Replacing the thermostat in the refrigerator Pozis: instructions with photos and advice from experts

The thermostat is the “brain” of the refrigerator, which controls the temperature in the chambers and controls the operation of the compressor. If it fails, the equipment stops freezing, works without stopping, or, conversely, turns off at the most inopportune moment. In refrigerators Pozis (especially in models Pozis-16KSh, Pozis-10, Pozis-14), the thermostat is one of the most vulnerable points, but you can replace it yourself, without resorting to the services of a service center.

In this article you will find step-by-step instructions with photos how to dismantle the old thermostat, select a new one and install it without errors. We will also analyze typical signs of breakdown, tell you what tools you will need, and give tips on how to avoid common mistakes. If your Position stops freezing or, conversely, does not turn off, most likely the problem is in the thermostat.

⚠️ Important: before starting work Unplug the refrigerator and wait until it is completely defrosted (if the chambers are covered with ice). Working with electrical appliances under voltage is dangerous!

Signs of a faulty thermostat in the Pozis refrigerator

The thermostat in the refrigerator Posis may fail for various reasons: from natural wear and tear to power surges. Several key symptoms will help you recognize a breakdown:

• 🔴 The refrigerator does not turn on —the compressor is silent, the light inside is on, but the engine does not start. This may mean that the thermostat is “open” and does not send a signal to the start relay.
• ❄️ Continuous operation of the compressor —the motor hums without stopping, a thick layer of ice forms in the freezer, and the food in the main chamber freezes. Most likely, the thermostat is “stuck” in the “on” position.
• 🌡️ Inconsistency with the set temperature —you set it to +5°C, and in the chamber +10°C or, conversely, −3°C. This indicates incorrect operation of the sensor.
• 🔄 Spontaneous shutdown —the refrigerator suddenly turns off and turns on only after manually turning the thermostat knob.

If you observe at least one of these signs, there is a possibility of breakdown thermostat is 80–90%. However, before replacing, it is worth checking other possible reasons:

• 🔌 Problems with the starting relay - if the compressor does not start, but the thermostat clicks when you turn the knob, the relay is to blame.
• ⚡ Freon leak - if the motor runs, but does not freeze, the tightness of the system may be broken.
• 🔋 Compressor malfunction —if the thermostat is working, but the motor does not start, the problem may be in the windings.

To be sure that the thermostat is faulty, you can check it with a multimeter. About this in the next section.

How to check the thermostat of a Pozis refrigerator with a multimeter

Before replacing the thermostat, it is worth testing it. To do this you will need multimeter (or a tester) and a screwdriver. Follow the instructions:

1. Unplug the refrigerator unplug and remove the top cover (or control panel, depending on the model).
2. Find the thermostat —in refrigerators Position it is usually located next to the temperature control knob (at the top of the chamber).
3. Disconnect the terminals from the thermostat. Usually there are two of them: one goes to the compressor, the other to the light bulb or sensor.
4. Switch the multimeter to the dialing mode (or measure resistance at 200 Ohms).
5. Touch the contacts with the probes thermostat:
   • 🔹 At room temperature (knob in the “max” position), the resistance should be 0 Ohm (closed).
   • 🔹 When turn the knob to “min” or the sensor is cooled (for example, with ice), the resistance should become infinite (open).

If the device shows a break in both positions or, conversely, a constant short circuit, the thermostat is faulty and requires replacement. In refrigerators Pozis most often the thermostats fail K-59 (for single-chamber models) and TAM-133 (for two-chamber models).

Which thermostat to buy for a Pozis refrigerator

The selection of a new thermostat depends on refrigerator models the type of cooling system. The table below shows compatible thermostats for popular models Posis:

When purchasing, pay attention on:

• 🔧 Mounting type — in Position thermostats with threaded fastening (M10 nut) or latches are used.
• 📏 Length of the capillary tube —it must coincide with the original (usually 0.8–1.2 m).
• 🔌 Terminal location —in some models the contacts can be mirrored.

Where to buy:

• 🛒 Specialized stores (for example, "Cold Master", "RemBytTekhnika") - here you can find original spare parts.
• 🌍 Online sites (AliExpress, eBay, "Beru") - cheaper, but there is a risk of running into a fake.
• 🔧 Service centers - sometimes they sell used thermostats after repair (cheap, but without a guarantee).

⚠️ Attention: if you buy an analogue (for example, Danfoss instead of K-59), check with the seller for compatibility with Pozis. Some thermostats require modification (for example, shortening the capillary tube).

Tools and preparation for replacing the thermostat

To replace the thermostat in the refrigerator Pozis you will need:

Also prepare the workplace:

1. Unplug the refrigerator and defrost (if there is ice on the walls).
2. Remove all food and shelves from the chamber where the thermostat is located (usually the main compartment).
3. Place the refrigerator in a well-ventilated area - freon may leak during disassembly (in rare cases).
4. Take a photo connecting the wires to the thermostat - this will help not to confuse them during reassembly.

⚠️ Attention: if your Posis works on refrigerant R600a (isobutane), be careful - it is flammable! If the tubes are damaged, do not smoke or use open fire nearby.

How to find out what kind of freon is in your refrigerator?

On the sticker on the back (usually next to the serial number) the type of refrigerant is indicated. Most modern models Pozis use R600a or R134a.

Step-by-step instructions: how to replace the thermostat in a Pozis refrigerator

Let's look at the replacement process using an example model Pozis-16KSh (for other models the steps are similar, only the location of the parts may differ).

Step 1: Removing the top panel

The temperature regulator is usually hidden under a plastic cover inside the chamber. To remove it: Posis usually hidden under a plastic cover inside the camera. To remove it:

1. Unscrew two self-tapping screws with a Phillips screwdriver (they can be hidden under the plugs).
2. Carefully pry the cover flat screwdriver and remove it. Be careful not to damage the plastic latches!

Step 2: Disconnecting the capillary tube

The thermostat is connected to the evaporator by a thin copper tube (capillary). It must be carefully removed:

• 🔹 Find the place where the tube is attached to the evaporator (usually it is pressed with a clip or clamp).
• 🔹 Loosen the fastening and carefully pull out the tube. Do not bend it too much —this may break the seal!

Step 3: Disconnecting the wires

Take a photo of the connection diagram (or write down the colors of the wires). Then:

1. Remove the terminals from the thermostat contacts. If they are stuck, help with pliers, but do not pull too hard.
2. Unscrew the thermostat mounting nut (usually M10) and remove it from the housing.

Step 4: Installing a new thermostat

Now install the new thermostat in reverse order:

1. Put the capillary tube into place and secure it with a clip.
2. Screw the thermostat to the panel (do not overtighten the nut!).
3. Connect the wires according to the diagram (usually yellow to compressor black —to the light bulb, brown —general).
4. Insulate the contacts heat-shrinkable tube or electrical tape.

Step 5: Assembly and testing

After installation:

• 🔹 Replace the top cover and tighten the screws.
• 🔹 Connect the refrigerator to the network and position the handle thermostat to middle position.
• 🔹 Check operation: the compressor should start in 5-10 minutes.

⚠️ Attention: if after replacement the refrigerator does not turn on, check:

• 🔌 Correct connection of the wires (possibly the terminals are mixed up).
• 🔧 Fastening the capillary tube (it should fit tightly to the evaporator).
• 📋 Thermostat settings (the knob should be turned at least 1-2 notches from the position “off.”).

Common mistakes when replacing a thermostat

Even with the apparent simplicity of the procedure, many make mistakes that lead to repeated breakdowns. Here's what you can't do:

• 🚫 Use a thermostat from another model for example, put K-56 instead of K-59. This will lead to incorrect operation of the compressor.
• 🚫 Bend or shorten the capillary tube - this breaks its tightness and leads to gas leakage inside.
• 🚫 Connect the wires at random —if you mix up the terminals, the compressor may burn out.
• 🚫 Tighten the fastening nut with force —this will deform the thermostat housing.
• 🚫 Ignore checking with a multimeter —the new thermostat may also be defective.

Also, many people forget about calibration the thermostat. In some models Pozis (for example, Pozis-10M) the adjustment knob has 3–5 positions, and if you set it to maximum immediately after replacement, the compressor may not be able to cope with the load.

⚠️ Attention: if after replacing the thermostat the refrigerator became freezing harderthan before, perhaps the new thermostat has a different temperature range. In this case, it needs to be replaced with the original model.

What to do if replacing the thermostat did not help

If after installing a new thermostat the problem remains, the reasons may be as follows:

If you are not sure of the cause of the breakdown, it is better to call a technician. In some cases (for example, with a freon leak), independent repairs can aggravate the problem.

⚠️ Attention: in refrigerators Pozis with electronic control (for example, Pozis-18KSHE), the thermostat can be built into the board. In this case, replacement requires soldering work and knowledge of circuit design.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about replacing the thermostat in the Pozis refrigerator

🔹 Is it possible to replace the thermostat without defrosting the refrigerator?

Technically yes, but it is dangerous: when working with electricity on wet surfaces, there is a risk of a short circuit. In addition, ice may interfere with the removal of the lid. We recommend defrosting the refrigerator 6–8 hours before repair.

🔹 How much does a thermostat for Pozis cost?

The price depends on the model:

• K-59 or TAM-112 — from 500 to 1200 RUR (
• TAM-133 - from 800 to 1500 rubles.
• Analogues (Danfoss, Ranco) - from 1000 to 2500 rubles.

Service centers charge from 1500 to 3000 rubles for replacement (depending on the region).

🔹 How to check if a new thermostat is working before installation?

Test it with a multimeter in resistance mode:

1. At room temperature (knob to max), the resistance should be 0 Ohm.
2. When the sensor is cooled (for example, with ice), the resistance should become infinite.

If the readings do not change, the thermostat is defective.

🔹 Is it possible to install an electronic thermostat instead of a mechanical one?

Theoretically, yes, but this will require reworking the connection diagram and, possibly, replacing the control board. In most models Pozis this is impractical - it’s easier to buy a mechanical analogue.

🔹 What to do if, after replacing the thermostat, the refrigerator began to get very cold?

Probably, the new thermostat has a different temperature range. Try:

1. Reduce the position of the adjustment knob (set by 1-2 notches).
2. Check whether the capillary tube is installed correctly (it should fit tightly to the evaporator).
3. If this does not help, replace the thermostat with an original model.