The situation when the upper chamber of the refrigerator Atlant stops cooling food while the lower freezer continues to freeze “for slaughter” is one of the most common problems faced by owners of this equipment. Users often notice that the milk has turned sour and the meat in the upper compartment has become soft, while in the freezer the ice freezes even more than usual. This is a classic symptom of a refrigerant circulation disorder or a malfunction in the temperature control system.
In two-compressor models, such a problem may indicate the failure of one of the motors, while in single-compressor units the cause more often lies in a gas leak or system malfunction. No Frost. Ignoring the first signs of incorrect operation can lead to complete breakdown of an expensive compressor, so it is important to promptly carry out initial diagnostics. In this article we will analyze in detail the mechanical and electrical causes of the failure.
The first thing to do when a problem is detected is to listen to the operation of the unit. If the engine hums constantly without turning off, or, conversely, is silent, although the indicators are on, this already gives a primary clue. Do not rush to call a technician right away; perhaps the problem is simply a sticking valve or a burnt-out light bulb that heats the sensor.
Problems with refrigerant circulation in single-compressor models
In most refrigerators Atlant with one compressor, freon first passes through the evaporator freezer compartment and then goes to the main compartment. If a gas has formed in the system, the gas pressure is not enough to overcome the entire circuit and cool the upper chamber. As a result, the freezer works in increased mode, trying to compensate for the lack of cold, and in the refrigerator compartment the temperature gradually rises to room temperature. freon leak, the gas pressure is not enough to overcome the entire circuit and cool the upper chamber. As a result, the freezer works in increased mode, trying to compensate for the lack of cold, and in the refrigerator compartment the temperature gradually rises to room temperature.
The second option for a mechanical malfunction is clogged capillary tube. Oil breakdown products or moisture entering the system crystallize and create a plug. Freon circulates only in the first circuit (freezer), without reaching the second. A characteristic sign of a blockage is a hot condenser (grid at the back) and a running compressor that cannot “push” the gas further.
⚠️ Attention: Filling the refrigerator with freon yourself or trying to clean the capillary tube without a vacuum pump and special tools is strictly prohibited. This requires sealing the system and precise dosage of oil.
Diagnosis of a leak is often carried out by exclusion or using a thermal imager, which shows cold zones on the tubes where there is no longer gas. If you notice that the compressor is running non-stop, and there is no cold in the upper compartment for more than 6-8 hours, the probability of a leak is more than 80%.
Faults in the defrosting system in refrigerators No Frost
If your Atlant is equipped with a system No Frostthen the most likely reason for the lack cold in the main chamber is a failure in the defrost cycle. The snow “coat” on the evaporator, hidden behind the rear wall, grows so much that it blocks the cold air supply channels. The fan moves the air, but it cannot get through the ice jam to the products.
Three key elements are responsible for the defrosting process: Defrost heating element, defrost thermostat (or sensor) and timer (or electronic control module). If the heating element burns out, the ice does not melt. If the sensor is “stuck” in the “frozen” position, it does not give a command to turn on the heater. As a result, the evaporator becomes overgrown with ice, blocking circulation.
To test this hypothesis, you can completely defrost the refrigerator. Leave the doors open for at least 24 hours (preferably overnight) to allow any hidden ice to melt. If after turning on the refrigerator worked normally, but after 1-2 weeks the situation repeated itself, the problem is precisely in one of the elements of the defrosting system.
How to check the defrosting heating element with a multimeter?
To check, you need to get to the heating element (usually it is located under the plastic panel in the freezer). Remove the terminals and “ring” the spiral with a tester in resistance measurement mode. If the device shows a break (one or zero, depending on the tester model), the heating element is faulty and requires replacement.
Failure of the compressor or start relay
In two-compressor models Atlant a separate motor-compressor is responsible for each chamber. If the freezer is working but the refrigerator is not, this may mean that the top chamber compressor is simply not starting. In this case, you can hear a characteristic click of the relay, the hum of the motor for several seconds and a click again - these are signs of an attempt to start.
Often the culprit is starting relay or capacitor. These inexpensive parts provide the initial impetus to start the motor shaft. If the relay is stuck open or burned out, the compressor cannot gain speed. It is also possible to have an interturn short circuit of the windings of the compressor itself, which is a more serious and expensive breakdown.
You can check the operation of the compressor visually and by ear. If the upper chamber motor is cold and completely quiet, although the refrigerator is plugged in, the problem is in the electrical circuit (relay, wiring, module). If it is hot and hums, but does not start, the mechanism may jam.
☑️ Primary diagnostics of the compressor
Failure of the thermostat or temperature sensor
The thermostat (in mechanical models) or electronic sensor (in models with a display) are the “eyes” of the refrigerator. It is he who informs the control module that the temperature has been reached and the cooling needs to be turned off. If this element fails and shows incorrect data (for example, that the chamber is already -10°C, although there is +15°C), the compressor simply will not turn on.
In refrigerators Atlant with mechanical control, the thermostat is often located inside the chamber or on the front panel. Its breakdown may be caused by a leak in the bellows tube, which is filled with freon filler. If the filler leaks, the contacts do not close and the circuit does not start the motor.
For a quick check, you can try to carefully close the thermostat contacts (after unplugging the refrigerator from the mains!). If, after connecting the unit to the network with closed contacts, the compressor started working and cold appeared, then the thermostat is faulty and requires replacement.
| Symptom | Probable cause | Nature of the compressor operation | Complexity repair |
|---|---|---|---|
| There is cold only at the back wall | Freon leakage | Works without stopping | High (needs sealing) |
| Ice in the freezer, at the top heat | Clogging or failure No Frost | Works cyclically | Medium (replacement of parts) |
| The compressor clicks and is silent | Faulty starting relay | Short beeps | Low (replacement relay) |
| The refrigerator is silent, there is no light | Problem with the wiring/socket | Not works | Low |
Problems with damper and fan (multi-flow system)
In modern models Atlant with system Multi Air Flow cold is supplied to the upper chamber through special channels regulated by air flap. If the damper is stuck in the closed position or the drive is broken, cold air simply does not enter the refrigerator compartment, remaining in the freezer.
It is also worth checking the operation of the fan. If it stops due to frozen blades or engine failure, air circulation stops. In the freezer, cold is generated directly at the evaporator, so the temperature remains there, and the large volume of the refrigerator compartment becomes warm.
Often the cause of the damper jamming is condensation, which freezes in the mechanism. In this case, defrosting for a day can also help restore the mobility of the damper, but if the problem recurs, the unit will need to be replaced.
Algorithm of actions when a malfunction is detected
If you find that the refrigerator Atlant has stopped freezing in the upper compartment, do not panic. Act consistently so as not to worsen the situation. First, rule out the simplest household causes, then move on to complex technical ones.
⚠️ Attention: If you smell burning or see sparking in the compressor area, immediately disconnect the device from the power supply. Operating a faulty electrical appliance can lead to a fire.
Start with complete defrosting. It's free and safe. If after 24 hours of sitting with the doors open and then turning it on, the cold appears - you are lucky, the problem was in the ice. If not, you will have to disassemble the back panel or call a specialist to measure the pressure in the system.
Do not try to open the sealed circuit yourself or change the compressor without the appropriate qualifications. An attempt to independently solder tubes without nitrogen often leads to oxidation of the system from the inside, which disables the new compressor after a few months. It is better to entrust this work to professionals who have evacuation equipment.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
How long does the Atlant refrigerator keep cold when turned off light?
In good condition when fully loaded, products can remain cold for up to 10-15 hours. However, if the system is already faulty (for example, there is a freon leak), the heat will come much faster, in 2-4 hours.
Is it possible to operate the refrigerator if the upper chamber does not freeze?
For a short time - yes, if you transfer perishable foods to the freezer or cellar. However, prolonged operation in this mode (especially if the compressor hums without stopping) will lead to its overheating and final breakdown.
Why did the refrigerator work after defrosting, but after a week it stopped again?
This is a classic sign of a malfunction of the defrost system (the heating element, timer or sensor burned out). Ice builds up again on the evaporator and blocks the channels. The defective part needs to be replaced.
Is it necessary to change the compressor if it hums but does not start?
Not necessarily. In 70% of cases, the problem is solved by replacing the starting relay or capacitor, which are inexpensive. The compressor itself needs to be changed only if an interturn short circuit or a mechanical wedge is diagnosed.
How to extend the life of the Atlant compressor?
Do not place the refrigerator close to the wall (a gap of 5-10 cm is needed for ventilation), regularly wipe the condenser grill from dust and do not load hot foods into the chamber. This will reduce the load on the motor.