A thermostat is the “brain” of the refrigerator Atlant, which is responsible for maintaining the set temperature. When it fails, the compressor either works without stopping or does not turn on at all, which leads to food spoilage or overheating of the motor. Replacing this part at a service center will cost 3–5 thousand rubles, but if you have the tools and are careful, you can do it yourself in 1–2 hours.
This article contains detailed instructions with photos on how to replace the thermostat in refrigerators Atlant (including popular models MHM-1705, MHM-1840, MXM-2835 and others). We will analyze:
- 🔍 how to accurately diagnose a breakdown thermostat;
- 🛒 where to buy an original spare part and how not to run into a fake;
- 🔧 what tools will be needed for disassembly;
- ⚙️ step-by-step process of dismantling and installing a new thermostat;
- ⚡ typical mistakes that lead to repeated breakdowns.
If your refrigerator Atlant stops freezing, constantly hums, or, conversely, is “silent” as if it was turned off, do not rush to take it to the workshop. In 70% of cases, the problem is solved by replacing the thermostat, and you can do it yourself, following our recommendations.
Signs of a malfunctioning thermostat in the refrigerator Atlant
Before disassembling the equipment, make sure that the problem is in the thermostat. Here key symptoms its breakdowns:
- ❄️ The compressor does not turn off - it works around the clock, the refrigerator freezes food, a thick layer of ice forms on the back wall.
- 🔥 The compressor does not turn on - it is warm in the chambers, the light inside is on, but the motor does not start even after manually turning the thermostat knob.
- 🌡️ The temperature does not correspond to the settings —in the freezer it is +10°C, and in the main compartment -5°C, despite the set mode.
- 🔊 Clicks without starting the engine —characteristic sounds of relay operation are heard, but the compressor does not start.
The same symptoms may indicate a breakdown start relay, compressor or freon leak. To exclude them, perform a simple check:
- Disconnect the refrigerator from the network.
- Remove the protective casing from the compressor (it is located at the back at the bottom parts).
- Carefully remove the thermostat (read how to do this in the next section).
- Connect the 2 wires going to the thermostat (usually brown and red/orange).
- Plug in the refrigerator.
If the compressor starts after closing the contacts, the problem is definitely in the thermostat. If not, look for a fault in the relay, motor or electrical circuit.
⚠️ Attention: Do not keep the wires closed for more than 1-2 minutes! This can lead to overheating of the compressor.
Which thermostat is suitable for refrigerators Atlant
Refrigerators Atlant equipped with domestically produced thermostats (factory "Thermostat", Minsk) or imported analogues from Danfoss (series KP), Ranco (series A11-2000). Main selection criterion - compatibility with the model of your refrigerator.
The table below shows common models of thermostats for Atlant and their analogues:
| Refrigerator model | Original thermostat | Analogs (replacements) | Price, rub. (2026) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Atlant MHM-1705, MKhM-1808 | TAM-133-1M |
Danfoss 077B6344, Ranco A11-2000 |
1 200–1 800 |
| Atlant MKhM-2835, MKhM-2842 | TAM-145-1M |
Danfoss 077B6156, Orion TR-10 |
1 500–2 200 |
| Atlant XM-4021, XM-4626 | TAM-125-1M |
Danfoss 077B6060 |
900–1 400 |
| Atlant with No Frost (NF) | TAM-112-1M or TAM-113-1M |
Danfoss 077B6340 |
1 800–2 500 |
Where to buy:
- 🛒 Official dealers Atlant - guarantee of an original part, but the price is 20–30% higher than the market price.
- 🌍 Online stores (AliExpress, Beru, Yandex Market) - cheaper, but there is a risk of running into a fake. Check the reviews and ratings of the seller.
- 🔧 Refrigerator repair shops - they often sell used thermostats in good condition (price from 500 rubles).
⚠️ Attention: When purchasing, pay attention to the length of the capillary tube (it must match the original) and temperature range (indicated on the thermostat body). For example, a freezer requires a thermostat with a range of up to –24°C.
Tools and preparation for replacement
To replace the thermostat in the refrigerator Atlant you will need:
- 🔧 Screwdrivers —cross (PH2) and flat (3–5 mm).
- 📏 Pliers —for carefully removing the terminals.
- 🔌 Multimeter —to check the continuity of the circuit (optional, but useful).
- 🧲 Magnet or tape — for fixing the removed parts.
- 📸 Phone with a camera —to photograph the location of the wires.
Preparing the refrigerator:
- Unplug the refrigerator and defrost it (if there is ice).
- Remove all food and shelves from the chamber where the thermostat is located (usually the main compartment).
- Remove the top cover of the refrigerator - it is attached to 2-4 screws on the front.
- Disconnect lighting lamp (carefully snap off the clips or unscrew the screws).
In most models Atlant the thermostat is located under the top panel or behind the plastic cover inside the chamber. In refrigerators with No Frost it can. be hidden behind the back wall of the freezer.
Disconnect the refrigerator from the outlet|
Defreeze and remove everything products|
Remove the top cover of the refrigerator|
Disconnect the light bulb|
Take a photo of the location of the wires-->
Step-by-step instructions for replacing the thermostat
Let's look at the process using the model as an example Atlant MHM-1840 (similar for most single-chamber and double-chamber refrigerators of this brand).
Step 1: Removing the old thermostat
1. Remove the temperature control knob - it either unscrews counterclockwise or is removed from the latches (pry it off with a flat screwdriver).
2. Unscrew the screws securing the plastic thermostat cover (usually 2-3 pieces). In some models, the cover is held on by clips - carefully pry it off with a screwdriver.
3. Disconnect capillary tube (thin copper tube going from the thermostat to the evaporator). It is secured with a plastic clamp - cut it off or gently open it with pliers.
4. Take a photo location of wires on the thermostat terminals! This is critical so as not to confuse them when connecting a new one.
5. Disconnect the wires, remembering or labeling their order. Typically 3-4 wires are used:
- 🔴 Red/orange - power supply;
- 🔵 Blue/black - ground;
- 🟢 Green/yellow - signal to the compressor;
- 🟡 Yellow - light bulb (if any).
Step 2: Installing a new thermostat
1. Connect the wires to the new thermostat in the same orderas they were on the old one. If in doubt, check the photo.
2. Secure the capillary tube to the evaporator (you can use a new plastic clamp or electrical tape). The tube must fit tightly to the evaporator - the accuracy of temperature measurement depends on this!
3. Place the thermostat in place, secure with self-tapping screws or clips.
4. Return the temperature control knob to its place.
Step 3: Checking functionality
1. Connect the refrigerator to the network.
2. Check if the compressor turns on (it should hum in 5-10 minutes).
3. Make sure that the light bulb works (if you disconnected its wires).
4. After 1-2 hours, check the temperature in the chamber - it should correspond to the set handle.
If the refrigerator does not turn on, double-check the wire connections. If the compressor runs without stopping, the capillary tube may be poorly secured or the thermostat is faulty (defective).
What to do if the new thermostat does not work?
1. Check if the wires are connected correctly (check the photo).
2. Make sure that the capillary tube fits tightly to the evaporator.
3. Test the thermostat with a multimeter in circuit test mode: at room temperature, contacts 3 and 4 should be closed.
4. If everything is correct, but the refrigerator does not freeze, there may be a problem with the compressor or a freon leak.
Typical mistakes when replacing a thermostat
Even experienced craftsmen sometimes make mistakes that lead to repeated breakdowns. Here the most common:
- 🔌 Wrong connection of wires - if you confuse phase and zero, the thermostat may burn out the first time you turn it on. Always check the photo!
- 🧊 Poor connection of the capillary tube - if it is not adjacent to the evaporator, the thermostat will show the wrong temperature, and the compressor either will not turn off or will not turn on.
- 🔧 Using an incompatible thermostat —for example, installing a thermostat from No Frost into a regular refrigerator (or vice versa).
- 🚫 Forgetting to disconnect the refrigerator from network is fraught with a short circuit when working with wires.
- 📏 Inaccurate disassembly —it is easy to break plastic clips or damage the insulation of wires, but finding a replacement is difficult.
Another common problem is purchase of a fake. There are many cheap Chinese thermostats on the market that are outwardly indistinguishable from the originals, but fail after 1–2 months. How to recognize them:
- 🏷️ No markings or it is erased;
- 🔍 The capillary tube is thinner than the original;
- 📦 Low quality packaging (no logos, with grammatical errors).
⚠️ Attention: If, after replacing the thermostat, the refrigerator is unstable (it turns on and then turns off), check start relay - it could have failed due to power surges during the repair.
Features of replacement in refrigerators Atlant s No Frost
In models with the system No Frost (for example, Atlant XM-6025 or XM-6321) The thermostat is often located behind the back wall of the freezer. This complicates access, but the principle of replacement remains the same.
Process differences:
- 🔧 It is necessary to remove the internal rear panel the freezer compartment (attached with self-tapping screws).
- ❄️ Before disassembling, be sure to defrost the refrigerator - otherwise you risk damaging the defrosting system.
- 🔌 B No Frost often used double thermostat (separately for refrigeration and freezer compartments). Check this before purchasing!
The rest of the algorithm is the same: disconnect the wires, remove the capillary tube, install a new thermostat. The main thing is not to damage defrost heater (thin wire running along the evaporator).
When is it better to contact a technician
Replacing the thermostat is one of the simplest repair operations for a refrigerator. However, in some cases it is better to trust a professional:
- 🔧 If you have never dealt with electricity - the risk of a short circuit or electric shock is too high.
- ⚡ If after replacing the thermostat the refrigerator does not turn on at all —the problem may be in the compressor or electronics.
- 💧 If during disassembly you find oil or rust on the compressor, this is a sign of a freon leak.
- 📜 If your refrigerator under warranty —self-repair will invalidate it.
The cost of replacing the thermostat in a service center is from 1,500 to 3,000 rubles (excluding cost details). If you are not confident in your abilities, it is better to pay for the work than to risk expensive repairs.
Also contact a technician if:
- After replacing the thermostat, the compressor hums, but not starts (perhaps the motor is jammed).
- Refrigerator turns on for 1-2 seconds and turns off (problem with the start relay).
- Appears on the display (if any) error (for example,
E1orF2).
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about replacing the thermostat in Atlant
Is it possible to replace the thermostat without defrosting the refrigerator?
Technically yes, but not recommended. Ice on the evaporator can interfere with access to the thermostat, and also increases the risk of damage to the capillary tube. If there is no time to defrost, at least remove the ice around the thermostat with a hairdryer (do not overheat the plastic!). data-i="288">not recommended
How to check the thermostat with a multimeter?
1. Remove the thermostat from the refrigerator.
2. Switch the multimeter to circuit test mode.
3. the contacts 3 and 4 (usually the terminals for the compressor) should be closed (the multimeter beeps).
4. Immerse the capillary tube in ice for 1-2 minutes - the contacts should open. If this does not happen, the thermostat is faulty.
How much does a thermostat cost for Atlant?
The price depends on the model:
- Original
TAM-133-1M— 1,200–1,800 rubles; - Analogue
Danfoss 077B6344— 1,500–2,000 rubles; - Used thermostat—500–1,000 rubles (risky).
The cost of work in the service is from 1,500 rubles.
What will happen if you do not change a broken thermostat?
The consequences depend on the type of breakdown:
- If the thermostat does not open the circuit the compressor will work without stopping, which will lead to it overheating and failure (repair will cost 5-8 thousand rubles).
- If the thermostat does not close the circuit —the refrigerator will not turn on and the food will spoil.
In both cases electricity consumption will increase by 2-3 times.
Is it possible to repair a thermostat without buying new?
In 90% of cases, no - thermostats are not repaired, but replaced. Exception:
- If they are oxidized contacts —they can be cleaned with sandpaper.
- If damaged capillary tube —sometimes it can be soldered (but this is a temporary solution).
In other cases (open circuit, membrane wear) replacement is required.