In a modern refrigerator, various breakdowns can occur - often users complain about extraneous sounds during the operation of the equipment. The cause can be both small malfunctions - incorrect installation, and a serious malfunction. You may even need to replace the relay in the refrigerator.
The cost of such repairs in the service center is rather big, so we will tell you how to perform the replacement yourself.
Signs of a broken start relay
How to understand that a relay is broken?
If you hear clicks when starting the motor, and the compressor itself immediately turns off after starting, the cause may be a malfunction of the starting mechanism. When inspecting the part, you may 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 is gaining the necessary speed, the coil must be turned off, and so that this happens in a timely manner, a relay is installed. When the power supply is increased, the contacts of the start-up relay are compressed, which leads to the start of the compressor. With a decrease in electricity, the contacts open - the motor turns off.
There are two main types of start-up relays:
- A tablet-shaped trigger. Made of material that expands when heated. When the temperature reaches its maximum, the contacts in the mechanism open, leaving a 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 scattered powder is heard.
- Induction starting relay. When a current is applied to the electromagnets, the contacts close, while the current gradually decreases, the contacts open.
Sometimes there is a relay with a bimetallic plate, which bends when electricity is supplied, closing the contacts.
Before replacing, check that the spare part purchased 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 a part costs on the Internet.
It should be borne in mind that the installation of the part by the type of fastening to the compressor may differ. There are two types of fastening:
- The DXR start relay works with the DXM engine type. The part is mounted on a fixed frame.
- Type RTP can be attached to the wire. Its current is lower than that of the previous version.
DIY repair
If you have already picked up a suitable part for replacement, you need to study the stages of work. Repair is carried out identically for such brands as Nord, Ariston, Indesit, Stinol:
- Unplug the refrigerator immediately.
- Remove the screw to disconnect the hose from the back of the housing.
- Unscrew the screws that hold the back of the compressor.
- Move the panel to the side.
- Using pliers, remove the terminals of the start relay.
- Disconnect the faulty relay from the motor-compressor.
- Unclip the clamp to disconnect the wiring from the part.
- Take a new part and install in the reverse order.
On some models, the trigger is bolted to the chassis. In this case, they need to be unscrewed.
You can also replace the thermal relay 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 housing by unscrewing the screws. Having disconnected the sensor from the body, it is necessary 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 clean them so that everything works again.
Performing an independent repair is not difficult if you consistently understand everything. 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.