Replacing the thermostat in the Biryusa refrigerator: instructions with photos and advice

Preparation for replacement: tools and safety measures

To replace the thermostat in the refrigerator Turk you will need:

• 🔧 Tools: Phillips and flathead screwdrivers, pliers, wire cutters, multimeter.
• 🧤 Protection: rubber gloves (to prevent frostbite when working with the evaporator), glasses.
• 📦 Consumables: insulating tape, heat-shrinkable tubing, silicone sealant (if necessary to seal holes).
• 📸 Additionally: smartphone for photographing disassembly stages, flashlight.

Step-by-step preparation:

1. Unplug the refrigerator and defrost it within 12-24 hours. Do not use a hair dryer or hot water —this may damage the seals.
2. Remove all shelves and drawers from the chamber where the thermostat is located (usually the top of the refrigerator compartment).
3. Take a photo of the location wires on the thermostat terminals - this will help avoid mistakes during reassembly.
4. Prepare the work area: lay a rag or cardboard so as not to scratch the floor and lose small parts.

If in your model Biryusa The thermostat is located behind the rear panel (for example, in Biryusa-130), additional disassembly will be required:

1. Remove the top cover of the refrigerator (it is secured with 2-4 screws).
2. Unscrew the back panel (usually 6-8 screws).
3. Carefully disconnect the capillary tube from the evaporator - it cannot be bend or twist!

⚠️ Attention: In refrigerators with a system No Frost the thermostat is often integrated into the control unit. Replacing it requires soldering and setting up the electronic module - without experience, it is better to contact the service.

Step-by-step instructions: how to remove and install the thermostat

Let's consider the replacement using the example of a model Biryusa-18C, where the thermostat is located inside the refrigerator compartment. In other models, the sequence is similar, but the fastenings may differ.

Step 1. Removing the temperature control knob

The thermostat handle is mounted on a plastic rod. To remove it:

1. Pry the handle on the side with a flat-head screwdriver (there is a small groove there).
2. Pull it towards you - it will come off the latches.
3. Under the handle you will see a nut or screw that holds the thermostat panel.

Step 2. Removing the protective casing

The thermostat casing is secured with 2-3 self-tapping screws. Unscrew them and carefully remove the panel. Under it you will see:

• The thermostat itself (box with terminals).
• Capillary tube going to the evaporator.
• Wires connected to the terminals (usually 3-4 pieces).

Step 3. Disconnecting the wires

Take a photo of the location of the wires or mark them with electrical tape. Typical pinout for Biryusa:

• 🔵 Blue wire — common (zero).
• 🟢 Green/yellow —grounding (if any).
• 🔴 Red/brown —phase from the compressor.
• ⚪ White —signal wire to the indication light.

Step 4. Removing the thermostat

Carefully pull the thermostat out of its seat. Do not pull the capillary tube —it is fragile! If the tube is glued to the evaporator, pry it off with a knife, after heating it with a hairdryer (temperature no higher than 40°C).

Step 5. Installing a new thermostat

Reverse order:

1. Place the capillary tube of the new thermostat into the hole and secure it to the evaporator (use original fasteners or silicone sealant).
2. Connect the wires according to the photo or markings.
3. Install the thermostat in the seat and secure the casing.
4. Put on the temperature control knob.

Step 6. Checking operation

Connect the refrigerator to the network and set the thermostat knob to position 2-3 (average value). After 10-15 minutes:

• 🔊 The compressor should start working (you will hear a slight hum).
• ❄️ After 30-60 minutes, the back wall should begin to become covered with frost.
• 🌡️ After 2-3 hours the temperature is at the chamber should drop to +4...+6°C.

⚠️ Attention: If after replacement the refrigerator does not turn on, check:

• The correct connection of the wires (especially phase and neutral).
• The integrity of the capillary tube (it could bend during installation).
• Voltage in the socket (should be 220V ±10%).

Typical mistakes when replacing a thermostat and how to avoid them

Even experienced craftsmen sometimes make mistakes that lead to repeated breakdowns. Here TOP-5 misses and how to prevent them:

1. Mixed up wires - if you connect a phase to the signal terminal, the thermostat will burn out immediately after switching on. Solution: always mark the wires or photograph the circuit.
2. Damaged capillary tube —the slightest break or kink leads to a gas leak and the thermostat stops responding to temperature. Solution: fasten the tube without tension, use original clamps.
3. Incorrect calibration —the new thermostat may have a different temperature range. For example, TAM-145 is designed for −24...+10°C, and Danfoss KP15 - for −30...+12°C. Solution: after installation, check the temperature in the chamber with a thermometer and adjust with the handle.
4. Ignoring seals —if the rubber door seal is damaged during disassembly, the refrigerator will freeze worse. Solution: before removing the panel, carefully pry the seal with a plastic spatula.
5. Saving on details —buying a used thermostat or a cheap Chinese analogue without checking. Solution: take the original or a certified analogue (Danfoss, Ranco).

If you make a mistake and the refrigerator does not work, do not panic. In 90% of cases, the problem is solved by re-checking the connections or replacing the part with a working one.

Calibrating the thermostat after replacement: fine-tuning details

A new thermostat can have other factory settings, so after installation you need calibrate. In refrigerators Biryusa this is done mechanically - using the adjustment knob and additional measures:

Step 1. Setting the average position

Turn the thermostat knob to position 2-3 (usually the middle of the scale). In this position, the temperature in the refrigerator compartment should stabilize at +4...+5°C.

Step 2. Check with a thermometer

Place outdoor thermometer (with a sensor on the wire) in the center of the refrigerator compartment. After 6-8 hours, check the readings:

• 🟢 Normal: +3…+6°C.
• 🔴 Too cold (below +2°C): turn the knob one notch counterclockwise.
• 🔵 Too warm (above +6°C): turn the knob clockwise.

Step 3. Adjustment for the freezer

If you have a two-chamber model (Biryusa-22D, Biryusa-18K), set up the freezer compartment separately:

• Set the freezer handle to 3-4 (for −18°C).
• After 12 hours, check the temperature: if it is higher than −16°C, increase the value by 1 division.

Step 4. Checking the compressor operating cycle

Normally, the compressor should:

• Work 15-25 minutes (depending on load).
• Rest 30-40 minutes (at room temperature +20...+25°C).

If the cycles are shorter or longer, the thermostat requires additional adjustment or replacement.

When to replace the thermostat is not enough: related malfunctions

If after replacing the thermostat the refrigerator Biryusa still does not freeze, the problem may lie in other components. Here are four most likely reasons:

1. Compressor malfunction

Symptoms:

• The motor hums, but does not start (relay clicks are heard).
• The compressor housing gets very hot.

Diagnostics: check winding resistance with a multimeter (between the terminals there should be 20-40 Ohms). If there is a break, a new compressor is needed.

2. Freon leakage

Signs:

• The compressor is working, but there is no cold.
• The condenser (grid at the back) remains cold.

Diagnostics: required vacuuming and refueling —you can’t do without special equipment.

3. Breakdown of the start relay

Symptoms:

• The compressor tries to start, but immediately turns off.
• You can hear a burning smell from the relay.

Diagnostics: remove the relay (attached to the compressor) and check contacts for reflow. The cost of a new relay is from 500 rubles.

4. Clogged capillary system

Symptoms:

• The compressor works without stopping, but freezes slightly.
• The evaporator tube is unevenly covered with frost.

Diagnostics: the system will need to be cleaned or replaced filter-drier.

⚠️ Attention: If the refrigerator Biryusa is equipped with an electronic control unit (models after 2015), the fault may be in the circuit board. Self-repair without a circuit and soldering is impossible - contact the service.

If you are not sure of the diagnosis, use the exclusion method:

1. Check the thermostat (we explained as above).
2. Make sure that the compressor starts (at least for a few seconds).
3. Listen for hissing (a sign of a freon leak).
4. Inspect the relay for melting.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about replacing the thermostat in the Biryusa refrigerator