Sudden cessation of operation of the refrigeration unit or, conversely, its endless operation without stopping often signals the failure of the thermostat. In two-chamber models Atlant this element is responsible for maintaining the set temperature by opening and closing the electrical circuit of the compressor. If you notice that the food in the main chamber has begun to deteriorate or, on the contrary, freeze, and the freezer is working in high mode, most likely the problem lies in the temperature sensor.
Independent replacement thermostat is a task quite feasible for a person with basic skills in handling tools, however, it requires care and safety precautions. Connection errors can lead to a short circuit or failure of the compressor, so before starting work, you must clearly understand the structure of your refrigerator. In this article we will analyze in detail the diagnostic process, selection of spare parts and the algorithm for installing a new temperature regulator.
It is worth noting that two-chamber refrigerators Atlant can be equipped with different types of thermostats depending on the year of manufacture and model. Some are equipped with mechanical regulators with a capillary tube, others with more modern electronic sensors, although mechanical ones are more common in the repairable series. Correct identification of the fault is the first and most important step, which will save you from buying unnecessary spare parts and unnecessary work.
Diagnostics of a thermostat fault
Before disassembling the refrigerator, you need to make sure that the problem is in the thermostat, and not in a freon leak or a compressor malfunction. The main sign of a breakdown is a situation when the motor-compressor either does not turn on at all, or works continuously, without turning off even when low temperatures are reached. In normal operation on and off cycle must be observed strictly in accordance with the established parameters.
For the initial check, you can use the visual inspection and listening method. If you do not hear a characteristic click when you turn the control knob, this may indicate sticking contacts or destruction of the mechanism. It is also worth paying attention to the condition of the capillary tube: if it has damage, swelling or signs of corrosion, the tightness of the system is broken and the filler gas has evaporated.
⚠️ Attention: Before any diagnostics, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply! Working with live electrical components is deadly and can lead to electric shock.
The most accurate way to check is to test the thermostat contacts using a multimeter. To do this, you need to remove the plastic cover from the adjustment knob and dismantle the thermostat housing. Then the tester probes are applied to the contacts, and the sensor itself is placed in a cold environment (for example, in a freezer) for several minutes. If the device shows an open circuit at low temperatures and a short circuit when heating in your hands, the thermostat is working.
Selection of an analogue and preparation of tools
Selection of the correct one thermostat is critical for the correct operation of the refrigerator Atlant. Original spare parts often have specific markings, for example, TAM-133 or K-59, but can be replaced with high-quality analogues with similar characteristics. The main thing is that the length of the capillary tube and the temperature range of operation meet the requirements of your model.
To carry out the replacement, you will need a minimum set of tools that most home craftsmen can find. It is important to prepare a work area with good lighting, as the internal cavities of the refrigerator may be poorly lit. All tools must be in good working order, and the wire insulation must be intact.
Below is a list of necessary equipment and materials:
- 🔧 Screwdrivers (phillips and flat) for removing panels and terminals.
- 🔌 Multimeter or indicator screwdriver to check voltage and integrity chains.
- ✂️ Pliers or pliers for carefully removing the tube.
- 🧊 Electrical tape or heat shrink for insulating connections.
When buying a new thermostat, pay attention to the number of contacts. In two-chamber models Atlant three-contact regulators are often used, where the third contact is responsible for lighting the compressor operation indicator lamp. If you install a two-pin analogue, the light may stop lighting, although the refrigerator will work.
Removing the old thermostat
The process of removing a faulty temperature controller in two-chamber refrigerators Atlant requires care so as not to damage the plastic case and the inner lining of the chamber. Usually the thermostat is located inside the refrigerator compartment, behind a plastic cover on which the temperature control knob is attached.
First you need to remove the knob itself. It can be held in place by friction or secured with a small screw under a decorative plug. After removing the handle, unscrew the screws securing the plastic panel. You need to act carefully, as the plastic on older models can be fragile and brittle.
After removing the panel, access to the thermostat housing will open. The capillary tube should already be disconnected from the evaporator at this moment. It is often secured with special staples or clips. Carefully bend them and pull the tube out of its seat. Do not use excessive force to avoid damaging the thin copper tube if you plan to use it for comparison with a new part.
The next step is to disconnect the electrical wires. Before doing this, it is strongly recommended to photograph the connection diagram or sketch it, since the colors of the wires in different modifications Atlant may differ. Unscrew the terminal screws or carefully remove the connectors, remembering which wire went to which contact.
☑️ Preparation for dismantling
Installing and connecting a new thermostat
Installing a new one thermostat is carried out in the reverse order of dismantling. First of all, it is necessary to correctly place the capillary tube. It must be inserted into the hole in the chamber to the same depth to which the old one was immersed. The end of the tube is usually secured to the evaporator using a special clamp or clamping bar.
It is important to ensure tight contact of the sensing element with the surface of the evaporator. If the tube dangles in the air, the temperature readings will be incorrect, which will cause the compressor to not work properly. In some models Atlant the end of the tube is inserted into a special sleeve inside the chamber.
Electrical connection requires maximum concentration. Use the photo or diagram you took earlier to connect the wires to the appropriate terminals on the new thermostat. Typically the diagram looks like this:
| Contact | Wire color (approximate) | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | Red / Orange | Phase from the network (Input) |
| 4 | Black / Brown | To the compressor (Output) |
| 6 | Green / White | To the indicator lamp |
⚠️ Attention: Make sure the wires are securely fixed in terminals. Poor contact will lead to heating of the connection, melting of the plastic and possible fire.
After connecting the electrics, install the thermostat housing in the seat and secure the plastic panel. Make sure that the capillary tube is not pinched or kinked anywhere. Sharp bends in the copper tube can disrupt the circulation of filler gas inside the system.
Setting up and testing operation
After assembling all the components and connecting the refrigerator to the network, do not rush to load the products. Let the unit run idle for at least a few hours. Move the control knob to the middle position (usually number 3 or 4 on the scale) and monitor the operating cycles.
The first start-up may take longer than usual as the system needs to cool down. The compressor should turn on, run for a certain time, and then turn off when the thermostat clicks. If the motor hums but does not start, or starts and immediately stalls, the problem may not be in the thermostat, but in the start relay or the compressor itself.
What to do if the refrigerator does not turn off?
If the refrigerator has been running continuously for more than 2 hours and the temperature inside has dropped below -18°C, the thermostat may not sense the cold. Check whether the capillary tube is pressed tightly to the evaporator. Also, the cause may be a freon leak: in this case, replacing the thermostat will not help; you will need to call a technician for refilling.
To fine-tune the temperature inside the chamber, you can use a regular glass of water and a household thermometer. Place them on the middle shelf and leave them for a day. The optimal temperature in the refrigerator compartment should be from +2 to +5 degrees Celsius. If the indicators are very different, you can ( - this is a Chinese symbol, replace it with Russian) - make (an adjustment) using the adjustment screw, which is often hidden under a seal or plug on the thermostat body.
Typical mistakes during replacement and troubleshooting
In the process of self-repair, even experienced craftsmen sometimes make mistakes that can lead to repeated failure. One of the most common problems is incorrect installation of the capillary tube. If it is not in close contact with the cooled surface, the thermostat will “think” that the chamber is warm and will force the compressor to work continuously.
Another common mistake is ignoring the condition of the wiring. Old wires in refrigerators Atlant may have dried out insulation. When installing a new, larger thermostat, you can accidentally damage the insulation of adjacent wires, which will lead to a short circuit. Carefully inspect all visible wiring before final assembly