If you are faced with a situation where your refrigerator Beko has stopped properly cooling food or, conversely, has turned the contents of the freezer into an icy monolith, the first suspicious element becomes thermostat. This small device is the “brain center” of the cooling system, responsible for the timely start and stop of the compressor. Understanding where the thermostat is in a Beko refrigerator is a key step for self-diagnosis or preparation for professional repair.
In modern models, the location of the sensors may vary depending on the type of control (mechanical or electronic) and the defrosting system. In older models with a “crying” system and a mechanical regulator knob, it is easiest to find - it is hidden inside the chamber. However, in devices with a system No Frost or electronic control thermostat it can be hidden deep behind the casing or replaced with electronic sensors that do not require replacement in a domestic environment. It is critically important to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply before starting any work, as you will work with live elements.
In this article we will analyze in detail the anatomy of refrigerators Bekoso that you can accurately determine the location of the control element in your model. We will look at the differences between mechanical and electronic systems, and also provide an algorithm for action when a malfunction is detected. Do not rush to call a technician until you are sure that the problem lies precisely in the sensor, and not in a banal sticking button or a leak in the seal.
The operating principle and types of thermostats in Beko technology
Before looking for the physical location of the device, it is necessary to understand what exactly we are dealing with. Refrigerators Beko use two main types of temperature controllers: mechanical and electronic. Mechanical thermostat is a sealed flask filled with gas or liquid that responds to changes in temperature in the chamber. When the working fluid expands or contracts, the electrical contacts close or open, giving a command to the compressor.
Electronic systems, which are more often found in new models, use resistors that change their resistance depending on the temperature. They have no moving parts and are often located directly on the evaporator or in the air ducts. Finding such a sensor is more difficult, since it is not connected to a rotary knob on the body, but is part of a complex control circuit. thermistors - resistors that change their resistance depending on temperature. They have no moving parts and are often located directly on the evaporator or in the air ducts. Finding such a sensor is more difficult, since it is not connected to a rotary knob on the body, but is part of a complex control circuit.
What is the difference between a thermostat and a thermostat?
In everyday understanding, these are synonyms. A thermostat is a device for maintaining a constant temperature, and a thermostat is a regulation mechanism. In the context of Beko refrigerators, these terms are used interchangeably to refer to the sensor that controls the compressor.
You can tell what type of appliance you have by the presence of a rotary knob inside the refrigerator compartment. If there is a handle and it turns with a characteristic click, you have a mechanical system. If there is a digital display on the front panel, and there is a smooth wall inside the chamber without protruding controls, then most likely the control is electronic, and searching for a “thermostat” in the classical sense may be impractical without a diagram.
Thermostat location in models with mechanical control
In classic single-chamber refrigerators and two-chamber models Beko s With a mechanical control, the thermostat is most often hidden under a plastic casing that hides the lighting lamp. This is a standard solution for brand engineers, allowing the sensor to correctly read the air temperature in the main chamber. To get to it, you will need to remove the lamp shade, which is usually held on by latches or one screw.
After dismantling the lamp shade, you will be presented with a plastic box, inside which the lamp itself is located switching mechanism. A long corrugated tube extends from it - a capillary, the end of which (the sensitive flask) is fixed to the evaporator or in a special hole in the rear wall. It is important not to damage this tube during disassembly, since depressurization of the system will make the device useless.
In some modifications, the thermostat can be moved outside the refrigeration chamber, for example, in a foamed space or near the compressor, but this is rare for household models. Beko. This is usually typical for built-in appliances or industrial cabinets. If there is nothing under the lamp shade, carefully inspect the side walls of the chamber for hidden plugs.
Access to the mechanical unit often requires partial disassembly of the internal space. You may need to remove the shelves and even the back plastic panel if the capillary tube extends deep into the structure. Be careful with plastic elements at low temperatures - they become brittle and can crack from careless movement.
Where to look for sensors in No Frost refrigerators and with electronics
In systems No Frost the situation is radically different. There is no one main thermostat controlling the entire process. Instead, a network of sensors is used, scattered across different units of the unit. The main air temperature sensor is usually located in the air duct that supplies cold to the refrigerator compartment, or directly on the back wall, hidden behind a decorative panel.
To access these elements in models Beko No Frost often requires complete defrosting and dismantling the rear wall of the freezer or refrigerator compartment. It is there, in a visible place, that you will find the evaporator and thermal sensorsattached to it. There may be several of them: one to control the temperature of the evaporator (for the defrost system), another for the air in the chamber, the third in the “zero temperature” zone, if such a function is provided.
- ❄️ Evaporator sensor - controls the defrosting process and prevents freezing.
- 🌡️ The air sensor is the main regulator of the compressor operation in modern models.
- 💧 Drip drain sensor - prevents overflow of the pan in some modifications.
If your refrigerator is equipped with a display on the door, searching for a physical “twist” does not make sense. The electronic control module receives data from the sensors and makes the decision to turn on the motor. In such cases, diagnostics are carried out by measuring the resistance of the sensors with a multimeter, and not by visually searching for a clicking mechanism.
⚠️ Attention: In models with electronic control, replacing sensors requires precise selection of resistance (for example, 5 kOhm or 10 kOhm at 25°C). Installing an unsuitable sensor will lead to incorrect operation of the entire unit.
Signs of a malfunctioning thermostat
How to understand that the problem lies in thermostatand not in a freon leak or a compressor malfunction? There are a number of characteristic symptoms that indicate failure of this element. The first and most obvious sign is that the refrigerator does not turn on at all, although the light is on and there is voltage in the socket. If the compressor does not start when you turn the regulator knob or close the contacts manually, the circuit may be broken.
The second scenario is continuous operation of the motor. The refrigerator hums non-stop, the food in the main chamber freezes, and a “fur coat” forms on the back wall. This indicates that the thermostat contacts are “stuck” in the closed state, and the command to turn off the compressor is not received. In such cases, the temperature inside drops significantly below the established norm.
☑️ Thermostat diagnostics
The third sign is incorrect operation when the refrigerator turns on too rarely or too often, unable to maintain the normal cycle. This may indicate a loss of sensitivity of the working fluid inside the thermostat bulb. It is also worth paying attention to the condition of the capillary tube: if it is deformed or has traces of corrosion, the tightness may have been compromised.
Instructions for checking and replacing the element
If you decide to replace it yourself, you will need a minimum set of tools: screwdrivers (Phillips and flathead), pliers and, preferably, a multimeter for testing. Before starting work, be sure to defrost the chamber and disconnect the device from the mains. The process begins with dismantling the plastic panels that block access to the desired unit.
To check the mechanical thermostat, it must be removed from its seat. Carefully disconnect the wires (after photographing the connection diagram first!) and remove the tube from the mount. Ring the contacts: in normal condition (at room temperature) they should be closed. If you put the sensitive flask in the freezer for 10-15 minutes, the circuit should break (open). Lack of response indicates a malfunction.
| Symptom | Probable cause | Check method |
|---|---|---|
| The refrigerator does not turn on | Open thermostat circuit | Short the wires directly |
| Continuous operation of the motor | Sticking contacts | Resistance measurement |
| Unstable temperature | Loss tightness | Visual inspection of the tube |
| Frequent clicks | Incorrect calibration | Observation of cycles |
Replacement is carried out in the reverse order of removal. It is important to install a new one thermostat with the same markings as the old one. The length of the capillary tube should match the original or be slightly longer (the excess is neatly placed in the niche). After assembling and turning on, check the operation of the system: the compressor should start, and after a while, when the set temperature is reached, turn off.
Common mistakes during diagnostics and repair
The most common mistake is trying to replace a working thermostat when the problem lies elsewhere. For example, if there is a freon leak in the system, the compressor will work constantly, trying to gain temperature, which is mistakenly taken for a sensor failure. Always start diagnostics by checking the tightness of the system and the condition of the door seals.
Another mistake is ignoring the condition of the contacts. Sometimes it is enough to simply clean oxidized contacts or bend a plate to get the device to work. However, in modern sealed enclosures Beko this is difficult to do, and most often a complete replacement of the assembly is required. Do not try to repair the thermostat capsule itself - this is a disposable element.
⚠️ Attention: Never use thermostats from other manufacturers without double-checking the parameters. Different lengths of the capillary or temperature range of operation will lead to incorrect operation of the refrigerator.
Also, users often forget about the importance of correct installation of the capillary tube. It should fit tightly to the evaporator in a specially designated place. If the tube hangs in the air of the chamber, the temperature readings will be incorrect, which will lead to frequent switching on or, conversely, to defrosting of the food.
When to contact a professional
Despite its apparent simplicity, replacing the thermostat in some models Beko can be a real challenge. If access to the sensor requires disassembling a foamed circuit or dismantling a complex control unit, it is better not to risk it. Unqualified intervention can lead to damage to the plastic fasteners, which become very brittle in cold conditions.
In addition, if after replacing the thermostat the refrigerator does not work, the problem may be deeper. A technician with professional equipment will be able to quickly determine whether there is freon in the system, whether the compressor is working properly and whether the electronic board is working correctly. Do-it-yourself repairs without experience can be more expensive than calling a specialist.
Is it possible to temporarily close the thermostat to make the refrigerator work?
Yes, you can connect the wires going to the thermostat directly. This will force the compressor to run constantly. However, this is a temporary measure: the refrigerator will freeze until you turn it off, which can lead to food freezing and the evaporator freezing. Use this method only for diagnostics.
Where to buy an original thermostat for Beko?
It is better to look for original spare parts in authorized service centers or specialized stores of spare parts for household appliances. When ordering, be sure to indicate the exact model of the refrigerator (located on the nameplate inside the chamber) and the article number of the old thermostat.
Why does the new thermostat click, but the refrigerator does not turn on?
If there is a click, then the thermostat is working. The problem may be in the compressor start relay, the motor itself, or the lack of freon. It is also worth checking whether voltage is coming to the thermostat itself.
How long does the thermostat in the refrigerator last?
The average service life of a mechanical thermostat is 5-7 years, after which its characteristics may change. Electronic sensors usually last longer, but can fail due to power surges or moisture.