How to remove the thermostat in a Biryusa two-chamber refrigerator: a complete guide

A refrigerator breakdown always becomes an unpleasant surprise, especially when equipment from time-tested brands such as Biryusa. One of the most common symptoms of a malfunction is the incorrect operation of the cooling system: the chamber may not reach the desired temperature or, conversely, freeze food to the point of stone. Often the cause of such failures is a failed thermostat, which stops reading readings correctly or closing the electrical circuit.

For owners of two-chamber models, replacing this unit on their own is a very real task, allowing you to save a significant amount on calling a technician. Thermoregulator is mechanical or electronic a device that controls the operation of the compressor. However, to get to it in units of the series Biryusa, you will need to completely disassemble the fridge compartment, being careful with plastic elements and electrical contacts.

In this article we will analyze in detail the process of dismantling the temperature sensor, Let's look at the necessary tools and highlight key points that should not be overlooked. The correct sequence of actions will protect you from damaging fragile fasteners and will help return the refrigerator to its previous performance in the shortest possible time.

Diagnostics of a thermostat malfunction

Before you start disassembling the unit, you need to make sure that the problem lies in the thermostat. Symptoms of its breakdown are often disguised as other malfunctions, so accurate diagnosis will save you time and effort. If the refrigerator compressor Biryusa works non-stop, ignoring the regulator settings, or does not start at all, although the chamber is warm, this is a sure sign of failure of the control element.

There are several indirect signs indicating the need to replace the sensor. First of all, pay attention to the cyclical operation of the motor: a working device should turn on and off at certain intervals. In addition, the freezing of a “cap” of ice on the back wall or the complete absence of frost when the compressor is running also indicate a malfunction in the temperature control system.

• 🌡️ The compressor hums continuously without going into rest mode, even with the minimum cold settings.
• 🧊 Food in the refrigerator compartment freezes, although the regulator is set to the minimum value.
• 🔌 The refrigerator does not respond at all when plugged in, although the indicators are on and there is light.
• 💧 The appearance of puddles of water under the unit due to frequent melting of ice during incorrect defrosting cycles.

For a final check, you can use multimeter, ringing the thermostat contacts. Under normal conditions, at room temperature, the circuit should be closed. If the device shows a break, or the contacts are “stuck” and do not open even when heated, replacing the unit becomes inevitable. Electrical diagram refrigerators Biryusa is quite simple, and checking the contacts usually does not cause difficulties for those who are familiar with the basics of electrical engineering.

Necessary tools and workplace preparation

Quality preparation for repairs is the key to success and safety of the process. To dismantle the thermostat in a two-chamber refrigerator Biryusa you do not need complex industrial equipment, but a set of specialized tools should be on hand in advance. The absence of the required screwdriver in the midst of disassembly can lead to thread breakage or damage to the plastic.

Be sure to ensure good lighting of the work area, since many fasteners are hidden in niches or behind decorative panels. Before starting any work, the unit must be completely de-energized by removing the plug from the socket. This is a critical safety rule and, if ignored, may result in electric shock or short circuit.

The list of required tools includes:

• 🔧 A set of screwdrivers of various sizes, including Phillips and slotted, for removing fastening screws.
• 🔦 A powerful flashlight or headlamp for illuminating internal cavities.
• 🧤 Dielectric gloves to protect hands and prevent static discharge.
• 📏 Tweezers or pliers with narrow jaws for working with small terminals.

It is also recommended to prepare a container for folding fasteners so as not to lose small screws. Some models Biryusa may have specific fastenings, so having a universal set of tools will be an advantage. If you plan to carry out diagnostics with a multimeter, make sure that its battery is charged and the probes are in good working order.

Access to the thermostat: disassembling the refrigerator compartment

In two-chamber refrigerators Biryusa the thermostat is most often located inside refrigeration chamber. Access to it can be organized in different ways depending on the specific series and year of manufacture of the model. In most cases, the sensor is hidden behind a plastic ceiling panel of the camera or in the lighting control unit. You should begin work by completely emptying the refrigerator compartment of food and removable shelves.

The first step is to remove all drawers, shelves and guides to gain free access to the top of the unit. Carefully inspect the ceiling of the chamber: there may be a decorative cover covering the lamp shade or control unit. To remove it, you often need to carefully pry the plastic with a flat-head screwdriver or unscrew hidden screws that may be disguised under plugs.

⚠️ Attention: Plastic in old refrigerators becomes brittle over time. Proceed carefully, do not use excessive force when removing the panels, so as not to break the latches or the housing itself.

After removing the outer cladding, the internal structure of the unit will be revealed to you. The thermostat is usually mounted on a metal or plastic base. It is important to remember or take a photo of the order in which the wires are connected, since a mixed up one color marking can lead to the system not working properly. In some models, access to the mounting of the sensor itself may require partial dismantling of the top cover of the refrigerator from the outside.

Nuances of access in different models

In some modifications of Biryusa, the thermostat may be located not inside the chamber, but behind the back panel from the outside. In this case, you will need to remove the top cover of the housing and, possibly, dismantle the top hinge of the door for full access to the fastening elements.

The process of dismantling the old thermostat

Direct removal of the thermostat requires care and accuracy. The main attention should be paid to the capillary tube, which comes out of the sensor body and is inserted into the evaporator or attached to the chamber wall. This tube is very thin and is easily damaged if handled carelessly, which makes the entire assembly beyond repair.

The dismantling process is as follows: first, the electrical terminals are disconnected. To do this, you need to press the connector latches or carefully pull off the caps by pulling the wires, not the contacts themselves. Then the screws holding the thermostat housing in place are unscrewed. After loosening the fastening, the assembly can be removed from the niche.

The most delicate stage is removing the sensitive capillary tube. It can be secured with special clamps, glued or simply inserted into the technological hole. In two-chamber models Turk the tube often passes through the seal or is hidden behind decorative elements. It is necessary to slowly and smoothly pull out the tube, controlling every millimeter of its movement so as not to get caught on the sharp edges of the metal.

If the tube is glued or pressed tightly, do not use force. It is better to carefully bend the interfering elements or use a thin tool to clear the path. Damage to the tube will lead to freon leaking from the thermostat bellows, and the new sensor will also not work correctly.

• 🔌 Disconnect all wires, first remembering their location or taking a photo.
• 🔩 Unscrew the mounting screws or loosen the latches of the thermostat housing.
• ❄️ Release the capillary tube from the fixing clips inside the chamber.
• 🧵 Carefully pull the tube through the hole in the housing, avoiding sudden jerks.

Compatibility table and characteristics of thermostats

When choosing a replacement It is important to take into account not only the external similarity, but also the technical parameters. Thermostats for refrigerators Biryusa may differ in the length of the capillary tube, operating temperature range and type of contacts. Installing an unsuitable analogue can lead to incorrect operation: frequent starts of the compressor or insufficient cooling.

Below is a table with the main characteristics of common thermostat models used in this brand of equipment. Pay attention to the markings on the device body - it must match the original or have a compatible analogue.

When purchasing a new part, be sure to compare the length of the capillary tube. If the new tube is longer than the original, its excess can be carefully twisted into a ring and placed inside the chamber without bending it. In short, installation may not be possible without loss of tightness or correct positioning of the sensitive element.

Installation of a new sensor and assembly of the system

Installation of a new thermostat is carried out in the reverse order of dismantling. First of all, carefully insert the capillary tube into the technological hole. This should be done slowly, without jerking, so as not to damage the thin wall of the tube on the edges of the hole. The immersion depth of the sensitive element must meet the factory requirements; usually the tube is inserted all the way or to a special mark.

After installing the tube, secure the thermostat housing to the seat. Ensure that the adjustment screw or control knob is accessible to the user and not obstructed by housing components. The next step is connecting the electrical wires. Here it is extremely important to observe the polarity and connection order that you fixed at the disassembly stage.

Pay special attention to the insulation of the contacts. In conditions of high humidity in the refrigerator compartment, any exposed wires may oxidize or cause a short circuit. Use original terminals or securely insulate connections. After checking the electrical part, you can begin installing decorative panels and shades.

Final assembly includes the installation of all removed shelves, drawers and guides. Make sure that all fasteners are screwed in completely, but not overtightened, which can cause cracks in the plastic. After complete assembly, the refrigerator is ready for the first start.

First start and performance check

After installing the new thermostat and fully assembling the unit, it is necessary to conduct a test run. Do not load the refrigerator with food right away - let it run idle. This will allow the system to enter operating mode and stabilize the temperature background without unnecessary load on the compressor.

During the first hours of operation, carefully monitor the cycles of turning the motor on and off. A working thermostat should turn off the compressor when the set temperature is reached and turn it on again after the temperature in the chamber rises by several degrees. Work and rest times should be approximately comparable, although the exact proportions depend on the ambient temperature in the room.

⚠️ Attention: If, after replacing the thermostat, the refrigerator continues to work without stopping or does not turn on at all, immediately unplug it. This may indicate a malfunction of the new part, an installation error, or problems with other components, such as the start relay or the compressor itself.

Also check for any extraneous noise that may have appeared after assembly. Sometimes loose panels can resonate with compressor vibration. Make sure that the refrigerator door closes tightly and is not warped, as this will also affect the operation of the cooling system.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Is it possible to install thermostat with a longer capillary tube?

Yes, this is acceptable. The excess tube must be carefully rolled into a ring with a diameter of at least 5-6 cm to prevent kinks or creases that will disrupt the circulation of freon inside the bellows. Hide the ring in the free space of the chamber or behind the decorative panel.

Why does the new thermostat click, but the refrigerator does not turn on?

The click indicates mechanical operation of the contacts, but the failure to start the compressor may indicate oxidation of the contacts inside the thermostat itself, a faulty start relay, or problems with the compressor windings. Additional diagnostics of the electrical circuit is required.

Is it necessary to evacuate the system when replacing the thermostat?

No, the thermostat is an element of the electrical control circuit and is not part of the refrigerant circulation circuit. Replacing it does not require breaking the tightness of the freon circuit, so charging or evacuation of the system is not necessary.

How to adjust the temperature after replacement?

After installing the new sensor, let the refrigerator operate for 5-6 hours. Then place the thermometer in a glass of water on the middle shelf. Adjust the thermostat knob until the temperature reaches +4...+5°C. This usually corresponds to the middle position of the regulator.