A sudden stop of the compressor or, conversely, its continuous hum often indicates a malfunction of the temperature control system. Owners of equipment Biryusa often face a situation where food begins to spoil due to insufficient cold or, on the contrary, freezes even in the vegetable compartment. In many cases, the root of the problem lies in a failed thermostat, which stops responding correctly to changes in temperature inside the chamber.
Replacing this element yourself allows you to save a significant amount on calling a technician, since the procedure does not require complex specialized equipment. However, for successful repairs, it is necessary to clearly understand the structure of the unit and observe safety precautions when working with electrical components. In this article we will analyze in detail the process of diagnostics, selection of analogs and installation of a new thermostat.
Before disassembling the unit, make sure that the refrigerator is completely defrosted and disconnected from the power supply. Working with moisture and electricity requires extreme caution, and the presence of condensation may result in a short circuit or electric shock. If you are not confident in your abilities, it is better to entrust the work to professionals, but if you decide to act on your own, follow the instructions step by step.
Diagnostics of a thermostat malfunction
The first sign that thermostat requires attention is a violation of the temperature regime. If the compressor either does not turn on at all, or works non-stop, trying to achieve unattainable parameters, this is a direct signal of a sensor failure. In normal operating mode, the equipment Biryusa should periodically turn on and off, maintaining the specified range.
For an initial check, you can use the exclusion method. Try closing the contacts of the wires coming from the thermostat, bypassing the regulator itself. If after this manipulation the compressor starts working, then the problem is in the sensor. However, it is worth considering that similar symptoms may appear if the starting relay or the motor-compressor itself malfunctions.
⚠️ Attention: Checking by contact closure should be carried out briefly and only with the plug disconnected from the network at the time of connecting the wires. Turning on the power with the contacts closed for a long time can lead to overheating of the compressor.
There are several obvious symptoms that indicate the need for replacement:
- ❄️ The compressor hums, but does not start, or runs continuously without rest cycles.
- 🌡️ The temperature in the main chamber is significantly higher or lower than the set regulator knob.
- 🔌 Traces of oxidation, burning or mechanical damage are visible on the thermostat body.
- 💡 The lighting bulb may not light up if the power circuit is connected to contacts thermostat.
Selecting a suitable thermostat model
Selecting the right spare part is a critically important step, since different models Biryusa are equipped with thermostats with different characteristics. The main difference is the length of the capillary tube and the temperature range of the contacts. Using an unsuitable analogue will lead to incorrect operation of the refrigerator even after installation.
The most common thermostats in the equipment of this brand are thermostats of the series TAM or imported analogues Danfoss (now Secop). When purchasing, pay attention to the markings: the numbers at the end indicate the length of the tube in centimeters. For example, TAM-133-1M-3 means a tube length of 3 meters, which is suitable for most two-chamber models.
Below is a table of correspondence between popular models of thermostats for various series of refrigerators:
| Biryusa refrigerator model | Original thermostat | Capillary tube length | Mounting type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biryusa 6, 8, 10 | TAM-133 | 0.73 m | Invoice |
| Biryusa 133, 134 | TAM-133-1M | 2.5 - 3.0 m | Internal |
| Biryusa 130, 131 | TAM-133-1M-2 | 2.5 m | Internal |
| Biryusa 135, 136 | TAM-133-1M-3 | 3.0 m | Internal |
At When ordering spare parts through online stores, always check with the seller for compatibility with your specific modification. Sometimes manufacturers make changes to the design, and visually identical refrigerators may require different sensors. It is best to remove the old element and select an analogue according to the markings on its body.
Necessary tools and preparation
To carry out high-quality repairs, you will need a minimum set of tools, which most home craftsmen can find. The main thing is to ensure good lighting of the work area and free access to the refrigerator. Prepare everything you need in advance so as not to interrupt the process of searching for the missing screwdriver.
You will need the following tools and materials:
- 🔧 A set of screwdrivers (phillips and flat) for removing panels and terminals.
- 🔪 A sharp knife or side cutters for cutting insulation and stripping wires.
- 🔌 Insulating tape or heat shrink tubing for insulating connections.
- 🧤 Gloves to protect hands from sharp edges and contamination.
☑️ Ready for repair
Pay special attention to the condition of the wiring. If the wire insulation is old and cracked, it will need to be renewed during the replacement process. Working with electrical appliances does not tolerate negligence, so any damage to the insulation must be repaired immediately.
If your model uses a thermostat with a capillary tube, handle it with extreme care. The tube is filled with refrigerant and is very thin; any damage will lead to gas leakage and the impossibility of further operation of the sensor. Do not bend the tube at an acute angle.
Removing the old thermostat
The process of removing the faulty element begins with providing access to it. In refrigerators Biryusa the thermostat is usually located inside the refrigerator compartment, in a plastic box, or outside, under the top cover of the unit. The design depends on the year of manufacture and model series.
If the regulator is inside:
- Remove the temperature control knob by simply pulling it towards you.
- Unscrew the mounting screws holding the plastic case thermostat.
- Carefully remove the unit, trying not to damage the capillary tube that is inserted into the chamber.
- Disconnect the electrical wires from the contacts, having first memorized or photographed the connection diagram.
⚠️ Attention: Before disconnecting the wires, be sure to take a photo or a detailed connection diagram. Mixed-up contacts can lead to a short circuit or failure of the compressor.
In models where the thermostat is located outside (under the top cover), it is necessary to remove the top panel of the refrigerator. To do this, unscrew the screws around the perimeter of the cover, after which it moves back or up. The capillary tube in such models passes through a hole in the chamber wall and is fixed inside.
What to do if the capillary tube is stuck?
If the tube is stuck to the wall or stuck in the hole, do not pull it by force. Try gently warming the exit area with a hairdryer or treating it with a penetrating lubricant. Excessive force may break the tube inside the housing, which will require complex repairs.
Installing and connecting a new sensor
Installation of a new thermostat is carried out in the reverse order of dismantling. If the length of the capillary tube of the new element is longer than that of the old one, the excess is carefully rolled into a ring and placed behind the back wall of the refrigerator. The main thing is to avoid creases and kinks in the tube.
The fastening of the sensitive element (bellows) inside the chamber must be tight. In some models Biryusa the tube is pressed with a special plate or bracket to the evaporator. Poor contact will lead to a delay in the thermostat response and incorrect temperature conditions.
When connecting wires, follow the diagram or color marking made earlier:
- 🔴 The red or brown wire is usually the phase coming from network.
- 🔵 The blue or black wire often goes to the compressor.
- 🟢 The yellow-green wire is a ground that cannot be ignored.
After connecting all contacts, check the reliability of the fixation. Wires must not touch moving parts of the compressor or hot areas. Lay the wiring in the standard channels and secure with clamps, if necessary.
Checking functionality and setting
After assembling the case and installing all panels, you can begin testing. Plug in the refrigerator and set the thermostat knob to the middle position. During the first 10-15 minutes, the compressor should start and begin to cool the chamber.
To accurately check the temperature, it is recommended to use an external thermometer placed in a glass of water. This will allow you to calibrate the position of the control knob. The normal temperature for the refrigerator compartment is considered to be from +2 to +6 degrees Celsius.
Pay attention to the operating cycle: after reaching the set temperature, the compressor should turn off. If this does not happen, perhaps the sensitive element is not pressed tightly enough to the evaporator or the wrong type of thermostat is selected.
⚠️ Attention: If after replacing the thermostat the refrigerator does not work correctly, do not leave it on for a long time. Check the connection diagram again - an error in switching the contacts could be the starting relay.
Common mistakes when replacing yourself
One of the common mistakes is ignoring the length of the capillary tube. Installing a thermostat with a short tube into a model designed for a long tube will result in the sensor not reaching the temperature control zone. As a result, the refrigerator will not turn off.
Also, novice craftsmen often forget about the need for a tight fit of the bellows to the surface of the evaporator. The air gap between the tube and the metal creates thermal resistance, causing the sensor to “see” the temperature with a delay. This leads to large temperature changes and excessive energy consumption.
Another mistake is poor quality insulation of the twists. In conditions of high humidity inside the refrigerator, even minimal exposure of the wire can lead to corrosion of the contact and sparking. Always use reliable connection methods.
Is it possible to install a thermostat with a different marking?
Installation of an analogue is possible only if the temperature response range and the length of the capillary tube match. Different markings may mean different logic of contact operation (normally open or normally closed), which is critical for the operation of the circuit.
Why does the new thermostat click but does not turn on the compressor?
A click means mechanical operation of the contacts, but if the compressor is silent, the problem may be in the start relay, the motor itself, or the lack of power at the input thermostat Check the presence of voltage with a multimeter.
How often do you need to change the thermostat in the Biryusa refrigerator?
The service life of the thermostat is usually 5-10 years, depending on the intensity of use and power surges in the network. Planned replacement is not required, repairs are made only after a breakdown.
Is the liquid inside the capillary tube dangerous?
Inside the tube there is an inert gas or freon in small quantities under low pressure. If the tube is accidentally damaged, there is no danger to health, but the sensor itself will become unusable.