Brand refrigerators Stinol have proven themselves to be reliable equipment, but Over time, even time-tested units require attention. One of the most common causes of operational disruptions is breakdown thermostat. This small unit is responsible for maintaining the set temperature in the chambers, and its incorrect operation can lead to spoilage of food or even defrosting of the entire contents.
Understanding how to check the serviceability of the Stinol refrigerator thermostat will allow you to avoid an expensive call to a technician in cases where the problem can be diagnosed independently. Thermostat (or thermostat) is an electrical sensor that opens and closes the compressor power circuit depending on the temperature inside the chamber.
In this article we will analyze in detail diagnostic methods, symptoms of malfunction and nuances that are often missed during a superficial inspection. Stinol often was equipped with thermostats Tam 133, Tam 145 or K-59, and the principle of checking them remains similar for most modifications.
Main signs of a malfunction of the thermostat
Before you start disassembling and using measuring instruments, you should pay attention to indirect signs breakdowns. Thermoregulator is the “brain” of the cooling system, and its failures manifest themselves quite clearly. If you notice that the refrigerator has stopped turning off or, conversely, does not start at all, this particular unit is the first to come under suspicion.
Often owners confuse a thermostat breakdown with a freon leak or a compressor malfunction. However, if the motor hums, but there is no cold, or if the unit works without interruption, creating a frozen “fur coat,” the problem most likely lies in the electrical control circuit.
- 🔊 The compressor works continuously, without going to rest, and the temperature in the chamber drops below normal.
- ❄️ The refrigerator does not turn on at all, although the light inside is on and there is voltage in the network.
- 🌡️ The temperature in the chamber is significantly higher than the set one, despite the maximum setting of the regulator.
- 💧 The appearance of puddles of water under the refrigerator due to frequent forced defrosting or drain overflow.
⚠️ Attention: If the Stinol refrigerator turns on for a few seconds and immediately turns off (clicking), the problem may not be in the thermostat, but in the start relay or the compressor itself. Do not change working parts blindly.
It is also important to consider that in two-chamber models Stinol with one compressor, the thermostat usually controls the temperature in the refrigerator compartment. If the freezer is working normally, but the “plus” chamber is warm or too cold, this is a direct indication of the need for a check.
Visual inspection and access to the thermostat
To carry out in-depth diagnostics, you will need access to the insides of the device. In refrigerators Stinol the thermostat is most often located inside the refrigerator compartment. To get to it, you need to remove the plastic cover that hides the light bulb and temperature controller.
The removal process usually does not require any special tools other than a flat-head screwdriver. Carefully pry up the regulator housing, being careful not to damage the plastic latches. After removing the cover, you will see the thermostat itself, from which comes a long capillary tube with a sensitive bulb at the end.
Where is the thermostat bulb in Stinol?
In Stinol refrigerators, the sensitive thermostat bulb is usually inserted into a special plastic pipe located on the back wall of the chamber, or attached to the evaporator. Be careful when removing so as not to damage the thin tube.
When visually inspecting, pay attention to the integrity of the wires and the absence of traces of oxidation or carbon deposits on the contacts. If you see melted plastic or blackening, this may indicate poor contact that caused overheating.
- 🔍 Inspect the place where the capillary tube enters the thermostat body for cracks.
- 🔌 Check the tightness of the terminals to the contact group.
- 🧊 Make sure that the sensitive bulb has not jumped out of its seat.
If there is no external damage, proceed to an instrumental check. Remember that any work with electrical components should be carried out only after completely disconnecting the device from the network.
Diagnostics with a multimeter: step-by-step instructions
The most accurate way to check the serviceability of the Stinol refrigerator thermostat is to use multimeter in the dialing mode. This method allows you to determine whether the sensor closes its contacts when the temperature changes.
Remove the wires from the thermostat contacts. Depending on the model, there may be two or three of them (if there is a third, it usually goes to a lamp or fan). We are interested in the circuit going to the compressor. Stinol, there may be two or three of them (if there is a third, it usually goes to a lamp or fan). We are interested in the circuit going to the compressor.
☑️ Algorithm for checking the thermostat
At room temperature, the thermostat contacts should be closed (unless it is a specific overheat shutdown sensor, but Stinol has the usual ones). The multimeter should beep or show resistance close to zero. If the device shows a “break” (one on the display or infinity), it means that the contacts inside are not closing and the thermostat is faulty.
For a complete check, you can place the sensitive flask in a container with water and ice (temperature about 0°C). When cooling, the contacts should open and the multimeter should indicate an open circuit. If this does not happen, the mechanism is stuck or the bellows seal is broken.
⚠️ Attention: Before checking with a multimeter, be sure to make sure that the temperature control knob is turned to the on position (usually these are average values or maximum). In the “Off” or “0” position, an open circuit is normal.
Sometimes the problem lies not in the mechanism itself, but in oxidized contacts. In this case, you can try to carefully clean them, but most often thermostat requires complete replacement, since it is a non-separable unit.
Table of temperature conditions and resistance
For professional diagnostics, it is useful to know the parameters at which the thermostat should operate. Although the exact data depends on the specific model Tam or K-series, there are average values for refrigerators Stinol.
Below is a table showing the dependence of the state of the contacts on the temperature of the sensitive flask. This data will help you understand whether your sensor is working correctly.
| Environment temperature | Contact state | Multimeter readings | Normative behavior |
|---|---|---|---|
| +20°C (Room) | Closed | 0 Ohm (Sound) | The compressor should work |
| +5°C (Middle chamber) | Closed | 0 Ohm (Sound) | Keep cold |
| -5°C (Cooling) | Open | ∞ (No sound) | Compressor off |
| Any (Knob to 0) | Open | ∞ (No sound) | Shutdown mode |
If at a temperature of +20°C the multimeter shows a break and the knob is not at zero, the thermostat is definitely faulty. It is also worth checking the insulation resistance, although this is rarely required for home diagnostics.
Nuances of different models of Stinol thermostats
Refrigerators Stinol were produced with different types of thermostats, and replacing them requires care. The most common models are Tam 133, Tam 145, K-59 and K-57. The main difference lies in the length capillary tube and the order of the contacts.
For example, a thermostat Tam 133 often has three contacts, where the third is responsible for indicating the operation or fan. When installing an analogue, it is important to connect the wires correctly, otherwise the refrigerator may not start or the light will stop working. Contact markings are usually applied to the body or indicated in the diagram on the cover.
The length of the capillary tube is a critical parameter. If you buy a thermostat with a tube shorter than required, you will not be able to position the sensing bulb correctly in the evaporator. If it is longer, it will have to be carefully twisted, avoiding kinks and creases that could break the tightness of the system.
- 📏 Tam 133: the length of the tube is usually 0.75 m, 1.3 m, 2.5 m or 3 m.
- 📏 Tam 145: similar length options, often interchangeable with the 133rd re-soldering.
- 📏 K-59: a popular model with a tube length from 0.75 to 3 meters.
When purchasing a new spare part, be sure to check not only the model, but also the length of the tube indicated on the nameplate of the old thermostat. There are no universal solutions here, and it is difficult to determine the required length by eye.
Replacement of the thermostat and final tests
If the check confirms the malfunction, the only option left is replacement. This process requires care, since the capillary tube is very thin and easily damaged. The new thermostat is installed in the reverse order of disassembly.
It is important to securely fasten the sensitive flask in the seat on the evaporator. Poor contact of the flask with the evaporator wall will result in incorrect temperature reading and improper operation of the refrigerator. Use standard clamps or thermal conductive paste, if provided for by the design.