Sudden stoppage of the compressor or constant operation of the motor without cooling are classic symptoms of failure of the starter mechanism. In refrigerators of the brand Stinol, especially the popular models of the 103, 104 and 107 series, this part is one of the most vulnerable elements of the electrical circuit. The owner of the unit is often faced with a situation where the equipment hums, clicks, but does not produce cold, or the motor shows no signs of life at all. Understanding how to properly dismantle this unit allows you to save on calling a technician and quickly restore the functionality of the household appliance.
The replacement process does not require complex professional equipment, but it does involve working with live electric current, which dictates the strictest adherence to safety precautions. Before proceeding with disassembly, it is necessary to completely de-energize the unit by removing the plug from the socket. Start relay In refrigerators, Stinol is usually located in the lower part of the rear wall, directly on the compressor casing, and is covered with a protective plastic or metal box. Access to it is limited, but quite possible if you have a basic set of tools.
In this article we will analyze in detail the algorithm of actions that will allow you to safely remove the old part, carry out a visual inspection of it and install a working analogue. We will look at the design features of various modifications of motor-compressors used in the equipment of this brand, and pay attention to the nuances of connecting wires. It is important to understand that incorrect installation can lead to re-combustion of the part or even failure of the compressor itself, so each step must be performed carefully and sequentially.
Diagnosis of a faulty start relay
Before you begin active disassembly actions, you should make sure that the problem lies precisely in the start-protective device, and not in the compressor itself or wiring Symptoms of a breakdown may be similar, but there are characteristic signs that indicate a relay malfunction. Most often, the Stinol refrigerator turns on, a loud click is heard, the motor tries to start, hums for 1-3 seconds, then clicks again and turns off. This indicates that the starting winding does not receive an impulse or the protection is triggered instantly due to a short circuit.
Another scenario is complete silence of the unit when connected to the network, although the indicators on the control panel may be on. In this case, the power supply circuit to the compressor is broken, and often the culprit is a burnt-out thermal release coil inside the relay. For an initial check, you can gently knock on the relay body (with the refrigerator turned on but de-energized, then turn it on); sometimes stuck contacts can separate, but this is only a temporary measure. A more reliable method is a visual inspection after dismantling.
⚠️ Attention: If after replacing the relay the situation has not changed and the compressor hums and does not start, there is a high probability of an interturn short circuit in the motor windings. In this case, further operation is dangerous and requires professional diagnostics of the motor.
It is also worth paying attention to the burning smell that may come from the compressor niche. Melted plastic or the smell of burning wire insulation is a sure sign that a short circuit or overload has occurred in the electrical circuit. In such cases start-up relay it could simply perform its protection function, but due to a power surge it itself failed. If you notice blackened wires going to the terminals, stripping and insulating them is required before installing a new part.
Necessary tools and preparation of the workplace
To successfully complete the replacement task relay, you will need a minimum set of tools that can be found in the arsenal of any home craftsman. The main requirement is a clean and dry working area, since moisture or metal shavings cannot enter the electrical contacts. The work will be carried out in a limited space behind the refrigerator, so provide good lighting using a portable lamp or flashlight.
List of tools that will be needed for dismantling and installation:
- 🔧 Phillips or flat screwdriver (depending on the type of screws on the casing).
- 🔧 Pliers or pliers with narrow jaws for gripping wires.
- 🔧 Multimeter (tester) to check the integrity of the circuit and contacts.
- 🔧 Knife or scalpel for cleaning oxidized contacts (if necessary).
- 🔧 Electrical tape or heat shrink for insulation connections.
Before starting work, be sure to move the refrigerator away from the wall to ensure free access to the rear panel. If the unit is built-in, you will need to dismantle the lower decorative panel or move the equipment out of the niche. Make sure the floor underfoot is dry and your shoes have non-conductive soles. All manipulations with electrical components are carried out exclusively on a completely de-energized device.
It is also important to prepare a place for folding the removed screws and parts so that nothing is lost in the process. The compressor may be hot if the refrigerator has been in use recently, so allow it to cool for 20-30 minutes before disassembling. This will protect your hands from burns and avoid accidental damage to plastic elements, which become more fragile when heated.
Step-by-step instructions: how to remove a relay from Stinol
The process of dismantling the start-protective device on Stinol refrigerators is quite standardized, but has its own characteristics depending on the year of manufacture and model of the compressor. The most commonly used motors are from manufacturers Danfoss (now Secop), Aspera (Embraco) or Atlant. The location of the part is always the same - to the right or left of the compressor casing (when viewed from behind), in a black plastic box.
Algorithm for removing the relay:
- Remove the protective cover. It can be secured with latches or screws. Carefully pry it up with a flat screwdriver or unscrew the fasteners.
- Inspect the structure. You will see that the relay is placed directly on the three pins coming out of the compressor, and there are wires going to it.
- Disconnect the wires. Depending on the model, the wires may be inserted into the relay terminals or soldered. If connectors are used, carefully pull them out with pliers, holding the plastic terminal housing and not the wire.
- Remove the relay from the compressor. It is held in place by a tight fit on the pins and is sometimes secured with a metal bracket. If there is a bracket, it needs to be bent. Then, using a rocking motion, remove the part downwards.
☑️ Checklist before removing the relay
When removing, be careful: old plastic relay housings can be dry and easily crack if handled carelessly. If the relay is sitting very tightly, do not use excessive force; it is better to carefully pry its base with a screwdriver in several places. After dismantling, you will have a device in your hands that needs to be checked or replaced.
In some modifications of Stinol, especially older ones, the wires can be connected through a common terminal block, which is also removed along with the relay. In this case, it is important to remember or mark with a marker which wire goes where, although they are usually color coded: red, white, black. Mixing up the phase and starting wires can lead to instantaneous combustion of the new part.
Types of relays and their design features
Different types of start-protective devices were installed in Stinol refrigerators, and knowing their differences is critical when selecting a replacement. The main division occurs according to the type of trigger mechanism: induction (electromagnetic) and posistor. Induction relays, typical of older models and compressors Atlantcontain a coil and a movable core. They are position sensitive - they work only in a certain spatial orientation.
Posistor relays, which are often found in more modern modifications and motors Danfoss, do not have moving mechanical parts in the starting unit. Their operation is ensured by a ceramic element (posistor), which changes its resistance when heated. Such devices are less sensitive to vibration, but are susceptible to shock. There is always a marking on the relay case indicating the type and compatibility with certain compressor models.
Comparative table of characteristics of various types of relays:
| Characteristics | Induction (Electromagnetic) | Posistor (Thermal) | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| Principle of operation | The electromagnetic field raises the core | Heating the crystal changes the resistance | Combination of both principles |
| Sensitivity to position | High (up to 10-15 degrees) | Low | Medium |
| Resource cycles | Limited by mechanical wear | High (no rubbing parts) | Medium |
| Characteristic sound | Loud click when start | Quiet click or no sound | Click |
When purchasing a new relay, be sure to check the markings on the old device. Even if they are similar in appearance, the electrical parameters (operation current, cut-off time) may differ. Installing the wrong relay will either result in the compressor not starting, or the motor winding will burn out due to untimely disconnection of the starting circuit.
⚠️ Attention: Do not attempt to repair the relay housing or glue cracks. Violation of the tightness will lead to moisture and dust getting inside, which will cause a short circuit the first time you turn it on.
Checking the removed device with a multimeter
After dismantling, a logical question arises: is the relay really faulty, or is the problem somewhere else? To answer this question, you need a multimeter switched to continuity mode or resistance measurement mode (Ohm). The test allows you to identify open circuits, short circuits or stuck contacts that are not visible to the eye.
First, we check the thermal relay (overload protection). It is usually located at the bottom of the structure and is connected in series with the winding. We ring the contacts: the device should show zero or close to zero resistance. If the screen shows “1” or “OL” (infinity), the circuit is broken and the relay must be replaced. We also check whether the housing is “ringing” at the contacts, which will indicate an insulation breakdown.
Then we test the starting relay. For induction models, it is important to check the coil for a break. The resistance should be within a few ohms. For posistor relays, the resistance of a cold posistor is usually 10-50 ohms. If the resistance is infinitely high or equal to zero, the element is faulty. It’s also worth shaking the relay: if it rattles inside, it means the core or ceramic element has collapsed.
What to do if you don’t have a multimeter at hand?
You can conduct a visual inspection for burning and melting. You can also carefully apply 220V voltage directly to the compressor (bypassing the relay) for 1-2 seconds. If the engine starts, the problem is in the relay. The method is dangerous and requires skills in working with electricity!
Pay special attention to contact groups. If black deposits or oxidation are visible on them, they can be carefully cleaned with an eraser or fine sandpaper, but only if the plastic is not damaged. However, given the low cost of a new relay, stripping old contacts is often a temporary measure, and soon the problem may return.
Installation of a new relay and first start-up
Installation of a new start-protective device is carried out in the reverse order of removal. First of all, make sure that the new relay exactly matches the removed one in terms of connector type and electrical parameters. Carefully slide the relay onto the three pins of the compressor. It should fit tightly, without backlash. If a fixing bracket is used, be sure to return it to its place - the vibration of a running compressor can knock down a loose relay.
Connect the wires in accordance with the previously taken photograph or color marking. The connectors should snap into place with a characteristic click. Make sure the wires are not stretched or touching hot parts of the compressor or moving parts (if there is a fan). Assemble the protective casing and secure it with screws or latches.
The first start after replacement is a critical moment. Plug in the refrigerator and listen. There should be a click (or two) and the engine will start. Pay attention to the work: there should be no extraneous buzzing, sparking or burning smell. Let the refrigerator operate for 10-15 minutes, periodically checking the temperature of the relay case - it should not heat up to a scalding state.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to use a relay from another refrigerator, for example, Atlant or Indesit?
The use of analogues is possible, but only if the electrical characteristics and connector type match. Relays from Atlant are often suitable for Stinol with similar compressors, but require careful checking of the connection diagram. Universal relays with adapters are less reliable and may not provide correct operation of the protection.
Why does a new relay burn out a short time after replacement?
This may indicate problems with the compressor itself (difficult starting, interturn short circuit) or unstable voltage in the network. Also, the reason may be incorrect installation or the use of a relay with inappropriate cut-off current parameters.
How much does it cost to replace a relay in a service center?
The cost consists of the price of the part and the work of the technician. The part itself is inexpensive, but a specialist visit and diagnostics can amount to a significant portion of the cost. Self-replacement saves up to 70% of the cost of service.
Is it necessary to evacuate freon to replace the relay?
No, the start-protection relay is replaced without violating the tightness of the refrigeration circuit. The freon remains inside the system and no work with the refrigerant is required. This is one of the simplest procedures in repairing refrigerators.
Where can you find the markings on the relay if they are worn off?
If the markings on the body are not readable, look for them on the inside of the cover or on the plastic itself under the terminals. As a last resort, you need to know the exact model of the compressor (written on the sticker on the motor casing) and select a relay from compatibility catalogs for this motor model.