Replacing the thermostat in the Atlant refrigerator: instructions with photos and nuances

Critical nuance: if your refrigerator runs on refrigerant R600a (and these are all models after 2010), under no circumstances install a thermostat from older models on R12/R134a! The pressure in the system is different, and the new thermostat will quickly fail.

Tools and preparation: what you will need for replacement

To replace the thermostat in the refrigerator Atlant you don’t need professional tools - just basic ones set. Here is the complete list:

• 🔧 Phillips screwdriver (PH2) - for removing the panel and thermostat casing.
• 🔧 Flat screwdriver (3-4 mm) - may be needed to pry up the latches.
• 📸 Phone or camera - to photograph the wire connection diagram.
• 🧲 Magnet or tape - for temporarily fixing the wires when disconnected.
• 🧹 Brush or vacuum cleaner - remove dust from the contacts (especially important for older models).
• 🔌 Multimeter (optional) - to check the integrity of the circuit after replacement.

Also prepare your workplace:

1. Unplug the refrigerator and defrost it (if the chambers are covered with ice).
2. Take out all food and shelves - they will interfere access to the thermostat.
3. Place the refrigerator in a well-lit place to see small parts.

Unplug the refrigerator from the outlet|

Defreeze and wash the chambers|

Take a photo of the wire connection|

Prepare a new thermostat and tools-->

If your refrigerator Atlant with a system No Frost, you will additionally need:

• 🛠️ Pliers - for removing the fixing brackets.
• 🧤 Gloves - in models with No Frost the thermostat is often located next to the fan, and there is a risk of injury from the blades.

⚠️ Attention: In refrigerators Atlant series NRM (No Frost) the thermostat can be hidden behind the control panel. If you are not sure of the location, look at the diagram in the instructions or on the sticker inside the camera.

Step-by-step instructions: how to remove the old thermostat

The dismantling process depends on the refrigerator model. Below is a universal instruction suitable for 90% of series Atlant (except No Frost —there is a separate block for them).

Step 1. Removing the protective casing

In most models The thermostat is hidden under a plastic cover inside the refrigerator compartment. To remove it:

1. Unscrew the fastening screws (usually 2-3 pieces) using a Phillips screwdriver.
2. Pry up the cover with a flat screwdriver or knife (carefully so as not to break the latches!).
3. Remove the casing and put it aside side.

Step 2. Disconnecting the capillary tube

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

• Find the place where the tube is attached to the evaporator (usually it is pressed with a metal bracket).
• Loosen the bracket with a screwdriver or pliers.
• Carefully pull out the tube - do not bend it too much, so as not to damage it!

Step 3. Disconnecting the wires

This is the most crucial moment. If you mix up the wires when connecting them back, the refrigerator may burn! Proceed like this:

1. Take a photo of the current connection with from different angles.
2. Carefully remove the terminals from the thermostat (you can pry them off with a screwdriver).
3. Secure the wires with a magnet or tape so that they do not fall behind the body.

Step 4. Removing the thermostat

Now all that remains is to remove the thermostat itself:

• Unscrew the screws securing it to the body (usually 2 pieces).
• If the thermostat “sits” tightly, rock it slightly from side to side.
• Pull out the part together with the capillary tube.

Installing a new thermostat: connection diagrams and nuances

Now that the old thermostat has been removed, you can begin installing the new one. The main rule: connect the wires strictly according to the diagramthat you photographed earlier. If you couldn’t take a photo, use standard diagrams for Atlant:

Typical connection diagram for models MHM i HM:

Terminal 3 (brown wire) → to the compressor
Terminal 4 (red/orange) → to the start relay
Terminal 6 (yellow/green) → grounding
Terminal 2 (black) → to the lamp (if any)

For models with No Frost (NRM) the circuit is more complicated, since the thermostat interacts with the control board. Here it is better to focus on the marking:

- L (Line) - phase from the network.

- N - zero.

- C (Compressor) - to the compressor.

- D (Defrost) - on the defrosting system.

Installation procedure:

1. Place the capillary tube of the new thermostat into the same hole where the old one was. Secure it with a bracket.
2. Connect the wires to the terminals according to the diagram. Check each contact twice!
3. Install the thermostat in place and secure with screws.
4. Put on the protective cover and tighten it.

After assembly do not turn on the refrigerator right away. First:

• Check the continuity of the circuit with a multimeter (if you know how).
• Make sure that the capillary tube is not kinked and does not touch hot parts (for example, a compressor).
• Plug in the refrigerator and listen: the compressor should start within 1-2 minutes.

⚠️ Attention: If after replacing the thermostat the refrigerator turns on, but after 5-10 minutes it turns off and does not start again, most likely the wires on the terminals 3 and 4are mixed up. Immediately turn off the power and check the connection!

Features of replacement in Atlant refrigerators older than 10 years

If your refrigerator was manufactured before 2010 (for example, MHM 140, MHM 150), when replacing the thermostat there are several critical nuances:

1. Refrigerant R12 or R134a

Old models Atlant worked on refrigerant R12which is now prohibited. If your refrigerator is still on it, when replacing the thermostat required change the freon to R134a or R600a. Otherwise, the new thermostat will not work correctly, and the compressor will quickly wear out.

2. Mechanical thermostats with manual adjustment

Models before 2005 often have thermostats of the TAM-111 or K-59type, where the temperature is controlled by a rotary knob. When replacing:

• Remove the handle and plastic cover (they are attached with latches).
• Move the cover to the new thermostat - otherwise the handle will not coincide with the scale.

3. Oxidized contacts

Due to prolonged use, the thermostat terminals and wires may oxidize. Before installing a new thermostat:

1. Sand the contacts with sandpaper (600-800 grit).
2. Treat them with alcohol or solvent to remove grease.
3. Apply a thin layer of technical Vaseline to protect against moisture.

4. Capillary tube

In older models, the tube often sticks to the evaporator. If you cannot remove it carefully:

• Do not pull by force - you can break the tube.
• Heat the attachment point with a hairdryer (temperature 50-60°C), then try again.

Common mistakes when replacing and how to avoid them

Even experienced craftsmen sometimes make mistakes that lead to repeated breakdowns. Here TOP-5 mistakes and how to prevent them:

1. Mixed-up wires at the terminals

Consequences: the compressor works without stopping and burns out after 1-2 days.

How to avoid:

• 📸 Always take pictures of the original connection.
• 🔍 Check the markings terminals: 3 and 4 —it is critical not to confuse them!

2. Damaged capillary tube

Consequences: the thermostat incorrectly reads the temperature, the refrigerator either does not freeze or freezes.

How to avoid:

• 🛠️ Do not bend the tube at a right angle - the bend radius must be at least 5 see
• 🔍 Check that the tube does not touch hot parts (compressor, condenser).

3. Wrong choice of thermostat

Consequences: the refrigerator does not turn on or is unstable.

How to avoid:

• 📋 Check the thermostat model with the compatibility table (see section above).
• 🔍 For No Frost take only thermostats marked "For systems with forced circulation".

4. Poor contact on the terminals

Consequences: periodic shutdowns of the refrigerator, sparking.

How to avoid:

• 🔧 Tighten the terminals tightly, but without fanaticism (you can break the thread).
• 🔍 After connection pull each wire - it should not fall out.

5. Ignoring the check after replacement

Consequences: after a week the refrigerator breaks down again, and the warranty on the thermostat is no longer valid.

How to avoid:

• ⏱️ After turning on the refrigerator, watch it for 30-40 minutes: the compressor should turn off periodically.
• 🌡️ Check the temperature in the chamber after 2-3 hours with a thermometer (should be +4...+6°C).

FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions