Sudden stoppage of the compressor or, conversely, its continuous humming often signals a failure of the temperature control system. In refrigerators of the Belarusian brand Atlant a thermostat is responsible for controlling the climate inside the chambers, which may lose its properties over time. If you notice that the food in the freezer has begun to melt, and in the refrigerator compartment, on the contrary, everything has become covered with an ice crust, most likely it’s time to replace this important unit.
Independently replacing the regulator in the refrigerator Atlant is a quite realistic task for a person who knows how to handle a screwdriver and multimeter. However, before proceeding with dismantling, it is necessary to make sure of the diagnosis, since similar symptoms can occur if there is a freon leak or a malfunction of the start relay. In this article, we will analyze all the stages of diagnostics, selection of a new part and the process of installing it so that you can bring your equipment back to life without calling a specialist.
Diagnostics of a thermostat malfunction
The first step before purchasing spare parts is to accurately determine the cause of the malfunction of the unit. A thermal relay, or thermostat, is a device that opens and closes an electrical circuit depending on the temperature in the evaporator. If the contacts inside it are “stuck” in a closed state, the compressor will work non-stop, trying to cool the chamber to unattainable values, which leads to freezing of the “coat” and increased energy consumption.
In the opposite situation, when the contacts do not close, the motor-compressor will not start at all, even if the chamber is warm. For an initial check, you can try tapping the regulator body with the handle of a screwdriver while the unit is plugged in. If after an impact the compressor hums, it means that the mechanism is stuck and its resource has been exhausted. A more accurate method is to test the contacts with a multimeter in resistance measurement mode.
⚠️ Attention: Before carrying out any diagnostic and disassembly work, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply. Working with electrical appliances under voltage is deadly.
To check with a multimeter, you need to get to the thermostat contacts, remove the wires from them and connect the probes of the device to the terminals. At room temperature, a working regulator should show a resistance close to zero (the circuit is closed). If the device shows infinity or one on the screen, it means that the circuit is broken and the part requires replacement.
Necessary tools and preparation
In order to replace the thermostat successfully and quickly, you need to prepare working tools in advance. You don't need complex industrial equipment; a standard home craftsman's kit is enough. It is important that all tools are in good working order and that the workplace is well lit, since some elements are located in hard-to-reach places.
The main list of tools includes Phillips and flathead screwdrivers, which will be needed to remove panels and dismantle the regulator itself. You also need a side cutter or scissors for working with insulation if you need to extend the wires, and pliers for carefully removing the terminals. Do not forget to prepare a multimeter for the final check of the assembled circuit.
☑️ Preparation for repair
Particular attention should be paid to organizing the space around the refrigerator. Move the unit away from the wall, allowing access to the rear. If the model is built-in, you will need to remove it from the niche or remove the top cover of the cabinet. Take care in advance about where you will put small fasteners so as not to lose them during work.
Choosing a compatible thermostat for Atlant
The spare parts market offers many analogues, but for reliable operation it is better to choose original components or proven substitutes. Thermostats for refrigerators Atlant are most often marked by manufacturers Tam, K-59, K-50 or Oris. It is critically important to select a part with a similar length of the capillary tube, since the accuracy of the automation depends on this.
The length of the capillary tube is the distance from the thermostat body to the sensitive element that is attached to the evaporator. If the tube is too short, you simply will not be able to install it in its normal place, and if it is too long, you will have to carefully roll it up, risking damage to the thin copper. There is always a marking on the body of the new part, for example Tam 133-1M or K-59 L1275, where the numbers after the letter L indicate the length in centimeters.
| Thermostat model | Capillary tube length | Type contacts | Application |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tam 133-1M | 2.5 meters | Normally closed | Single-chamber refrigerators |
| K-59 L1275 | 2.5 meters | Normal closed | Two-chamber (top position) |
| Tam 145 | 0.75 meters | Normal closed | Freezers |
| K-50 L1025 | 2.5 meters | Normal closed | Refrigerator compartment |
When purchasing, pay attention to the number of contacts. A standard regulator for Atlant usually has three terminals: one for grounding (yellow-green wire) and two for the compressor electrical circuit. There are also models with a fourth contact for the indicator, but they are less common. If you are not sure about the choice, it is better to remove the old regulator and come to the store with it for a visual comparison.
Removing the old temperature regulator
The process of removing a faulty thermostat begins with clearing access to it. In most refrigerator models Atlant the regulator is located inside the refrigerator compartment, under a plastic cover or in the upper part of the case. Carefully remove the temperature control knob by pulling it towards you and unscrew the screws securing the decorative panel.
After removing the panel, you will see the thermostat housing. Before disconnecting the wires, it is strongly recommended to take a photo of the connection diagram or sketch the color coding of the wires. This will eliminate errors during assembly when you have to remember which wire went where. Typically, wires of white, black, yellow and orange colors are used.
Nuances of removing the capillary tube
The capillary tube is inserted into the evaporator through a special hole and secured with a clamping bar. When dismantling, do not pull the tube itself with force, as it may burst. First, remove the clamping bar, then carefully pull the tube out of the socket, helping yourself with pliers, but without squeezing the copper too much.
Having disconnected the wires, we proceed to removing the capillary tube. It passes through the inner wall of the chamber to the evaporator. In some models, to access the place where the tube is attached to the evaporator, it is necessary to remove the back wall of the refrigerator compartment or even remove the entire unit from the housing. Proceed carefully so as not to damage the aluminum evaporator tubes, since their repair will require calling a technician with equipment for refilling freon.
Installation of a new thermostat and connection
Installation of a new regulator is carried out in the reverse order of dismantling. Insert the sensitive capillary tube into the hole as far as it will go, making sure that it does not bend or hit obstacles inside the housing. Secure the tube with a standard clamping strip or adhesive tape if the original fasteners were lost, ensuring tight contact with the surface of the evaporator.
Connecting the electrical part requires care. Use photographs or recordings you have taken previously. Typically the circuit looks like this: the red wire (phase) goes to the input, and the black and yellow wires go to the output to the compressor and indicator, respectively. If the colors of the wires on the new thermostat differ from the old ones, refer to the diagram printed on the body of the part or in the instructions for your model Atlant.
After connecting all the wires, check the reliability of the connections again. The terminals should fit snugly, without loosening on the contacts. Over time, the vibration of a running compressor can loosen a poor connection, leading to sparking and melting of the plastic. Lay the wires so that they do not touch moving parts or hot elements, if any, in the installation area.
Setting up and checking the operation of the refrigerator
After installing the new regulator and assembling the housing, it is necessary to conduct a test run. Set the adjustment knob to the middle position (usually number 3 or 4). Plug in the refrigerator and listen to the motor. It should start in a few seconds or minutes, depending on the model and the current temperature in the chamber.
Let the unit run idle (without food) for 2-3 hours. During this time, the refrigerator should reach temperature and turn off. If the compressor runs continuously for more than an hour and does not turn off, and there is no uniform heating on the rear grille of the condenser, perhaps the regulator is selected incorrectly or the capillary tube is in poor contact with the evaporator.
⚠️ Attention: If, after replacing the thermostat, the refrigerator began to freeze too much or, conversely, stopped turning off, do not leave it in this state for a long time. This may lead to food spoilage or compressor failure due to overheating.
Check the tightness of the door seal after prolonged operation. If the door is warping due to ice or system malfunction, the door may need to be adjusted or the defrost system checked. Correct operation of the thermostat is the key to stable temperature conditions and long service life of your refrigerator.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to install a thermostat with a longer capillary tube than it was originally?
Yes, it is possible, but the excess tube will have to be carefully rolled into a ring with a diameter of at least 5-6 centimeters and secured inside the case so as not to damage it. The main thing is that the sensitive element remains in contact with the evaporator, and the tube itself is not kinked.
Why does the new thermostat click, but the compressor does not start?
This may indicate a malfunction of the compressor start relay or the motor itself. It is also worth checking whether voltage is coming to the thermostat input. If there is voltage, there is a click, but there is no voltage at the output - the problem is in the contacts of the new regulator.
How often do you need to change the thermostat in the Atlant refrigerator?
The average service life of a high-quality thermostat is 7-10 years. However, with frequent power surges or mechanical damage, it may fail earlier. Scheduled replacement is not required, only in the event of a malfunction.
Does replacing the thermostat affect the refrigerator warranty?
Independent opening of seals and violation of the integrity of factory fastenings, as a rule, leads to removal of the product from warranty service. If your refrigerator is still under warranty, it is better to contact an authorized service center.
What to do if the capillary tube of the new regulator is shorter than the old one?
If the difference in length is insignificant (5-10 cm), you can try to carefully tighten the tube or shift the attachment point. If the tube is much shorter, it will not reach the temperature control zone and the refrigerator will not operate correctly. In this case, it is better to purchase a model with a suitable length.