Refrigerators brands Biryusa are deservedly popular due to their reliability and affordable price, however, even the highest quality equipment eventually requires the intervention of a specialist. One of the most common malfunctions that owners encounter is the failure of the thermostat, which leads to incorrect temperature conditions inside the chambers. If your refrigerator stops turning off, runs continuously, or, conversely, does not cool food sufficiently, most likely the problem lies in this particular unit.
To perform high-quality repairs, you need to know how to properly remove the temperature controllerwithout damaging other structural elements. The dismantling process has its own nuances, depending on the specific model and location of the thermostat, but the general algorithm of actions remains similar for most units. In this article, we will analyze in detail each stage of the work so that you can safely diagnose and replace the part.
It is important to understand that any work related to electrical components requires first disconnecting the device from the network. Failure to follow safety precautions may result in electric shock or damage to the refrigerator's electronics. Therefore, before starting disassembly, make sure that the plug is unplugged from the socket and the work area is well lit.
Diagnostics of thermostat malfunction
Before proceeding to the active phase of repair and disassembling the case, you need to make sure that the problem lies in the thermostat. Thermostat is a device that which controls the temperature in the refrigerator compartment and sends a signal to the compressor to turn on or off. If it does not work correctly, the cooling cycle is disrupted, which leads to food spoilage or excessive energy consumption.
There are several obvious signs indicating a breakdown of this element. Often, owners notice that the refrigerator Biryusa works non-stop, trying to reach the set temperature, or the compressor does not start at all, despite turning the adjustment knob. Also, a malfunction may be indicated by the appearance of ice in the refrigerator compartment or, conversely, a complete absence of cold.
⚠️ Attention: If you find swelling of the thermostat housing or traces of melting on the contacts, further operation of the device is prohibited until the part is replaced.
For As a first check, you can try tapping the thermostat housing with the handle of a screwdriver while the compressor is running. If the motor turns off after mechanical impact, this is a sure sign that the contacts inside the regulator are stuck. However, this method gives only a temporary effect and does not eliminate the cause of the breakdown, so replacement of the part will still be required.
Preparation of tools and workplace
High-quality repairs are impossible without proper preparation. To remove the temperature regulator on the refrigerator Biryusa quickly and without damage, you will need a minimal set of tools. Collect everything you need in advance so that during work you will not be distracted by searching for a screwdriver or pliers.
Particular attention should be paid to the organization of lighting. The internal cavities of the refrigerator, especially the thermostat area, are often poorly lit, and in dim light it is easy to damage the fragile plastic latches or bite through excess wire. Use a headlamp or portable lamp for comfortable work.
- 🔧 A set of screwdrivers (phillips and flat) for removing fasteners.
- 🔩 Pliers or pliers for working with nuts and wires.
- 🔪 A sharp knife or a scalpel for carefully removing seals and insulation.
- 🧤 Dielectric gloves to protect your hands when working with electrical equipment.
It is also recommended to prepare a container for folding small parts, such as screws and washers, so that they do not get lost. If your model uses specific fasteners, a socket wrench may be required. Before starting work, wipe the surface of the refrigerator with a dry cloth to remove dust and grease, which may make it difficult to grip the tools.
☑️ Preparation for repair
Removing the regulator handle and protective panel
The first stage of disassembly is removing the mode switch handle. On most refrigerator models Turk the thermostat knob is simply pressed onto the rod and can be removed by hand. However, over time, the plastic may “stick” or become deformed, which will require the use of additional tools.
If you cannot remove the handle with your hands, you can carefully pry it off with a flat screwdriver, after wrapping the tip with a soft cloth so as not to scratch the plastic. The movements should be progressive, without sudden jerks, so as not to break the rod of the regulator itself, which is a rather fragile element.
After removing the handle, you will see a decorative trim or the thermostat housing itself. In some modifications thermostat it is covered with a plastic panel, which is secured with latches or screws. Proceed with caution, as old plastic becomes brittle and can crack if pressed carelessly.
In models with an external defrost button (often located next to the temperature knob), it also needs to be removed. Usually it is held on by threads or clamps. Unscrew it counterclockwise, holding the base so as not to turn the entire block in the seat.
Removing the fastening nut and removing the thermostat
The most crucial moment is unscrewing the fastening nut that holds the thermostat in the wall of the refrigerator. This nut is located inside the chamber, immediately behind the decorative panel, and has a specific shape. To unscrew it, a special wrench is often required, but at home you can get by with ordinary pliers or an open-end wrench of the appropriate size.
The process of unscrewing the nut requires caution. It is important not to damage the threads on the thermostat body and not to crush the edges of the nut. If the nut is stuck due to moisture and corrosion, you can drop a little penetrating lubricant (for example, WD-40) and wait a few minutes, but make sure that the chemical does not get on the rubber seal of the capillary tube.
⚠️ Attention: The thermostat capillary tube is very thin and sensitive to creases. When working with the nut, make sure that the tool does not pinch or bite the tube, otherwise the refrigerant will come out.
After the nut is unscrewed, the thermostat becomes free. Gently pull it towards you to remove it from the mounting hole. At this moment, access will open to the electrical contacts and the capillary tube, which goes deep into the refrigerator body.
| Element | Function | Removal features |
|---|---|---|
| Regulator handle | Mode control | Removed by hand or by prying |
| Fixing nut | Fixation in the body | Requires careful unscrewing with a key |
| Capillary tube | Sensing element | It is prohibited to bend and cut |
| Electrical contacts | Circuit switching | Required markings before disconnecting |
Disconnecting electrical wires
When the thermostat housing is removed from the niche, it is necessary to disconnect the electrical wires. Before doing this, it is strongly recommended to photograph the connection diagram or sketch the colors of the wires and their location on the terminals. An assembly error can lead to a short circuit or failure of the compressor.
On refrigerators Biryusa most often a block with several contacts is used. To disconnect the wires, you must remove the terminals. In some cases, they are simply removed by hand, in others they can be fixed with plastic latches, which need to be carefully pressed out with a thin screwdriver.
If the wires are connected through screw terminals, use a screwdriver of the appropriate size to loosen the fixation. Do not pull on the wires themselves; hold on to the metal part of the terminal. After disconnecting all the wires, the old thermostat can be completely removed from the refrigerator.
What to do if the wires are mixed up?
If you forgot to photograph the circuit, look for the technical documentation for your model. Typically, the red or brown wire is the phase going to the compressor, and the yellow-green wire is the ground. However, colors may vary depending on the year of manufacture.
Pay special attention to the condition of the wire insulation. If you notice cracks or melting, they must be repaired before connecting a new regulator. Use heat shrink tubing or quality insulating tape to ensure safety.
Removing the capillary tube
The capillary tube is a thin copper or aluminum pipe that is filled with freon and reacts to changes in temperature. It goes through the entire inside of the refrigerator wall. When dismantling the old regulator, the tube must be carefully pulled out of the channel.
Pull the tube smoothly, without jerking. If it is stuck, do not use excessive force as it is easy to damage. You can slightly rotate the tube around its axis to make sliding easier. In some models, the tube is secured in the channel using a special sealant or glue, which may require careful softening.
If you plan to use a new thermostat with a different length of capillary tube, the excess will need to be carefully twisted into a spiral and placed in the free space inside the chamber or behind the rear panel, taking precautions. The main thing is to avoid sharp bends at an angle of less than 90 degrees.
⚠️ Attention: Damage to the capillary tube will lead to refrigerant leakage. Restoring the system in this case will require calling a technician with equipment for refilling freon, which will significantly increase the cost of repairs.
When installing a new regulator, the tube is inserted into the channel last, after connecting the electrics. Make sure that it does not catch on the sharp edges of the hole in the housing.
Installing a new regulator and checking operation
Installing a new one thermostat is carried out in the reverse order of dismantling. First, the capillary tube is carefully inserted into the channel, then the body is installed in the niche and secured with a nut. Tighten the nut tightly, but without fanaticism, so as not to strip the thread.
Next, connect the electrical wires according to the previously made diagram or marking. Make sure the terminals are tight and not loose. After this, replace the decorative panel and put on the adjustment knob. The handle should fit tightly and turn easily.
After assembly, turn on the refrigerator and set the control knob to the middle position (usually number 3 or 4). During the first 30-40 minutes, listen to the operation of the compressor: it should turn on, run and turn off when the desired temperature is reached. If the cycle is repeated correctly, the repair can be considered successful.
On the first day after replacement, it is recommended to periodically check the temperature in the chamber using an external thermometer to ensure the accuracy of the readings of the new regulator. If the refrigerator begins to freeze too much or too little, additional calibration or replacement of the part with a more suitable model may be required.
Is it possible to replace the thermostat with an analogue from another manufacturer?
Yes, you can often use analogues if the parameters match: the length of the capillary tube, the temperature range of operation and overall dimensions. However, it is better to look for original spare parts or certified replacements specifically designed for refrigerators Biryusato avoid installation problems.
Why does the new thermostat click, but the refrigerator does not turn on?
This may indicate a faulty start relay compressor or the motor itself. It is also possible that the contacts on the new thermostat do not close due to a manufacturing defect or incorrect installation. Check for voltage at the output of the thermostat when turning the knob.
Is it necessary to defrost the refrigerator before replacing the thermostat?
Full defrosting is not necessary if you have access to the thermostat through the refrigerator compartment. However, if there is a lot of ice in the chamber that interferes with operation or can flood the electrical contacts when melting, it is better to defrost the unit first.
How to understand that the thermostat is set incorrectly?
If the food in the refrigerator compartment freezes or, on the contrary, spoils, and the compressor operating cycle is too short or long, it means that the settings are lost or the wrong regulator is installed. Some models have an adjusting screw under the seal for calibration.