort)
If the relay cannot be removed, you can carefully heat it hair dryer (temperature no higher than 60°C). Thermal expansion will help loosen the fastening.
⚠️ Attention: Do not use open fire (lighter, matches) - this can damage the plastic or wire insulation!
Method 4. Disassembling the compressor (for experienced)
If the relay still cannot be removed, you may have to unscrew the compressor from the refrigerator frame. This is a complex procedure that requires experience - it is better to contact a specialist.
6. Video instructions in Russian
For clarity, we have selected the best videos with dismantling relays on refrigerators Indesit:
1. Replacing the relay with Indesit C132G (step by step)
In this video, the wizard shows how to remove a relay type DANFOSS 108N0210, which is installed on most models Indesit 2010–2020 years. Particular attention is paid labeling of wires and testing with a multimeter.
2. Diagnostics and replacement of the relay on Indesit B16FNF
The author analyzes typical errors during dismantling and shows how to ring the relay tester. Useful if you are not sure that the part is really broken.
3. The relay is stuck - what to do? (Indesit T18)
Video for those who encountered jammed relay. The master uses WD-40 and shows how to remove the part without damage.
📌 Tip: Before watching the video, pay attention to the model of your refrigerator - the relay design may differ.
7. Relay compatibility table for refrigerators Indesit
Not all relays are suitable for all models Indesit. Below is a compatibility table for popular refrigerators:
| Refrigerator model | Compressor type | Suitable relay (original/analog) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Indesit C132G | Embraco EGX 90 | DANFOSS 108N0210 / RBM 401 | Often fails due to overheating |
| Indesit B16FNF | Secop (Danfoss) NL 11J | RL3-1A / RL3-1B | In some modifications, relays with thermal protection |
| Indesit T18 | Embraco EGX 120 | RBM 402 / 108N0212 | Analogs are interchangeable |
| Indesit BIAA 13 | Secop NL 13J | RL3-1C (with thermal protection) | Thermal protection is built-in, change only as an assembly |
| Indesit ITF 118 | Embraco EGX 80 | 108N0150 / RBM 301 | Suitable for low-power compressors |
⚠️ Attention: If your model is not listed in the table, check the type of compressor (written on its case) and select a relay from the catalog Danfoss or Embraco. An incompatible relay can burn out the compressor!
8. removing the relay and how to avoid them
Even experienced craftsmen sometimes make mistakes when working with relays. Here are the most common ones:
Error 1. Mixed up wires during reassembly
If you connect the wires incorrectly, the compressor may:
- 🔥 Burn out due to a short circuit.
- 🔄 Work in the opposite direction (which leads to valve failure).
📌 Solution: Always photograph or label the wires before disconnecting.
Error 2. Using force when removing the relay
If the relay is not removed, do not do it break or bend. So you will damage:
- 🔌 Compressor contacts (there will be difficult to restore).
- 🧲 Magnetic starter inside the relay.
📌 Solution: Use WD-40 or heat (see section 5).
Error 3. Checking the relay without turning off thermal protection
If the relay has built-in thermal protection and it has tripped, the multimeter may show false open circuitYou will think that the relay is broken, although the problem is in the fuse.
📌 Solution: Wait before checking cool the relay (10–15 minutes) or close the thermal protection contacts for the test.
Error 4. Buying an incompatible relay
Relay from Samsung or Atlant is not suitable for Indesit, even if it looks similar. Differences may be in:
- 🔢 Rated current (for example, 1.5A vs 2.5A).
- 🔌 Type of contacts (pin vs terminal).
- 🧲 Presence/absence of thermal protection.
📌 Solution: Buy only original parts or certified analogues (see table in section 7).
FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions
❓ Is it possible to replace the relay on the refrigerator Indesit without disconnecting from the network?
🚫 No! This can be deadly. charge up to 300 Volts even after switching off. Always wait at least 10 minutes before work.
❓ How to check a relay with a multimeter?
1. Set the multimeter to mode calls (200 Ohm).
2. data-i="305">(usually this is the working winding). The resistance should be ~20–50 Ohms. 3 and 4 (usually this is the working winding). The resistance should be ~20–50 Ohms.
3. Ring the contacts 1 and 2 (starting winding Resistance ~10–30 Ohms). data-i="309">1 and 2
4. Between the contacts 1–3 or 2–4 the resistance should be infinite (open).
📌 If the readings are different, the relay is faulty.
❓ What to do if, after replacing the relay, the compressor does not start?
Possible reasons:
- 🔌 Incorrect connection wires (check the diagram).
- 🔋 The compressor burned out (test the windings with a multimeter).
- 🛠️ Thermal protection is faulty (if it is built into the relay).
- ⚡ Problems with the control board (in models with electronic unit).
📌 Start by checking voltage on the relay contacts (should be ~220V when turned on).
❓ How much there is a new relay for Indesit?
Prices for 2026:
- 🏷️ Original relay Danfoss/Embraco: 800–1500 rub.
- 🏷️ Analogue (for example, RBM): 500–1000 rub.
- 🏷️ Relay with thermal protection: 1200–2000 rub.
📌 Buy in trusted stores (for example, 220-volt, All-Spares) - counterfeits are often sold in the markets.
❓ Can the relay be repaired or just replaced?
🔧 In most cases, the relay does not repairis replaced, however, sometimes. helps:
- 🧹 Cleaning the contacts (if they are oxidized).
- 🔨 Replacing the spring (in old type mechanical relays).
- 🔥 Soldering burnt wires (if the problem is in the contacts).
📌 Repair is justified only for rare relay models that are difficult to find on sale.