Sudden stoppage of the refrigerator Posis often becomes an unpleasant surprise, especially when a large supply of food is stored inside. If you notice that the engine hums but does not start, or, conversely, makes a clicking sound and goes silent, there is a high probability that the start relay has failed. This small component is responsible for supplying voltage to the windings of the electric motor, and its failure paralyzes the operation of the entire cooling system.
Independently replacing the relay is a completely solvable task for a person with basic skills in handling tools. Unlike complex faults that require the system to be evacuated, there is no need for special skills or expensive equipment. However, it is important to strictly follow safety precautions and sequence of actions so as not to damage the compressor and ensure long service life of household appliances.
Diagnosis of a faulty starting relay
Before going to the store for a spare part, you need to make sure that the problem lies in the starting mechanism. A characteristic sign of a malfunction is a characteristic click, which sounds every few minutes. The compressor tries to start, hums for a few seconds, then there is a click of the contacts opening and the motor stops. After some time, the cycle repeats.
Sometimes you can hear a quiet crackling sound or see sparking in the compressor area if you remove the back panel. This indicates that the contacts inside the relay are burnt or stuck. It is also important to check whether the relay body itself is overheating - if after trying to start it becomes hot in a matter of seconds, this is a sure sign of a short circuit or jammed core.
For a final check of the relay, it must be removed from the circuit. Visually inspect the insides: if soot, melted plastic or a damaged core is visible inside, the part definitely requires replacement. Even if there is no external damage, but the refrigerator does not work, it is better to replace the element with a known good one, since the cost of this spare part is relatively low.
Preparation of tools and selection of spare parts
To carry out the work you will need a minimum set of tools. The main requirement is safety and accuracy. You will need a flathead and Phillips screwdriver to remove the panels, as well as pliers or pliers to work with the clamps. A multimeter will come in handy if you want to check the integrity of the compressor windings before installing a new relay.
The most important thing is to choose the right replacement. Relays for refrigerators Pozis (often models RTK, R-1 or R-3) may differ in the type of mounting and electrical characteristics. There are always markings on the body of the old part. Look for voltage (usually 220V) and current symbols. If you buy a universal relay, make sure that it is suitable for the power of your compressor.
Can you use a relay from another refrigerator?
Yes, you can use relays from other brands (Atlant, Biryusa) if the mounting dimensions and electrical parameters match. The key factor is matching the starting current and the type of compressor (piston or linear).
When purchasing, pay attention to the condition of the contacts. New parts must have clean, non-oxidized terminals. If you are taking a used part or checking your own, remember that cleaning the contacts with sandpaper is a temporary solution that rarely gives a long-term effect due to changes in the geometry of the plates.
Safety precautions during repair
Working with electrical appliances requires strict adherence to electrical safety rules. The refrigerator Posis connects to a 220 Volt network, which poses a real threat to life if handled carelessly. Any manipulations with the electrical part should be carried out only with the power completely turned off.
⚠️ Attention: It is strictly forbidden to touch the bare wires and terminals of the compressor while the power cord is plugged into the outlet. Even after disconnecting from the mains, capacitors can retain a charge, so let the equipment stand for 5-10 minutes before starting work.
It is also worth taking care of the safety of the floor covering. When moving the refrigerator away, the legs may scratch the laminate or linoleum. Place thick cardboard or a special soft pad under them. Also, make sure that the access area to the rear wall is dry - water and electricity do not mix.
If you find that the insulation on the wires going to the compressor is cracked or melted, don't stop at replacing the relay. Damaged wiring must be restored using heat shrink or the entire harness must be replaced, otherwise the short circuit may recur and burn the new part.
Step-by-step instructions for dismantling the old relay
The replacement process begins with providing access to the compressor. The refrigerator Posis needs to be moved away from the wall. Remove the rear metal panel that covers the engine compartment. Usually it is attached to several screws around the perimeter, which are easily unscrewed with a Phillips screwdriver.
Find the compressor - this is the black “tank” at the bottom of the unit. A plastic or metal box fits on the side or top of it - this is the starting relay. On modern models, it can be covered with an additional plastic casing, which must be carefully removed.
☑️ Action plan for dismantling
Carefully disconnect the wires. Before doing this, it is strongly recommended to take a photo of the connection diagram so as not to confuse the colors during assembly. The wires can be fixed with plastic latches or simply sit tightly in the grooves. Do not pull on the wires themselves, act on the connector body.
The relay is attached directly to the compressor terminals. Remove the retaining clamp or bracket, if present. Then, using a slight rocking motion (from side to side, without exerting any force up and down, so as not to break the tubes), remove the relay from the compressor pins. If it has become stuck, you can slightly warm the case with a hairdryer, but very carefully.
Installing a new starting relay
Installation of the new part is carried out in the reverse order of dismantling. Carefully inspect the pins on the compressor - they should be straight and clean. If there is oxide on them, carefully clean them with fine sandpaper or a file, being careful not to bend them.
The orientation of the new relay is critical. On the body of the part there is an arrow or inscription UP (up), which indicates the correct position for installation. If you install the relay upside down, gravity will not be able to perform its function in the electromagnetic mechanism, and the compressor will not start or will burn out.
Push the relay onto the pins until it stops. It should fit tightly and not wobble. Reinstall the retaining bracket or clamp. Connect the wires according to the photo you took earlier. Make sure that the terminals fit into the grooves with a characteristic click and are held securely.
Checking functionality and test run
After installing all components in place, but before screwing the back cover, you must perform a test run. Plug the power cord into a power outlet. In the first seconds, you should hear the smooth hum of the compressor starting up.
If you hear a click and the motor stops talking, immediately turn off the power. This means that either the relay is faulty, or it is installed incorrectly, or the problem is deeper (faulty compressor windings). If the motor runs smoothly, without vibrations or extraneous sounds, the replacement can be considered successful.
⚠️ Attention: Do not leave the refrigerator turned on without the back panel for a long time during tests. The air movement around the motor should be natural, and the absence of a shroud may lead to accidental contact with hot parts or foreign objects entering the fan (if there is one).
Let the refrigerator run for 15-20 minutes. During this time, it should begin to gain temperature. Check the heating of the relay - it may be warm, but it should not be hot. If all parameters are normal, install the back metal panel and move the refrigerator to the place of permanent use.
Comparison of relay types for Pozis refrigerators
In different models of refrigerators Position different types of starting devices can be used. Understanding the difference between them will help you avoid mistakes when purchasing spare parts. The main differences relate to the design and operating principle.
| Relay type | Operation principle | Appearance | Compatibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electromagnetic (RTK) | Closing contacts with a core at start-up | Metal or plastic case, heavy | Old models Pozis, Biryusa |
| Thermal (P-1) | Opening the circuit with a bimetallic plate | Plastic box with holes | Medium power models |
| Posistor (PP) | Changing the crystal resistance when heated | Small plastic block, lightweight | Modern energy-efficient models |
| Combined | Combines starting and thermal protection | Complex design with several conclusions | Universal replacements |
When choosing a replacement, be guided not only by the name of the refrigerator model, but also by the marking of the old device. Universal relays often have several connection options, which makes them convenient, but requires careful study of the diagram on the package.
Common mistakes when replacing
Even a simple operation can go wrong if you make common mistakes. One of the most common is ignoring the relay orientation. As mentioned earlier, the position UP should be strictly at the top. Violation of this rule leads to the fact that the mechanism does not operate on time, and the motor windings overheat.
Another error is poor contact in the terminals. If the wire is not inserted completely or is oxidized, transition resistance will arise at the connection point. This will lead to local heating, melting of the plastic and repeated failure after a short time. Always check the tightness of the connection.
Some craftsmen try to restore the old relay by disassembling it and cleaning the contacts. In a home workshop it is almost impossible to do this efficiently. The factory settings for the spring force and gaps are violated, and such a relay will not last long. The savings in this case are not justified by the risk of failure of an expensive compressor.
What to do if the new relay clicks, but the compressor does not start?
If the situation has not changed when installing a new relay (a click is heard, but there is no start), the problem may not be in the relay. Check the integrity of the compressor windings with a multimeter. It is also possible that the motor piston group is jammed or there is a wiring fault. In rare cases, a new relay may be defective.
Is it possible to start a refrigerator without a relay temporarily?
Theoretically, you can apply voltage directly to the starting and operating windings, but doing this is strictly not recommended without experience. There is a high risk of burning the windings or getting an electric shock. In addition, without thermal protection, the compressor may burn out if overloaded. It’s better to wait for spare parts.
How long does a starting relay last on average?
The average service life of a high-quality relay is 5-10 years. However, frequent power surges, power surges and compressor overheating can significantly shorten this period. Installing a voltage stabilizer will extend the life of not only the relay, but also the entire refrigerator.
Is it necessary to defrost the refrigerator before replacing the relay?
Complete defrosting is not required, since access to the compressor is from the rear. However, if there is a lot of ice in the freezer, it is better to let the refrigerator stand turned off for a couple of hours to avoid water getting on the electrical parts when moving the unit.
Why does the relay burn out?
The main reasons for failure are voltage surges in the network, natural wear of contacts from frequent switching on/off, as well as overloads caused by attempts to start the compressor immediately after turning off (you need to wait 5-10 minutes to equalize the pressure in the system).