If your Indesit refrigerator stops freezing, and the engine hums for just a few seconds and then stops, the problem most often lies in the engine starting system. Owners of household appliances often encounter a situation where the compressor tries to start and makes a characteristic click, but the shaft does not rotate fully. This is a classic symptom of a failure of the starting or protective relay, which is responsible for supplying voltage to the motor windings at the time of start.
Independent replacement of this element is a very real task for a person who knows how to handle tools, but it requires strict adherence to safety precautions. Start relay is a small but critical assembly that connects directly to the compressor terminals. An error when dismantling it can lead to damage to the refrigeration circuit tubes or electric shock, since the work is carried out under high voltage.
In this article we will analyze in detail the diagnostic process, selection of a new part and the sequence of actions for its installation. You will learn how to correctly identify a fault, what tools you will need for the job, and what to pay attention to when handling copper pipes. A competent approach will allow you to save on calling a technician and extend the life of your unit.
Symptoms of a faulty start relay
Before you start disassembling, you need to make sure that the problem is in the relay, and not in the compressor or thermostat itself. The main indicator is the nature of the motor: it turns on, there is a loud click, followed by silence. After some time, the cycle may repeat. If you observe such a picture, then with a high degree of probability start protection device requires replacement.
Another sign may be strong heating of the compressor housing in its lower part, where the motor is located. At the same time, the refrigerator itself remains warm inside and the temperature does not drop to the set values. Sometimes a faulty relay can “stick”, causing the engine to run continuously without turning off, which leads to freezing of the evaporator and breakdown of other system components.
For accurate diagnosis, a visual inspection of the part is often required. If the relay has visible traces of burning, melted plastic or a characteristic smell of burnt wiring, its functionality is irrevocably impaired. In some models Indesit the relay may make a rattling sound when shaking, which indicates the destruction of internal contacts or the core.
- 🔌 The motor hums for 5-10 seconds and turns off with a click.
- 🔥 The compressor housing gets very hot, but is cold no.
- 💡 Traces of soot or melting are visible on the inner surface of the relay.
- 🔊 When the removed part is shaken, a knocking sound of the internal elements is heard.
⚠️ Attention: If after replacing the relay the situation has not changed, an interturn short circuit may have occurred in the windings of the compressor itself. In this case, do-it-yourself repair is impractical and requires replacing the entire unit.
Necessary tools and preparation of the workplace
To perform high-quality work on replacing the relay, you will need a minimum set of tools that most men have in their homes. The main requirement is cleanliness and good lighting, since you will have to work with small parts and electrical contacts. Prepare flathead and Phillips screwdrivers, as well as pliers with thin jaws in advance.
Particular attention should be paid to safety. Since a refrigerator is an electrical appliance that runs on 220 volts, the first step should always be to completely disconnect it from the power supply. You should not rely only on the temperature regulator; you must unplug the cord from the outlet. It's also a good idea to move the refrigerator away from the wall to allow easy access to the back.
You may need a multimeter to test the continuity if you want to make sure the old part is working before disposing of it. To clean the contacts of the new relay from factory grease or oxides, prepare alcohol and cotton swabs. It is better to lay out all the tools on a clean cloth so that nothing is lost during the work.
- 🔧 Screwdrivers (flat and Phillips) for removing the casing.
- 🔌 Pliers or pliers for removing the clamps.
- 🧤 Dielectric gloves for additional protection.
- 📱 Telephone for photographing the wiring diagram.
☑️ Preparation for repair
Access to the compressor and removal of the protective casing
The compressor in refrigerators Indesit is located in the lower rear part of the case. To get to it, you need to remove the metal or plastic cover that covers the motor-compressor unit. It is usually secured with several bolts or latches. Be careful, the edges of the metal may be sharp, so use gloves.
After removing the cover, you will be presented with a view of the black barrel-shaped compressor, condenser grille and various tubes. Directly at the rear end of the compressor, often on the left or right side (depending on the model), there is a plastic box - this is our desired relay. Wires from the power cord and thermal relay are suitable for it.
Before touching the parts, make sure that the capacitors are discharged, although in household refrigerators they usually discharge quickly. Visually assess the condition of the wiring: if the insulation of the wires going to the relay is cracked or melted, they will also have to be replaced or restored. This is an important step, as poor contact can burn out the new relay in a matter of minutes.
If access to the relay is impeded by structural elements or closely located tubes, do not try to force your hand through. It is better to carefully bend or temporarily dismantle the interfering elements, taking extreme care with copper pipelines.
| Element | Function | Location | Danger of damage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Compressor | Refrigerant compression | Bottom of rear wall | High (soldering tubes) |
| Start relay | Start engine | At the end of the compressor | Medium (electricity) |
| Thermal relay | Overheat protection | In conjunction with the starting one | Low |
| Copper tubes | Freon circulation | Around the compressor | Critical (freon leakage) |
Removing an old relay: step-by-step algorithm
The process of removing a relay requires care and attention. First of all, take a photo of the wiring diagram. Insulation colors may differ in different modifications Indesit, and memory is an unreliable assistant here. Remember or write down which wire was connected where, especially if the terminals are not marked.
The relay itself is usually placed on the three pins of the compressor and secured with a metal bracket or plastic latches. To remove it, carefully press the latches with a screwdriver. Do not use excessive force: if the part does not come off, it means that you have not found all the fasteners. Sudden movements can break the plastic mounting ears.
After removing the fixing bracket, the relay must be pulled down from the compressor pins. This must be done strictly vertically, without distortion, so as not to bend the contacts. If the relay is sitting very tightly, you can slightly rock it from side to side, but very carefully. Inside the relay there is a starting winding and contacts, which can crumble if handled carelessly.
Disconnect the wires from the relay terminals. They may have a tight fit or have screw clamps. If the wires have become stuck due to temperature, they must be carefully cleaned before installing a new part. Oxidized contacts are a common cause of repeated breakdowns.
Why does the relay burn out?
A frequent cause of relay burnout is poor-quality network voltage or rare but powerful surges. The relay also fails if the compressor tries to start immediately after turning off, without having time to equalize the pressure in the system. The third reason is the natural wear of the contacts, which over time burn out and begin to spark.
Installing a new relay and checking its functionality
The new relay must fully match the markings of the old one. On the body of the part there is always a manufacturer's code (for example, R6, RANCO, DANFOSS, etc.) and parameters such as engine power. Installing a relaythat does not correspond to the characteristics of the compressor will either lead to the fact that the motor will not start or to its rapid combustion.
The installation process occurs in reverse order. First, connect the wires to the appropriate terminals on the new relay. Make sure the connection is tight and secure. Then slide the relay onto the compressor pins, paying attention to the orientation (usually the housing is marked "UP" or has an arrow pointing up). Secure the part with a bracket or latches until you hear a characteristic click.
Before closing the protective casing, it is recommended to conduct an initial test. Plug in the refrigerator. The engine should start smoothly, without buzzing or clicking. After a while it should turn off on its own when it reaches the desired temperature. If the start-up was successful, you can reassemble the structure in the reverse order.
Secure the metal cover of the compressor compartment, making sure that the wires are not pinched and do not touch hot engine parts or sharp metal edges. The refrigerator can be moved to the wall only after it has been running for several hours and reaches normal operation.
Typical errors and precautions
One of the most common errors is ignoring the condition of the wires. Installing a new relay on melted or oxidized wires will result in high contact resistance at the contact point. This will cause the part to heat up and re-burn after a short time. Always clean the contacts until they are shiny.
Another mistake is incorrect orientation of the relay during installation. Most start relays only operate in a certain position (usually up arrow). If you install the part upside down, the mechanism will not work correctly and the compressor will not start. Carefully study the markings on the case before installation.
Do not forget about hand safety. The compressor vibrates during operation, and if you do not secure the housing properly or leave tools nearby, they can get caught in moving parts or cause a short circuit. Also avoid touching copper tubes with sharp objects - the thin wall is easily broken, which will lead to freon leakage.
- ❌ Installing a relay without checking the voltage in the network.
- ❌ Ignoring stripping of wire contacts.
- ❌ Incorrect orientation of the part relative to the marking "UP".
- ❌ Attempting repairs without disconnecting the appliance from the power supply.
⚠️ Attention: If you smell burning or see sparking immediately after turning it on, immediately unplug the refrigerator. This indicates a serious malfunction in the electrical circuit, which cannot be ignored.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to repair a burnt-out relay or just replace it?
In modern conditions, a relay is considered a disposable unit. Inside it are contacts made of precious metals and a starting coil, which are destroyed when burned. Trying to clean the contacts or rewind the coil gives a short-term effect and is unsafe. The cost of a new part is low, so repairs are not cost-effective.
Why did the new relay burn out a week after installation?
There may be several reasons: poor contact at the junction of the wires, power surges in the network, or, worst of all, a malfunction of the compressor itself (for example, jamming of the piston group). If the compressor is tight, it consumes increased current, which burns out the relay.
Where can you find the relay markings on the Indesit refrigerator?
The markings are located directly on the plastic housing of the relay. To see it, you need to remove the compressor protective cover. Look for inscriptions like "R6", "1791", "357477" or manufacturer logos Danfoss, Secop, Ranco. These codes are needed to find an analogue.
Is it dangerous to change a relay yourself?
Replacing a relay is safe if you follow electrical safety rules: completely disconnect the device from the network and do not touch live parts under voltage. The main danger is mechanical damage to the copper tubes of the refrigeration circuit, which will require expensive refilling with freon.