If your refrigerator Stinol stops freezing, and the motor hums for only a few seconds, after which a click is heard and silence sets in, the problem often lies in the trigger mechanism. Owners of household appliances encounter this problem regularly, and to fix it it is necessary to gain access to the compressor. Do-it-yourself dismantling of the relay is a procedure that requires care, but is quite doable at home with basic tools.
Before you begin disassembly, it is important to understand that the control relay is a critical component responsible for starting the engine. Incorrect actions can lead to damage to the contacts or even failure of the compressor itself. In this article we will analyze in detail the process of removing the part, paying attention to the nuances of the design of refrigerators of the brand Stinol, which have their own characteristics in fastening the protective casing.
The main difficulty is that all electrical components are hidden in the lower rear part of the unit. You will have to work in a confined space where the capacitor tubes, wires and the motor itself are located. Safety is the first priority, so any manipulations are carried out only after the device has been completely disconnected from the power supply.
Fault diagnosis before disassembly
Before Instead of grabbing tools, you need to make sure that the problem is really in the relay, and not in the thermostat or the compressor itself. If the refrigerator engine Stinol starts, runs for 10-20 seconds, gets very hot and turns off with a characteristic click, the probability of the starting winding failing or the relay mechanism jamming is extremely high. Sometimes you can hear a rattling sound inside the black plastic case.
Visual inspection often helps to identify obvious signs of malfunction. If traces of burning, melting or soot are visible on the relay body, the part requires immediate replacement. It's also worth paying attention to the smell: a strong aroma of burnt plastic or insulation almost always indicates an overload in the trigger circuit. In some cases, the relay may simply not hold contacts, which is why the startup phase does not occur.
- 🔍 The engine hums, but does not start and quickly turns off.
- 🔥 Traces of overheating or melting of the plastic are visible on the relay body.
- ⚡ When shaken When the part is removed, a knock is heard (the core is destroyed).
- 📉 The refrigerator turns on, but does not reach the desired temperature.
⚠️ Attention: If, after a click, the circuit breaker (plugs) in the apartment is knocked out, immediately stop trying to turn it on. This may indicate an interturn short circuit in the motor windings, and further experiments with the relay may be useless.
Preparation of the workplace and tools
To successfully complete the work of dismantling the relay from the refrigerator compressor Stinol you will need a minimum set of tools. The main requirement is that they must be in good working order and convenient for working in cramped conditions. Prepare in advance a flathead and Phillips screwdriver, as well as pliers with narrow jaws that will help grab small elements.
Pay special attention to lighting. The lower part of the refrigerator is often hidden in a niche or placed close to the wall, where light does not penetrate well. Use an additional light source, such as a headlamp or portable lamp, to clearly see wire colors and terminal conditions. The lack of good light can lead to errors during assembly.
It is also necessary to provide access to the rear wall of the unit. Move the refrigerator at least a meter away from the wall. If the floor is slippery, place a piece of cardboard or fabric under the feet to prevent the equipment from moving while working. This will protect you from back injuries and damage to the floor covering.
☑️ Preparation for repair
Access to the compressor and removal of the casing
The compressor in refrigerators Stinol located in the lower rear part housing and closed with a metal or plastic cover. This cover protects the motor from dust, moisture and mechanical damage, and also prevents accidental contact with hot surfaces. The fastening of the casing may vary depending on the specific model and year of manufacture of the equipment.
In most cases, the cover is secured with several screws around the perimeter. Use the appropriate screwdriver to unscrew them. Be careful: the screws may be covered with a layer of dust and dirt, so you need to apply force carefully so as not to tear off the caps. In some modifications, the cover is held on by latches that need to be carefully pressed out.
After removing the fasteners, carefully remove the casing. Inside you will see a black cylindrical or pear-shaped object - this is the compressor. A plastic box is attached to its end, which contains the required relay and thermal protector. At this stage, it is important not to sharply pull the wires going to the motor.
Nuances of fastening the casing
In some older Stinol models, the screws may be hidden under decorative plugs or a layer of factory paint. If the screws do not turn, do not use excessive force - try first dropping a drop of penetrating lubricant and wait 5-10 minutes.
Design of the Stinol starting device
Before removing the relay, you need to understand its structure. In refrigerators Stinol starting relays of the RCK or RKTseries are most often used. These are devices with a posistor (inrush current) and a thermal protector. The relay housing usually consists of two halves, fastened with plastic latches, and is placed directly on the compressor terminals.
Inside the housing there are contacts that, when voltage is applied, close the starting winding of the engine. After the rotor accelerates, the current drops and the posistor heats up, opening the circuit. A thermal protector, often located on the top or side, monitors the temperature of the windings and cuts off power if it overheats. Understanding this logic helps to correctly orient the part during removal.
It is important to note that the relay has a strictly defined installation position. The case usually has a marking UP or an arrow pointing up. If the part is installed incorrectly, the mechanism will not work and the compressor will not start. When dismantling, remember or take a photo which side of the relay was facing up.
| Relay type | Application | Installation features | Visual sign |
|---|---|---|---|
| RCK-2 | Single-compressor | Vertical | Black plastic, 3 contacts |
| RKT-3 | Two-compressor | Horizontal/Vertical | White or gray case |
| PTC-1 | Low-power models | Any | Small size, without latches |
| Thermal | Protection motor | Put on the terminals | Tablet with two contacts |
The process of removing the relay from the compressor
The most critical stage is the physical removal of the relay from the compressor terminals. It sits tightly on the three contact pins, so simply pulling it may not be enough. Moreover, sudden tugging can lead to breakage of fragile ceramic insulators or breakage of internal conductors.
First you need to disconnect the wires going to the relay. They can be secured with a plastic clamp or clip. Gently release the lock with pliers or a screwdriver. Do not pull on the wires themselves; hold on to the plastic connector or terminal body. If the wires are soldered (which is less common in modern models), they will have to be carefully unsoldered with a soldering iron, having previously marked the connection points.
To remove the relay itself, grab it by the body with both hands. Using a side-to-side rocking motion (parallel to the back of the refrigerator), try to loosen the fit. When you feel that the resistance has weakened, gently pull the relay towards you. If it doesn't go, don't use force - it's better to rock it again. A sudden jerk can break the compressor terminals, which will be a disaster.
⚠️ Attention: It is strictly forbidden to use metal objects (screwdrivers, pliers) to pry the relay between the housing and the compressor. You can damage the copper tubes going to the motor or break through the insulation of the windings, which will lead to a short circuit.
Cleaning and preparing for installation of a new part
After the relay is removed, do not rush to throw away the old part and immediately install a new one. Inspect the seat on the compressor. There may be traces of oxidation, dust or remnants of old grease. Gently wipe the compressor contacts with a dry cloth. If carbon deposits are visible, you can use a soft eraser or a cotton swab dipped in alcohol.
Check the condition of the wires going to the relay. If the insulation is cracked or melted, it must be repaired using heat shrink tubing or electrical tape. Operating a refrigerator Stinol with damaged insulation near a running motor is unacceptable due to the risk of fire. Also inspect the terminals on the wires: if they are blackened or oxidized, it is better to clean them or replace them.
The new relay must fully match the markings of the old one. Pay attention to voltage, refrigerant type (although this is less critical for a relay than for a compressor), and pin placement. Before installation, make sure that there are no foreign objects inside the new relay and that the posistor mechanism is not damaged during transportation.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to restore an old relay or just replace it?
In 99% of cases, the relay must only be replaced. Inside there is a posistor tablet, which, when overheated, changes its structure and stops working. Disassembling the case often leads to its destruction, and it is almost impossible to find an identical posistor separately. It’s easier and safer to buy a new assembly.
Why does a new relay burn out after a week?
This may indicate problems with the compressor itself (interturn short circuit, jamming of the piston group) or voltage surges in the network. Also, the reason may be incorrect installation or the use of a relay that does not correspond to the engine power of your Stinola.
Where can I find the relay markings?
The marking is usually applied to the side or top edge of the black plastic case. Look for designations like RCK-2, 100N5 or manufacturer codes like Danfoss, Indesit. If the inscription is erased, look for the compressor model and select a relay from compatibility catalogs.
Is it dangerous to change the relay yourself?
If the electrical safety rules are followed (the refrigerator is disconnected from the network), the process of replacing the mechanical part is safe. The main risk is damaging the compressor tubes or connecting the wires incorrectly, which can lead to motor failure. If you are not confident in your abilities, it is better to call a specialist.