Sudden stoppage of the compressor or uncharacteristic humming of the refrigerator Indesit often indicate an exit the start-protection relay is faulty. This small but critical element is responsible for starting the motor and protecting its windings from overloads. If you notice that the motor is trying to start, makes a click, but then goes silent, or the refrigerator has stopped freezing at all, the problem most likely lies in this unit.
Replacing the relay yourself is a real opportunity to save on calling a technician, since the procedure does not require complex specialized equipment. However, it is important to understand the operating principle of the device and strictly follow safety precautions when working with electricity. In this article, we will look at how to correctly diagnose a breakdown, select a compatible part and perform a replacement on models of Indesit various series.
Before starting disassembly, you need to make sure that the refrigerator is disconnected from the power supply. Tampering with live electrical components is strictly prohibited and may result in serious injury. Also prepare your work area: you will need a clean, dry surface where you can place the dismantled parts so as not to lose small fasteners.
Diagnostics of a faulty start relay
The first step in the process of restoring the unit's functionality is to accurately identify the problem. Often users mistakenly blame the compressor, whereas starting relay it failed much earlier. The main sign of a malfunction is a characteristic sound: a series of clicks at intervals of several seconds, after which the refrigerator may turn on for a short time or remain silent.
For the initial check, it is not necessary to immediately disassemble the back wall. Listen to the operation of the unit. If the compressor is hot but does not start, this is a sure sign. Also pay attention to the light in the chamber: if it is on, it means there is voltage in the network, and the problem is localized in the motor start circuit.
- 🔊 The refrigerator hums, but does not start, a metallic click is heard.
- 🌡️ The compressor heats up to a high temperature, the thermal protection is triggered.
- 💡 The voltage indicator on the panel (if any) is on, but there is no cold.
- ⚡ When connected to the network, it knocks out circuit breakers or RCDs.
⚠️ Attention: If after several attempts to start you smell burnt wiring or see sparking, immediately stop trying to turn on and remove plug from the socket. Further operation in this condition may lead to a fire.
More accurate diagnostics can be carried out by getting to the relay. On models Indesit it is usually located in the lower part of the housing, next to the compressor. A visual inspection may reveal melted contacts or cracks on the body, which is an unambiguous confirmation of the need for replacement.
Necessary tools and safety measures
To successfully complete the work of replacing the relay on the refrigerator Indesit the arsenal of a professional locksmith is not required. However, having the right tool will greatly simplify the task and protect you from damage to the plastic elements of the case. The main emphasis should be on accuracy and attentiveness.
Therefore, the “turn off - wait” rule remains relevant.
☑️ Preparation for repair
Here is a list of tools you will need:
- 🔧 Flathead and Phillips screwdrivers for removing protective covers.
- 🔨 Pliers or pliers (for carefully removing terminals).
- 🧤 Dielectric gloves (recommended for additional protection).
- 📱 Smartphone with a camera (for photographing the connection diagram).
Pay special attention to lighting. The compressor area is often obscured and small parts such as wire clamps or pin markings may be difficult to see. Using a headlamp or a powerful lamp will significantly reduce the risk of assembly errors.
Removing the old relay and protecting the compressor
The dismantling process on refrigerators Indesit is standardized, but has its own nuances depending on the year of manufacture of the model. In most cases, the relay is placed directly on the compressor terminals and is covered with a plastic or metal casing. First you need to remove the rear panel of the unit by unscrewing the fastening screws around the perimeter.
After removing the panel, you will see the compressor - a black “tank” at the bottom. A cable channel fits to its end. Carefully disconnect the power connector, if present, or unscrew the terminal block. Then remove the retaining bracket or plastic holder that holds the relay in place.
Remove the relay itself from the compressor contacts carefully, without jerking. It may stick slightly due to time and temperature, so a slight rocking from side to side will help free up the seat. The main thing is not to damage the copper tubes and leads of the motor itself.
⚠️ Attention: It is strictly forbidden to use force to remove the relay. If it does not work, check that all fixing elements have been removed. Excessive force can break the compressor's delicate contacts, resulting in costly repairs.
After removing the unit, inspect it. There may be condensation, traces of soot, or even insects inside. All these factors could cause a short circuit. Before installing a new part, it is recommended to wipe the seat with a dry cloth.
What is inside the relay?
Inside the starting relay there is an inductor and a movable core (in electromagnetic models) or a posistor (in electronic models). When voltage is applied, the core is retracted, closing the starting winding. If the mechanism jams, the refrigerator does not start.
Choosing a compatible spare part for Indesit
The market for spare parts for refrigeration equipment offers many options, but Indesit it is important to choose a relay with the correct electrical characteristics. The main parameter is the compressor power and the type of starting device (electromagnetic or posistor). An incorrect choice will lead to either no starting or burnout of the motor windings.
There is always a marking on the body of the old relay. Look for designations like R600a (type of refrigerant, indirectly indicates the series), as well as manufacturer codes such as Danfoss, Zanussi or original codes Indesit (for example, starting with 115 or 155). Often the same relay is suitable for different brands belonging to the same concern.
When purchasing, pay attention to the number of contacts. There may be two, three or four. The orientation of the contacts during installation is also important: the relay can be universal, but require a correct fit in relation to the ground.
| Parameter | Description | Importance |
|---|---|---|
| Compressor type | Piston (regular) or inverter | Critical |
| Power (HP) | 1/5, 1/4, 1/3 hp. (indicated on the tag) | High |
| Relay type | Posistor or electromagnetic | Critical |
| Orientation | Vertical or horizontal installation | Average |
If you are not sure about the choice, it is better to take the old relay with you to the store or take a clear photo of the markings. Consultants at specialized spare parts stores will be able to select an exact analogue using the catalog number.
Installation of a new relay and connection diagram
Installation of a new part is carried out in the reverse order of dismantling. Make sure the new relay fits snugly on the compressor terminals. It should be put on with little effort, ensuring reliable electrical contact. If the relay is loose, starting may be unstable.
Connecting wires requires maximum care. As mentioned earlier, pre-shoot photography is your best friend. If there is no photo, look for the markings on the terminals: L (Line) - phase, N (Neutral) - nl, C (Common) - common wire. Grounding is usually indicated by the earth symbol or the yellow-green color of the insulation.
Sequence of assembly steps:
- 🔌 Place the relay on the compressor pins until it stops.
- 🔩 Fix the relay with a metal bracket or plastic holder.
- ⚡ Connect the power terminals according to the diagram (or photo).
- 🛡️ Install the protective casing and screw the back panel.
After assembling all mechanical parts, you can proceed to testing. Plug in the refrigerator. You should hear the compressor start confidently without long pauses or a series of clicks. In the first minutes of operation, the device can operate in enhanced mode, gaining temperature.
⚠️ Attention: If, after installing a new relay, the compressor hums for more than 5-7 seconds, but does not start, immediately turn off the device from the network. This may mean that the problem is not in the relay, but in the compressor itself (turn-to-turn short circuit) or in the wiring.
Frequent errors during replacement and their consequences
Even with instructions, beginners often make mistakes that can negate all efforts or lead to breakage of the new part. One of the most common mistakes is ignoring contact cleaning. Oxidized terminals on the wires create a high contact resistance, which causes heating and re-burning of the relay.
Another mistake is installing the wrong type of relay. For example, installing an electromagnetic relay instead of a posistor relay (or vice versa) without changing the connection diagram. These devices operate on different principles, and a simple one-to-one replacement in terms of dimensions will not work here.
It is also worth mentioning the careless fixation of the wires. If the wire is pinched by the casing or vibrates along with the compressor, the insulation will quickly fray. This will lead to a short circuit to the refrigerator body, which is life-threatening.
Do not forget that replacing a relay is often a consequence, not a cause. If the relay is burned out, it is worth checking whether the refrigerator is overloaded with food, whether the door closes tightly and whether the condenser at the back is clean. Overheating of the compressor due to poor ventilation is a common cause of failure of starting equipment.
Is it possible to repair an old relay rather than changing it?
Theoretically, if the relay is electromagnetic and the problem is only sticking contacts, they can be cleaned. However, the resource of the restored device will be extremely low. PTC relays cannot be repaired. Considering the affordable cost of a new spare part, repairing the old relay is not economically feasible.
Why did the new relay burn out immediately after installation?
This may indicate a serious malfunction of the compressor itself (short circuit of the windings) or problems with the wiring of the refrigerator. A power surge in the network could also be the cause. In such cases, diagnostics of the motor-compressor with a multimeter is required.
How to understand that the problem is not in the relay, but in the thermostat?
If the relay is working properly, but the compressor does not turn on at all (there are not even clicks), and at the same time there is heat in the chamber, the thermostat circuit may not close. Try closing the thermostat contacts directly (short term). If the motor starts working, you need to change the thermostat.
Is it necessary to evacuate freon to replace the relay?
No, the start relay is replaced without violating the tightness of the refrigeration circuit. Freon remains inside the system, and the services of a vacuum operator or refrigerant charging are not required. You work only with the electrical part.