A sudden stop refrigeration unit often takes you by surprise, especially when food in the chamber begins to spoil. One of the most common culprits for this situation in household appliances Indesit is the failure of the start-up relay. This small but critical element is responsible for starting the engine and protecting it from overcurrent. If you hear a characteristic click, followed by a hum, and then silence, or the compressor shows no signs of life at all, the problem may lie in this particular unit.
Replacing a part yourself is a real opportunity to save a significant amount on calling a technician, since the procedure does not require complex specialized equipment. However, to the repair was successfulyou need to clearly understand the design of the unit and follow safety precautions. In this article, we will analyze in detail how to correctly diagnose a breakdown, carefully dismantle the old element and install a new one, returning your refrigerator to full functionality.
Before taking active steps, make sure that you have completely disconnected the device from the power supply. Any manipulation of live electrical components is strictly prohibited and dangerous to life. Also prepare your work area: you will need sufficient space behind the refrigerator and a set of basic tools, which we will talk about later.
Diagnostics of a faulty start relay
The first step in any repair is an accurate one. identifying the problem. The start-up protection relay in refrigerators Indesit performs a dual function: it supplies an initial impulse to the motor winding to start the rotor and opens the circuit when the rated speed is reached. In addition, the built-in thermal release cuts off the power if the current exceeds the permissible limits, preventing the windings from burning out. When this mechanism breaks down, the compressor either hums for a few seconds and goes silent, or is completely silent.
To confirm suspicions, it is necessary to conduct a visual and acoustic inspection. If, when you turn on the refrigerator, you hear a loud click that turns into a hum that lasts 5-10 seconds, followed by another click and silence, this is a classic sign of a jammed rotor or a faulty starter winding. However, often the reason is more banal - the internal contact group or bimetallic plate of the relay has burned out.
⚠️ Attention: If, after clicking and humming, the compressor housing becomes excessively hot in a short time, immediately stop trying to start. Long-term operation in this mode can lead to an interturn short circuit and final failure of the motor.
For deeper diagnostics, you can carefully remove the relay and shake it near your ear. If you hear the sound of broken glass inside or the sound of broken parts, the element definitely requires replacement. In good condition, there should be no loosely dangling parts inside, since the design is a monolithic block with pressed contacts.
Necessary tools and safety measures
Quality repair of household appliances is impossible without proper preparation. To replace the relay on the compressor Indesit you do not need a professional stand, but a basic set of tools is required. The main task is to provide safe access to the rear of the unit and securely fix the wires during dismantling. Do not neglect the use of insulating materials, as an accidental short circuit can damage the wiring.
The list of necessary tools includes:
- 🔧 Phillips and flathead screwdrivers for removing the protective casing and clamps.
- 🔪 Stationery knife or side cutters for stripping contacts (if necessary).
- 🧤 Dielectric gloves for protection against residual current.
- 📸 Smartphone or camera for recording the wiring diagram.
Pay special attention to the organization of the workspace. The refrigerator will have to be moved away from the wall, allowing access to the rear panel from all sides. Make sure the floor is dry and clean to prevent any slipping or dust getting into electrical components. Before starting work, wipe your hands with a dry cloth, as wet fingers may slip off the tool.
Access to the compressor and removal of the casing
The compressor in refrigerators Indesit is located in the lower rear part of the case and is covered with a metal or plastic casing. This screen protects the engine from dust, moisture and mechanical damage, and also directs air flow for cooling. To remove the casing, it is usually enough to unscrew a few screws around the perimeter. In some models, the panel may be held on by latches that require careful pressing with a flat-head screwdriver.
After removing the cover, you will see a view of motor-compressor a black metal cylinder with copper tubes extending from the top. The relay, together with the thermal relay (if it is combined), is attached directly to the output contacts of the compressor. It is important not to use excessive force when working in this area to avoid damaging the thin copper tubes filled with refrigerant. Violation of the system's tightness will require an expensive refill with freon.
At this stage, it is also recommended to conduct a visual inspection of the condition of the wire insulation. If you notice melted plastic, blackening or sparking marks, this indicates poor contact or overload. Such areas will need to be cleaned or replaced before installing the new relay. Ignoring this stage can lead to repeated failure in the shortest possible time.
| Element | Function | Fault symptom |
|---|---|---|
| Start relay | Start engine | Clicks, no start |
| Thermal relay | Overheat protection | Spontaneous shutdown |
| Capacitor | Smoothing current | Humming, unstable operation |
| Contact | Voltage transmission | Soot, plastic melting |
Removing the old start-up relay
Removing the old relay is the most crucial moment that requires composure. The assembly is attached to three contact pins of the compressor and is often additionally secured with a metal bracket or plastic holder. First you need to carefully remove the fixing bracket. It can be pressed with a spring or just sit tightly in place. Use a flathead screwdriver to lift it slightly, but do not pull sharply, so as not to break the plastic, which may have become brittle over time.
After removing the retainer, the relay is removed by moving down and to the side. You need to act strictly along the axis of the contacts, avoiding distortions. If the relay is “stuck” or sits very tightly, you can slightly swing it from side to side with a minimum amplitude. Sharp twitching This is unacceptable, since you can damage the compressor leads, which will lead to depressurization of the motor housing and its complete replacement.
Disconnecting wires, be careful about their markings. Refrigerators Indesit use a standard color scheme, but it is better to double-check the connections. Typically, two main wires from the network and wires going to the thermal relay are suitable for the relay. If the wires are not labeled, use a marker to mark each terminal before final removal. This will save you time and nerves during reassembly.
☑️ Removing the relay
Installing and connecting a new element
The new relay must be a complete analogue of the removed element. The body of the part is always marked with the model number and technical characteristics. Pay attention to the installation orientation: there is often an arrow on the case with the inscription UP or TOP, which indicates which side of the relay should face up. Incorrect orientation will result in the mechanism not working and the engine not starting or burning out.
The installation process begins with connecting the wires. Insert the terminals into the corresponding sockets of the new relay until you hear a characteristic click. Make sure the contact is tight and the wires are not loose. Then carefully place the assembled structure onto the contact pins of the compressor. The movement should be confident, but smooth. If the relay does not fit easily, check if the wires are in the way or if the position is incorrect.
After seating on the contacts, secure the relay with a metal bracket or plastic holder. Make sure the assembly sits firmly and does not vibrate. Vibration during compressor operation can quickly loosen the contacts, causing sparking and repeated failure. Check that the wires do not touch hot parts of the compressor or sharp metal edges.
⚠️ Attention: Never install a relay that does not match the capacity of your compressor. Using universal Chinese analogs without checking the parameters can lead to the contacts being welded at the first start.
Installation can be particularly difficult in models with a combined unit, where the starting and thermal relays are located in the same housing. It is important here to correctly connect all the parts together before putting them on the compressor. The structure must be assembled as a single monolithic block.
Checking functionality and first start
After installing all the elements and placing the casing on place you can proceed to testing. Plug in the refrigerator. In the first seconds you can hear a quiet hum, which after 1-3 seconds should turn into a smooth, confident hum of a running engine. This means that starting winding worked correctly, and the engine returned to operating mode.
If clicks are heard again instead of a smooth hum, immediately turn off the device. This is a signal that either the relay is installed incorrectly, or the problem lies deeper - in the compressor itself or the wiring. Repeated starting attempts within a short period of time can be fatal to the engine. Allow the compressor to cool for at least 30-40 minutes before the next diagnostic.
During normal operation, the compressor housing will begin to heat up evenly. Check the temperature after 15-20 minutes of operation. Also listen for extraneous noise: rattling sounds may indicate that the relay is loose or vibrating against the wall of the housing. In this case, repeated disassembly and more reliable fixation will be required.
What to do if the new relay burns out immediately?
If the new relay fails instantly, this almost always indicates a malfunction of the compressor itself (turn-to-turn short circuit) or problems with the voltage in the network. In this case, simply replacing the relay will not help; you need to diagnose the motor with an ohmmeter.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to repair an old relay rather than changing it?
Theoretically, if the problem is oxidized contacts, they can be cleaned. However, the relay housing is usually soldered or riveted, and opening it violates its tightness and fire safety. In addition, the calibration of the bimetallic plate is lost. Practice shows that repairing an old relay is a temporary measure, which often leads to repeated failure after a few days or weeks. It is safer and more reliable to buy a new original element.
Where can I find the relay number for my Indesit refrigerator?
The part number is indicated directly on the body of the old relay. Usually this is a type code R6, RANCO or type article C00213376. Information can also be found in the technical documentation for the refrigerator model or on specialized repair forums, indicating the exact model of yours. Indesit.
Why does the relay heat up during operation?
Slight heating of the relay housing is normal, since the operating current of the compressor passes through it. However, if the housing becomes so hot that it cannot be touched, this indicates poor contact at the connection to the compressor terminals or a malfunction of the relay itself. In this case, it is necessary to check the tightness of the contacts and, possibly, replace the element.
How long does it take to replace the relay?
For an experienced technician, the process takes 15-20 minutes. For a beginner who first encountered disassembling the refrigerator, the entire procedure, including diagnostics and searching for tools, can take about 40-60 minutes. The main thing is not to rush and act carefully.