Where to look for the thermostat in the refrigerator: location, check and replacement

The thermostat (or thermostat) is a key element of the refrigerator that controls the temperature in the chambers and controls the operation of the compressor. When the appliance fails, the refrigerator stops freezing, runs without stopping, or, conversely, does not turn on at all. But before you run to the workshop, you should figure out where is the thermostat located your model - its location depends on the brand, type of cooling system and even the year of manufacture of the equipment.

In this article we will look in detail at how to find the thermostat in refrigerators of popular brands (Atlant, Indesit, Stinol, LG, Samsung etc.), We will provide diagrams with photos, and also tell you how to check its functionality and replace it if necessary. If you have never repaired equipment, don’t worry: the process of finding and diagnosing a thermal relay is easier than it seems!

What is a thermal relay and how does it work

Thermal relay (thermostat, thermostat) is an electromechanical or electronic device that measures temperature inside the refrigerator or freezer compartment and sends a signal to the compressor to turn on/off. Its main task is to maintain a given cooling mode, preventing overheating or freezing of food.

In older models of refrigerators (ZIL, Minsk, Biryusa Soviet production) mechanical thermostats with a capillary tube filled with freon were installed. Modern devices (LG No Frost, Samsung Twin Cooling) are equipped with electronic sensors that transmit data to the control board. However, the principle of operation remains the same:

• 🔹 Capillary tube (in mechanical models) reacts to temperature changes, expanding or compressing the gas inside.
• 🔹 Relay contacts close/open, turning on or off the compressor.
• 🔹 Adjustment knob (in mechanical thermostats) allows you to set the desired temperature regime (usually from +2°C to +8°C).

If the thermostat fails, the refrigerator starts to work incorrectly. For example:

• ❄️ The compressor does not turn off, it freezes without stopping → the food freezes, ice builds up on the walls.
• 🔥 The compressor does not turn on. → the chambers are warm, the food spoils.
• 🔄 The compressor turns on for a few seconds and immediately turns off (cyclically).

Where is the thermostat in the refrigerator: general principles

The location of the thermostat depends on refrigerator designs i type of cooling system. In most cases, it can be found in the following places:

1. Inside the refrigerator compartment —the most common option is mounted on the back wall, under the plastic cover or next to the lamp. lighting.
2. Outside, on the top panel - typical for models with electronic control (LG, Samsung, Bosch).
3. B freezer - if the refrigerator has one compressor, but two cooling zones (for example, Atlant MHM-170).
4. Under the bottom of the refrigerator compartment —in some models Stinol and Indesit.

Important: in refrigerators with a system No Frost the thermal relay is often integrated into the control board and does not have a separate housing. In this case, diagnostics will require disassembling the electronic unit.

How to find a thermostat in a refrigerator of a specific brand

To avoid guessing where to look for a thermostat, use our instructions for popular brands. If your brand is not on the list, be guided by the general principles (see the previous section) or. take a look at operating instructions —there is often a diagram of the location of parts.

🔧 Refrigerators Atlant i Minsk

In most models (Atlant XM-4021, Minsk-15M), the thermal relay is located inside the refrigerator compartment, on the back wall on the right. To get to it:

1. Disconnect the refrigerator from the mains.
2. Remove all products from the top shelf.
3. Remove the plastic cover (it is attached to latches or screws).
4. Under the cover you will see a round or oval thermostat housing with a tube going into the wall.

In models with No Frost (for example Atlant NF-200) the thermostat can be hidden behind the control panel on the top door.

🔧 Refrigerators Indesit i Ariston

The location here depends on the system cooling:

• 🔹 In single-chamber models (Indesit TS 116) the thermostat is located outside, on the top panel, under the decorative cover.
• 🔹 B two-chamber (Indesit DF 4180) - inside the refrigerator compartment, on the ceiling or back wall.
• 🔹 In models with No Frost — in the electronic unit (disassembly required).

🔧 Refrigerators Samsung i LG

Most modern models (Samsung RL-34, LG GA-B409) are equipped electronic thermal relays, which built into the control board. They cannot be replaced separately - only together with the module. However, in some budget series the thermostat may be located:

• 🔹 Behind display on the top door (you need to remove the panel). data-i="168">display
• 🔹 Inside the refrigerator compartment, under the lid next to the lamp.

🔧 Refrigerators Stinol i Biryusa

In these brands, the thermostat is often located under the bottom of the refrigerator compartment or on the back wall. To find it:

1. Turn off the refrigerator and pull it out. niches.
2. Remove the lower decorative panel (it is secured with screws).
3. The thermostat will be attached to the body, and its capillary tube goes into the chamber.

What to do if the thermostat is not found?

If you examined all the typical places, but did not find the thermostat, perhaps in your model it is integrated into the control board (especially in refrigerators with No Frost or inverter compressors). In this case, special equipment will be required for diagnostics, and it is better to contact a specialist.

How to check the thermostat for functionality

Before replacing the thermostat, make sure that it is the problem. For diagnostics you will need multimeter (or a tester) and a screwdriver. Follow the instructions:

Disconnect the refrigerator from the mains

Remove the cover covering the thermostat

Disconnect the wires from the relay terminals (take a photo of the connection diagram!)

Switch the multimeter to resistance testing mode (200 Ohm)

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Step 1. Checking the resistance

Connect the multimeter probes to the thermal relay terminals (usually there are three of them: 3 and 4 - contacts relay 6 — grounding). At room temperature, the resistance between 3 and 4 should be 0 Ohm (the contacts are closed). If the device shows 1 (break), the thermostat is faulty.

Step 2. Checking the reaction to temperature

Gently heat the capillary tube of the thermostat (for example, by lowering it into warm water). A working relay should Open the contacts (the resistance will become infinite). If this does not happen, the part must be replaced.

Step 3. Checking the circuit

Make sure that voltage is supplied to the thermal relay terminals 220V (checked in voltmeter mode when the refrigerator). If there is no voltage, the problem may be in wiring or fuse.

⚠️ Attention: Do not touch the thermostat terminals when the refrigerator is on - this is dangerous for life! Carry out all measurements only after disconnecting the equipment from the network.

How to replace the thermostat yourself

If diagnostics have confirmed that the thermostat is faulty, you can replace it yourself. The main thing is to choose a similar model (the part number is usually indicated on the relay body) and follow the instructions.

Tools and materials:

• 🔧 New thermal relay (for example, K59-L1438 for Atlant, Danfoss 077B6 for Indesit).
• 🔧 Screwdriver (Phillips or flat).
• 🔧 Pliers (for removing the terminals).
• 🔧 Insulating tape or heat shrink tube.

Step-by-step replacement:

1. Unplug the refrigerator and defrost it.
2. Remove the cover covering the thermostat (see section on search details).
3. Take a photo of the wire connection diagram or mark them.
4. Disconnect the wires and capillary tube (carefully, do not bend!).
5. Unscrew the screws securing the thermostat and remove it.
6. Install a new relay, connect the wires and tube in the reverse order.
7. Close the lid and turn on the refrigerator.

⚠️ Attention: In refrigerators with electronic control (Samsung, LG), replacing the thermal relay often requires flashing the board. If after installing a new relay, the refrigerator does not work, contact the service center.

Common mistakes when finding and replacing a thermal relay

Even experienced craftsmen sometimes make mistakes that lead to repeated breakdowns. Here's what you can't do when working with a thermostat:

• ❌ Ignore the markings of the wires - if you mix up the terminals, the refrigerator can burn out.
• ❌ Bend the capillary tube —this breaks its tightness and leads to gas leakage.
• ❌ Install a relay from another model —even if it looks similar, the response parameters may not match.
• ❌ Check the relay without turning off the refrigerator —risk of electric shock!
• ❌ Do not close the thermostat cover tightly —this may cause freezing of the contacts.

Another common error is incorrect diagnosis. If the refrigerator does not freeze, the problem may not be in the thermostat, but in:

• 🔹 Compressor (does not start or works intermittently).
• 🔹 Start-up relay (clicks, but the motor does not start).
• 🔹 Freon leak (the refrigerator does not cool well, but the compressor works without stopping).
• 🔹 Clogged capillary tube (only the upper chamber freezes).

If you are not sure of the cause of the breakdown, it is better to call a technician - he will carry out a full diagnosis using special equipment.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the thermostat in the refrigerator

🔹 Can the thermostat be repaired or just replaced?

Mechanical Thermal relays cannot be repaired - they can only be replaced. In some cases, electronic sensors are restored by soldering the contacts, but this is a temporary solution. It is better to install a new part.

🔹 How to understand that the thermal relay is faulty and not the compressor?

If the compressor does not turn on at all, check the voltage at the thermal relay terminals. If it is there, but the motor is not. starts - the problem is in the compressor or start-up relay. If there is no voltage, the thermostat is to blame.

🔹 How much does it cost to replace a thermal relay in the service?

The cost of work depends on the refrigerator model and region On average:

• Replacement of a mechanical thermal relay - 1500–3000 rub.
• Replacement of the electronic sensor (with flashing) - 3000–5000 rub.
• The relay itself will cost 800–2500 rubles. (depending on brand).

🔹 Is it possible to temporarily do without a thermal relay?

Yes, but it is unsafe. You can manually turn on/off the compressor via the start relay, but this can lead to overheating of the motor or freezing of the products. Use this one. method only as a last resort!

🔹 Where to buy a thermostat for a refrigerator?

A new thermostat can be found:

• 🔹 In specialized stores of spare parts for household appliances.
• 🔹 On marketplaces (Wildberries, Ozon, AliExpress - search by part number).
• 🔹 In the service centers of your refrigerator brand.

Before purchasing, check number models (it is indicated on the body of the old relay).