The situation when Atlant refrigerator stops freezing or starts making extraneous sounds often leaves the owner with a choice: call a technician or try to fix the problem yourself. Disassembling the unit is the first and most important stage of any major repair, be it replacing a compressor, thermostat or evaporator heating element. Incorrect dismantling can lead to damage to the plastic panels or a violation of the tightness of the system.
In this article we will look in detail at the process of disassembling the refrigerator various modifications, including two-chamber models and units with the No Frost system. You'll learn what tools you'll need to get the job done, how to safely remove the back panel and get to the internal components. It is important to understand that the design of refrigerator compartment and the freezer compartment may differ significantly depending on the year of manufacture and series of the device.
Before taking active steps, it is necessary to turn off the power to the equipment. Working with live electrical appliances is prohibited by safety regulations. In addition, you will need free space around the unit in order to have access to its rear and side walls from all sides.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any work, be sure to unplug the refrigerator from the power supply and defrost the chambers if ice has accumulated in them. An attempt to disassemble a frozen mechanism can lead to breakage of the plastic fasteners.
The necessary tools and preparation of the workplace
Quality disassembling the refrigerator is impossible without a properly selected set of tools. A standard household set is often insufficient, since manufacturers use specific types of fasteners. To work with equipment Atlant you will need Phillips and slotted screwdrivers of different sizes, as well as pliers with thin jaws.
Particular attention should be paid to fasteners. Modern models often use countersunk screws or bolts hidden under decorative plugs. It would also be a good idea to have a plastic card or spatula on hand to carefully snap off the clips without leaving scratches on the case.
- 🛠️ A set of screwdrivers (phillips PH1, PH2 and slotted).
- 🔧 Sliding pliers or a ratchet wrench with a set of heads.
- ✂️ Knife for carefully removing silicone plugs.
- 🧤 Work gloves to protect your hands from sharp edges.
Organize your workplace so that all removed parts can be laid out in the order of their dismantling. This will greatly simplify the reassembly process. It is recommended to use a magnetic tray for screws or sign bags if you are disassembling complex components.
☑️ Preparation for disassembly
Dismantling the upper and lower panels of the case
The first step is always the removal of the outer casing, which hides the main components of the unit. In most models Atlant refrigerators access to the compressor and condenser is through the rear wall. However, to replace some components, for example thermostat, it may be necessary to remove the top cover.
The top panel is usually secured with two bolts at the back and two at the front, which can be hidden under decorative trims. Carefully remove the plugs, unscrew the fasteners and slide the cover back. Be careful: there may be grounding or lighting wires running inside that cannot be damaged by a sharp tug.
The lower part of the case, where the compressor compartment is located, is often covered with a metal or plastic cover. It is fixed with self-tapping screws around the perimeter. After unscrewing them, the panel can be easily removed, providing access to motor-compressor, start-up relay and capacitor.
⚠️ Attention: The design of the panel fastenings may vary depending on the specific series of the refrigerator. If the panel does not come off after removing visible screws, check for hidden latches on the sides of the case.
Removing the rear wall inside the refrigerator compartment
To access the evaporator and the melt water drainage system in the refrigerator compartment, it is necessary to remove the internal rear panel. It is made of thin plastic and is attached to the walls of the chamber using plastic latches and several screws. Disassembling the Atlant refrigerator requires special delicacy at this stage.
First remove all shelves and drawers to free up space. Then find the mounting locations for the panel. The screws are often hidden under plastic plugs or located in recesses covered by decorative elements. Use a thin screwdriver to pry off the plugs without damaging them.
After unscrewing the fasteners, the panel must be carefully snapped around the perimeter. Plastic becomes brittle in the cold, so all manipulations should be carried out smoothly, without sudden movements. Under the panel you will see evaporatortemperature sensors and a drain hole.
| Element | Location | Function |
|---|---|---|
| Evaporator | Behind the rear panel | Air cooling |
| Defrost sensor | Temperature control | |
| Defrost heating element | At the bottom of the evaporator | Ice defrosting |
| Drainage | At the bottom | Water drainage |
If your goal is to check the system No Frostthen behind this panel there are fans and air circulation channels. Any disturbances in their operation lead to the formation of ice and the cessation of cooling.
Disassembling the freezer compartment and the No Frost system
The freezer compartment in two-chamber models Atlant has its own disassembly specifics. There is also a rear panel behind which the evaporator is hidden. In models with manual defrosting, the design is simpler, but in systems No Frost a fan unit and additional sensors are added.
To remove the panel in the freezer, it is often necessary to first dismantle the door or remove all drawers. The mounting screws can be located deep in the chamber. After removing the panel, access becomes available to the defrost heater and sensor, which most often fail.
When working with the system No Frost it is important not to damage the fan blades and the integrity of the plastic air ducts. Violation of the tightness of the channels will lead to improper circulation of cold air and the formation of condensation inside the case.
- ❄️ Check the integrity of the fan blades.
- 🔌 Make sure the sensor contacts are reliable.
- 🧊 Inspect the evaporator for mechanical defects damage.
- 💧 Check the cleanliness of the drainage hole.
A frequent problem is icing of the evaporator, which blocks the operation of the fan. In this case, complete defrosting of the unit is required within 24 hours before starting repair work.
Why can’t you chip off ice with a knife?
Mechanical removal of ice with sharp objects is strictly prohibited. Thin evaporator tubes can easily be punctured, which will lead to freon leakage and expensive repairs involving refilling the refrigerator.
Access to the compressor and electrical circuit
The compressor compartment is the “heart” of the refrigerator. To replace motor-compressor or the starting relay, full access to the bottom of the unit must be provided. After removing the protective cover, you will see a black cylindrical compressor tank, a condenser grille and a capillary tube.
The electrical connection diagram is located on or near the compressor housing. The starting and protective relays are located here. To replace them, simply remove the casing, disconnect the wires and replace the faulty element with a new one. This is one of the simplest operations when repairing refrigerators refrigerator repair.
If you need to replace the compressor itself, you must first bleed off the refrigerant. To do this, cut through the capillary tube or filter drier. After dismantling the old unit and installing a new one, the system must be evacuated and charged with freon, which is only possible with special equipment.
⚠️ Attention: Independent replacement of the compressor without a license and equipment for working with refrigerants is prohibited. Incorrect soldering or refueling will lead to rapid failure of the equipment.
Removing the door and replacing the seal
Sometimes disassembly is required for replacement sealing rubber or adjusting the door hinges. The door of refrigerators Atlant can be removed quite easily, but has significant weight, so it is better to work with an assistant. The hinges are fastened with bolts, which are located under the decorative plugs at the end of the door.
To replace the seal, complete disassembly of the door is not required. The old rubber is removed from the groove, and the new one is installed by pressing it around the perimeter. It is important that the angle of the seal is even, otherwise the door will not close tightly and the chamber will be warm.
When removing the door, be careful with the wires going to the light button and the display (if there is one on the door). They may have connectors that need to be carefully disconnected by pulling the chip, and not the wires themselves.
- 🚪 Remove the decorative trims from the hinges.
- 🔩 Unscrew the fastening bolts of the upper and lower hinges.
- 🧲 Carefully lift the door and set it aside.
- 🧼 Clean the seat for the new rubber band.
The door tilt is adjusted using adjusting screws in the bottom hinge or support screws in the base of the refrigerator. This helps eliminate distortion and ensure a tight fit of the seal.
How to straighten out dents on the seal?
If the new seal has creases after packaging, it can be heated with a hairdryer at low temperature or soaked in warm water before installation. This will restore elasticity to the rubber.
Common mistakes during self-disassembly
Inexperienced users often make mistakes that complicate further repairs. One of the most common is the use of excessive force. If the part does not come off, it means you have not found all the fasteners or latches. The plastic in old refrigerators becomes brittle and breaks with one wrong movement.
Another mistake is ignoring the markings of the wires. When disconnecting connectors, many people forget to mark which wire goes where. As a result, connection problems occur during assembly, and in the worst case, a short circuit occurs.
It is also worth mentioning safety. Working with electrical appliances requires complete disconnection from the network. Even after turning off the rosette, a charge may remain in the capacitors, so you should not touch live parts with your hands immediately.
Is it possible to disassemble the refrigerator without draining the freon?
Yes, you can. Disassembling the housing, removing panels, replacing a thermostat, relay, fan or heating element does not require breaking the tightness of the circuit. Freon is drained only when replacing the compressor or evaporator, if it is built into the housing (foamed).
Where can I find a disassembly diagram for my Atlant model?
The diagrams are usually found in the service documentation (service manual) of a specific model. They can be found on the manufacturer's official website or specialized forums for repairing household appliances by entering the full model number.
What to do if the plastic latch breaks during disassembly?
If the latch breaks off, the panel can be fixed with a small amount of sealant or carefully drill a hole and secure it with a screw with a wide head, if the design allows it. The main thing is to ensure a tight fit of the panel.
Is it necessary to defrost the refrigerator before removing the back panel?
Yes, definitely. The presence of ice on the evaporator makes the plastic brittle and also creates a risk of damage to the tubes when bending. Complete defrosting (at least 12-24 hours) will greatly facilitate the work and protect the system.
What tool is needed to clean contacts?
To clean oxidized contacts, use fine sandpaper or a needle file. After cleaning, it is advisable to treat the contact with a contact cleaning spray (Contact Cleaner) to prevent re-oxidation.