Owners of household appliances are often faced with the need to understand the internal structure of their units, especially when it comes to malfunctions. If your Atlant refrigerator stops freezing or, conversely, begins to overfreeze food, the temperature sensor becomes the first suspicious element. This small component plays a critical role in maintaining the correct microclimate inside the chambers.
Understanding where exactly the thermostat is located allows you not only to quickly diagnose the malfunction, but also, in some cases, to replace it yourself. In two-chamber models of the Belarusian manufacturer, the temperature control system may differ depending on the year of manufacture and the type of control - mechanical or electronic. We will analyze all the nuances of the localization of this important element.
Before starting disassembly, the article will help you safely find thermal sensor and determine its condition. Be careful when working with electrical contacts and insulating materials.
Why do you need a thermal sensor and how does it work
The main function of the temperature sensor is to control the heating of the evaporator and the air inside the chambers. It is this element that signals the compressor to turn on or off. In models with mechanical control the role of the sensor is often performed by the capillary tube of the thermostat, which reacts to changes in freon pressure inside it. Electronic versions use semiconductor elements that transmit data to the control board.
The principle of operation depends on the design. A mechanical thermostat opens the electrical circuit when the set temperature is reached, stopping the motor. Electronic NTC sensor changes its resistance depending on the heat, which is recorded by the controller. If the sensor fails, the refrigerator may work without stopping or not turn on at all, which leads to food spoilage or defrosting.
Two-chamber systems often use several sensors: one monitors the temperature in the freezer, another in the refrigerator compartment, and a third can monitor the defrosting process. The accuracy of their readings directly affects the energy consumption and service life of the compressor. A malfunction of any of them disrupts the balance of the entire system.
⚠️ Attention: When diagnosing an electronic sensor with a multimeter, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the network. Applying voltage to the measuring device can lead to its breakdown and electric shock.
Modern Atlant models are equipped with a self-diagnosis system, which can indicate a problem with the thermostat by flashing indicators. However, in older models you have to rely only on visual inspection and resistance measurements. Understanding the principle of operation will help you quickly navigate the troubleshooting.
Main locations in the refrigerator compartment
In classic two-chamber Atlant refrigerators with a drip defrosting system, the temperature sensor is most often located inside the refrigerator compartment. Its location depends on the type of thermostat. If you have a manual model, look for a long plastic control knob on the inside wall or top panel. A capillary tube extends from this handle into the body capillary tube.
The end of this tube, which is the sensitive element, is usually attached to the evaporator or in a special hole in the rear wall of the chamber. In some modifications it may be hidden behind a plastic panel. To get to it, you often have to remove shelves and dismantle protective covers. The electronic sensors in the refrigerator compartment look like small plastic rods inserted into a hole in the back wall.
If you are looking for where defrost sensorthen in drip systems it is attached directly to the evaporator, which is hidden behind the back panel. Getting there is more difficult, as partial disassembly of the interior lining is required. In models with the No Frost system, sensors are built into the air channels or located next to the defrost heating elements.
When searching for the installation location, pay attention to the wires coming from the control unit or thermostat. They often suggest the direction in which to look for the sensing element. Be careful not to damage the insulation of the wires when removing the panels.
Where to look for the sensor in the freezer
In the freezer, the location of the temperature sensor also varies. In models with a manual defrost or drip system, the thermostat is often located outside, and its sensitive tube is inserted into the chamber through a hole in the ceiling or side wall. The end of the tube is pressed against the evaporator. In more modern versions with electronic control, the sensor can be built into the wall or ceiling of the chamber.
If you have an Atlant refrigerator with the system No Frost, then there is usually a defrost sensor in the freezer. It is located at the bottom of the rear wall, next to the heating element. This element is critically important, as it prevents the heating element from overheating and controls the process of melting ice. Its failure often leads to the formation of a “fur coat” on the evaporator.
To access the sensor in the freezer, it is often necessary to remove the back panel that covers the evaporator and fan. This is a labor-intensive process that requires precision. When removing the panel, be careful not to damage the plastic latches, which become fragile in the cold.
☑️ Finding the sensor in the freezer
In some models, the air temperature sensor in the freezer can be built into the control unit if it is located inside the freezer, although this is rare in Atlanta. Most often, the control unit is placed outside, and the sensors are connected to it by wires.
Differences depending on the type of control
Understanding the type of control of your Atlant refrigerator is the key to successfully finding a sensor. In mechanical models, the main element is thermostat (for example, TAM-133 or an analogue). It is a block with an adjustment knob and a long tube. It is usually located in the upper right or left corner of the refrigerator compartment, or on the ceiling.
Electronic models (series with a display on the door) use NTC sensors. They can be found in the following places:
- 🌡️ In the refrigerator compartment: in the hole on the back wall, often under a plastic cover.
- ❄️ In the freezer compartment: in the evaporator area or in the air duct.
- 🔥 On evaporator: defrost sensor attached to the tubes.
Electronic sensors have two wires going to the control board. Mechanical thermostats have a group of contacts that open and close. Replacing a mechanical thermostat is usually easier, since it is standardized, while electronic sensors may have specific resistance, characteristic of a particular Atlant series.
⚠️ Attention: Do not try to replace an electronic sensor with an analogue from another model without checking the nominal resistance. Different values may lead to incorrect operation of the compressor.
It is also worth noting that some two-chamber models with one compressor may use one common thermostat installed in the refrigeration chamber, which controls the operation of the entire unit. In this case, the freezer freezes “to catch up.”
Instructions for safe access to the sensor
If you are determined to find and check the sensor, you need to properly prepare. First, defrost the refrigerator completely. Working with the internal components of a frozen unit is impossible and dangerous. After defrosting, wipe the chambers dry.
Next follow the algorithm:
- Disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply.
- Empty the chambers of food and remove the shelves.
- If the sensor is mechanical, remove the regulator handle (it may hold on with latches or a screw).
- If the sensor is electronic or hidden, carefully remove the plastic panels using a flat-head screwdriver or plastic spatula.
- Visually inspect the wiring for kinks and oxidation of contacts.
When removing panels in the refrigerator compartment, be careful with the foam insulation. In some Atlant models it may crumble. Try not to damage the insulation layer, otherwise the efficiency of the refrigerator will decrease.
What to do if the sensor is filled with foam?
In some models, the thermostat sensitive element can be filled with polyurethane foam for better thermal contact. Carefully cut away the excess foam with a scalpel, being careful not to damage the tube itself or the insulation of the wires. It is not always necessary to restore the foam layer after replacement; the main thing is to ensure tight contact with the evaporator.
After gaining access to the sensor, you can diagnose it. For mechanical thermostats this is often a “continuity” of the contacts, for electronic thermostats it is a resistance measurement.
Diagnostics and fault table
How to understand that the temperature sensor is really faulty? There are a number of signs that indicate problems with thermoregulation. Below is a table that helps compare symptoms with possible causes.
| Symptom | Possible cause | Action |
|---|---|---|
| The refrigerator does not turn on | Open circuit thermostat | Replacing the thermostat |
| Works without stopping | Sticking contacts or leaking freon | Checking the thermostat and pressure |
| Severe freezing of the rear walls | Faulty defrost sensor | Replacing the defrost sensor |
| Frequent on/off | Incorrect sensor readings | Calibration or replacement |
To accurately diagnose the electronic sensor, use a multimeter in resistance measurement mode. At room temperature (about 20-25°C), the resistance of a working Atlant NTC sensor is usually about 5-10 kOhm (the exact value depends on the model). When heated in the hand, the resistance should drop.
The mechanical thermostat is checked for circuit integrity. In the “off” position, the circuit should be broken; when the handle is turned, it should be closed. If the contacts do not ring or ring constantly regardless of the position of the knob, the thermostat must be replaced.
⚠️ Attention: If the problem does not disappear after replacing the sensor, it may not be the problem. Check the door seal, compressor and the amount of refrigerant in the system.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to temporarily short the temperature sensor to make the refrigerator work?
Technically, shorting the mechanical thermostat contacts will cause the compressor to run continuously. However, this will lead to deep freezing of food and possible icing of the evaporator, since the refrigerator will not turn off. This method is not applicable for electronic sensors - the system will go into error. Use this method only as a short-term measure to diagnose or save products before the technician arrives.
Where to buy an original sensor for Atlant?
Original spare parts and high-quality analogues can be found in specialized stores of spare parts for household appliances, as well as in authorized service centers of the Atlant brand. When ordering, pay attention to the model of your refrigerator, since the length of the capillary tube and the type of fastening may differ.
Why did the refrigerator start to freeze less slowly after replacing the sensor?
This may mean that a sensor with a different temperature response range is installed. It is also possible that when replacing, you damaged the door seal or did not close the panel completely, which interferes with air circulation. Check the tightness of the door and the integrity of the seal.
How often do you need to change the temperature sensor?
The temperature sensor does not have a scheduled replacement period and serves until it fails. Its service life can be 10 years or more. Replacement is made only when signs of a malfunction appear: incorrect temperature in the chambers or constant operation of the compressor.