How to check the thermostat on a Stinol refrigerator yourself: 4 working methods

The thermostat (or thermostat) is a key element of the refrigerator Stinol, which is responsible for maintaining the set temperature. When the sensor fails, the compressor either runs without stopping or does not turn on at all. As a result, food spoils and electricity is wasted. Checking the thermal relay is the first diagnostic procedure that should be carried out if you suspect a refrigerator breakdown.

In this article you will find step-by-step instructions with photos and diagrams how to check the thermal relay on models Stinol 101/103/107 and other popular series. We'll look at diagnostic methods both with and without a multimeter, and we'll also tell you how to differentiate a thermostat problem from a compressor or start relay problem. All methods are suitable for refrigerators with mechanical control - they are the majority among household appliances Stinol.

Before you start checking, make sure that the problem does not lie in simpler things: for example, the door is not tightly closed or a power failure. If the refrigerator Stinol stops freezing after turning off the lights, first let it stand for 10-15 minutes - perhaps the equipment is simply frozen and requires a reboot.

Signs of a malfunctioning thermostat in the Stinol refrigerator

The thermal relay rarely breaks suddenly - usually its breakdown is preceded by characteristic “symptoms”. Here are the most common signs that the temperature sensor requires checking:

• 🔄 The compressor runs without stopping — the motor hums constantly, without turning off for “rest”. Normally, the cycle should be approximately 20–30 minutes of operation and 10–15 minutes of pause.
• ❄️ It is too cold in the freezer, but it is warm in the refrigerator compartment —the thermostat “sticks” in the maximum cooling position.
• 🔌 The refrigerator does not turn on at all — when you turn the thermostat knob, you can’t hear the relay click, the compressor is silent.
• 🌡️ Temperature in the chambers does not correspond to the installed one —for example, when the knob is positioned at “3” in the refrigerator compartment +10°C instead of +5°C.
• ⚡ Overheat protection is triggered —the compressor starts, but after a few seconds it turns off (sometimes a click is heard).

On models Stinol-101 i Stinol-103 the thermal relay often fails due oxidation of contacts — this is due to design features (the sensor is located close to the evaporator, where there is high humidity). In new series, for example Stinol RF 360, the problem is less common due to improved sealing.

If you observe at least one of the listed signs, do not delay diagnostics. Operating the compressor for a long time without stopping can lead to overheating and costly repairs. And if the thermostat completely fails, the food in the chamber will begin to deteriorate within 6–8 hours.

Where is the thermal relay located in the Stinol refrigerator

In most models Stinol the thermal relay is located inside the refrigerator compartment, next to the lighting lamp. It is hidden under a plastic casing and attached to the evaporator (a thin metal tube). To get to the sensor, you need to:

1. Disconnect the refrigerator from the mains.
2. Remove all products from the top shelf (if it is in the way).
3. Carefully pry with a screwdriver and remove the plastic cover covering the lamp and thermostat.
4. Under the cover you you will see a round plastic “box” with a tube - this is the thermostat.

On some models (for example, Stinol-107), the thermostat may be hidden deeper - behind the back wall of the refrigerator compartment. In this case, you will have to unscrew the screws and remove the internal panel. Do not confuse the thermal relay with the start relay —the latter is located next to the compressor at the bottom of the refrigerator and looks like a small black “cube” with wires.

If you are not sure that you have found the right part, pay attention on marking. On the thermal relay Stinol usually indicated:

• 🔢 Model (for example, K-59, TAM-133 or Danfoss 077B6).
• 📏 Temperature range (for example -30°C ... +10°C).
• ⚡ Rated voltage (usually 220–240V).

How to check the thermostat of a Stinol refrigerator without a multimeter

If you don’t have a tester at hand, you can check the functionality of the thermostat using the “old-fashioned” method - direct contact closureThis method is suitable for models. Stinol with mechanical control (where the temperature is regulated by a rotary knob).

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Unplug the refrigerator and remove all products from the chamber.
2. Remove a plastic cover under which the thermostat is hidden (as described above).
3. Inspect the wires going to the thermostat. There should be 3 or 4:
   • Orange/red - phase (power).
   • Brown/black - zero.
   • Yellow/green - grounding (if any).
   • White/yellow - signal wire to the compressor.

Carefully remove the wires from the terminals thermal relay. Remember or sketch their location - incorrect connection can damage the compressor!

Connect together orange (phase) and white (signal) wires. To do this, you can use a twist or a small piece of wire.

Plug in the refrigerator.

What should happen:

• ✅ If the compressor started and works —the thermostat is faulty and requires replacement.
• ❌ If the compressor does not turn on the problem may be in the start relay, compressor or open circuit.

⚠️ Attention! You can connect the wires only when the refrigerator is unplugged from the outlet. After checking, be sure to return the connection to the original one. condition - operating the refrigerator with closed contacts will lead to continuous operation of the compressor and its overheating.

This method does not provide a 100% guarantee, but allows you to quickly determine whether the thermostat is to blame for the malfunction. For accurate diagnosis, it is better to use a multimeter.

Checking the thermostat. with a multimeter: step-by-step analysis

The multimeter allows you to accurately measure the resistance of the thermorelay contacts and check whether the sensor is triggered when the temperature changes. Any tester with a continuity or resistance measurement mode (ohmmeter) is suitable for diagnostics.

Preparation for the test:

• 🔌 Disconnect the refrigerator from network.
• 🔧 Remove the thermal relay (disconnect the wires and unscrew the mounting screws).
• 📱 Prepare a multimeter - set the dialing mode (diode icon) or resistance measurement (200 Ohm).

Check procedure:

1. Connection of contacts 3 and 4 (usually these are terminals marked 3 and 4 or C and NO):
   • At room temperature (+20...+25°C) the contacts should be closed (resistance ~0 Ohm).
   • If the multimeter shows OL (open) - the thermal relay is faulty.
2. Checking operation during cooling:
   • Immerse bellows tube (thin metal tube coming from the thermostat) into a glass of ice water.
   • After 2-3 minutes the contacts should open (resistance → OL).
   • Take the tube out of the water and let it warm up - the contacts should close again.

Checking the integrity of the winding (terminals 3 i 6):

• The resistance should be within 1–10 kOhm (depending on the model).
• If the multimeter shows 0 Ohm (short circuit) or OL (break) - the thermal relay needs to be replaced.

Terminals	Normal state	Fault symptom
3–4	Closed at +20°C, open when cooling	Permanently open or closed
3–6	Resistance 1–10 kOhm	0 Ohm or OL
4–6	Resistance OL (break)	Any resistance except OL

On models Stinol with electronic control (for example, Stinol RF 360) the thermal relay can be combined with a control board. In this case, to check you will need connection diagram a specific model - universal methods will not work.

Disconnect the refrigerator from the network|

Remove the thermal relay (disconnect the wires and fasteners)|

Prepare a multimeter (continuity mode or 200 Ohm)|

Check contacts 3–4 for short/open circuit|

Check the winding resistance (terminals 3–6)|

Cool bellows tube to check operation-->

Typical mistakes when checking a thermal relay

Even experienced technicians sometimes make mistakes that lead to incorrect diagnosis. Here are the most common mistakes and how to avoid them:

• 🔌 Checking under voltage — never ring the contacts of the thermal relay when the refrigerator is running. is connected to the network! This is dangerous and can damage the multimeter.
• 🔧 Incorrect connection after checking - if you mix up the wires during reassembly, the compressor may burn out. Always take pictures of the original position of the contacts.
• ❄️ Using hot water to cool the tube — a sudden change in temperature can damage the bellows. It is better to use ice or cold water (+2...+5°C).
• 📏 Ignoring terminal markings —on different models of the thermal relay Stinol the numbering of contacts may differ. connections.
• 🔍 Diagnostics only “in cold” —the thermostat may operate at room temperature, but fail when cooled. Be sure to check it in both states.

More one common mistake is confusing the thermal relay with the start relay. These parts perform different functions:

• Thermal relay - regulates the temperature, turns the compressor on/off.
• Start relay - starts the compressor, protects it from overloads.

If you replace the thermostat and the refrigerator still does not work, check the start relay (it is located next to the compressor at the bottom of the refrigerator).

⚠️ Attention! On some models Stinol (for example, Stinol-110) the thermostat has non-separable body. Do not try to open it - this may lead to refrigerant leakage from the bellows tube. If the sensor is faulty, it must be replaced entirely.

How to replace the thermostat on a Stinol refrigerator

If the check shows that the thermostat is faulty, it needs to be replaced. For models Stinol thermostats of the following brands are suitable:

• 🔹 K-59 - the most common. option for Stinol-101/103/107.
• 🔹 TAM-133-1M - used in newer models.
• 🔹 Danfoss 077B6 - universal sensor, suitable for most refrigerators.
• 🔹 Ranco K-59 - analogue of the domestic one K-59, but with better reliability.

Step-by-step replacement instructions:

1. Unplug the refrigerator and defrost it (if there is ice in the chamber).
2. Remove the plastic cover inside the refrigerator compartment to gain access to the thermostat.
3. Carefully disconnect bellows tube from the evaporator. It is attached either with a plastic clamp or soldered. In the first case, simply remove the clamp, in the second, carefully unsolder the tube with a soldering iron (do not overheat it!).
4. Disconnect the wires from the thermal relay terminals. If the wires are soldered, you will have to cut them and later solder them to the new sensor.
5. Unscrew the fastening screws and remove the old thermal relay.
6. Install the new thermal relay in the reverse order. Pay attention to the position of the bellows tube —it should fit tightly to the evaporator.
7. Connect the wires according to the diagram (or the photo you took earlier).
8. Turn on the refrigerator and check if the compressor starts. Let the equipment run 1-2. hours, then check the temperature in the chambers.

The cost of a new thermostat for Stinol is from 500 to 1500 rubles, depending on the model. If you are not confident in your abilities, it is better to entrust the replacement to a specialist: errors when soldering the bellows tube can lead to freon leakage.

What. what to do if, after replacing the thermostat, the refrigerator does not work?

If the compressor does not start after installing a new thermostat, check:

1. Correct connection of the wires — mixed up phase and zero can block the start.

2. Start relay —perhaps it also came out of building.

3. Thermal relay itself —even new parts can be defective (check with a multimeter).

4. Compressor —if it is burned out, replacement will be required.

If the refrigerator turns on, but does not freeze, check freon leak or clogging in the capillary tube.

Frequently asked questions about the thermal relay of Stinol refrigerators

Is it possible to repair the thermal relay or just replace it?

In most cases, the thermal relay cannot be repairedis replaced, the exception being oxidation of the contacts (they can be cleaned with sandpaper) or breakage. wires (if it is not soldered into the body). The bellows tube, membrane or spring mechanism cannot be repaired - these parts are not dismountable.

How to check the thermal relay if the refrigerator is electronically controlled?

In models with an electronic panel (for example, Stinol RF 360) the thermal relay is often integrated into the control board. For diagnostics you need:

• Connection diagram for a specific model.
• Multimeter with constant voltage measurement mode.
• Knowledge of the nominal resistance values of the sensors (indicated in the service manual).

Without experience, it is better to contact the service - an incorrect check can damage the board.

Why does the thermal relay click, but the compressor does not start?

If you hear the thermal relay clicking, but the compressor does not turn on, the problem may be:

• Start relay —it is responsible for starting motor.
• The compressor itself —the winding may have burned out or the piston has jammed.
• Wiring —an open circuit or short circuit in the circuit.

Check the starting relay (knock on it with a screwdriver - sometimes this helps to start the compressor) or test the compressor windings with a multimeter.

How much does it cost to replace a thermal relay in a service?

Replacement cost in workshops varies:

• Thermal relay itself — 500–1500 rubles (depending on the model).
• Work of a master — 1000–2500 rubles (includes diagnostics, dismantling/installation, soldering of tubes if necessary).

If refilling of freon is required (for example, if the bellows tube is damaged), the price will increase to 3000–5000 rubles.

Can a thermal relay fail due to power surges?

Yes, voltage surges is one of the main causes of thermal relay failure. Models with mechanical controls are especially vulnerable (for example, Stinol-101To protect the refrigerator, use:

• Surge protector.
• Voltage stabilizer (if your network has frequent surges).
• Voltage control relay (turns off the equipment when it goes beyond 190-240V).