In a modern refrigerator, various breakdowns can occur – often users complain about extraneous sounds during the operation of equipment. The cause can be both small problems – incorrect installation, and a serious malfunction. You may even need to replace the relay in the refrigerator.
The cost of such a repair in a service center is rather big, so we will tell you how to replace it yourself.
Signs of a broken start relay
How to understand that the relay is broken?
If you hear clicks when starting the motor, and the compressor itself turns off immediately after starting, the cause may be a malfunction of the trigger mechanism. When inspecting the part, you can notice burnt contacts and terminals. In this case, the part needs to be replaced.
To properly conduct it, you need to understand how the relay works.
Principle of operation and types of relays
The start-up relay is used to turn the engine on and off. When the motor gains the required speed, the coil must be turned off, and in order for this to happen in a timely manner, a relay is installed. When the power supply increases, the contacts of the start-up relay are compressed, which leads to the start of the compressor. With a decrease in electricity, the contacts are unclenched – the motor is turned off.
There are two main types of starter relay:
- Launcher in the form of a tablet. Made from a material that expands when heated. When the temperature reaches its maximum, the contacts in the mechanism open, leaving the coil. To maintain a constant temperature on the winding, a choke is used. In the event of a malfunction, a device of this type changes position, the sound of crumbling powder is heard.
- Inductive start relay. When current is applied, the contacts close in the electromagnets; during a gradual decrease in current, the contacts open.
Sometimes there is a relay with a bimetallic plate that bends when electricity is applied, closing the contacts.
Before replacing, check that the purchased spare part matches the type of compressor, as well as the make and model of the refrigerator (Stinol, Biryusa, Atlant, Indesit and others). You can find out how much the part costs on the Internet.
It should be borne in mind that the installation of the part according to the type of attachment to the compressor may differ. There are two types of attachment:
- The DXR start relay works with the DXM motor type. The part is attached to a fixed frame.
- RTP type can be attached to the wire. Its operating current is lower than that of the previous version.
Independent repair
If you have already selected a suitable replacement part, you need to study the stages of work. Repair is carried out in the same way for brands such as Nord, Ariston, Indesit, Stinol:
- Unplug the refrigerator immediately.
- Remove the screw to disconnect the hose from the back of the case.
- Unscrew the self-tapping screws that hold the back panel of the compressor.
- Move the panel to the side.
- Using pliers, remove the start relay clamps.
- Disconnect the faulty relay from the motor-compressor.
- Release the clamp to disconnect the wiring from the part.
- Take a new part and install in reverse order.
In some models, the trigger is bolted to the body. In this case, they need to be unscrewed.
You can also replace the thermostat with your own hands, which serves to regulate the temperature. The part is located outside or inside the refrigerator. All you need to do is remove the protective case by unscrewing the screws. After disconnecting the sensor from the housing, you need to separate the tube from the evaporator and remove the wiring.
Sometimes, instead of replacing a part, only its repair is required. For example, when contacts are oxidized, it is enough to strip them to make everything work again.
It is not difficult to carry out self-repair if you understand everything consistently. So you can save a lot on replacement. However, if you are not sure that you will cope with the task, it is better to contact the master so as not to jeopardize the operation of the refrigerator.