A sudden stop of the compressor or, conversely, its endless operation without shutting down often indicates a failure of the temperature control system. In two-chamber models Biryusa, such as the 22 series, this process is controlled by thermostat, which mechanically opens or closes the electrical circuit depending on the heating of the sensitive tube. If you notice that food in the refrigerator compartment has begun to deteriorate or, on the contrary, freeze, and the motor is humming without interruption, most likely the problem lies in this unit.
Independent replacement of a part is a very real task for a person, able to use a screwdriver and a multimeter. However, it is important to understand that working with electrical appliances requires strict adherence to safety precautions Before starting any work, be sure to disconnect the Biryusa 22 refrigerator from the electrical network, since you will have to work with live wires at the stage of diagnosing and connecting a new element. Ignoring this rule may lead to electric shock or a short circuit.
In this article we will analyze in detail the process of diagnostics, selection of an analogue and direct installation of a new thermostat. You will learn how to properly remove an old part without damaging the fragile capillary tube, and how to adjust the temperature regime after repair. Repairing household appliances with your own hands allows you not only to save on calling a technician, but also to better understand the structure of your unit.
Diagnostics of a thermostat malfunction
Before buying a new spare part, you need to make sure that the problem lies in the thermostat, and not in the compressor or start relay. The first sign of a malfunction is the absence of a click when turning the control knob. In normal condition, when you turn the knob from minimum to maximum, you should hear a clear click, indicating that the contacts are closed.
For an accurate check, you will need a multimeter switched to dial mode. You need to get to the thermostat terminals, remove the wires from them and connect the probes of the device to the terminals. If, when changing the position of the handle (or when heating the sensitive tube in the hand), the readings do not change and the circuit does not ring, the part is faulty.
- 🔍 The compressor does not turn on at all, although there is voltage in the network, and the light inside is on.
- ❄️ The refrigerator freezes too much, turning vegetables into ice, and does not turn off for hours.
- 🔌 Traces of melting or oxidation of the contacts are visible on the thermostat body.
- 🔊 There is no characteristic click when turning the temperature control knob.
⚠️ Attention: If the capillary tube of the thermostat has even microscopic damage or creases, such a thermostat cannot be used. Freon leakage from a sensitive system will lead to incorrect operation and rapid failure of the new part.
Sometimes the reason lies not in the sensor itself, but in broken wiring or oxidation of contacts in the circuit. Therefore, before replacing, visually inspect the wires going to the thermostat. If the insulation is broken, it must be restored, otherwise the new thermostat will also quickly burn out.
Selection of a suitable thermostat model
Refrigerators Biryusa 22 were equipped with various modifications of thermostats depending on the year of manufacture and the specific component manufacturer. The most common thermostats found in these models are the TAM series or their modern analogues. It is critical to select a part with similar temperature characteristics and capillary tube length.
The length of the tube is a parameter that cannot be ignored. If the tube is too short, it may not be long enough to fit properly into the evaporator, resulting in an incorrect temperature reading. If it is too long, you will have to carefully twist it, avoiding kinks, which is not always convenient in the limited space of the chamber.
Below is a table of common models of thermostats that are suitable for installation in Biryusa refrigerators:
| Thermostat model | Type of contacts | Tube length (cm) | Application features |
|---|---|---|---|
| TAM-133 | Normally closed | 0.73 - 1.3 | Standard for most Biryusa models |
| TAM-145 | Normally closed | 1.3 - 2.5 | Used in models with No Frost or long evaporator |
| K-59 | Normally closed | Different | Analogue Danfoss, requires checking the seat |
| T-120 | Normally closed | 0.6 - 1.0 | Older type, found in earlier versions |
When purchasing, pay attention to the markings. The numbers at the end indicate the length of the capillary tube. For example, in the TAM-133-1M-2 model, the last digit may indicate the length. The number of contacts is also important: Biryusa 22 usually uses a two-pin circuit, but there may also be three-pin options with a light bulb output.
Is it possible to use a thermostat with a different tube length?
Yes, you can, but with caution. If the tube is longer than the original, its excess is carefully rolled into a ring with a diameter of at least 5 cm and secured with a clamp inside the body, avoiding contact with sharp edges. It is strictly forbidden to shorten the tube - this will break the tightness of the system.
Necessary tools and preparation
For successful repairs, you do not need complex professional tools, a basic home craftsman’s kit is enough. The main thing is to ensure good lighting of the work area, since the inside of the refrigerator, especially in the area of the ceiling and thermostat, is often in the shade.
Prepare the work area in advance. You will need a table or cabinet where you can place the removed parts in the order in which they were removed. This will help you avoid losing anything and easily put everything back together. It is also recommended to have a container on hand for small fasteners so that the screws do not roll under the refrigerator.
- 🛠️ A set of screwdrivers (phillips and flat) for removing panels and terminals.
- 🔧 Pliers or pliers for carefully removing the tube.
- 🔌 Multimeter to check the integrity of the new thermostat circuit.
- 🧤 Gloves to protect your hands from sharp metal edges and dirt.
Be sure to defrost the refrigerator before starting work. Even if you are only replacing the thermostat, ice on the evaporator can make it difficult to access the capillary tube. Ice may crumble and get into the mechanisms or damage the fragile tube when removed.
⚠️ Attention: Do not use sharp objects (knives, awls) to chip the ice inside the chamber. Damage to the evaporator will lead to a refrigerant leak, and repairs will become economically unfeasible.
☑️ Preparation for replacement
Removing the old thermostat
The process of removing the thermostat c Biryusa 22 begins with access to the lampshade, since this is where the light switch button and the thermostat itself are usually located. In some modifications, the regulator knob is located on the external panel, but the touch part is located inside.
Carefully remove the plastic cover or shade. It is usually held in place by latches or one or two screws. Proceed with caution as the plastic becomes brittle over time and may crack if not handled carefully. After removing the cover, you will see the thermostat itself, mounted in the housing or mounted on a bracket.
Take a photo or sketch the wiring diagram. This is a critical point, since mixed-up contacts can lead to a short circuit or incorrect operation of the compressor. Then disconnect the wires from the thermostat terminals. To do this, you may need to slightly bend the terminal clamps with a flat-head screwdriver.
The most delicate stage is removing the capillary tube from the evaporator. The tube is inserted into a special socket in the chamber wall or into the evaporator channel. It needs to be pulled out very smoothly, without jerking. If the tube is stuck or stuck, do not use force.
After removing the tube, unscrew the fastening screws holding the thermostat housing and remove the assembly completely. Compare the new and old part: they should be identical in seating and thread length.
Installation of a new thermostat and assembly
Installation is carried out in the reverse order of dismantling. First of all, carefully insert the capillary tube of the new thermostat into the same hole from which the old one was removed. The immersion depth of the tube must correspond to the factory parameters (usually it goes all the way or to a special limiter).
Fix the thermostat housing in its original place using screws. Make sure it fits snugly and does not wobble, as vibration from the compressor can loosen the mount over time. Now is the time to connect the wires according to the diagram or photograph made earlier.
Check the reliability of the terminal connections. The wires should not touch metal parts of the housing or the evaporator itself. If the insulation on the wires is damaged, be sure to insulate the contact points with heat shrink or electrical tape.
After connecting the electrical part, reinstall the plastic cover, lampshade and regulator knob. Make sure that the handle rotates freely and does not touch adjacent elements. Only after complete assembly can the refrigerator be connected to the network.
Setting up and checking the operation of the system
After turning on the refrigerator Biryusa 22 don't expect instant results. It will take time for the compressor to ramp up and begin cooling. The primary operating cycle may last longer than usual, since the system must reach operating temperature conditions.
Set the thermostat knob to the middle position (usually number 2 or 3 on the scale). After 30-40 minutes, check the operation of the compressor: it should turn on. Let the refrigerator run for several hours, then check the temperature in the chambers.
If the compressor runs nonstop for more than 2-3 hours and does not turn off, and the temperature in the chamber drops below -18°C, adjustment may be required. On the body of some thermostats there is an adjustment screw, the rotation of which changes the shutdown temperature range. However, in domestic conditions, it is better to focus on the standard setting.
- 🌡️ The temperature in the main chamber should be about +4...+5°C.
- ❄️ In the freezer, the temperature should drop to -18°C and below.
- ⏱️ The operating cycle (on-off) is normally approximately 10-15 minutes of operation and 20-30 minutes of downtime.
- 🔇 The compressor should turn off completely, without buzzing.
⚠️ Attention: Technical characteristics and arrangement of elements may vary slightly depending on the specific modification of Biryusa 22. Always check the technical documentation of your device, if it is preserved, or rely on the markings of the removed part.
If after replacing the thermostat the problem does not disappear (the refrigerator does not freeze or does not turn off), the reason may be deeper: the compressor is faulty, the capillary system is clogged, or a freon leak has occurred. In such cases, independent repairs without special equipment and skills are impossible.
Why may a new thermostat not work?
The reasons may be different: a defective new part (rare), incorrect installation of the capillary tube (it does not sense the temperature of the evaporator), or an error in connecting the wires. It is also possible that the diagnosis was incorrect and the problem is in the start relay.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to install a thermostat with a longer tube?
Yes, you can. The excess tube is neatly rolled into a ring inside the refrigerator body or behind the back panel. The main thing is to avoid sharp bends (bending radius of at least 5 cm) and not to damage the thin copper tube, since there is a filler gas under pressure inside it.
Why does the Biryusa 22 refrigerator not turn off after replacement?
Possible reasons: the wires are not connected correctly, the capillary tube is not immersed deep enough in the evaporator and does not feel the cold, or the thermostat is selected with the wrong temperature range. It is also worth checking whether “snow” has frozen on the evaporator, blocking heat transfer.
Where is the thermostat located in different Biryusa models?
In most models of the 22 series, the thermostat is located inside the refrigerator compartment, in the upper right corner, under the lampshade or next to it. The adjustment knob can come out through the wall or be inside under a plastic cover.
How can you tell if the thermostat is working without a multimeter?
It’s difficult to determine for sure without instruments, but you can try to short-circuit the wires going to the thermostat directly (being careful!). If the compressor starts when shorted, it means that the circuit upstream of it is intact, and the likelihood of a thermostat malfunction is high. However, this method does not provide a 100% guarantee.