The situation when Atlant refrigerator the food in the main compartment stops cooling, while the lower chamber (freezer) continues to function normally, is one of the most common complaints from the owners of this equipment. This behavior of the unit often takes you by surprise, as it seems illogical: if the motor is running and freezes the water below, why can’t it cool the milk on the top shelf? The answer lies in the design features of two-compressor and single-compressor models, as well as in the specifics of refrigerant circulation.
In most cases, the problem does not require an immediate call to a technician, as it can be caused by a simple blockage or incorrect installation. However, ignoring the symptoms can lead to compressor failure or the need for complex and expensive system repair No Frost. Below we will analyze in detail the mechanics of the system, possible causes of failure and an algorithm of actions for diagnosing the malfunction.
The first thing to do is listen to the operation of the unit. If you hear a characteristic gurgling or hissing sound, this may indicate the movement of freon, which, however, does not reach the evaporator of the upper compartment. In other cases, the motor can operate almost silently or, conversely, hum with increased load. Understanding these nuances will help narrow down the troubleshooting to a specific unit.
The principle of operation and the difference between Atlant models
To understand why fridge compartment lost cold, you need to take into account the type of your model. The equipment Atlant is available in two main versions: with one compressor and with two independent cooling circuits. In dual-compressor models, different motors and evaporators are responsible for the upper and lower compartments. If you have just such a unit, and the freezer is working, it means that one compressor is working, and the second, responsible for the upper chamber, either does not start or has lost performance.
In models with one compressor, the refrigerant passes sequentially through both circuits. It first cools the freezer compartment and then, passing through a capillary tube, enters the evaporator of the refrigerator compartment. If a failure occurs in this system, the cold may simply not reach the upper compartment, remaining “locked” in the freezer. Temperature conditions in such systems it is regulated by thermostats and solenoid valves that direct the flow of freon.
It is important to consider that in systems No Frost the cold is distributed forcibly using a fan. If the fan stops or the air ducts are blocked by ice, air circulation stops and the temperature in the main chamber begins to rise, even if the evaporator is covered with frost.
⚠️ Warning: Attempting to repair the refrigerant circulation system yourself without special equipment and a license is prohibited by law and is dangerous to health. All actions described below relate only to external diagnostics and defrosting.
Natural causes: defrosting mode and overload
Before If you panic and look for a breakdown, you should exclude the normal operating modes of the equipment. Modern refrigerators Atlant equipped with an automatic defrosting system. At a certain time interval, the compressor turns off and the heating element turns on, which melts the ice on the evaporator. At this point, the temperature in the chambers may rise briefly. If you notice a problem immediately after the refrigerator has “rested,” perhaps the defrosting cycle has not yet completed.
Another common reason is thermal inertia after loading a large amount of food. If you placed a lot of indoor food in the chamber or placed a hot pan (which is absolutely not possible), the temperature sensors record a sharp jump in heat. The unit begins to wear out, trying to compensate for the heat influx, but due to the disruption of air circulation, the cold may be unevenly distributed throughout the volume.
It is also worth checking the thermostat settings. An accidental shift of the lever or a change in digital parameters could lead to the fact that the refrigerator simply stopped producing cold, although the freezer continues to freeze according to the residual principle or due to its independent circuit.
Faulty condensate drainage system and ice plug
One of the most common reasons why Atlant refrigerator The upper chamber stops cooling, resulting in the formation of an ice plug in the condensate drainage channel or in the air duct. In systems No Frost moisture evaporated from food settles on the evaporator and must be removed regularly. If the drainage hole is clogged with debris (food debris, mold), the water freezes and freezes in the form of a block of ice.
This ice mass can mechanically block the damper through which cold air enters from the freezer into the refrigerator compartment. As a result, the fan hums, the compressor works, but the cold flow simply cannot physically penetrate the upper part of the unit. Visually, this can manifest itself in the form of frost on the back wall or, conversely, complete dryness when the motor is running.
To eliminate this problem, complete defrosting of the refrigerator is often required. It is necessary to disconnect the device from the network, open the doors and leave it for at least 12, and preferably 24 hours. During this time, the ice plug will melt and the water will flow out through the drainage. After this, you can turn on the unit and check the operation.
☑️ Defrosting algorithm
Problems with the compressor and loss of freon
If defrosting did not help, the situation may be more serious. In two-compressor models Atlant a separate motor-compressor is responsible for the fridge compartment. If it fails, does not start or runs “idle” (does not create pressure), the cold in the upper compartment will disappear completely, while the freezer will function independently.
In single-compressor models, the loss of cold in the upper chamber while the freezer is running often indicates a leak. refrigerant (freon). When there is little gas in the system, there is only enough gas for the first stage of cooling - the freezer. The freon simply does not reach the second circuit (refrigeration compartment) or arrives already warm. This is an insidious malfunction that develops gradually: first, the temperature in the upper chamber becomes slightly higher than normal, then the food begins to thaw, and only then the cold disappears completely.
Another option is a clogged capillary tube. There are very narrow areas in the refrigerant circulation system. If a microscopic particle of oxide or technical oil gets into them, the permeability is reduced. The pressure drops, and the cooling efficiency of the secondary circuit tends to zero.
| Symptom | Probable cause | Characteristic sound | Need a technician |
|---|---|---|---|
| The freezer is working, top warm | Freon leak | The engine runs for a long time, almost without stopping | High (filling) |
| Complete absence of cold at the top | 2nd faulty compressor | Silence or relay clicks | High (replacement) |
| Temperature floats | Ice plug | Gurgling, hissing | Low (defrosting) |
| There is cold, but weak | Clogged filter or tube | Hum, vibration | Medium (cleaning) |
Malfunctions of the thermostat and electronics
Responsible for maintaining the temperature thermostat (in mechanical models) or electronic control module (in models with display). If the temperature sensor located in the refrigerator compartment transmits incorrect data that “it is cold enough,” the compressor simply will not turn on to cool that compartment. In two-compressor models, this will lead to the top motor stopping.
In models with electronics, the air sensor or the control unit itself often fails. The electronics could malfunction due to a power surge. In this case, resetting errors helps. To do this, the refrigerator Atlant needs to be unplugged from the outlet for 15–20 minutes and then turned on again. If the self-diagnosis system does not find critical errors, the operating mode can be restored.
It is also worth mentioning the air flow control damper. On some models it is controlled by a solenoid. If the solenoid is burned out or the damper is stuck in the closed position, cold air does not physically enter the chamber. You can check this by listening for a click when changing temperature settings or when starting a cooling cycle.
How to check the thermostat yourself?
Remove the temperature control knob. Gently (without fanaticism) twist the rod. If you hear a click and the refrigerator starts (or stops), the mechanics are intact. If there is no response, the sensor may be faulty. However, an accurate resistance check can only be carried out with a multimeter.
When it is necessary to call a specialist
There is a clear line between problems that can be solved independently and cases that require the intervention of a professional. If after 24 hours of defrosting the situation has not changed, and refrigerator compartment still does not cool, most likely the problem is a freon leak or a compressor failure. This work requires evacuation of the system, charging with refrigerant and soldering the tubes.
An alarming signal is the appearance of oily spots under the refrigerator or on the rear grille. This indicates depressurization of the circuit. You also need to call a technician if the compressor hums, tries to start, clicks and immediately turns off - this is a sign of an interturn short circuit or a compressor wedge.
You should not delay repairs if you notice that the food in the refrigerator compartment has begun to deteriorate, and condensation has appeared on the walls or, conversely, they have become dry and warm. Long-term operation of equipment in emergency mode leads to overheating and final failure of the compressor, the replacement of which is expensive.
⚠️ Attention: When looking for a technician, check whether he uses original spare parts Atlant and whether he gives a guarantee for the work. The use of low-quality freon or oil can finish off a working compressor.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Why, after defrosting, does the Atlant refrigerator not freeze in the upper chamber immediately?
After defrosting, the unit takes time (from 2 to 5 hours) to reach operating mode. At this time, the compressor accumulates cold. If after 6-8 hours the temperature has not begun to decrease, it is possible that the heating element or fan was damaged during defrosting, or the problem lies deeper (freon leakage).
Is it possible to operate the refrigerator if the upper chamber does not work?
For a short time - yes, if you use it as a freezer. However, prolonged operation in this mode is harmful for the compressor, since it can work non-stop, trying to reach an unattainable temperature, which will lead to its overheating and combustion.
How much does it cost to repair if the cold in the refrigerator compartment has disappeared?
The cost depends on the breakdown. Charging freon and finding leaks costs more than replacing the thermostat or defrosting. The exact price can be found out only after diagnosis by a technician on site, since it is often impossible to visually determine the location of the leak.
How can you understand that it is the second compressor in a twin-engine Atlanta that has failed?
With the freezer running, touch the second compressor (usually they are located next to each other or one above the other). If one is hot and vibrates, and the second is cold and silent (with the power turned on and the first one working), it is likely that it or its control circuit is faulty.
Does the position of the adjustable feet affect the operation of the refrigerator?
Yes, indirectly. If the refrigerator is not level, the door may not fit tightly, or misalignment may interfere with the flow of oil from the compressor. However, this rarely leads to the complete disappearance of cold in only one chamber; rather, it affects the overall efficiency and the formation of ice.