Modern refrigerators of the Turkish brand Vestel have proven themselves to be reliable and repairable devices, however, even the highest quality equipment eventually requires maintenance or replacement of failed components. Disassembling the unit yourself is a difficult, but often the only possible way to save on the services of a service center if you have basic skills in working with tools. Before starting any work, it is necessary to clearly understand that a violation of the tightness of the system or incorrect assembly can lead to final breakdown of the device.
In this article we will look in detail at the process of dismantling the main components of the refrigerator Vestel, paying special attention to hidden fasteners and design features of various models. You'll learn how to safely remove the rear cover, remove the door, and access the compressor to replace the start relay or thermostat. It is important to understand that electrical safety is priority number one, so all manipulations are carried out exclusively on equipment disconnected from the network.
The disassembly process may vary depending on the specific series and year of manufacture of your device, so always carefully inspect the surface of the case for the presence of unobvious screws or decorative plugs. Some models are equipped with a system No Frostthat adds additional steps to remove the evaporator and fans, while in drip systems access to the components is often simplified. Proper organization of the workspace and the availability of suitable tools will significantly speed up the process and minimize the risk of damage to plastic elements.
Preparation of the workplace and the necessary tools
Before proceeding with direct disassembly, it is necessary to prepare the appropriate space and a set of tools that will allow you to complete the work carefully and without damage. You'll need a flat, well-lit surface to place the parts you've removed so you don't lose small screws or scratch the case. The optimal solution would be to use a magnetic mat or several containers to sort fasteners by disassembly stages.
The basic set of tools includes Phillips and slotted screwdrivers of different sizes, since refrigerators Vestel often use screws with different thread lengths and head diameters. To remove some plastic latches, you may need mediator or a special plastic spatula that will not leave marks on glossy surfaces. It would also be a good idea to prepare a multimeter to check the integrity of electrical circuits during the diagnostic process.
- 🔧 A set of screwdrivers (Philipps Ph1, Ph2 and slotted 3mm, 5mm) for unscrewing the screws of the case and internal panels.
- 🔌 Multimeter for checking the voltage on contacts of the thermostat, start relay and fan motor.
- 🧤 Protective gloves with a rubberized coating to prevent slipping and protect hands from sharp metal edges.
- 🔦 A powerful flashlight or headlamp for illuminating hard-to-reach places at the bottom of the unit and behind the back wall.
⚠️ Attention: Never use sharp metal objects (knives, awls) to pry plastic panels, as this will inevitably lead to chips and cracks that cannot be disguised during assembly.
Particular attention should be paid to preparing the refrigerator itself: it must be completely defrosted, washed and dried from the inside so that water does not get on the electrical contacts during the process work. If the model has a system No Frost, it is recommended to let it stand in the off state for at least 24 hours to completely thaw the ice in the hidden channels. Only after careful preparation can you begin to remove the external elements of the structure.
Removing the door and top panel of the refrigerator
It is most convenient to start disassembling the refrigerator Vestel from the top part, where decorative elements and door hinge fastenings are often located. In most models, the top panel is secured with two or three screws, which can be hidden under plastic plugs or a decorative trim. By carefully prying up the plug with a thin object, you will gain access to the fasteners, which must be unscrewed while holding the panel with your other hand.
Removing the door requires caution, since it has significant weight and is equipped with a complex hinge mechanism with integrated backlight wires. Before dismantling, be sure to disconnect the connectors of the wires going to the light bulb and the light button, having previously photographed their position to facilitate reassembly. Hinges in refrigerators Vestel are usually fixed with key bolts, and after loosening them, the door can be carefully lifted and removed from the lower pin.
☑️ Check before removing the door
When working with the top panel, it is important not to damage the plastic box controls, if it is located in this area, since it replacement can be expensive. In some models, thermal insulation and fastening elements of the side walls are hidden under the top cover, so removing this part is often a mandatory step for in-depth diagnostics. After removing the door, you will have access to the seal and the internal circuit, which will simplify further manipulations.
Removing the rear cover and accessing the compressor compartment
The rear wall of the refrigerator Vestel is the main access to the power units: compressor, capacitor and start-protective relay. It is secured around the perimeter with many screws, which often have different lengths, so it is recommended to lay them out in the same order in which they were unscrewed, or to label the installation areas. Once all screws have been removed, the cover can be easily removed, revealing a view of the technical compartment, where dust may have accumulated that requires removal.
The compressor compartment houses vital components, such as motor-compressor and the filter drier, which require careful handling. There is also a starting relay here, which often breaks down and requires replacement; it can be removed with a simple hand effort after disconnecting the wires. When working in this area, it is extremely important not to damage the copper tubes of the refrigerant circulation system, since their repair requires special equipment and skills.
| Component | Location | Function | Signs of malfunction |
|---|---|---|---|
| Compressor | Lower part, right or left | Refrigerant circulation | Humming, no start |
| Starting relay | On the compressor housing | Engine start | Clicks, does not turn on |
| Condenser | Rear grille | Freon cooling | Heating, contamination |
| Thermostat (sensor) | Inside the chamber or on the tube | Temperature control | Not turns off or does not turn on |
When inspecting the back, pay attention to the condition of the electrical wires: they should not have melting, insulation cracks or traces of rodents. If you are planning to replace the compressor, you will need to first bleed the refrigerant, which absolutely cannot be done in a closed room without ventilation. For normal cleaning or replacement of the relay, simply turn off the device and remove the protective casing from the assembly.
How to check the starting relay without replacing?
Shake the relay near your ear: if you hear the ringing of internal parts, it means that the ceramic element is broken or the contact has broken off, and the relay definitely requires replacement.
Disassembling the internal part and the No Frost system
For access to the evaporator and fan in models with the system No Frost it is necessary to remove the back panel inside the freezer. It is usually secured with several screws, which may be hidden under plastic plugs or decorative shelf elements. After removing the panel, access becomes available to evaporator, which is a radiator with wound copper tubes, and a fan that circulates cold air.
A frequent problem in this area is the formation of an ice coat, which blocks the operation of the fan and interferes with cooling. If you find ice, do not try to pick it out with a knife, as you can puncture the thin-walled evaporator tubes, which will lead to a freon leak. It is best to let the ice melt naturally or use a hairdryer at a minimum temperature, directing the flow of warm air carefully without touching the plastic.
- ❄️ Air circulation fan - checked for jamming of the blades and integrity of the motor winding.
- 🌡️ Defrost sensor - located on evaporator, is responsible for turning on the heating element at the right moment.
- 🔥 Defrost heating element - a tubular heater that melts ice on the evaporator during the defrosting cycle.
- 💧 Drainage system - channels for draining melt water, which are often clogged with debris and require cleaning.
⚠️ Attention: Plastic becomes very fragile at low temperatures, so carry out all manipulations inside the freezer with extreme caution so as not to break the fastenings of the panels.
In some models Vestel access to the defrosting heating element is difficult, and to replace it you have to dismantle the entire unit the entire evaporator. This is a labor-intensive process that requires disconnecting many wires and carefully removing the assembly through the doorway. After carrying out repair work, be sure to check the tight fit of all panels, since any gaps will lead to loss of cold and the formation of condensation.
Replacing the thermostat and electrical components
Thermostat in refrigerators Vestel most often located inside the refrigeration chamber and controls turning the compressor on and off depending on the temperature. To replace it, you need to remove the plastic handle of the regulator, which is usually simply pulled together by hand, and unscrew the screws holding the thermostat housing. After removing the device, disconnect the wires, first remembering their color markings or taking a photo.
If we are talking about an electronic control module, which can be located at the top of the refrigerator or behind the control panel, then maximum care with the cables is important. Electronic board sensitive to static electricity and moisture, so all work should be carried out in dry conditions conditions and preferably wearing antistatic gloves. Check the contacts for oxidation and, if necessary, clean them with alcohol before installing a new component.
Replacing a lighting lamp is also a common procedure, and in different models Vestel it is implemented differently: in some the lampshade is removed by turning, in others it is pryed off with a screwdriver. Always use lamps of the same wattage and base as the original ones to avoid overheating the plastic diffuser and causing stress on the wiring. After replacing any electrical component, conduct a visual inspection of all connections before connecting the device to the network.
Assembling the refrigerator and initial startup
The process of assembling the refrigerator Vestel is carried out in the reverse order of disassembly, and requires attention to each stage so that no unnecessary parts or loose nodes. Begin by installing the interior panels and evaporator, making sure that all wires are in their intended cable channels and are not pinched. When tightening the screws, do not use excessive force so as not to strip the threads in the plastic holes that may have become loose after previous use.
After installing the door, check the tightness of the seal around the entire perimeter and, if necessary, adjust the position of the doors using the adjusting screws on the lower hinges. The rear cover is installed last, but before doing this, make sure again that there are no tools, rags or other foreign objects left in the compressor compartment. All screws must be tightened evenly, ensuring the tightness of the technical compartment.
The initial start-up after repair or long-term transportation must be carried out in compliance with the time intervals: if the refrigerator was lying on its side, it needs to stand upright for several hours to allow the oil to drain into the compressor. Plug in the appliance without loading food and listen to the operation of the compressor: it should start smoothly, without strong vibrations or extraneous knocks. It is recommended to check the temperature in the chambers after 2-3 hours of operation.
Why does the refrigerator hum after assembly?
If a hum appears after assembly, check whether the compressor tubes are touching each other or the housing, and whether the unit is level on the floor - often it is enough to tighten the legs.
Frequently asked questions questions (FAQ)
Is it necessary to bleed freon to replace the thermostat in a Vestel refrigerator?
No, to replace the thermostat it is not necessary to bleed freon, since this component is located in the electrical control circuit and is not directly connected to the sealed refrigerant circuit. You work only with electrical contacts and the capillary tube of the sensor, which is inserted into a special socket.
How to remove the door handle if there are no visible screws?
In most models Vestel the handles are attached to hidden screws, access to which is gained after removing the decorative plugs. These plugs are located at the end of the handle or at the bottom/top and are carefully pryed off with a thin screwdriver or knife, after which the fasteners are unscrewed.
Is it possible to wash the rear grille of the refrigerator with water?
Washing the condenser (rear grille) with water under pressure is strictly prohibited, as this can damage the soft aluminum slats or cause corrosion. Cleaning should be done with a soft brush or vacuum cleaner, removing dust and dirt using a dry method.
What to do if after assembly the refrigerator does not turn on?
First of all, check whether all electrical connectors are connected correctly, especially those that were disconnected during operation. Make sure there is voltage in the outlet and the integrity of the power cord, and also check whether the circuit breaker in the electrical panel has tripped.