How to properly remove the relay from an Atlant two-chamber refrigerator: disassembly without errors

Double-chamber refrigerators Atlant are known for their reliability, but even they are not immune to breakdowns. One of the common problems is failure start-protection relay, which is responsible for starting the compressor. If your unit does not turn on, makes clicking noises, or operates intermittently, this part may be the culprit. Removing the relay yourself is a doable task, but requires care and knowledge of the design nuances.

In this article we will look at how to safely remove the relay on models Atlant with two cameras (series MHM, NRM, HM etc.), without damaging compressor or electrical circuit. You will learn what tools you will need, where the relay is located in different modifications, and how to avoid common mistakes during disassembly. Let us separately dwell on precautionary measures - working with electricity in a refrigerator requires strict adherence to safety precautions.

Before you begin, make sure that the problem is in the relay. Often its malfunction is confused with a breakdown of the compressor or thermostat. If you are not sure of the diagnosis, check the relay with a multimeter in resistance measurement mode - a working copy should show resistance between pins 3 and 4 (usually 20-40 Ohms). This will help avoid unnecessary disassembly.

Signs of a relay malfunction in the refrigerator Atlant

Before removing the relay, it is important to confirm that it has indeed failed. Here are the key symptoms indicating a problem:

• 🔊 Clicks without starting the compressor. The relay tries to turn on the motor, but it does not start - repeated clicks are heard at intervals of 5-10 seconds.
• ❄️ Lack of cold with the backlight running. The light in the chamber is on, but the compressor does not hum, and the temperature rises.
• ⚡ Short operating cycles. The compressor turns on for 1-2 seconds and immediately turns off, as if “stumbling.”
• 🔥 Overheating of the relay. The body of the part is hot to the touch (normal temperature is up to 40–50°C).
• 🛠️ Visible damage: melted plastic, blackened contacts or cracks on the case.

If at least one of these signs appears, the probability of relay failure is 70–80%. However, similar symptoms can be caused by:

• 🔋 Faulty thermostat (checked by closing the contacts).
• 🔄 Breakdown compressor (check required windings).
• ⚡ Problems with power supply (check the socket and power cord).

To exclude these options, before dismantling the relay, perform a simple diagnostics:

1. Unplug the refrigerator for 10 minutes, then turn it on again. If the compressor starts working, the problem could be that the relay is overheating.
2. Shake the relay (without removing it!). If you hear knocking or rattling inside, this is a sign of mechanical wear.
3. Ring the contacts with a multimeter (instructions below).

Tools and preparation for dismantling

To remove the relay from refrigerator Atlant does not require professional tools - a basic set is enough. Here's what you'll need:

Before starting work, be sure to:

Disconnect the refrigerator from the mains (pull out the plug from the socket)|

Free up space around the back wall (move the furniture)|

Prepare a container for screws and small parts|

Take a photo of the location of the wires and terminals|

Wear rubber gloves (to protect from dust and sharp edges)-->

Pay special attention fixing the wires. Refrigerators Atlant often use connectors with latches - they should not be pulled by force! To remove the terminal, press the plastic clip on the side (usually white or gray) and gently pull the wire to the side.

⚠️ Attention: If your refrigerator is connected through a surge protector or voltage stabilizer, turn off the power directly to the device itself. Some models (for example, Atlant MXM 2835-80) have capacitors that can retain a charge for up to 10 minutes after being turned off.

Where is the relay located in two-chamber refrigerators Atlant

In most models Atlant with two chambers, the relay is located next to the compressor on the rear wall. However, its exact location depends on the series and year of manufacture:

• 📦 Classic models (Atlant XM 4021-000, XM 4424-000): the relay is attached directly to the compressor housing on the side or top. It has a plastic casing in black or gray.
• 🔄 Models with the No Frost system (Atlant MXM 2808-90, MHM 1708-80): the relay can be hidden under the protective cover of the compressor or in a separate plastic box.
• 🆕 New series (after 2018, for example Atlant NRM 6225-100): the relay is often integrated into a single starting unit along with a capacitor.

To find the relay, follow these steps:

1. Unplug the refrigerator and move it away from the wall.
2. Remove the rear protective panel (usually secured with 4-6 screws).
3. Locate the compressor - this is a black metal cylinder with tubes. The relay will be attached to it or next to it.
4. If the relay is hidden under a cover, carefully pry it off with a flat-head screwdriver (the latches are usually located on the sides).

In some models (for example, Atlant XM 6021-031), the relay may be mounted on the frame of the refrigerator next to the compressor, and not on it itself. In this case, look for a plastic box with three terminals for wires.

How to distinguish a relay from a capacitor?

The relay has a plastic case with metal contacts and is usually marked (for example, "DANFOSS 103N0210" or "RANCO K59"). The capacitor is an aluminum cylinder with two legs, often wrapped in black electrical tape.

Step-by-step instructions for removing the relay

Once the relay is found, proceed with dismantling. It is important to act carefully so as not to damage the wires or contacts of the compressor. Follow these instructions:

1. Disconnect the wires from the relay. Take a photo of their location or mark it with a marker (for example, “C” - common, “R” - run, “S” - start). In refrigerators Atlant usually the following pinout is used:
   • 🔌 Common contact (Common) - connected to the compressor.
   • 🔌 Working contact (Run) - comes from thermostat.
   • 🔌 Start contact (Start) —connected to the starting winding of the compressor.
2. Remove the relay mount. It can be fixed:
   • 🔧 With a screw —unscrew it with a Phillips screwdriver.
   • 🔗 Latch —carefully press them out with a flat screwdriver.
   • 🧲 Magnetic holder (in new models) - just pull up.

Remove the relay. If it “sticks” to the compressor, do not pull it by force - gently rock it from side to side. In some models (Atlant XM 4626-100), the relay may be glued to the heat sink - use a plastic mediator to pry it off.

After removal, inspect the contacts relay and compressor. If they are oxidized or burnt, sand them down with fine sandpaper (600-800 grit). Do not use metal brushes - they can damage the coating.

In models with integrated starting unit (relay + capacitor in one housing), the procedure is slightly different:

1. Disconnect all wires from the unit, remembering them location.
2. Unscrew the block mounting screws (usually 2 pieces).
3. Carefully separate the relay from the capacitor by prying the latches on the sides.

⚠️ Attention: In refrigerators Atlant with a system No Frost (for example, MXM 2835-80) the relay can be connected to the control board. In this case, before removing, be sure to disconnect the data cable (thin stranded wire), otherwise you risk damaging the electronic module.

Checking the relay with a multimeter: how to confirm a malfunction

The removed relay must be checked to make sure that it is truly inoperative. To do this, you will need a multimeter in resistance measurement mode (200 Ohms). Follow the algorithm:

1. Checking the working winding:
   • Connect the probes to the contacts 3 i 4 (usually they are marked).
   • The resistance should be in range 20–40 Ohm. If the device shows 0 (short circuit) or 1 (open) - the winding is faulty.
2. Checking the starting winding:
   • Connect the probes to the contacts 1 i 3.
   • The resistance should be 10–20 Ohm. Deviations indicate a breakdown.
3. Test for short circuit between windings:
   • Check the resistance between the contacts 1 and 4.
   • If the device shows any value, except 1 (infinity), which means there is an interturn short circuit - the relay must be replaced.

Additionally, inspect the relay visually:

• 🔍 Cracks on the body - a sign of mechanical damage.
• 🔥 Blackened or melted contacts —indicate overheating.
• 💧 Traces of corrosion inside the case—indicate moisture ingress.

If the relay does not pass at least one of the tests, it must be replaced. In refrigerators Atlant relays of the following types are most often used:

• DANFOSS 103N0210 (for compressors Secop),
• RANCO K59 (for models with No Frost),
• ATLANT R-1 (original, for new series).

Typical errors when removing a relay and how to avoid them

Even experienced craftsmen sometimes make mistakes when working with refrigerator relays Atlant. Here are the most common of them and ways to prevent them:

Another common problem is damage to the sealing gasket between the relay and compressor. In models Atlant XM 6025-031 and XM 6321-000 this gasket prevents vibrations and overheating. If you lose it or tear it, replace it with a similar one (can be cut from thin rubber).

When working with relays in refrigerators with No Frost (Atlant MXM 2835-80, MHM 1708-80, be especially careful with plastic latches. They often break when removed incorrectly, and it is impossible to replace them separately - you will have to buy the entire starting unit.

⚠️ Attention: If after replacing the relay the compressor does not start, but the relay clicks, do not rush to blame the new part. In 30% of cases the problem lies. c turn-to-turn short circuit of the compressor windings. Check it with a multimeter (the resistance between the terminals should be 15–30 Ohms).

Installing a new relay and checking performance

When a new relay has been purchased (necessarily compatible with your model Atlant!), proceed to reassembly. Follow these steps:

1. Prepare the contacts:
   • Scrub the compressor terminals and wires with fine sandpaper (if available). oxidation).
   • Apply a thin layer of technical petroleum jelly to the contacts - this will prevent corrosion.
2. Install the relay:
   • If the relay is secured with a screw - do not overtighten so as not to break the thread.
   • If it is fixed with latches, make sure that they snap completely (a click should be heard).
3. Connect the wires in accordance with the photo or marks:
   • 🔴 Red/brown - usually “Common”.
   • 🔵 Blue/black - "working" (Run).
   • 🟢 Green/yellow - "start" (Start).
4. Check operation:
   • Connect the refrigerator to the network.
   • Make sure that the relay clicks once (this is normal when starting up).
   • The compressor should work smoothly, without rattling.

If, after installing a new relay, the compressor:

• 🔄 Does not turn on —check the voltage in the socket (should be 220–230 V) and the integrity of the thermostat.
• ⚡ It works, but gets very hot —the capacitor may be faulty or the compressor is jammed.
• 🔊 It hums, but does not start —check the starting winding of the compressor (there may be a break).

In the first hours after replacing the relay, monitor the temperature of its body. Normally, it should be warm (up to 50°C), but not hot. If the relay heats up to 60°C or higher, this is. sign:

• Incorrect wire connection.
• Faulty compressor (increased load).
• Incompatibility of the relay with the refrigerator model.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about relays in refrigerators Atlant

Can the relay be repaired or just replaced?

In 90% of cases, the relay cannot be repaired - its mechanical and electrical components are non-separable. Exception: if the problem is only in oxidized contacts (they can be cleaned). However, even after cleaning, the relay often fails again within 1-2 months.

Which relay company is better to buy for Atlant?

Optimal options:

• Original (Atlant R-1) - ideal, but more expensive.
• DANFOSS (series 103N) - universal, suitable for most models.
• RANCO K59 - budget analogue, but check compatibility with the compressor.

Avoid cheap Chinese relays without markings - they often cannot withstand the load.

What to do if, after replacing the relay, the refrigerator works, but does not freeze?

The reasons may be the following:

• 🔄 Thermostat is faulty - check it by closing the contacts manually.
• ❄️ Freon leak -refill required (cannot be done on your own).
• 🔌 Problems with the control board (in models with No Frost).

If the compressor works but does not pump out cold, most likely the problem is not in the relay.

How much does a relay cost for Atlant and where to buy it?

Relay prices for Atlant (for 2026):

• Original (Atlant R-1) — 1200–1800 ₽.
• DANFOSS 103N0210 — 800–1200 ₽.
• RANCO K59 — 600–900 ₽.

You can buy:

• In service centers Atlant (1 year warranty).
• In stores of spare parts for refrigerators (for example, "Holod-Service").
• At AliExpress or Ozon (but check the reviews!).

⚠️ Before purchasing, check the model of your compressor - the relay must be compatible with its power.

Is it possible to temporarily start a refrigerator without a relay?

Yes, but this is extremely dangerous a way that can burn the compressor! If you understand the risks, do the following:

1. Disconnect the refrigerator from the network.
2. Remove the relay and connect the wires "Common" and “Run” directly (without “Start”).
3. Turn on the refrigerator for 1-2 minutes - the compressor should start.

🔴 Warning: Without a relay, the compressor will not be able to start correctly, which will lead to its overheating. Use this method only to check the functionality of the motor!