How to properly turn off the freezer in a Veko refrigerator: instructions for different models

Disconnecting the freezer compartment in the refrigerator Veko may be needed in different situations: to save energy if the freezer is not in use, during a temporary departure, or to diagnose faults. However, incorrect actions can lead to compressor failure, malfunction of the main chamber, or even void the warranty. In this article we will figure out how to safely turn off the freezer on models Veko with mechanical and electronic controls, what nuances to consider for refrigerators with No Frost and without it, and also what to do if problems arise after disconnecting.

It is important to understand that the design of refrigerators Veko varies depending on the series and year of manufacture. For example, in models Veko RKN-210 or Veko RCN-3920 the process of turning off the freezer will differ from more modern lines with a display. We will look at universal methods, and also point out features for specific modifications. If you are not sure about the model of your refrigerator, check the sticker on the inside wall or in the technical data sheet - usually the series and main characteristics are indicated there.

Before you start disconnecting, please note: some refrigerators Veko have general cooling circuit for the refrigerator and freezer compartments. In this case, turning off the freezer completely may affect the operation of the main compartment. To avoid food spoilage, we recommend moving perishable goods to another compartment in advance or using a cooler bag.

1. Preparing the refrigerator to turn off the freezer

Before turning off the freezer, you must complete several mandatory steps. This will help avoid breakdowns and ensure the safety of the procedure.

Firstly, defrost the freezer completely. Frost and ice can prevent proper shutdown and can also cause a short circuit if moisture gets on the electrical contacts. You can use a fan or containers of warm water to speed up the process, but do not direct hot air directly at the seals - they may become deformed. In models with No Frost defrosting takes less time, but it is still worth doing.

Secondly, unplug the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes before starting manipulations. This will reset the settings and allow the electronics to rest. Some models Veko (for example, Veko RCN-3521) have a function Super Freezethat can block changes to parameters - turning off the power will help deactivate it.

• 🔌 Unplug from the socket without pulling it out cord.
• ❄️ Remove all products from the freezer and let it thaw at room temperature.
• 🧹 Wipe the inside surface with a dry cloth to avoid corrosion.
• 📄 Prepare instructions to the refrigerator - there may be specific recommendations for your model.

⚠️ Attention: If your refrigerator Veko is equipped with a system Total No Frost (for example, models Veko VCS-5140), then when the freezer is turned off, the refrigerator compartment may also automatically turn off. Check this in the technical documentation or on the manufacturer's official website.

2. Turning off the freezer in refrigerators Veko with mechanical control

Mechanical refrigerators Veko (for example, Veko RKN-185 or Veko RCN-3310) are controlled using rotary controls. In these models, the freezer and refrigerator compartments often have separate thermostats, which simplifies the shutdown process.

To turn off the freezer, find the freezer temperature control - it is usually located inside the compartment or on the top panel of the refrigerator. Turn it to position OFF or 0. If the control does not have a clear mark OFF, set it to the minimum value (for example, 1) and check if the freezer stops working after 1-2 hours.

Some mechanical models (for example, Veko RCN-250) may require physically turning off the freezer compressor. To do this:

1. Remove the back panel of the refrigerator (by unscrewing the screws with a Phillips screwdriver).
2. Find the freezer compressor - it is usually smaller in size than the main one.
3. Carefully disconnect the power terminals from the compressor, having previously photographed their location.
4. Cover the contacts with insulating tape to avoid short circuits.

Disconnect the refrigerator from the mains

Drain the water from the drainage system

Take a photo of the location of the terminals

Use tools with insulated handles-->

⚠️ Attention: If you are not confident in your skills in working with electrical equipment, do not try to turn off the compressor yourself. Contact a specialist - incorrectly disconnecting the terminals can lead to an electric shock or failure of the entire refrigerator.

In refrigerators Veko with one compressor (for example, Veko RKN-210), physical shutdown of the freezer is impossible without completely stopping the operation of the refrigeration chamber. In this case, the only option is to set the freezer thermostat to the minimum value and open the door less often.

3. Turning off the freezer in refrigerators Veko with electronic control

Electronic models Veko (for example, Veko VCS-5140, Veko VCN-6390) are equipped with a display and touch or push-button panels. Here, the process of turning off the freezer is simpler, but requires strict adherence to the instructions.

Usually, to turn off the freezer you need to:

1. Press the button Freezer or Morozilka (depending on the model).
2. Hold it for 3-5 seconds until the indicator appears on the display OFF or the snowflake icon goes out.
3. Confirm the action, if required (in some models you need to press OK).

In refrigerators with separate controls (for example, Veko VCN-5350) there may be a separate button Fridge Only - it automatically turns off the freezer, leaving only the refrigerator compartment to work. If there is no such button, check the settings menu:

Settings → Operating modes → Turn off the freezer

Some models (for example, Veko VCS-6391) have a function Vacation Mode (vacation mode), which turns off the freezer and switches the refrigerator compartment to energy-saving mode. It is usually activated by long pressing the button Eco or Holiday.

4. What to do if the freezer does not turn off?

Sometimes even after following all the instructions, the freezer continues to work. This may be due to several reasons:

• ❓ Thermostat malfunction - if the temperature regulator is broken, the freezer will work regardless of its position.
• ⚡ Stuck relay compressor - in this case, the freezer compressor does not receive a signal to turn off.
• 🔄 Failure in the electronic control unit —more common in models with a display after power surges.
• ❄️ Mode activated Super Freeze —some models Veko block the freezer from turning off while this mode is on.

To diagnose the problem:

1. Check whether the indicator is lit Super Freeze (usually indicated by a snowflake with an exclamation mark). If yes, turn it off with the button Super.
2. Try to reset the refrigerator settings to factory settings (in electronic models this is done by holding the button Reset or combination Mode + Temp ↑ for 10 seconds).
3. If the freezer still does not turn off, disconnect the refrigerator from the network for 30 minutes - this can reset the errors of the electronic unit.

If none of the methods helped, most likely you will need to replace the thermostat or repair the control board. In this case, it is better to contact the service center Veko, especially if the refrigerator is under warranty. Repairing electronics yourself without experience can aggravate the breakdown.

How to check a freezer thermostat with a multimeter?

To check the thermostat, disconnect it from the circuit (usually it is located next to the freezer evaporator). Set the multimeter to resistance test mode (200 ohms). At room temperature, a working thermostat should show a resistance close to 0 ohms. If the device shows a break (infinity), the thermostat is faulty and requires replacement.

5. Consequences of turning off the freezer: what you need to know

Disconnecting the freezer affects not only its operation, but also the overall system of the refrigerator. Here are the changes you can expect:

• ⚡ Reduction in energy consumption by 20–30% (depending on the model).
• 🌡️ Increase in temperature in the refrigeration room chamber by 1–2°C due to changes in air circulation.
• 💧 Increasing humidity in the main compartment, if the freezer was part of the system No Frost.
• 🔊 Reducing the noise level (the freezer compressor usually works louder).

If you turned off the freezer for a long time, consider the following nuances:

— In refrigerators with one compressor (for example, Veko RKN-210) turning off the freezer can lead to uneven cooling the main chamber. Products on the upper shelves may freeze, and on the lower ones they may not be cooled enough.

— In models with separate compressors (for example, Veko VCS-6390) the risks are minimal, but it's worth keeping an eye on condensation. Without the freezer running, moisture can accumulate in the drainage system, which will lead to an unpleasant odor.

⚠️ Attention: If you have turned off the freezer in a refrigerator with a system Full No Frost, do not block ventilation holes between chambers. This can cause overheating of the refrigerator compartment compressor and lead to its breakdown.

For long-term shutdown of the freezer (more than 1 month), we recommend:

• 🧊 Once every 2 weeks, turn on the freezer for 1-2 hours to prevent oil stagnation in compressor.
• 🧽 Periodically wipe the internal surfaces with a soda solution (1 tablespoon per 1 liter of water) to avoid mold.
• 🔌 Use a voltage stabilizer when turning it on again - this will protect the electronics from surges.

6. How to turn the freezer back on after being unplugged

Restarting the freezer after a long period of inactivity requires caution, especially if the refrigerator was unplugged. Here are step-by-step instructions:

1. Check that there is no moisture or ice inside the freezer. If necessary, wipe the surfaces with a dry cloth.
2. Connect the refrigerator to the mains and let it stand for 10-15 minutes before turning it on (this is necessary to stabilize the pressure in the system).
3. For mechanical models, turn the freezer control to the position 2–3 (medium temperature).
4. For electronic models, press the button Freezer or select mode Normal in the menu.
5. Close the freezer door and wait 2-3 hours until the temperature stabilizes. Do not load food right away!

If after turning on the freezer does not cool:

• Check whether the operation indicator (snowflake or Cool).
• Make sure the door is tightly closed and the seal is not damaged.
• Listen to see if the compressor turns on (a slight hum should be heard).

If the freezer does not start working within 6 hours, this may indicate:

• 🔌 Refrigerant leak (the system needs to be recharged).
• 🔧 Malfunction of the compressor start relay.
• 📱 Failure of the control board (more often after power surges).

In these cases, we do not recommend trying to repair the refrigerator yourself - contact an authorized service center Veko.

7. Alternative ways to save energy without turning off the freezer

If your goal is to reduce energy consumption, but you do not want to turn it off completely. freezer, consider the following options:

• ❄️ Set the freezer temperature to -12°C instead of standard ones -18°C. This will reduce the load on the compressor.
• 🔄 Turn on the mode Eco (if available in your model. It optimizes the operation of both compressors.
• 🧊 Defrost and dry the freezer —ice and snow increase energy consumption by 15–20%.
• 📅 Plan defrosting once every 3 months (for models without No Frost).

Also pay attention to external factors:

• 🌡️ The refrigerator should not stand next to the radiator or stove.
• ☀️ Direct sunlight increases the load on the cooling system.
• 🔌 Use voltage stabilizer —surges in the network reduce the service life of the compressor.

For models Veko with function Smart Inverter (for example, Veko VCS-6391) you can additionally configure compressor operating schedule via a mobile application (if supported). This allows you to reduce energy consumption at night, when opening the door is unlikely.

Frequently asked questions

Is it possible to turn off the freezer at refrigerator Veko with one compressor?

In most models with one compressor (for example, Veko RKN-210), it is impossible to completely turn off the freezer without stopping the operation of the refrigerator compartment. You can only minimize its cooling by setting the regulator to 1 or Min. In this case, the freezer will maintain a temperature of about 0°C, and the main chamber will continue to operate as normal.

What happens if you turn off the freezer in the refrigerator with No Frost?

In refrigerators Veko with the system No Frost (for example, Veko VCS-5140) turning off the freezer will lead to:

• Stopping the fan responsible for air circulation.
• Increasing humidity in the refrigerator compartment (condensation may form).
• Increasing the load on the refrigeration chamber compressor.

If you plan to turn off the freezer for a long time, turn it on once a week for 1-2 hours to dry the system.

How to turn off the freezer in the refrigerator Veko VCN-6390?

In the model Veko VCN-6390 the freezer is turned off through the menu:

1. Press the button Menu.
2. Select the item Operating modes (using the buttons ↑/↓).
3. Activate mode Vacation (Vacation).
4. Confirm the selection with the button OK.

In this mode, the freezer turns off and the refrigerator compartment maintains a temperature of +12°C.

An error code appears E2 after shutdown freezers. What should I do?

The code E2 in refrigerators Veko usually indicates problem with the freezer temperature sensorTo fix the error:

1. Unplug the refrigerator for 10 minutes.
2. Check that the freezer door is tightly closed.
3. If the error persists, try resetting the settings (hold Mode + Temp ↑ 10 seconds).
4. If all else fails, contact service - the sensor may need to be replaced.

Is it possible to turn off the freezer without defrosting it?

Technically it is possible, but not recommended. If there is ice or snow in the freezer, it will melt when unplugged and moisture may get into the electrical contacts or into the drainage system. This is fraught with:

• Short circuit.
• Formation of mold in the drainage.
• Corrosion of metal parts.

If there is no time for defrosting, at least remove visible ice manually and wipe the surfaces.