Brand refrigerators Biryusa are deservedly famous for their reliability and durability, however, even the highest quality equipment eventually requires maintenance or replacement of consumables. One of the most common causes of temperature violations is the failure of the thermostat. This component is responsible for turning the compressor on and off, maintaining a user-specified temperature inside the chambers. If your refrigerator has stopped freezing or, on the contrary, has begun to turn food into ice, there is a high probability that the problem lies in the sensor.
Independent replacement thermostat is a very real task for a person who has basic skills in working with tools and understands the principle of operation of electrical appliances. The dismantling process does not require complex specialized equipment, but requires care and compliance with safety precautions. Correctly carried out diagnostics and careful installation of a new part will allow you to return the unit to operation without calling a technician, which will significantly save the family budget.
In this article we will analyze in detail all stages of the work: from preparing tools to the final check of the system. You will learn how to determine the exact model of the regulator, where it is located in various modifications of refrigerators Biryusa and what nuances need to be taken into account when connecting contacts. Following the instructions will help you avoid common mistakes and ensure safe operation of the equipment after repair.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any work on repairing the refrigerator, be sure to disconnect it from the electrical network. Working with live electrical wiring is strictly prohibited and can lead to electric shock or failure of the electronics.
Diagnosing a thermostat malfunction
Before you start disassembling the case, you need to make sure that the problem is really in the thermostat. Symptoms of a malfunction may vary: the compressor may not turn on at all, work without stopping, or turn on too rarely. In some cases, continuous formation of ice is observed on the back wall of the refrigerator compartment, which indicates sticking of the contacts in the closed state.
For an initial check, you can use the exclusion method. If the refrigerator is silent, try closing the contacts of the wires suitable for the regulator (after removing them from the terminals). If the compressor starts when it closes, then the circuit is OK, and the problem is most likely in the thermostatitself. However, this method requires caution, since when closed, the compressor will work continuously without turning off.
A more accurate method is to test the contacts using a multimeter. At room temperature, the contacts should be closed (the device shows zero or makes a sound). If you place the sensitive part of the thermostat in cold water (with ice), the contacts should open. Failure to respond to temperature changes will indicate the need to replace the part. It is also worth inspecting the bellows tube for mechanical damage or corrosion.
- 🔍 The compressor does not turn on, although the light in the chamber is on.
- ❄️ It is too cold in the refrigerator compartment or the food is freezing.
- 🔊 A characteristic click is heard, but the motor does not start.
- 🌡️ The temperature in the chambers does not correspond to the set position of the handle.
Necessary tools and preparation for work
For successful repairs, you will need a minimum set of tools that can be found in every home. The main tool will be a Phillips screwdriver, since most fasteners in refrigerators Biryusa are made specifically for this slot. You may also need a flat-head screwdriver to carefully pry up the plastic latches and remove decorative trims.
Be sure to prepare a multimeter (tester) to check the integrity of the circuit. Without it, it is difficult to guarantee the serviceability of the installed part. Some models may require a wrench or pliers to work with the bellows tube, but removal is most often done by hand or with simple tools. It would be a good idea to have electrical tape or heat shrink on hand to insulate the connections.
It is important to ensure good lighting of the work area. Since access to the thermostat is often limited by the cabinet or shelves, using a headlamp or portable lamp will make the task much easier. Clear the space in front of the refrigerator in advance to have easy access from all sides.
☑️ Tools for replacing the thermostat
The location of the thermostat in different Biryusa models
The design of refrigerators Biryusa changed in depending on the year of manufacture and series, so the location of the thermostat may vary. In classic models with one door and mechanical controls, the regulator is most often located inside the refrigerator compartment. It is located in the upper right or left corner, hidden under a plastic casing or directly on the wall.
In more modern models, especially two-chamber ones, the thermostat can be placed outside, on the top of the refrigerator body, next to the lampshade or ventilation grille. In such cases, to access it, you do not need to disassemble the internal space of the camera, which simplifies the task. However, in most cases, replacement will still require partial disassembly of the internal volume.
The bellows tube, which is the sensitive element of the sensor, goes deep into the housing and is attached to the evaporator. Its length and method of attachment also vary. In some models, the tube is simply inserted into the hole and fixed, in others it is screwed on. When dismantling, it is important to act carefully so as not to damage the thin-walled tube filled with freon.
| Model / Series | Thermostat location | Mounting type | Access |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biryusa 6, 8, 9 | Inside the chamber, top left | Screws + latches | Removing the lampshade |
| Turk 10, 14 | Inside the chamber, under handle | Case screws | Disassembling the panel |
| Turk 133, 134 | Outside, on top of the case | Casing screws | Removing the top cover |
| Turk 355 | Inside, top right | Latch | Removing the decorative trim |
⚠️ Attention: The design of your refrigerator may differ from that described depending on the year of manufacture. Before starting disassembly, carefully inspect the fastening elements and do not use excessive force if the part does not give way.
Step-by-step instructions for dismantling the thermostat
The process of removing the thermostat begins with providing access to it. If the regulator is inside the chamber, you must release the top shelf and remove the food. On models where the thermostat is covered by the lamp shade, carefully pry up the plastic lens with a flat-head screwdriver and remove it. It is also better to unscrew the light bulb so that it does not interfere with the view and does not break.
After removing the external elements, access to the fastening screws of the thermostat itself will open. Usually there are two or four. Unscrew them with a Phillips screwdriver. Now you need to remove the temperature control knob. It is simply tightened by hand, sometimes a slight rocking may be required. There may be another screw under the handle that secures the regulator rod.
The most critical step is removing the bellows tube from the body. It passes through a special hole in the wall of the refrigerator. Gently pull the thermostat housing towards you, releasing the tube. In some cases, the tube may be glued or pressed with a metal plate - in this case, additional fasteners will need to be unscrewed. The main thing is not to bend or deform the tube.
What to do if the tube gets stuck?
If the bellows tube cannot be removed, do not pull it by force. Try turning the thermostat housing slightly around its axis or gently rocking it from side to side. Sometimes the tube gets stuck to the insulation. You can use a little silicone oil around the hole, but avoid getting any harsh chemicals on the plastic.
Connection diagram and installation of the new regulator
After dismantling the old device, carefully study the markings on its body. Thermostats have various parameters, such as the temperature response range and the length of the bellows tube. For refrigerators Biryusa the TAM series models (for example, TAM-133, TAM-145) or imported analogues (K-50, K-59) are most often used. Installing an unsuitable model will lead to incorrect operation of the refrigerator.
Installing a new thermostat is done in the reverse order. First, carefully insert the bellows tube into the housing opening, being careful not to damage it. Then secure the housing with screws to the seat. Pay special attention to connecting wires. The terminals on the thermostat are numbered, and it is important to connect the wires to the appropriate terminals. Usually there are three of them: one common and two for the compressor and lamp (or second circuit).
After connecting all the wires, put the adjustment knob on the rod and set it to the middle position. Reinstall the lamp shade and decorative trims. Make sure all the latches are in place and nothing is loose. Only after complete assembly can you begin testing.
- 🔌 Check the reliability of the wires in the terminals.
- 🧊 Make sure that the bellows tube does not touch the moving parts.
- 🔧 Check the free movement of the temperature control knob.
- 🔍 Make sure that all screws are tightened and the case is assembled.
Checking operation and setting the temperature
After installation is complete, turn on the refrigerator. In the first minutes of operation, listen to the sounds: a characteristic click of the relay should be heard and the compressor should start. If the motor hums smoothly, and after a while the temperature in the chambers begins to decrease, it means the replacement was successful. The lighting lamp should light up when the door is opened and go out when closed (if it is connected via a thermostat).
It is recommended to adjust the temperature gradually. Set the handle to the middle position and leave the refrigerator to work for 5-6 hours. Then check the temperature of the food. If the refrigerator compartment is too cold or not cold enough, adjust the handle position. Complete stabilization of the temperature may take up to 24 hours.
During the initial startup, carefully monitor the operation of the unit. The compressor must be turned on and off periodically. If it works non-stop for a long time or does not turn on at all, it is necessary to re-check the correct connection and serviceability of the installed part. It may be necessary to adjust the screws on the thermostat itself, but this requires qualification.
⚠️ Attention: Technical characteristics of refrigerators and the range of spare parts may change by the manufacturer. Before purchasing a new thermostat, check the labeling of the old part with the manufacturer's catalog or consult a specialized store.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Can I use a thermostat from another refrigerator on Biryusa?
The use of analogues is possible, but only if their parameters (temperature range, the length of the capillary tube, the location of the contacts) coincide with the original. Incorrect selection will lead to incorrect operation: either the refrigerator will not turn off or will not be able to reach the desired temperature.
Why does the refrigerator not turn off after replacing the thermostat?
There may be several reasons: the thermostat model is incorrectly selected (wrong temperature range), the wires are connected incorrectly, or the problem is not in the thermostat, but in a freon leak or malfunction compressor. It is also possible that the sensing tube is in poor contact with the evaporator.
Where can I find the thermostat markings?
The marking is usually applied to the metal body of the thermostat or to the plastic handle. To see it, you need to remove the adjustment knob and, possibly, remove the block itself from the mounting screws. Look for designations like TAM-133, K-59, Lixue, etc.
Do you need to defrost the refrigerator before replacing?
Yes, this is a prerequisite. Replacing the thermostat often requires access to the internal walls and evaporator. Working with wet, live components is dangerous, and ice can damage fragile parts. Complete defrosting will take from 8 to 24 hours.