The situation when the refrigerator Atlant makes characteristic clicks, but does not start or works intermittently, is one of the most common complaints from owners of household appliances. This sound rarely appears for no reason and most often signals an attempt by the engine to overcome resistance in the system or the activation of protective automation. Understanding the nature of these sounds allows the owner to quickly determine the severity of the breakdown and decide whether to call a technician or repair it himself.
It is important to immediately differentiate the nature of the sound: it is a quiet single click of the thermostat, periodic clicking or a loud metallic clang, followed by a hum and a sharp fading unit. Thermoregulator makes sounds in normal mode, while problems with the starting relay or compressor require immediate attention. Ignoring alarm signals can lead to burnout of the electric motor windings and costly replacement of the unit.
In this article we will analyze in detail the mechanics of the operation of Belarusian-made refrigeration equipment, consider typical faults of the electrical circuit and mechanical parts. You will learn how to carry out initial diagnostics, what tools will be needed for testing, and in what cases saving on calling a specialist will lead to even greater costs. Atlant refrigerators They are famous for their reliability, but even they are not immune to component wear.
The principle of operation of the starting relay and compressor
The main source of clicks in most cases is the “compressor - start relay” connection. The compressor is a sealed electric motor that compresses the refrigerant, circulating freon throughout the system. To start the engine, a short-term impulse is required, which is supplied starting relay. It is this small electromagnetic device that is responsible for turning on the starting winding of the motor at the moment of start.
The starting process is as follows: the thermostat sends a signal to turn on, current flows to the compressor windings and the relay coil. The electromagnet draws in the core, closing the contacts of the starting winding. As soon as the engine rotor reaches the required speed, the current drops and the relay opens the circuit, producing that characteristic click. If this process is normal, you will hear one light sound, followed by a smooth hum of the motor.
However, if a malfunction occurs in the system, the cycle may be interrupted. The relay tries to start the engine, a click is heard, but the engine does not start or stalls immediately. After a certain time interval (usually a few minutes required for the thermocouple to cool), the cycle is repeated. Multiple cyclic clicking with an interval of 2-5 minutes is a classic symptom of an attempt to start with a locked rotor or faulty relay.
It is important to understand that the click itself is a mechanical movement of the contacts. The problem lies in the fact that it does not result in stable operation of the unit. In older models Atlant relays such as RT, RTK are often used, which have moving contacts and can stick or, conversely, oxidize, preventing normal starting.
Main causes of clicks when trying to start
When The refrigerator Atlant clicks and does not turn on, there may be several reasons, and they range from simple power surges to complex mechanical jamming. The first and most common reason is the failure of the starting relay itself. The contacts inside it could burn out, and the plastic could become deformed from heating, causing the core to no longer be held in its working position.
The second common problem is a malfunction of the compressor. This could be an interturn short circuit in the windings or, worse, a mechanical jamming of the piston group. In the latter case, the motor hums, trying to turn the shaft, but physically cannot do this, after which the thermal protection is triggered and a shutdown click is heard.
The third reason lies in voltage surges in the electrical network. If the voltage in your outlet drops below the permissible minimum, there is not enough current to hold the relay core or turn the motor rotor. In such cases, the unit will click and twitch randomly.
To systematize symptoms and possible causes, it is convenient to use the following table, which will help narrow down the search for the problem:
| Symptom | Probable cause | Necessary actions |
|---|---|---|
| Single click, then silence | Thermostat malfunction or open circuit | Checking contacts, thermostat continuity |
| Series of clicks, humming, shutdown | Compressor jammed or relay malfunction | Diagnostics of the starting device, checking the compressor |
| Clicks without buzzing | Failure of the starting relay | Replacing the relay |
| Loud crackling and hum | Destruction of the motor mount or valves | Visual inspection, replacement of the compressor |
⚠️ Attention: If you smell burning or see sparking in the compressor area, immediately unplug the refrigerator. Continued operation may lead to a fire.
Diagnostics of the start relay and thermostat
Before sinning on an expensive compressor, you need to check starting relay and the thermostat. These components are consumables in the refrigeration world and are the most likely to fail. For diagnostics, you will need a multimeter and a minimum set of tools.
Start with a visual inspection. Remove the back cover of the refrigerator Atlant at the bottom where the compressor is located. Carefully remove the housing from the relay (usually it is plastic and held on by latches or screws). Look for signs of melting, soot, or a burning smell. If the relay looks blackened, it must be replaced.
Next you need to “ring” the contacts with a multimeter. Under normal conditions, the resistance between certain contacts should be zero or close to it. If the device shows infinity where there should be a contact, or vice versa - a short circuit, the part is faulty. It is also useful to test the relay by ear: shake it near your ear. If a clear knocking sound of a broken part is heard inside, this is a clear sign of a breakdown.
How to check a thermostat without a multimeter?
There is a popular method for checking a thermostat. Disconnect the wires from the thermostat and connect them directly to each other (being careful!). If after this the refrigerator turns on and works normally, then the problem is in the thermostat, which does not close the circuit when the temperature drops. However, this method requires caution, since the refrigerator will work continuously until you disconnect the wires.
The thermostat is checked in the same way. It should close the contacts when the temperature in the chamber rises above the set temperature. If you unscrew the knob of the regulator to maximum cold, but there is no closed click, and the multimeter shows an open circuit, the thermostat requires replacement.
Problems with the compressor: jamming and windings
If everything is in order with the electrical part (relay, wiring, thermostat) and the refrigerator Atlant it still clicks and does not start, there is a high probability of problems with the very heart of the unit - the compressor. This is the most complex and expensive case, requiring qualified diagnostics.
One of the common problems is jamming the piston group. This occurs due to resource depletion, moisture entering the system, or loss of oil properties. At the moment of start, the rotor tries to turn, but the mechanical resistance is too great. The current in the windings increases sharply, which causes the thermal release in the protection relay to operate, and we hear a shutdown click.
In some cases, craftsmen manage to “unwedge” the motor by briefly applying increased voltage (using a special device), but this is a temporary measure. If the compressor is stuck, its resource is usually exhausted, and the problem will soon return. In addition, when trying to start a jammed motor, the starting winding often burns out.
☑️ Compressor diagnostics
Checking the windings with a multimeter allows you to identify an open or short circuit. It is necessary to measure the resistance between the contacts. Typically, the sum of the resistances of the starting and working windings should be equal to the resistance between the extreme contacts. If somewhere it shows infinity (open) or zero (short circuit), the compressor is faulty.
⚠️ Attention: Checking the insulation resistance (between the windings and the copper tube or housing) is critically important. If the multimeter shows at least some resistance (not infinity), it means there is a breakdown in the case. Operating such a refrigerator is dangerous to life!
The influence of power surges and wiring
External factors cannot be ignored. Household appliances Atlant, like any other, are sensitive to the quality of electricity. If your network experiences frequent power surges or, conversely, chronically low voltage, this directly affects the operation of the starting relay.
At low voltage, the magnetic field in the relay coil becomes not strong enough to keep the contacts closed. They begin to “rattle” or open immediately after closing, which is heard by the ear as a frequent clicking sound. In such conditions, the compressor either does not start at all or operates with overload, which leads to its rapid failure.
To protect expensive equipment in unstable networks, it is recommended to use voltage stabilizers or voltage control relays, which will turn off the equipment when the parameters go beyond acceptable limits.
It is also worth checking the condition of the refrigerator socket and plug. Melted contacts, a blackened socket or a dangling plug create additional resistance, causing heating and a voltage drop at the connection point, which can also provoke incorrect operation of the automation.
When you need to call a professional technician
Despite the desire to save money and do the repairs yourself, there are situations where the intervention of a non-professional can only do harm. If you have checked the relay and thermostat, made sure that the voltage in the network is normal, and the refrigerator Atlant still clicks and is silent, most likely the problem is deeper.
Replacing a compressor is a complex technological process that requires special equipment: a vacuum pump, a pressure gauge station, a burner and refrigerant reserve. You can’t just “change the motor”; you need to properly solder the tubes, evacuate the system and fill it with the exact amount of freon.
In addition, modern refrigerators may have electronic control modules, the diagnosis of which requires special knowledge and equipment. Incorrectly replacing parts at random can lead to you spending money on unnecessary spare parts, but the problem will remain.
⚠️ Attention: Opening a sealed circuit (biting off tubes) without subsequent professional sealing and refilling is strictly prohibited. This will lead to moisture entering the system and failure of the new compressor.
Prevention and extension of service life
To avoid situations when the refrigerator Atlant starts to click and fail, it is important to follow the operating rules. Regular defrosting (for drip systems) prevents the formation of ice plugs and reduces the load on the compressor. It is not recommended to install the unit close to the wall, ensuring ventilation of the condenser.
Keep the condenser grille at the back of the refrigerator clean. Dust and pet hair accumulate on the tubes and impair heat transfer. The compressor has to work longer and harder, which increases the risk of overheating and breaking the start relay.
It is also important not to overload the refrigerator with food and not to put hot foods in the chamber. A sharp increase in temperature inside the chambers forces thermostat the compressor to work in extreme mode, which reduces the service life of the equipment. Following these simple rules will allow your Atlanta to serve for many years without extraneous sounds and repairs.
Why does the refrigerator click but does not freeze?
This is a classic a sign that the compressor is trying to start (clicking), but cannot turn the shaft or does not gain speed. As a result, freon does not circulate and no cold is produced. Most often, the start relay or a jammed compressor is to blame.
Is it possible to operate the refrigerator if it clicks?
It is highly not recommended. If the clicking noise is caused by attempts to start, the compressor will overheat and the windings may burn out. If a relay clicks due to power surges, it also harms the electronics. It is better to eliminate the cause immediately.
How much does it cost to replace the starting relay on Atlant?
The relay itself is inexpensive (usually in the range of 500-1500 rubles, depending on the model), but if you do not know how to change it, you will have to pay for the work of a specialist. Replacing it yourself saves money, but requires skills in working with electricians.
Is it dangerous if the refrigerator sparks and clicks?
Yes, this is a direct threat to fire safety. Sparking indicates poor contact, short circuit or insulation breakdown. Immediately unplug the cord from the socket and call an electrician or a craftsman.