Repair of household appliances often begins with troubleshooting in the automatic temperature control system, and the most common cause of problems is thermostat. If your refrigerator stops turning off or, conversely, stops turning on, retaining heat inside, most likely the model's sensor has exhausted its life. This component is responsible for opening and closing the electrical circuit depending on the temperature of the evaporator, ensuring a stable microclimate in the chambers. TAM 133-1M. This component is responsible for opening and closing the electrical circuit depending on the temperature of the evaporator, ensuring a stable microclimate in the chambers.
The replacement process requires care, since we are talking about working with electric current and fragile structural elements. Incorrect connection can lead to compressor failure or system leakage. In this article, we will analyze in detail how to properly connect a thermostat, avoiding the typical mistakes that beginners make during their first independent repair.
Diagnostics of a thermostat malfunction
Before proceeding with disassembly and replacement, you need to make sure that the problem lies in the sensor TAM 133-1M. There are several signs indicating failure of this element, and ignoring them can lead to food spoilage or defrosting of the unit. Primary diagnosis helps save time and money by eliminating other breakdowns.
The most obvious symptom is the continuous operation of the compressor, even when it is clearly too cold inside the refrigeration chamber. In this case, the thermostat is simply “stuck” in the closed state and does not send a signal to turn off the motor. The opposite situation, when the refrigerator is silent and does not respond to turns of the regulator knob, also indicates an open circuit inside the sensor.
For a more accurate check, you can use a multimeter in dial mode. At room temperature, the thermostat contacts should be closed, and when the capillary tube is placed in the cold (for example, in a freezer), they should open. If the device shows no response to temperature changes, the element requires replacement.
- 🔌 The compressor works non-stop, forming an ice crust on the back wall.
- 🌡️ The temperature in the chamber does not correspond to the set position of the regulator knob.
- 🔇 Complete lack of reaction of the refrigerator to turning on the network when the starting relay is working.
- ⚡ Characteristic crackling or clicking sounds coming from the control unit, during which the motor does not start.
⚠️ Attention: Before any diagnostics, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply. Working with live electrical wiring is deadly and can lead to a short circuit.
Preparation for replacement and the necessary tools
The success of the thermostat replacement operation TAM 133-1M directly depends on the quality of preparation of the workplace and the availability of a suitable tool. You do not need complex industrial equipment, but the basic kit of a home craftsman should be fully equipped. The absence of the necessary screwdriver can delay the process for hours or damage the plastic latches of the case.
The main task at this stage is to provide access to the sensor mounting location, which can be located in different areas for different refrigerator models. Most often, the thermostat is hidden under a plastic panel inside the chamber or behind the back cover of the unit. Carefully remove all interfering elements using a flat-head screwdriver to unclip the clips.
Be sure to prepare a container to collect possible residual water if you need to defrost the evaporator before accessing the sensor. A clean work area is critical to ensure that small debris or drops of moisture do not get on the electrical contacts of the new thermostat.
☑️ Tools for replacing the thermostat
Removing the old thermostat TAM 133-1M
The process of removing a faulty sensor requires special care, since the capillary tube going to the evaporator is made of thin metal and is easily damaged. Do not use excessive force when pulling the tube out of the mounting hole, so as not to damage the integrity of the cooling system.
First, disconnect the temperature control knob, which is usually simply removed by hand or secured with a screw under a decorative plug. Then unscrew the fasteners of the thermostat housing itself and carefully remove it from the niche. Pay attention to exactly how it was laid capillary tubeto repeat this path when installing a new element.
Disconnecting the electrical wires is best done after photographing the connection diagram. The wires may be tightly clamped in the terminals, so use a thin screwdriver to gently pry the clamps out. Do not pull the wires, holding the insulation, so as not to break the wires inside.
What to do if the capillary tube breaks off?
If during dismantling the capillary tube breaks inside the channel, do not try to remove the fragment with a wire or hook - you may damage the evaporator. In most cases, a new thermostat can be installed by carefully inserting its tube nearby or using the standard hole if it is free. The main thing is to ensure tight contact of the sensitive element with the surface of the evaporator.
Connection diagram and installation of a new sensor
Installation of a new thermostat TAM 133-1M is carried out in the reverse order of dismantling, but observing the important nuances of the electrical circuit. The contacts must be connected strictly in accordance with the markings or previously taken photos, since reversed phases can lead to incorrect operation or burning of fuses.
The capillary tube of the new sensor must be carefully inserted into the standard hole until it stops, ensuring its tight fit to the evaporator. It is through this tube that the thermal expansion of the liquid inside the sensor is transmitted, which causes the contacts to open. If the tube hangs in the air, the refrigerator will not sense the actual temperature.
After physical installation, secure the thermostat housing with screws and reinstall the adjustment knob. Make sure that the wires are not pinched by the housing and do not touch moving parts or hot elements of the compressor.
| Contact on the thermostat | Wire color (typical) | Function | Where to connect |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | Red / Brown | Phase (Input) | From mains / relay |
| 4 | Black / Blue | Phase (Output) | On compressor |
| 6 | Yellow / Green | Grounding | To the body |
It is important to note that the color marking of the wires may vary depending on the manufacturer of the refrigerator and the year of manufacture. Always rely on the diagram printed on the thermostat itself, or use a multimeter to test the circuit.
⚠️ Attention: Make sure that the model TAM 133-1M fully matches the length of the capillary tube and the type of mounting to your previous sensor. Universal analogues may have other response parameters.
Setting temperature modes
After connecting the thermostat, it is necessary to carry out initial setup and check its functionality. Plug in the refrigerator and set the control knob to the middle position. After a while, you should hear a characteristic click and the compressor starts.
Let the unit run for several hours to gain temperature. If the refrigerator turns off and on on its own, maintaining the cold, it means installation was successful. If the operating cycle is broken, additional adjustment of the screws on the thermostat body may be required, but this can only be done by specialists with a pressure gauge.
Do not immediately set the minimum temperature (maximum cold), this will create an excessive load on the new thermostat and compressor. Start with average values and gradually adjust the mode depending on food storage needs.
Typical errors during self-installation
Independent repair is often accompanied by errors that can negate all efforts. One of the most common is insufficient insertion of the capillary tube into the evaporator. In this case, the sensor responds to the temperature of the air in the chamber, and not to the temperature of the evaporator, which leads to incorrect operating cycles.
Another common mistake is poor contact in electrical connections. If the terminals are loosely clamped or oxidized, sparking and heating will occur at the contact point, which will eventually lead to melting of the plastic and possible fire. Always check the tightness of the wire connection.
Ignoring grounding is also a serious violation of safety precautions. A thermostat is a metal device, and if the insulation breaks down, dangerous voltage may be present on the body. The presence of a ground wire is critical to the protection of the user.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to use a TAM 133-1M thermostat instead of a TAM 132?
In most cases, these models are interchangeable, since they have similar response parameters. However, it is worth paying attention to the length of the capillary tube and the type of fastening. If the parameters differ slightly, installation is possible, but adjustments to the settings may be required.
Why does the refrigerator not turn off after replacing the thermostat?
This may indicate several problems: incorrect connection of the contacts, a freon leak in the system, or a malfunction of the new thermostat itself. Also, the reason may be a loose fit of the capillary tube to the evaporator.
Is it necessary to pump out freon before replacing the thermostat?
No, the thermostat is located outside the refrigerant circuit. The thermostat capillary tube is filled with its own filler gas and is not connected to the refrigerator cooling system. Freon pumping is not required.
How to check if a new thermostat is working before installation?
Use a multimeter in test mode. At room temperature the contacts should ring (be closed). If you place the sensing element in a freezer, the circuit should break after a while. Lack of reaction indicates a defect.