Search thermostat in the refrigerator Atlant often becomes the first step in diagnosing cooling problems. The owner may be faced with a situation where the compressor works without stopping or, conversely, does not turn on at all. Understanding where exactly this important unit is located will allow you to independently conduct an initial inspection and decide on further actions.
The design of refrigerators Atlant has its own characteristics that distinguish them from products of other brands. The location of the temperature sensor directly depends on the type of your model: it is single-chamber or double-chamber. In some cases, access to the element will require a minimal set of tools, and in others, partial disassembly of the internal part of the unit.
Thermostat is responsible for maintaining the specified temperature conditions inside the chambers. If this device fails or its readings are incorrect, food may be spoiled. Therefore, it is important to know not only its location, but also the signs indicating the need for replacement or repair.
The operating principle and types of Atlant thermostats
In Belarusian-made refrigerators, mechanical ones are most often used thermoregulators with a bellows tube. The principle of their operation is based on the expansion and contraction of the refrigerant inside the sensitive tube as the temperature changes. When the air in the chamber heats up, the pressure in the tube increases, closing the contacts and starting compressor.
However, in modern models Atlant with a system No Frost or electronic control, digital sensors They are small resistors whose resistance varies depending on the ambient temperature. Such elements are usually hidden inside the housing and do not have a visible adjustment knob.
Mechanical regulators are divided into several types according to the temperature range and the length of the bellows tube. Some models are used for freezers, and others for the refrigerator compartment. Installing an unsuitable analogue will lead to incorrect operation of the entire unit.
⚠️ Attention: An attempt to replace a mechanical thermostat with an electronic one (or vice versa) without changing the control circuit will lead to breakdown of the refrigerator electronics. Use only compatible spare parts.
It is important to consider that the bellows tube is a thin and sensitive element. If handled carelessly, it can easily be damaged, which will make the device unusable. That is why search and dismantling require caution and understanding of the device.
What is the difference between a capillary tube and a bellows tube?
The bellows tube of a thermostat is filled with freon or other filler gas and reacts to temperature by closing the contacts. The capillary tube of the refrigeration circuit is part of the refrigerant circulation system. They cannot be confused: damage to the thermostat bellows requires replacement of the entire regulator, and repairing the capillary of the circuit is a difficult procedure for a technician.
Where to look for a thermostat in single-chamber models
In classic single-chamber refrigerators Atlant is the easiest way to find. Most often it is located inside the refrigerator compartment. Carefully inspect the right or left wall, closer to the ceiling of the chamber. There you will see a plastic handle that usually controls the temperature. thermostat easiest way. Most often it is located inside the refrigerator compartment. Carefully inspect the right or left wall, closer to the ceiling of the chamber. There you will see a plastic knob that usually controls the temperature.
Under this handle the mechanism itself is hidden. To get to the internal contacts, you must carefully remove the plastic handle. It can simply pull towards itself or have a hidden lock. After removing the handle, you will see a rod going deep into the body.
In some modifications of single-chamber models thermostat it can be hidden behind a decorative panel or lampshade. If the adjustment knob is located outside on the front panel, then the control unit itself is most likely located behind it, inside the technical compartment.
Access to the contact group in such models is usually opened after removing the protective cover. Be careful: the wires approach the terminals under voltage. Before starting any work with the electrical part, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the network.
Location of the sensor in two-chamber refrigerators
In two-chamber models Atlant the situation is more complicated. Thermoregulator The refrigerator compartment is often hidden in a niche above the door or behind the top decorative strip. To get to it, you may need to remove the top cover of the refrigerator or carefully bend the plastic seal.
If your refrigerator is equipped with a system No Frost, then the thermostat (or defrost sensor) is located in the evaporator, behind the back wall refrigerator or freezer compartment. You won't be able to get there without partially disassembling the interior. You will need to remove the shelves and dismantle the plastic panel.
In models with one compressor and two chambers, the thermostat controls the operation of the motor, focusing on the temperature in one of the chambers (usually the refrigerator). In such cases, the freezer compartment is cooled according to the residual principle, and there may not be a separate regulator there.
⚠️ Attention: The design of the internal panels in different series Atlant is different. Do not use excessive force when removing the plastic so as not to break the latches, which can become fragile in the cold.
Sometimes manufacturers hide sensors in special technological holes in the chamber wall. Visually, they can be seen as small plastic fittings through which the sensitive element passes. They cannot be painted over or covered with food.
Access to the thermostat through the engine compartment
There is a category of refrigerators Atlantwhere thermostat is located not inside the chambers, but in the rear engine compartment. This is typical for some old or specific industrial models, as well as for control units in complex systems.
To check this option, move the refrigerator away from the wall and remove the back metal cover at the bottom of the case. There you will see the compressor, the start relay and possibly the thermostat itself. It will look like a black or white plastic barrel with matching wires.
It is important to note that this arrangement is rare in modern household models. Most often, there is only start-up relay and a capacitor at the back. The thermostat is placed inside for the convenience of the user and a more accurate reading of the air temperature.
☑️ Checking the engine compartment
When working in the engine compartment, be extremely careful. There may be sharp metal edges, as well as hot elements if the refrigerator has just been running. In addition, dust accumulates there, which, if it gets on the contacts, can cause a short circuit.
Typical signs of a malfunctioning thermostat
You can understand that thermostat it has failed by indirect signs. The most obvious symptom is that the refrigerator works without interruption, freezing up like a fur coat, but not turning off. This indicates that the thermostat contacts are stuck in a closed state.
The opposite situation is also possible: the compressor is silent, the chamber is warm, and when you turn the control knob there is no click. This means that the circuit is broken and there is no signal to start the engine. In both cases, diagnostics is required.
Another sign is incorrect temperature. Food in the refrigerator either freezes or quickly spoils, despite the correct position of the control knob. This indicates that the calibration of the device has gone wrong or the sensitive element has lost its properties.
| Symptom | Probable cause | Action |
|---|---|---|
| The refrigerator does not turn on | Open circuit of thermostat | Ring contacts |
| Works without stopping | Sticking contacts | Replace thermostat |
| Weak cold in camera | Calibration lost | Try adjustment |
| Frequent on/off | Incorrect readings | Check the bellows tube |
You should not ignore these signals. Long-term operation of the compressor without rest leads to its overheating and costly repairs. Timely replacement of an inexpensive Before purchasing a new thermostat, take a photo of the markings of the old device. Even handles of the same type may have different temperature ranges and capillary tube lengths. thermostat will save the main unit from breakdown.
Instructions for dismantling and replacement
If you determine that thermostat it is faulty, it must be replaced. Start by turning off the power. Then remove the temperature control knob. In most models Atlant it is simply removed by hand, but sometimes you need to pry it off with a flat screwdriver.
After removing the handle, access to the thermostat housing will open. Carefully unscrew the mounting screws or remove the fixing brackets. Disconnect the wires after first remembering or photographing their connection diagram. An incorrect connection may result in a short circuit.
The most delicate part is removing the bellows tube from the evaporator. It can fit tightly. Pull it slowly, without jerking, to avoid damaging the evaporator wall. The new thermostat is installed in the reverse order, the tube is pushed all the way.
⚠️ Attention: When installing a new bellows tube, make sure that it does not touch sharp metal edges and is not bent. A bend with a radius of less than 3 cm can disrupt the circulation of gas inside the tube.
After assembly, turn on the refrigerator and check its operation. The compressor should start, and after a while (when the temperature reaches the set temperature) it should turn off. Cyclic operation is the main sign of system health.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to temporarily close the thermostat contacts?
Yes, this can be done to check the operation of the compressor. If the motor starts when the wires are shorted, then the problem is in the thermostat. However, you cannot leave the refrigerator in this mode for a long time - it will work without stopping until you manually turn it off.
Where to buy an original thermostat for Atlant?
It is better to look for original spare parts in authorized service centers Atlant or specialized stores of spare parts for household appliances. There are many analogues on the market that may not be suitable for temperature conditions.
Why does the refrigerator not freeze after replacing the thermostat?
You may have installed a thermostat with the wrong temperature range or incorrectly inserted the bellows tube into the evaporator. It is also worth checking whether the tube fits tightly to the wall of the evaporator.
Do you need to defrost the refrigerator before replacing?
Complete defrosting is not necessary if you are only changing the thermostat of the refrigerator compartment. However, if access to the evaporator inside the chamber is required, ice may be in the way. In this case, it is better to wait for defrost.
What to do if the new handle does not fit?
Sometimes the thermostat shafts have different diameters. If the handle is loose, you can use a small piece of electrical tape or cambric to seal it. The main thing is to ensure a reliable connection for transmitting torque.