Replacing the thermostat in a Pozis refrigerator: instructions with photos and advice from experts

Thermostat in refrigerator Pozis is the “brain” of the cooling system, which controls the temperature and controls the operation of the compressor. When it fails, the refrigerator either stops freezing or runs nonstop, risking burning out the motor. Replacing a thermostat is one of the most common breakdowns that you can deal with yourself, saving on calling a technician.

In this article you will find step-by-step instructions for replacing the thermostat for popular models Pozis (including RF-140, RF-160, RF-180 and similar), you will learn how diagnose the malfunction i choose the right part. We will analyze the nuances of disassembly, connecting wires and testing after repair - taking into account typical mistakes that beginners make.

If your The refrigerator Pozis suddenly began to “act up” - do not rush to take it to service. In 70% of cases, the problem is solved by replacing the thermostat in 1–2 hours. The main thing is to follow a clear algorithm and not skip important details.

Signs of a faulty thermostat in a Pozis refrigerator

Before disassembling the refrigerator, make sure that the problem is in the thermostat. Here key symptomsthat indicate its failure:

  • 🔴 The refrigerator does not turn on - the compressor is silent, the light inside is on, but there is no cooling.
  • ❄️ Continuous operation of the compressor - the motor hums without stopping, the freezer compartment is covered with ice.
  • 🌡️ Temperature mismatch —the refrigerator compartment is too warm (above +8°C) or too cold (below 0°C).
  • 🔄 Spontaneous shutdown —the refrigerator runs for 5–10 minutes and turns off, then turns on again.
  • 💡 Clicks without starting - characteristic clicks of the relay are heard, but the compressor does not start.

If at least one of these signs appears, with an 85% probability the thermostat is to blame. But before replacing be sure to check:

  • 🔌 Power —there may be a problem with the socket or power cord.
  • 🧊 Seal doors —if it is damaged, the refrigerator does not cool properly.
  • ⚙️ Temperature settings — sometimes the regulator accidentally goes down to minimum/maximum.
⚠️ Attention: In refrigerators Pozis with a system No Frost similar symptoms can be caused by a malfunction defrost sensor or timer. If your model is equipped with such a system, first check these elements.
📊 Does your Pozis refrigerator work without stopping or does not turn on at all?
Works without stops
Does not turn on
It turns on and then turns off
Another problem

Which thermostat is suitable for the Pozis refrigerator?

Thermostats for Pozis differ in mounting type, temperature range and compatibility with models. In 90% of cases, refrigerators of this brand use series thermostats K59 (or their analogues). Below is a compatibility table for popular models:

Pozis refrigerator model Original thermostat Analogues (substitutes) Notes
Pozis RF-140, RF-140W K59-L1411 Danfoss 077B6005, Ranco K59-L1410 Suitable for single-chamber models
Pozis RF-160, RF-160S K59-L1911 Danfoss 077B6066, Orion K59-L1910 Used in models with a freezer compartment
Pozis RF-180, RF-180K K59-L2311 Danfoss 077B6100, Ranco K59-L2310 For two-chamber refrigerators
Pozis RK-101, RK-102 K50-L0211 Danfoss 077B6001 Small refrigerators (up to 100 l)

If your model is not in the table, pay attention to the marking of the old thermostat —it is marked on its body. Usually this is a combination of letters and numbers, for example K59-L1411 or AMT-24. Using this code, you can select an exact analogue in online stores (for example, on “Spare parts for refrigerators” or eBay).

When purchasing, pay attention to:

  • 🔧 Type of capillary tube —it should be the same length as the old thermostat (usually 0.8–1.2 m).
  • 🔌 Number of contacts - in Pozis thermostats with 4 or 6 contacts are most often used.
  • 📏 Case dimensions —the new thermostat must fit into the standard mount.
⚠️ Attention: Do not buy thermostats marked K56 or K57 —they are incompatible with Pozis and can lead to compressor failure!

Preparation for replacement: tools and measures safety

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

  • 🔧 Screwdrivers - Phillips and flat (for removing the panel).
  • 🔨 Pliers - for working with terminals.
  • 📸 Phone with a camera —to photograph the wire connection diagram.
  • 🧲 Magnet or tape —for fixing the wires during operation.
  • 🧤 Rubber gloves - protection from sharp metal edges.
  • 🔋 Multimeter - for checking the new thermostat before installation.

Before you start work required:

  1. Unplug the refrigerator and wait until it is completely defrosted (if there is ice).
  2. Take out all the products and shelves - they will interfere with disassembly.
  3. Prepare the workplace - put a soft fabric so as not to scratch the body.
⚠️ Attention: If the refrigerator Pozis is installed inverter compressor (models RF-180I and newer), after turning off the power, wait 10 minutes before starting work - this will prevent a power surge when you turn it back on.

Disconnect the refrigerator from the mains|Defreeze and remove all food|Take a photo of the wire connections|Prepare tools and a new thermostat|Wear protective gloves-->

Step-by-step instructions: how to remove the old one thermostat

In refrigerators Pozis the thermostat is usually located inside the refrigerator compartmentbehind the plastic panel where the temperature control knob is located. Let's look at the disassembly process using the example of a model RF-160:

  1. Remove the thermostat knob. It is attached either with latches or with a screw (under a decorative plug). Pry it off with a flat screwdriver and carefully remove it.

  2. Unscrew the panel fastening screws. Usually there are 2-4 of them (top and bottom). In some models, the panel is held on by plastic clips - they need to be snapped off.

  3. Remove the plastic panel. It may “stick” to the seal - do not pull with force, so as not to break it. Pry it around the perimeter with a screwdriver.

  4. Disconnect the capillary tube. It goes from the thermostat to the evaporator. Carefully pull it out of the mount (do not bend it!).

  5. Take a photo of the wire connection. This is critically important - if the contacts are mixed up, the refrigerator will not work. In Pozis usually the following diagram is used:

    
    

    Terminal 1 - power (220V)

    Terminal 2 - compressor

    Terminal 3 - light bulb

    Terminal 4 - ground (if any)

  6. Disconnect the wires. Use pliers to carefully remove the terminals. Do not pull on the wires!

  7. Remove the thermostat from the mount. It can be secured with a screw or latch. In some models Pozis the thermostat “sits” on the guides - just pull it towards you.

If the capillary tube is stuck to the evaporator, Do not tear it off by force this can damage the system. It is better to carefully warm the mounting area with a hairdryer (not higher than 60°C) or moisten it with alcohol.

What to do if the screws are rusty?

If the panel fastening screws are rusty and do not unscrew, use WD-40 or a similar lubricant. Apply it to the thread, wait 10 minutes and try to unscrew it again. If that doesn’t help, carefully drill out the screws with a drill with a thin drill (1.5–2 mm).

Installing a new thermostat and connecting the wires

Now that the old thermostat has been removed, you can begin installing the new one. Follow this algorithm:

  1. Check the new thermostat with a multimeter. Switch the device to resistance test mode (200 Ohm) and connect the probes to the terminals 3 and 4 (if any). At room temperature, the resistance should be 0 Ohm (closed). If it shows “1” (open), the thermostat is defective.

  2. Install the thermostat into the mount. It should fit tightly, without play. Tighten the fastening screw (if any).

  3. Connect the wires according to the diagram. Use the photo taken earlier. In Pozis the following pinout is often found:

    • 🔴 Red wire — power (phase).
    • 🔵 Blue wire —compressor.
    • White wire — light bulb.
    • 🟢 Green/yellow —grounding (if provided).

  • Lay the capillary tube. It should lie along evaporator without touching the chamber walls. Secure it with plastic clamps (included with the thermostat).

  • Close the panel and secure handle. Make sure that all the clips snap into place and the screws are tightened tightly (but without fanaticism).

  • After installation do not turn on the refrigerator immediately. First check:

    • 🔌 Are all the wires connected correctly (check the photo).
    • 🧲 Are there any exposed contacts that can short-circuit.
    • 🔧 Is the capillary tube for closing the door.
    ⚠️ Attention: In refrigerators Pozis with electronic control (models RF-180E and newer), the thermostat can be combined with control board. In this case, replacement requires soldering or flashing - it is better to contact a specialist.

    Checking the operation of the refrigerator after replacement

    When everything is assembled, it’s time for testing. Here's how to properly check that the new thermostat is working:

    1. Plug in the refrigerator. Set the thermostat knob to position 2–3 (medium temperature).

    2. Listen to the compressor. It should start within 1-2 minutes. If the motor does not turn on, check the connection of the wires or the thermostat itself (it may be defective).

    3. Measure the temperature. After 2-3 hours of operation (when the refrigerator gets cold), check the temperature in the chamber with a thermometer. Normal:

      • Refrigerator compartment: +2…+6°C.
      • Freezer compartment: –18…–24°C.

  • Check the cyclic operation. The compressor should turn on and off at intervals 20-40 minutes (depending on the model). If it works without stopping or does not turn on at all, the problem is not solved.

  • If the refrigerator Pozis after replacing the thermostat:

    • 🔴 Does not turn on → check power supply, fuse, terminals.
    • ❄️ Freezing → perhaps the thermostat is set to too low a temperature or the capillary tube is not positioned correctly.
    • 🌡️ Not cooling → check if the compressor wires are mixed up and light bulbs.

    If everything works fine, congratulations - you have successfully replaced the thermostat! Now all that remains is to load the products and monitor the temperature in the first days.

    Typical mistakes and how to avoid them

    Even experienced craftsmen sometimes make mistakes when replacing the thermostat. Here the most common mistakes and how to prevent them:

    • 🔌 Messed up wires —always take a photo of the original circuit and label the terminals with a marker.
    • 🧊 Damaged capillary tube —do not bend it and do not allow fractures. If the tube is torn, the thermostat will have to be replaced.
    • 🔧 Loose fastening of the panel —if the panel does not fit tightly, there will be a cold leak.
    • 📸 Lack of photographs of the process —without them it is difficult to remember how was connected earlier.
    • 🔋 Ignoring multimeter testing —the new thermostat may be defective.

    Another common problem is incorrect setting of the new thermostat. In some models Pozis the adjustment knob has reverse scale (the further to the left, the colder). If after replacing the refrigerator does not freeze, try turning the knob in the other direction.

    If you encounter a problem non-standard breakdown (for example, the thermostat is working, but the refrigerator does not work), check:

    • 🔋 Fuse —it can burn out during a power surge.
    • Compressor start relay —if it is faulty, the motor will not start.
    • 🧲 Breakage of the compressor winding —requires replacement of the motor.
    How to check the compressor relay?

    Disconnect the relay from the compressor and check it with a multimeter in continuity mode. Between the terminals S and M there should be a resistance of ~20–50 Ohms. If it shows “1”, the relay is faulty.

    FAQ: Frequently asked questions about replacing the thermostat in Pozis

    Is it possible to replace the thermostat in a Pozis refrigerator without defrosting?

    Technically yes, but not recommended. Ice can interfere with access to the fasteners and also increases the risk of damage to the capillary tube. If there is no time to defrost, at least remove the ice around the thermostat with a hairdryer (do not direct hot air at the plastic!).

    How much does a thermostat for Pozis cost and where to buy it?

    The price depends on the model:

    • Original K59 — 800–1500 ₽.
    • Analogs (Danfoss, Ranco) — 600–1200 ₽.

    You can buy in refrigerator spare parts stores (for example, "Holod-Service", "220 Volt"), on AliExpress or Ozon. Always check marking!

    Which thermostat is suitable for Pozis RK-101?

    For this model you need K50-L0211 or its analogues: Danfoss 077B6001, Orion K50-L0210Please note that in RK-101 the capillary tube is shorter. (about 0.6 m) than in larger models.

    What to do if, after replacing the thermostat, the refrigerator runs without stopping?

    Probable reasons:

    1. Wires are connected incorrectly (compressor and light bulb terminals are mixed up).
    2. The capillary tube is not on the evaporator, but on the wall of the chamber.
    3. The new thermostat is defective (check with a multimeter).
    4. In the refrigerator leakage freon —refueling is required.

    Is it necessary to solder the wires when replacing the thermostat?

    No, they are used Pozis are used detachable terminals. You only need to solder if the contacts are oxidized or the wires are broken off. In this case, use terminal blocks or heat shrink tubing. for insulation.