Transporting a refrigerator is stressful not only for the owner, but also for the equipment. Even if you carefully transported Atlant in a horizontal position or at an angle, the internal systems could be damaged. The main problem is oil getting from the compressor into the cooling circuit. If you turn on the unit immediately, the risk of failure increases significantly. But how long to wait? How to check that everything is ok? And what to do if the refrigerator does not start?
This article contains step-by-step instructions taking into account the features of the models Atlant (from classic MXM-170 to modern NRM with No Frost). We will look at why you can’t ignore the “sludge” rule, how to properly connect the refrigerator to the network, and what to do if you hear atypical sounds after turning it on. And also a table of waiting times for different transportation conditions and answers to frequently asked questions.
Why you can’t turn on the refrigerator immediately after transportation
The main reason — risk of water hammer in the compressor. During transportation (especially in a lying position), oil from the compressor crankcase enters the refrigerant pipes. If you turn on the refrigerator immediately, the oil will block the circulation of freon, which will lead to:
- 🔧 Overheating of the compressor - the motor runs dry, without lubrication, and can burn out in 10-15 minutes.
- ❄️ Freezing of the capillary tube — due to a lack of refrigerant in the evaporator.
- 💥 Circuit rupture —if the pressure exceeds critical (rarely, but possible during prolonged operation in emergency mode).
The second problem is damage to spring shock absorbers. When transported in a horizontal position, the compressor shock absorbers may become deformed. If you do not give them time to return to their original state, vibrations during operation will be stronger, which will accelerate the wear of parts.
⚠️ Attention: In refrigerators Atlant with a system No Frost (for example XM 4625-100) the risk is higher - the evaporator blower fan may be blocked by ice if oil gets into the circuit. This will lead to an errorE1orE2on the display.
How long do you need to wait before turning on: table on transportation conditions
The "settling" time depends on three factors: position of the refrigerator during transportation, ambient temperature i models. Below are recommendations for Atlant (relevant for most household models, except industrial ones).
| Conditions of transportation | Air temperature | Minimum waiting time | Recommended time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vertical (without tilting) | Above +10°C | 2 hours | 4 hours |
| At an inclination of up to 40° | From 0°C to +10°C | 6 hours | 12 hours |
| Horizontal (lying) | From 0°C to +10°C | 12 hours | 18–24 hours |
| Horizontal (lying) | Below 0°C | 24 hours | 36 hours |
| After long transportation (more than 500 km) | Any | 18 hours | 24 hours |
If the refrigerator was transported in winter at temperatures below -5°C, before turning it on, it must be kept in a warm room (at least +16°C) minimum 24 hours. This is due to the thickening of the oil in the compressor - at low temperatures it loses fluidity, and it will be more difficult for the engine to start.
Step-by-step instructions: how to turn on the refrigerator after transportation
When the waiting time has expired, follow this algorithm. Errors at any stage can lead to breakdown, so check each point.
-
Inspect the refrigerator for external damage. Check:
- 🔍 The integrity of the door seal (rubber band) - it should not be torn or deformed.
- 🔌 Power cable - are there any creases or exposed wires.
- 📦 Case - dents on the back wall may indicate damage to the capacitor.
Install the refrigerator on a flat surface. Use a level (or a leveling app on your smartphone). The permissible slope is no more than 2°. Adjust the height of the legs with a key or manually (depending on the model).
Connect to the network. Do not use extension cords - the refrigerator must be plugged directly into a grounded outlet. The voltage in the network should be 220–240 V (check with a multimeter or tester).
Start the refrigerator. Turn the thermostat (or press the power button on the electronic panel) to position 2–3 (average temperature). Do not set the maximum mode right away!
Listen to the operation of the compressor. In the first 5–10 minutes the following are acceptable:
- 🔊 Light rumble (circulation refrigerant).
- 🔊 Relay clicking when starting.
- 🔊 Minor vibration.
If you hear knocking, grinding or prolonged hum —immediately turn off the refrigerator and contact service.
The door seal has been checked|The refrigerator is level (slope ≤ 2°)|The power cable is intact|The voltage in the socket is 220–240 V|Thermoregulator is in position 2–3-->
What to do if the refrigerator does not turns on or works incorrectly
If after connection Atlant does not start or behaves abnormally, act on the symptoms:
| Problem | Possible cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Does not respond to switching on | The cable or plug is damaged, the thermal fuse has tripped | Check the socket with another device. Inspect the cable for breaks. If everything is in order, call a technician (the starting relay may have burned out). |
| It turns on, but immediately turns off | Overheat protection (the oil has not had time to drain into the crankcase) | Wait another 12 hours and repeat the start. If the problem remains, you need to diagnose the compressor. |
| Loud noise or knocking | The compressor shock absorbers are deformed or the fastenings are loose | Turn off the refrigerator, check the compressor fastening. If the fan is noisy (in models with No Frost), the blades may be touching the ice. |
| It does not cool, but the light inside is on | Refrigerant leak or capillary tube blockage | Repair is required - do not do it yourself eliminate. Call a service with equipment for refilling freon. |
⚠️ Attention: If the display of a refrigerator Atlant with electronic control (for example, HM 4421-000) shows an errorE3orE4, this indicates a malfunction of the temperature sensor. The problem may be related to transportation - check the tightness of the door closure and the integrity of the sensor wiring.
What to do if the refrigerator turns on, but does not freeze?
If the compressor is running (humming), but the temperature in the chambers does not drop, the reasons may be the following:
1. Clogged capillary tube —oil or moisture has entered the system. The tube needs to be cleaned or replaced.
2. Freon leak —the circuit may have been damaged during transportation. You need to refill the refrigerant (only in service!).
3. Thermostat malfunction - if the refrigerator is older than 5 years, the sensor could fail due to vibration.
4. The fan is frozen (for No Frost) - check whether the blade rotates when the door is open (in some models the fan is blocked when opened, but in Atlant XM 4321-000 it should work constantly).
Features for Atlant refrigerators with No Frost and two-compressor models
Refrigerators Atlant with system No Frost (for example, series XM or NRM) and two-compressor models (like MXM-2835-90) require additional checks:
- 🌬️ Blowing fan. After transportation, the blades may be blocked by ice or foreign objects. Listen to the operation - if the fan does not start after 10–15 minutes, defrost the refrigerator for 6–8 hours.
- ❄️ Evaporator. In models with No Frost the evaporator is hidden, but if the refrigerator was lying horizontally, oil could get into the defrosting system. A sign of a problem is an error
E1(overheating of the evaporator). - ⚡ Two compressors. In two-compressor models, check the operation of each motor separately. If one compressor does not start and the second one is running, there may be a freon leak in one of the circuits.
For two-compressor Atlant it is recommended to turn on the chambers one by one:
- First start the freezer (set the temperature
–18°C). - After 1-2 hours, turn on the refrigerator (temperature
+4°C).
Common mistakes and how to avoid them
Even experienced users sometimes miss important details. data-i="207">when turned on top 5 errors when turned on Atlant after transportation and their consequences:
- 🚫 Ignoring the waiting time. "Just think, stand for 2 hours instead of 12 - this is how 80% of compressors burn out after!" transportation. The oil in the circuit will not evaporate faster due to your impatience.
- 🚫 Connection via an extension cord. The refrigerator consumes up to
1.5 kWupon startup. A cheap extension cord may melt, and a surge protector may melt. knock out the machine. - 🚫 Installation close to the wall. The rear grille (condenser) must be separated from the wall by
5–10 cmOtherwise the compressor will overheat. - 🚫 Loading products immediately after turning on. Allow the refrigerator to reach temperature for 2-3 hours. Otherwise, the compressor will wear out.
- 🚫 Using a household hair dryer to “speed up defrosting.” This may melt plastic parts or damage the seal.
⚠️ Attention: If you transported the refrigerator Atlant in the cargo hold of an airplane (for example, when moving to another country), the waiting time before turning on increases up to 48 hours. This is due to sudden pressure changes that could affect the tightness of the system.
FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions
Is it possible to speed up the waiting process if the refrigerator is urgently needed?
No, it is physically impossible. drain on its own under the influence of gravity. The only thing that can be done is to place the refrigerator in a warm room (but not above +30°C) so that the oil becomes less viscous. Using a hair dryer, heater or tilting the housing will only wet the insulation and increase the risk of a short circuit.
How to check that the oil has returned to the compressor?
Indirect signs:
- The compressor starts the first time and runs smoothly, without jerking.
- No extraneous noise (knocking, grinding) in the first 30 minutes.
- The rear grille (condenser) heats up evenly through 10–15 minutes after starting.
If at least one of the points is not met, the oil has not yet completely returned to the crankcase. Turn off the refrigerator and wait another 6–12 hours.
What to do if the Atlant refrigerator shows error E5 after turning on?
Error E5 in models Atlant with a display means problem with the defrost system (for No Frost) or malfunction of the evaporator sensorAfter transportation this may be caused by:
- Oil getting on the sensor (it is “stuck” and shows the wrong temperature).
- Breakage of the sensor wire due to vibration.
- Freezing of the fan (if the refrigerator was lying horizontally in a cold room).
Solution: turn off the refrigerator for 12 hours, then turn it on again. If the error remains, you need diagnostics in the service.
Is it necessary to defrost the Atlant refrigerator before loading food for the first time?
No, if:
- The refrigerator is new and turned on for the first time.
- You have observed the waiting time after transportation.
- There is no ice or condensation in the chambers.
Yes, if:
- The refrigerator was transported in a horizontal position at a temperature below 0°C (ice may have formed on the evaporator).
- Frost is visible on the back wall (in models with a drip system).
- An error has appeared
E1orE2(overheating of the evaporator).
Defrosting takes 6-12 hours at room temperature. Do not use sharp objects to remove ice!
Is it possible to transport the Atlant refrigerator lying on its side, if carefully?
Technically it is possible, but only on the left side (if you look at the refrigerator from the front). This is due to the location of the compressor - in most models Atlant it is shifted to the right, and when transported on the right side, oil is guaranteed to get into the circuit.
However, even on the left side, the risk remains. The best option is to transport vertically or at an angle of up to 40° (for example, in a cargo van with ropes).