How to remove the relay cover on the Atlant refrigerator: instructions with photos and nuances

The starting relay is one of the key elements of the refrigerator compressor Atlant, responsible for starting the motor and protecting against overloads. Over time, this part may fail: the contacts burn out, the spring loses its elasticity, or the plastic cover cracks due to temperature changes. To check or replace the relay, you first need to carefully remove its protective cover - but many users encounter difficulties: the plastic is fragile, the latches are not obvious, and this procedure is often omitted in the operating instructions.

In this article we will look at how to properly remove the relay cover on refrigerators Atlant (including popular models MHM 1705-80, MX 2824-62, XM 4026-000 i others) without damaging the part. You'll learn what tools you'll need, where the hidden fasteners are located, and how to avoid common mistakes during disassembly. We will also give advice on relay diagnostics and indicate in which cases it is better to entrust repairs to a specialist.

Preparation for dismantling: tools and safety measures

Before you start disassembling, make sure that the refrigerator unplugged at least 10-15 minutes. This is necessary so that the capacitors in the relay circuit are discharged - otherwise the risk of receiving an electric shock when touching the contacts remains even after the plug is turned off. Also prepare your workplace:

• 🔧 Tools: flat screwdriver (3-5 mm), Phillips screwdriver (PH2), tweezers, multimeter (for checking contacts), flashlight.
• 📸 Documentation: take a photo of the location wires and terminals before disassembly - this will simplify reassembly.
• 🧤 Protection: use dielectric gloves (if available) and avoid touching metal parts of the compressor.

Special attention pay attention lighting: the relay is usually located at the bottom of the refrigerator, where there is little light. It is better to use a headlamp or a flexible lamp so as not to work “blindly”. If the compressor is covered with dust, first clean it with a dry brush - this will prevent dirt from getting inside the relay when removing the cover.

⚠️ Attention: On some models Atlant (for example XM 4426-000), the relay can be integrated into a single unit with thermostat. In this case, dismantling the cover requires additional care - if you damage the thermostat seal, you will violate the warranty (if it is still valid).

Where is the relay in the Atlant refrigerator

In most models Atlant the starting relay is attached directly to the compressor - a metal cylinder at the bottom of the rear wall of the refrigerator. To find it:

1. Move the refrigerator away from the wall (minimum distance - 50 cm).
2. Remove the bottom decorative panel (if there is one) - it is usually held on by 2-4 plastic latches.
3. Inspect the compressor: the relay is a small plastic box (about the size of a pack of cigarettes), screwed to its body.

On older models (for example, MHM 1703), the relay can be hidden under the metal casing of the compressor - in this case, you will need to unscrew 2-3 screws with a Phillips screwdriver. On new refrigerators (series Nova Frost), the relay is often placed on a separate board and covered with a transparent cover.

If you are not sure about the model of your refrigerator, look at the nameplate (metal plate) on the back wall - the serial number and modification are indicated there. You can also focus on relay color: in older models it is usually black or gray, in new ones it is white or translucent.

Step-by-step instructions: how to remove the relay cover

The dismantling process depends on the type of cover fastening. We will look at the two most common options: with latches (without screws) and with screws. Let's start with the first, since it is more common.

Option 1: Cover with plastic latches

This type of fastening is used in 70% of models Atlant, including MHM 1840, XM 4424 and others. The main difficulty is not to break the fragile latches. Proceed as follows:

1. Take a flat-head screwdriver and carefully insert it into the gap between the top of the cover and the relay body (on the side opposite to the wires).
2. Lightly press the first latch. You will hear a characteristic click.
3. Repeat the action for the remaining latches (usually there are 2-3). Do not use force - if the cover does not budge, check whether the latch has gone unnoticed.
4. Remove the cover by pulling it up. If it is “stuck,” shake it slightly from side to side.

Under the cover you will see contacts, a spring and a core. Do not touch them with your bare hands - grease marks can disrupt the operation of the relay. Use tweezers or a wooden stick for inspection.

Intactness of the spring and core|Cleanliness of the contacts (is there any carbon deposits)|Integrity of the coil wire|No cracks on the relay body-->

Option 2: Cover with screws

In some models (for example, Atlant MX 2824-62) The relay cover is additionally secured with 1–2 screws. Here the procedure is different:

1. Unscrew the screws with a Phillips screwdriver (usually they are located in the corners of the cover).
2. If the screws are “stuck”, drop a little on them WD-40 i wait 5 minutes.
3. After removing the screws, carefully pry the cover with a screwdriver - often additional latches are hidden under them.
4. Remove the cover while holding the relay with your hand (it may fall out along with the cover).

Screws on the relay Atlant usually have a non-standard size - M3×8 mm. If you lose them, you can replace them with screws from computer power supplies or buy them at a hardware store.

⚠️ Attention: On the relay models with with an inverter compressor (series Inverter), the cover can be sealed with hot-melt tape. It cannot be torn off - just carefully cut along the seam with a knife, and when reassembling, replace it with a new tape (sold in radio stores).

Typical mistakes when removing the cover and how to avoid them

Even experienced technicians sometimes make mistakes that lead to damage to the relay or compressor. Here are the most common of them:

• 🔨 Pressing too hard with a screwdriver → the relay body is cracked. Solution: use a screwdriver with a thin tip (3 mm) and press only on the edge of the cover.
• ⚡ Touching contacts with bare hands → metal oxidation. Solution: work with gloves or use a tool with insulated handles.
• 🔄 Messed up wires during assembly → short circuit. Solution: Take a photo of the original position of the terminals or mark them with tape.
• 🔥 Working under voltage → electric shock or relay burnout. Solution: Always remove the plug from the socket and wait 15 minutes.

Another common problem is loss of a spring or core when removing the cover. These parts are small and fall out easily. To avoid this, before dismantling, place a piece of paper or a tray under the relay.

How to check the relay after removing the cover

If you removed the cover for diagnostics, be sure to check the functionality of the relay. This can be done without special equipment, but it would be more accurate to use a multimeter.

Visual inspection

Inspect the insides of the relay for:

• 🔥 Soot on the contacts (black or brown spots).
• 💥 Cracks on the spring or core.
• 🧲 Oxidation at the terminals (green or white plaque).

Checking with a multimeter

For testing:

1. Set the multimeter to resistance test mode (200 Ohm).
2. Connect the probes to the coil terminals (usually they are marked S i M).
3. Resistance of a working coil: 20–50 Ohm. If the readings 0 (short circuit) or ∞ (break) - the relay is faulty.

Also check starting contact (between L and S): in normal condition it is open, and when tilting the relay (or pressing the core) it should close with a characteristic click.

What to do if the relay clicks, but the compressor does not start?

This is a sign turn-to-turn short circuit in the compressor winding or a faulty starting capacitor. In this case, replacing the relay will not help - the compressor needs to be repaired or replaced.

When to contact a technician

Not all relay failures can be repaired yourself. Contact the service center if:

• 🔧 After replacing the relay, the compressor buzzes, but does not start (the motor winding may have burned out).
• ⚡ Relay sparks or smokes when turned on, this is a sign of a short circuit.
• 📉 Refrigerator does not cool, despite the compressor running (the problem may be in the thermostat or freon).
• 🔄 Relay works too often (every 5-10 minutes) - this indicates a refrigerant leak.

Relay replacement cost in service Atlant is 1,200–2,500 rubles (depending on the model and region). If the refrigerator is under warranty, repairs will be free - but only if you have not damaged the seals on the compressor.

⚠️ Attention: In models c electronic control (series Nova Frost, Inverter) replacing the relay may require flashing the board. In this case, independent repairs may cause errors in the operation of the refrigerator.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the Atlant refrigerator relay

Is it possible to remove the relay cover without disconnecting the refrigerator from network?

No! Even when turned off, voltage may remain on the relay contacts (due to capacitors). The minimum waiting time after turning off is 15 minutes. It is also recommended to touch the metal parts of the refrigerator (for example, tubes) before operation to remove static electricity.

The relay cover cracked when removed. Is it possible to operate the refrigerator without it?

For a short period of time (1-2 days) - yes, but this is dangerous: open contacts can close due to moisture or dust. It is better to temporarily secure the cover with tape or tape, and then replace it with a new one. Atlant: 602.1408010.

How to distinguish a faulty relay from a burnt-out compressor?

Carry out the test:

1. Remove the relay and connect the compressor directly (bypassing the relay) to the network at 1-2 seconds.
2. If the compressor starts, the problem is in the relay. If not (or it hums, but does not rotate), the motor winding is burned out.

Attention! Carry out this test only if you have experience working with electrical equipment!

Where to buy a new relay for the Atlant refrigerator?

Original relays are sold:

• In branded service centers Atlant.
• In stores of spare parts for refrigerators (for example, 220-Volt, All-Zap).
• At AliExpress or Wildberries (look for the article number indicated on the old relay).

Cost: from 500 to 1,500 rubles depending on the model. When purchasing, check compatibility by relay number (for example, RTK-X, DHR-1M).

Is it possible to clean the relay contacts with sandpaper?

No! Sandpaper leaves scratches that accelerate oxidation. To clean, use:

• Alcohol or acetone (to remove carbon deposits).
• Eraser (for polishing contacts).
• Special liquid for contacts (for example, Kontakt 60).

After cleaning, wipe the contacts dry with a rag.