Sudden stoppage of operation compressor or, conversely, its endless operation often indicates a malfunction of the temperature sensor. In two-chamber models of the brand Atlant this element, called a thermostat, is responsible for maintaining the set temperature. If you notice that the food in the refrigerator compartment has begun to deteriorate or, on the contrary, freeze, and ice has formed in the freezer, most likely the thermostat has failed. Replacing this component yourself is possible if you have basic skills in handling tools and an understanding of the basics of electrical safety. The process does not require complex industrial equipment, but requires care and precision, since the elements are fragile. In this article, we will look in detail at how to diagnose the problem and replace the temperature controller so that your thermostat.
Replacing this component yourself is possible if you have basic tool skills and an understanding of basic electrical safety. The process does not require complex industrial equipment, but requires care and precision, since the elements are fragile. In this article we will look in detail at how to diagnose the problem and replace the temperature controller so that your Atlant refrigerator works correctly again.
Before starting any manipulations, you must completely de-energize the unit. Unplug the cord and move the appliance away from the wall for easy access to the rear panel and internal compartments. Ignoring this rule may result in electric shock or damage to the electronic control boards.
Signs of a malfunctioning thermostat in the Atlant refrigerator
Understanding the symptoms allows you to avoid unnecessary disassembly of a working device. The main sign of a breakdown is a violation of the cyclic operation of the compressor. In normal mode refrigeration unit turns on and off at certain intervals, depending on the load and ambient temperature.
If the compressor hums continuously, without stopping for a minute, this indicates that the sensor “does not see” a decrease in temperature and does not give a command to turn off. In the opposite situation, the engine does not start at all, even if it is warm inside. It is also worth listening to characteristic clicks: if you hear a click, but the compressor does not start, or there is no click at all when changing the position of the regulator knob, this is a direct signal to check.
⚠️ Attention: If you do not hear a characteristic click when turning the thermostat knob, this does not guarantee its malfunction. Sometimes the problem lies in sticking contacts of the start relay or the compressor itself.
An additional indicator is the condition of the products and condensation. When the motor runs “eternally” in the refrigerator compartment, a “coat” of ice may form on the back wall, and food may become frozen. When the motor is silent, the contents defrost, an unpleasant odor and moisture appear on the floor.
Necessary tools and preparation for repair
To successfully replace the thermostat in two-chamber models Atlant you will need a minimum set of home craftsman. You don't need specialized wrenches, but the quality of the tools directly affects the convenience and speed of work. Prepare flat and Phillips screwdrivers, side cutters or scissors for cutting insulation, as well as electrical tape or heat shrink.
Pay special attention to preparing the workplace. Provide good lighting, as it is often dark inside the refrigerator compartment and behind the plastic panels. Find a container for defrosting in advance if an ice crust has formed inside, preventing access to the nodes.
- 🛠️ A set of screwdrivers (phillips and flat) for removing panels and terminals.
- ✂️ Side cutters or wire cutters for working with wires and clamps.
- 🔦 Flashlight for illuminating hard-to-reach places inside the camera.
- 🧤 Gloves to protect hands from sharp edges of plastic and metal.
It is important to choose the right spare part. Thermostats T-133, TAM-133 or K-59 are visually similar, but have different capillary tube lengths and temperature response ranges. Using the wrong model will lead to incorrect operation of the refrigerator.
Diagnostics: checking the thermostat with a multimeter
Before disassembling half of the refrigerator, it makes sense to make sure that the part is faulty. To do this, you will need a multimeter switched to continuity mode. First you need to get to the thermostat contacts by removing the plastic cover from the temperature control knob inside the chamber.
Disconnect the wires from the sensor terminals. In normal condition (at room temperature), the contacts should be closed and the device will emit a beep. If the multimeter shows an open circuit, try cooling the sensing element (capillary tube) by immersing it in cold water with ice for a couple of minutes.
If after cooling the circuit does not close, the part is clearly faulty and requires replacement. A short circuit to the body is also checked: one probe is applied to the metal body of the thermostat, the other to the contacts. The device should not beep.
| Contact state | Multimeter reading | Diagnosis |
|---|---|---|
| At room temperature | 0 Ohm (beeps) | Normal (contacts closed) |
| At room t° | ∞ (no signal) | Open (faulty) |
| After cooling | ∞ (no signal) | Normal (contacts open) |
| Contacts - Housing | 0 Ohm (beeps) | Insulation breakdown (dangerous) |
Removing the old thermostat in a two-chamber model
The process of removing the sensor in two-chamber refrigerators Atlant has its own characteristics that distinguish them from single-chamber analogues. Here, the capillary tube often passes through the entire height of the fridge compartment and enters the foamed circuit or is attached to the evaporator.
Start by removing the top cover of the refrigerator (visor). It is usually secured with two screws at the front and latches at the back. Use a flathead screwdriver to carefully pry back the latches to avoid breaking the plastic. Under the cover you will see a wiring harness and the entry point of the capillary tube.
Next you need to release the capillary tube from the mounting clips on the chamber wall. Proceed with extreme caution: the tube is thin and can easily become pinched or burst. If it is foamed into the wall, it must be carefully released without damaging the insulation.
⚠️ Attention: The capillary tube is filled with freon under pressure. Do not bite, bend or pierce it under any circumstances. Damage to the tube will lead to a refrigerant leak and will require expensive professional refilling.
Having disconnected the tube from the mountings, remove the thermostat itself from its seat. It is usually held on a bracket or inserted into a groove. Bite off the wires closer to the sensor body, leaving some room for twisting, or carefully remove the terminals if they are not oxidized.
Installing a new sensor and connecting electrical equipment
Installation of a new element is carried out in the reverse order of dismantling. Insert the sensitive element into the hole in the chamber, secure it with a bracket or clip in the same way as the old one was secured. Make sure that the tube does not touch sharp metal edges.
When connecting wires, be sure to use high-quality insulation. A simple twist in the high humidity of the refrigeration chamber will quickly oxidize, which will lead to heating of the contacts and possible fire. Use heat-shrinkable tubes or reliable terminal blocks.
☑️ Check before starting
Assemble the plastic cover and the top cover of the refrigerator. Make sure all the latches are in place and there are no gaps through which the cold will escape. Plug in the refrigerator.
After turning on, listen to the operation of the compressor. It should start after a while. Turn the adjustment knob: when turned counterclockwise all the way, the compressor should turn off (open the contacts).
Setting and checking operation after replacement
After replacing the thermostat, it takes time to stabilize the temperature. Do not load the chamber with food during the first hours of operation; let the refrigerator return to normal. This usually takes from 4 to 6 hours.
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