The situation when in a two-chamber refrigerator Atlant The upper compartment stops cooling, but the lower part continues to work normally, this is one of the most common problems. Owners often find that food in the freezer freezes to stone, while the temperature in the refrigerator compartment rises to room temperature. This is alarming as there is a risk of large quantities of food being wasted. However, before calling a technician, it is worth carrying out an initial diagnosis to understand the scale of the problem.
Modern models of the Belarusian brand, be it Atlant 4008 or newer series, are designed in such a way that the cold is generated in the evaporator, which is most often hidden behind the back wall of the freezer. The circulation of cold air is carried out either naturally or forcefully using a fan. If this process is disrupted, the upper chamber ceases to receive the necessary cold. In some cases, the problem lies in a banal blockage, and in others - in a serious breakdown compressor or refrigerant leak.
It is important not to panic and consistently check all possible causes. Often the reason for work stoppage is not a technical malfunction of the components, but errors in operation or settings. Understanding how your model works can save you time and money. Below we will analyze in detail the main reasons why refrigerator compartment it may stop cooling, and methods for eliminating them.
Operation errors and settings of the thermostat
Before looking for complex technical faults, it is necessary to exclude the human factor. Often, users accidentally change settings or overload the unit, which leads to temperature violations. First, check the position of the thermostat knob or the setting on the electronic display. If the regulator is set to minimum cooling (usually the number 1 or Min), the compressor may simply not turn on often enough to maintain a low temperature in the upper compartment.
The second common reason is violation of food loading rules. Cold air should circulate freely inside the chambers. If you pack the shelves tightly, leaving only small gaps, or, even worse, block the air outlets with food, circulation will stop. In models with the system No Frost this is critical, since the fan drives air through the channels, and any obstacles block the flow.
⚠️ Attention: Do not put hot or warm foods in the refrigerator. This puts excess stress on the compressor and leads to the formation of an ice crust, which can block the condensate drainage system.
It is also worth checking whether the door fits tightly. If the rubber seal wears out, becomes dirty or deformed, warm air from the room constantly enters the chamber. The compressor will work without interruption, trying to compensate for the heat gain, but due to overload, the cooling efficiency will drop, and the refrigerator compartment will become warm. Check the tightness with a sheet of paper: clamp it with the door and try to pull it out - if it pulls out easily without resistance, the seal requires replacement or adjustment.
Problems with defrosting and the No Frost system
If your Atlant is equipped with an automatic defrosting system No Frost, one of the common reasons for the lack of cold in the upper chamber is a malfunction of the defrost system. During operation, frost builds up on the evaporator located in the freezer. The heating element (heating element) must be turned on periodically, which melts this ice. If the heating element burns out, or the defrost sensor fails, the ice does not melt, but grows more and more.
Over time, the ice coat becomes so thick that it completely blocks the channels through which cold air should enter the refrigeration compartment. As a result, the fan circulates air inside the freezer, but the cold does not reach the upper chamber. Outwardly, it may look like a freezer, but when defrosted (completely, within 24 hours), the problem disappears for several days until ice blocks the channels again.
For diagnostics, it is necessary to completely defrost the unit. Unplug the refrigerator, open the doors and leave it for at least a day. Best of all - for 30-40 hours. If, after turning it on and setting the temperature, the problem returns after 1-2 weeks, then the defrosting system is really faulty. It is necessary to replace the heating element, defrost sensor or timer (in mechanical models).
☑️ Diagnostics of the defrosting system
In models with a drip defrosting system (crying evaporator), the problem may lie in a clogged drainage hole. If the water does not drain, it freezes and forms an ice plug, disrupting heat exchange. Cleaning the drainage with a soft wire or brush often solves the problem.
Faults of the compressor and start relay
The heart of any refrigerator is compressor. If it does not work or does not work correctly, there will be no cold anywhere, or it will not be enough for two chambers. In two-compressor models Atlant each chamber is responsible for its own motor. If the upper chamber does not work, and the lower one freezes perfectly, it means that the compressor of the upper circuit or its starting equipment is faulty.
A frequent breakdown is the failure of the start-up relay. This is a small device that fits onto the compressor contacts. It starts the motor and protects it from overloads. If the relay is burned out, the compressor hums, clicks, but cannot start, or is silent. Replacing a relay is a simple procedure that you can perform yourself by selecting an analogue according to the marking.
| Symptom | Probable cause | Necessary actions |
|---|---|---|
| The compressor hums, but does not start | The starting relay is faulty or the compressor is jammed | Replace the relay, check the winding current |
| The compressor is hot, works without stopping | Freon leak or capillary clogged | Call a technician to find leaks |
| The compressor is silent, there is no light | Problem with the wiring or thermostat | Check for voltage in the socket |
| Strong vibration and noise | Wear of shock absorbers or installation violation | Check the legs and motor mounts |
If the motor itself motor-compressor fails (interturn short circuit, broken windings, piston group wedge), it will need to be replaced. This is a complex technical procedure that requires evacuation of the system and charging the refrigerant, so it is not recommended to perform it yourself.
How to check the starting relay?
Remove the relay from the compressor contacts. Shake it: if you hear a knocking sound inside (as if from a broken ceramic core), then the relay is faulty and needs to be replaced. You can also ring the contacts with a tester - the resistance should be close to zero in the closed state.
Refrigerant leak and capillary system blockage
One of the most unpleasant reasons why Atlant stopped freezing in the upper chamber is a freon leak. The refrigerant circulates in a closed circuit, and if a microcrack forms in the tubes or evaporator, the gas gradually evaporates. First, the performance drops, the refrigerator starts working longer, and then the cold in the refrigerator compartment disappears completely, although the freezer may still freeze.
Leaks often occur in the foamed part of the body (internal partitions) or in places where pipes are soldered. It is difficult to notice them visually. An indirect sign may be swelling of the side wall of the refrigerator or the appearance of rust at the joints. Also, there may be no uniform layer of frost on the tubes inside the freezer - it will be only at the entrance or absent altogether.
⚠️ Attention: Freon is odorless and colorless. If you hear a hissing sound or smell a specific chemical odor, this may indicate oil escaping with the gas. Ventilate the room and do not use open fire.
Another problem - clogged capillary tube. Oil circulates in the system, which over time can thicken or mix with breakdown products, forming a plug. The symptoms are similar to a leak: the compressor works, but there is no cold. To eliminate it, you need to flush the system with nitrogen, replace the filter-drier and refill.
Faults in electronics and sensors
Modern refrigerators Atlant are equipped with electronic control modules that control the operation of all components. If the control board is malfunctioning or faulty, it may not send a signal to turn on the compressor or fan. Temperature sensors also often break down. If the sensor in the refrigerator compartment shows incorrect data (for example, that it is -10°C, although in fact it is +15°C), the control module will not turn on the refrigeration.
In models with a display on the door, you can often see error codes. For example, flashing lights or alphanumeric combinations. The decoding of the codes can be found in the instructions for the specific model. Ignoring these signals leads to damage to the products.
Checking electronics requires special knowledge and instruments (multimeter, oscilloscope). You can only independently check the integrity of the wires going to the sensors and make sure that voltage is reaching the board. If the module is burnt out, it must be replaced with an original or compatible analogue.
Mechanical damage and wear of parts
Do not forget about mechanical reasons. In refrigerators with a No Frost system, a fan is responsible for air circulation. If its blades are dirty, the bearing is jammed or the motor winding is burned out, air will stop flowing into the upper chamber. A characteristic sign is the absence of fan noise when the compressor is running or the appearance of an extraneous hum/crackling sound.
Damage to the dampers that regulate the air flow is also possible. In some models Atlant the damper is controlled mechanically or electrically. If it is stuck in the closed position, cold air cannot physically enter the refrigerator compartment. You can check this by reaching the channel between the chambers (often located behind the back wall of the refrigerator compartment or at the top of the freezer).
The wear of the door seals, which was mentioned earlier, also refers to mechanical damage. Over time, rubber hardens, cracks and loses elasticity. Its properties can be restored using special means, but most often a complete replacement of the sealing rubber is required.
What to do if the Atlant refrigerator is humming, but not freezing?
If you hear a humming sound, but there is no cold, most likely the compressor is trying to start, but cannot. This may be due to a faulty start relay, low voltage in the network, or a compressor that has started to wedge. Try unplugging the device from the outlet for 15-20 minutes, then plugging it back in. If the humming repeats but there is no startup, call a technician to replace the relay or diagnose the motor.
Is it possible to operate a refrigerator with one working chamber?
Short-term - yes, if you transfer food into a working chamber or use cooler bags. However, prolonged operation in this mode is harmful to the compressor, which may overheat, trying to reach an unattainable temperature. In addition, bacteria and mold will begin to multiply in a non-working chamber.
How often does Atlant No Frost need to be defrosted?
The No Frost system does not require regular defrosting to remove ice, as this happens automatically. However, manufacturers recommend turning off the refrigerator at least once a year (preferably twice), washing it and letting it rest. This extends the service life of the seals and allows you to clean hard-to-reach places from dust and bacteria.
Why does ice freeze in the Atlant refrigeration chamber?
An accumulation of ice on the back wall or products in the refrigeration chamber (with a drip system) indicates that water does not have time to drain into the drainage. Reasons: clogged drainage hole, too low temperature (controller at maximum), frequent opening of the door or loose seal.