Loss of freshness by products or, conversely, their freezing - these are the first signals that thermal control system your refrigerator is out of order. In brand models Stinolwhich have proven themselves to be reliable equipment for decades, the thermostat is a key element of temperature control. Understanding exactly where it is located is the first and most important step to troubleshooting the problem yourself without calling a technician.
Most often, the question of the location of this unit arises when the refrigerator stops turning off or, on the contrary, does not start the compressor. Thermoregulator (or thermostat) is a sensor that reads the temperature inside the chamber and commands the motor to turn on or off. Depending on the year of manufacture and the specific model Stinol, the location of its installation may vary, but the principle remains the same: it must read the temperature of the air or evaporator as accurately as possible.
In this article we will analyze in detail all possible options for the location of the device, consider differences between single-chamber and double-chamber models, and also provide an algorithm of actions for safe replacement. Diagnostics starts with a visual inspection, so it is important to know where to look so as not to damage the plastic elements of the interior.
Operation principle and types of Stinol thermostats
Before you start searching, you need to understand what kind of device you are dealing with. Refrigerators Stinol most often use mechanical thermostats of the TAM or TABseries, as well as their analogues from other manufacturers, such as K59 or Ranco. These devices operate based on the expansion and compression of gas or liquid inside a bellows tube, which is the sensitive element.
Mechanical thermostat is a plastic case with an adjustment knob and several contacts. When the temperature inside the chamber changes, the gas in the tube changes its pressure, which leads to the opening or closing of the electrical circuit. If you hear a characteristic click when you turn the knob, it means that the switching mechanism is working, but the problem may lie in the capillary tube or contacts.
There is also a division by the number of chambers. In single-compartment models, the thermostat usually controls the temperature in a single compartment, while in two-compartment units it most often controls the temperature in the refrigerator compartment, and the freezer works in tandem with it or has a separate system (in models with two compressors). It is important to correctly identify the type of your device, since the connection diagram depends on this.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any work to find or replace the thermostat, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the electrical network! Working with live electrical wiring is deadly.
What is the difference between TAM and K59 thermostats?
Thermostats of the TAM series (Italy) often have a longer capillary tube and a specific mounting flange, while K59 (Spain/China) are their more modern and common analogues. When replacing, it is important to pay attention to the length of the tube and the location of the contacts, since they may not match visually, but be functionally identical.
Localization in single-chamber models
In classic single-chamber refrigerators Stinol it is easiest to find a thermostat, since the design here is less complex. The main temperature control unit is traditionally located inside the refrigerator compartment. You do not need to disassemble the rear wall from the outside or get to the engine compartment.
The standard placement location is the upper right or left corner of the camera, directly under or next to the dome light. The thermostat is built into a plastic case that is attached to the inner wall of the refrigerator. The temperature control knob is located outside so that the user can easily change settings without opening complex components.
To gain access to the insides, it is often enough to remove the lampshade. In some modifications thermostat hidden behind a decorative panel that is secured with latches. Carefully prying it up with a plastic spatula, you will see the metal body of the sensor and a long corrugated tube extending from it.
- 🔍 Inspect the area around the lamp: often the thermostat is hidden in a niche above it.
- 🔧 Check for screws: sometimes the unit is fixed with one or two self-tapping screws under a decorative plug.
- ❄️ Pay attention to the tube: it should not touch the walls of the chamber or products so as not to distort the readings.
The length of the capillary tube in such models is usually about 1.3 meters. It is inserted into the space between the inner plastic and the outer casing or into a special groove in the evaporator. If you are planning a replacement, be sure to measure the length of the old tube, since one that is too long will have to be carefully rolled up, and a short one may not reach the desired area.
Searching for a thermostat in two-chamber refrigerators
In two-chamber models Stinol (with one compressor), the logic of the location remains similar, but there are important nuances. The thermostat is still responsible for the temperature in the refrigerator compartment, since this is where products that require precise temperature conditions are stored. The freezer compartment in such systems is cooled according to the residual principle or through air flow channels.
Most often, the control unit is located in the upper part of the refrigerator compartment, but can be moved closer to the doorway. In models with a system No Frost (although this is rare for Stinol, a drip system is more common), sensors can be built into the defrost system, but the classic mechanical thermostat will still be displayed on the control panel inside.
Sometimes, depending on the year of manufacture, the manufacturer could change the design. In older series thermostat it could be placed on the front panel of the door, but this is typical for more modern electronic models. In mechanical Stinols, look for a characteristic knob with numbers from 1 to 5 or from Min to Max inside the chamber.
| Model Stinol | System type | Thermostat location | Access features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stinol 101/102 | Drip | Inside, top right | Removing the lamp shade |
| Stinol 103/104 | Drip | Inside, left top | Removal of the decorative panel |
| Stinol 110 | Drip | Inside, above the door | Removal of the visor required |
| Stinol 205 | Drip | Inside, near the wall | Direct access after removing the handle |
If you do not see an obvious regulator inside the camera, it may be hidden behind a plastic cover that imitates part of the wall. Carefully inspect the perimeter of the top of the refrigerator compartment. The presence of a small hole or protrusion often indicates where to install the temperature sensor temperature sensor.
Access through the engine compartment and rear wall
Although the main control unit is located inside, part of the system - namely the connection box and the capillary tube entry point - can be controlled through the rear panel of the refrigerator. This is relevant if you are carrying out a complete diagnosis or replacement, and you need to ensure the integrity of the connections.
The back wall of the refrigerator Stinol is usually closed with a metal or plastic casing secured with screws. Once you remove it, you will see the compressor, capacitor and start relay. The thermostat is not completely located in this compartment, but its electrical contacts go to the engine start relay. This is where the circuit that starts the engine is closed.
It is important to check the condition of the wires running from the internal thermostat to the engine compartment. Often the problem lies not in the sensor itself, but in oxidized contacts or a frayed wire at the point where it exits the housing. Electrical diagram refrigerator is quite simple, but requires care when checking with a multimeter.
☑️ Check before disassembly
If you plan to remove the thermostat completely, you will have to dismantle the inner lining of the chamber or carefully pull it through the technological hole. Be careful with the capillary tube: it is very thin and easily damaged. Any microcrack will lead to freon leakage from the thermoregulation system, and the sensor will stop working.
⚠️ Attention: The capillary tube of the thermostat is filled with refrigerant under pressure. Do not bend it at an acute angle or pierce it. Damage to the tube requires replacement of the entire thermostat.
Removing and replacing the thermostat
The replacement process thermostat in the refrigerator Stinol requires accuracy and a minimum set of tools. You will need a screwdriver (Phillips and flathead), pliers and, preferably, a new thermostat with similar characteristics. Before purchasing a new part, be sure to write off the markings from the old device.
First remove the temperature control knob. It may be a tight fit, so pull it gently without jerking to avoid breaking the stem. Then remove the mounting screws holding the thermostat housing in place. In some models Stinol the body is held on by latches that need to be carefully pressed out.
After removing the unit, disconnect the wires. It is recommended to first take a photo of the connection diagram or mark the wires with a marker so as not to confuse them during assembly. You need to pull the capillary tube out of the chamber slowly, straightening its turns, so as not to damage the insulation and the tube itself.
- 📸 Take a photo of the wire connection before disconnecting.
- 🧊 Defrost the refrigerator before replacing so that water does not get on the contacts.
- 🛠️ Use original spare parts or proven analogues (TAM, K59, Ranco).
Installation of a new thermostat is carried out in the reverse order. The capillary tube must be placed in the same groove or mount where the old one was located. If the new tube is longer, the excess can be carefully wound into a spiral inside the chamber, but do not crumple it into a ball. After assembly, check the operation of the refrigerator by setting the knob to the middle value.
Fault diagnosis and frequent errors
Lack of cold does not always mean a thermostat breakdown. Before replacing, it is worth ruling out other causes. For example, if the refrigerator hums but does not freeze, the problem may be with the compressor or a freon leak. If the engine does not start at all, but the light is on, this is precisely the responsibility of thermostat or the starting relay.
A common mistake is an attempt to “reanimate” the old thermostat by tapping or heating. The mechanical parts may have worn out, and a temporary restoration will not solve the problem long-term. In addition, incorrect setting of the new sensor can lead to the refrigerator working non-stop, freezing food.
You can check the serviceability of the thermostat with a multimeter in dial mode. At room temperature, the contacts should be closed (if it is a normally closed thermostat). If you place the sensitive tube in the freezer, after a while you should hear a click and the circuit will open. Lack of response indicates a malfunction.
It is also worth paying attention to the condition of the door seal. If it does not fit tightly, warm air constantly flows inside, and the thermostat simply does not have time to turn off the compressor, since the set temperature is not reached. In this case, replacing the sensor will not help.
Is it possible to use a thermostat from another refrigerator?
You can use a thermostat from another model only if its technical characteristics match: temperature range, capillary tube length, type of contacts and mounting method. There are no universal solutions, since different refrigerants and chamber designs require different response points.
Why does the Stinol refrigerator not turn off after replacing the thermostat?
There may be several reasons: the thermostat is incorrectly selected (wrong temperature thresholds), the capillary tube is installed in the wrong place or does not fit well to the evaporator, or there is a problem altogether not in the thermostat (freon leak, clogged capillary of the cooling system, compressor malfunction).
How to determine that it is the thermostat that is broken and not the relay?
If, when the thermostat contacts are closed directly (bypassing it), the compressor starts and works normally, most likely the thermostat is faulty. If, with a direct connection, the motor hums, but does not start, or does not respond at all, the problem is in the start relay, compressor or electrical circuit.
Is it necessary to defrost the refrigerator before replacing?
Yes, this is necessary. Firstly, for safe access to internal elements. Secondly, water from melting ice can get on the electrical contacts of the new thermostat or cause a short circuit. Complete defrosting will take from 10 to 24 hours.