How a thermostat works in a Stinol refrigerator: device, configuration and diagnostics

The thermostat (or thermostat) is a key element refrigerator Stinol, which is responsible for maintaining the set temperature in the chambers. Without it, the compressor would work continuously, which would lead to overfreezing of food, overheating of the motor and enormous energy consumption. Refrigerators Stinol (especially in popular models STN 165, STN 175, STN 200) use mechanical thermostats of domestic or imported origin, which, despite the simplicity of the design, require correct settings and timely diagnostics.

If your Stinol suddenly stops freezing, constantly works without stopping or, on the contrary, it turns off for a long time - in 80% of cases the problem lies precisely in the thermostat. In this article we will analyze in detail how it functions, what signals indicate its malfunction, and what you can do yourself without resorting to the services of a specialist. And for those who are planning repairs, we will provide step-by-step instructions for checking and replacing the part.

Thermoregulator device in the Stinol refrigerator

The thermostat in models Stinol is mechanical relaythat responds to the air temperature in the refrigerator camera. Unlike electronic sensors in modern refrigerators (for example, Samsung or LG), here is used bellows system: a sealed tube filled with freon or refrigerant, which contracts or expands when the temperature changes, closing/opening contacts.

Main components of the thermostat Stinol:

• 🔧 Bellows tube - a sensitive element that is attached to the evaporator or placed inside the chamber.
• 🔌 Contact group — closes/opens the compressor power circuit.
• 📏 Spring mechanism — regulates the actuation force (responsible for setting the temperature).
• 🔄 Shift lever — connected to the thermostat knob on the control panel.

In refrigerators Stinol most often thermostats of the type K-59, TAM-133 or their analogues (for example, Danfoss 077B6) are installed. They differ in the temperature control range and the length of the bellows tube. In models with a system No Frost (for example, Stinol NF 330), the thermostat controls not only the temperature, but also the operation of the fan and Defrost heating element.

What is the difference between thermostats in Stinol and Atlant?

In refrigerators Atlant thermostats of the series TAM-112 or TAM-125are often used, which have a different response range (from –12°C to +8°C versus –24°C to +10°C at Stinol). In addition, the bellows tube is usually shorter, and the contact group is designed for less load. Replacing thermostats of these brands with each other without modifications Atlant the bellows tube is usually shorter, and the contact group is designed for less load. Replace thermostats of these brands with each other without modifications impossible this will lead to incorrect operation of the compressor or breakage of the relay.

Principle of operation: how a thermostat controls the temperature

The operating algorithm of the thermostat in the refrigerator Stinol can be divided into 4 stages:

1. Temperature measurement. The bellows tube attached to the evaporator is filled with gas, which changes pressure depending on the temperature in the chamber.
2. Triggering of the mechanism. When the temperature rises (for example, after opening the door), the gas expands, the pressure in the bellows increases, and it compresses the spring, closing the contacts.
3. Starting the compressor. The closed contacts supply power to the motor-compressor, which begins to pump out heat from the chamber.
4. Cooling shutdown. When the temperature reaches the set value (for example, +4°C), the pressure in the bellows drops, the spring relaxes and the contacts open - the compressor stops.

The cycle repeats automatically. In refrigerators Stinol with mechanical controls hysteresis (the difference between the on and off temperatures) is usually 2–4°C. For example, if you set +5°C, the compressor will turn on at +7°C and turn off at +3°C.

In two-chamber models Stinol (for example, STN 185) is used dual thermostat or two separate thermostats: one for the refrigerator compartment, the other for the freezer. They work independently, but are connected to a common compressor through a start relay.

Every 30–60 minutes|Every 2–3 hours|Almost does not turn off|Didn’t notice|Another option-->

Signs of a malfunction thermostat

The thermostat in the refrigerator Stinol breaks down gradually, and the first symptoms often go unnoticed. Here 5 key signalsthat the part requires checking:

• ❄️ The compressor is constantly running without shutdowns (even with the door closed). This means that the thermostat contacts are “stuck” in a closed state.
• 🔥 The refrigerator does not cool, but the light inside is on. The compressor does not start due to an open circuit in the thermostat.
• ❓ Spontaneous defrosting the freezer compartment when the motor is running. The thermostat reads the temperature incorrectly.
• 🔊 Clicks without starting the compressor. The sounds of the relay operating are heard, but the motor does not turn on.
• ☃️ Frosting of the rear wall in refrigerators without No Frost. The thermostat does not turn off the compressor in time, and the evaporator is covered with ice.

If the refrigerator Stinol stops freezing, first check:

1. Is it connected to the network (maybe the machine has tripped in shield).
2. Is the door closed (sometimes the seal wears out and warm air gets inside).
3. Is the mode not set Super freezing (in some models it blocks automatic shutdown).

How to check the Stinol thermostat at home

The thermostat can be diagnosed without special tools, but you will need multimeter (or a tester) to check the circuit. Follow the step-by-step instructions:

Disconnect the refrigerator from the mains|Remove the top cover inside the chamber (if the thermostat is located there)|Disconnect the wires from the thermostat contacts|Remember or take a photo of the connection diagram-->

Step 1. Removing the thermostat

In most models Stinol the thermostat is located:

• Inside the refrigerator compartment, under the top panel (for example, in STN 165).
• Outside, on the back wall, under the plastic cover (in older models).
• In freezer compartment (in two-chamber refrigerators with one compressor).

Carefully remove the protective casing by unscrewing the screws or unlatching the latches. Disconnect the wires from the thermostat terminals (usually there are 2-4 of them: phase, neutral, ground and wire to the lamp).

Step. 2. Check with a multimeter

Switch the tester to the mode continuity (or resistance measurements) and connect the probes to the contacts 3 and 4 (usually these are the compressor terminals). Test algorithm:

1. At room temperature (+20°C) the contacts should be closed (resistance ~0 Ohm).
2. Immerse the bellows tube in ice (or apply a cold object to it). After 2-3 minutes, the contacts should open (resistance → ∞).
3. Take out the tube and let it warm up - the contacts will close again.

If at cooling does not open - the thermostat faulty. If the contacts do not close even at room temperature, the problem is an open circuit.

Step 3. Check for “short”

If you don’t have a multimeter, you can temporarily short-circuit the wires going to the thermostat (usually brown and orange/red). If after this the compressor starts, the problem is definitely in the thermostat. Do not leave the refrigerator in this state for a long time! - this will lead to freezing of the food.

⚠️ Attention: In refrigerators Stinol s an electronic control unit (for example, STN 200E), a thermostat can be integrated into the board. In this case, self-diagnosis is risky - it is better to contact a specialist.

Replacing the thermostat in a Stinol refrigerator

If the thermostat is faulty, it needs to be replaced. For models Stinol original parts or analogues are suitable:

• 🔧 Original thermostat K-59 (for most models).
• 🔧 Danfoss 077B6 or Ranco K-59 (imported analogues).
• 🔧 TAM-133 (for refrigerators with No Frost).

Tools for replacement:

• Phillips and flat-head screwdrivers.
• Pliers (for removing spring clips).
• Heat shrink tube or electrical tape (for insulating contacts).

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Unplug the refrigerator and defrost it (if there is ice on evaporator).
2. Remove the temperature control knob (usually it is attached to a latch or screw).
3. Unscrew the screws holding the thermostat and carefully pull it out along with the bellows tube.
4. Disconnect the wires, remembering their location (better take a photo).
5. Install a new thermostat, connect the wires in the same sequence.
6. Fix the part in place and install the handle.
7. Turn on the refrigerator and check the operation for 1-2 hours.

⚠️ Attention: When replacing the thermostat in models with No Frost (for example Stinol NF 330), be sure to check the operation of the defrosting heating element! A faulty heater can cause freezing of the evaporator and false operation of the new thermostat.

Replacement cost:

• Thermoregulator K-59 —from 800 to 1500 rubles.
• Analog Danfoss —from 1200 to 2000 rubles.
• The work of a master (if you are not confident in your abilities) - from 1000 to 2500 rubles.

Adjusting the thermostat: how to set the optimal temperature

In refrigerators Stinol the temperature is adjusted using a rotary knob with divisions (usually from 1 to 7). However the numbers do not correspond to degrees - they indicate level of cooling capacity:

• 1–2 - minimum cooling (+8..+10°C).
• 3–4 - optimal mode (+4..+6°C).
• 5–7 —maximum cooling (below +2°C, risk of freezing).

For fine adjustment:

1. Set the knob to position 3.
2. Place the thermometer in a glass of water and place it on the middle shelf.
3. After 6-8 hours, check the temperature. If it is above +5°C, increase the value by 1 division. If below +2°C, reduce it.

In two-chamber refrigerators Stinol the freezer compartment is regulated separately. — –18°C (corresponds to the position 4–5 on the handle).

Common mistakes when working with a thermostat

Even experienced users sometimes make mistakes that lead to the thermostat breaking down or the refrigerator not working properly. Here's what you can't do. do can't do:

• ❌ Set the knob to maximum “just in case”. This leads to overload of the compressor and freezing of the evaporator.
• ❌ Turn sharply. adjustment knobThe thermostat mechanism is fragile - jerks can damage the spring.
• ❌ Ignore the relay clicks. If the compressor does not start after a click, the problem may be in the start relay, and not in the thermostat.
• ❌ Disassemble the thermostat yourself. The housing is sealed - repair attempts will lead to gas leakage from the bellows.
• ❌ Use a thermostat from another model without checking compatibility. For example, K-59 and TAM-133 are not interchangeable!

Another common mistake is incorrect installation of the bellows tube. It must fit tightly to the evaporator (in models without No Frost) or be placed in the air flow (in systems with a fan). If the tube touches the walls of the chamber or is pinched, the thermostat will operate with a delay.

⚠️ Attention: In refrigerators Stinol with the system No Frost the thermostat is connected to the defrost timer. thermostat, the fan does not turn on or the heating element does not heat, check defroster (defrost board) - it could fail in parallel.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about thermostats Stinol

Is it possible to repair the thermostat, or just replace it?

Thermostats Stinol are not repairable - their housing is sealed, and the bellows system cannot be restored. The only thing that can be done is to clean the contacts from oxidation (if the problem is bad. connection). In all other cases, replacement is required.

How to understand that the thermostat is broken and not the compressor?

If the compressor does not start, but the light in the refrigerator is on, check the thermostat (close its contacts manually). If the motor starts working, the problem is in the thermostat. If not, it may be faulty. starting relay or the compressor itself. Also pay attention to the sounds: when the compressor breaks down, you can often hear a hum, but without starting, and when the thermostat is faulty, there is silence.

Why does the Stinol refrigerator work without stopping?

There may be reasons different:

• 🔹 The thermostat contacts are stuck (needs replacement).
• 🔹 Freon leak (the compressor works, but does not cool).
• 🔹 The door does not close tightly (check the seal).
• 🔹 Condenser contamination (dust on the rear grille).

First check the thermostat, then the tightness of the chamber and the condition of the condenser.

What temperature should be in the Stinol refrigerator at position 3?

At position 3 (average value) the temperature in the refrigerator compartment should be +4..+6°C, in the freezer - –18°C. However, the exact value depends on:

• 🔹 Loading of the chamber (many products = longer cooling).
• 🔹 Room temperatures (in hot weather the compressor works longer).
• 🔹 Conditions of the door seal.

For accurate control, use a separate thermometer.

Where to buy a thermostat for Stinol?

Original and compatible thermostats are sold:

• 🛒 In specialized stores of spare parts for refrigerators (for example, Holod-Service, RemBitTech).
• 🛒 On marketplaces (Yandex Market, Ozon, Wildberries) - search by article number (for example, K-59-P2R).
• 🛒 At service centers Stinol (if you need a warranty on the part).

The cost depends on the model: from 800 rubles for domestic K-59 to 2000 rubles for imported Danfoss.