The Atlant refrigerator does not freeze, but the light is on: what to do and how to fix

Have you opened the refrigerator Atlantand inside, instead of the usual cold, there is warmth, although the light is on and the motor seems to be running? This situation is familiar to many owners of Belarusian equipment. The problem when the refrigerator stops freezing, but there is light, most often associated with the breakdown of one of the key components - the thermostat, compressor or refrigerant circulation system. In 80% of cases, you can fix it yourself, without resorting to an expensive service center.

In this article we will look at why all possible causesdata-i="53">(models Atlant (models MHM, HM, NRM and others) stops cooling, despite the working backlight. You will learn how to check the thermostat, determine a compressor malfunction or freon leak, and also when to call a technician. We will pay special attention to models with the No Frost system - their breakdowns are often disguised as a “false” start of the motor.

Why the Atlant refrigerator does not freeze, but the light is on: the main reasons

If there is light in the refrigerator, but there is no cold, this means that Atlant there is light but no cold, this means that power supply is supplied, and the problem lies in one of the components of the cooling system. Here are the key components that need to be checked first:

• 🔧 Thermoregulator (thermostat) - if it is broken, the compressor does not receive a signal to turn on, although the light bulb works.
• ❄️ Compressor —may “buzz” but not start due to an interturn short circuit or a faulty start relay.
• ⚡ Start-protective relay —often “jams” or burns out, blocking the motor from starting.
• 💨 Freon leak —the refrigerant has leaked out, and the compressor runs “idle” without cooling the chambers.
• 🔄 Clogged capillary tube —the circulation of freon is disrupted, and the refrigerator stops freezing.
• ❄️ No Frost system (for corresponding models) —fan or defrost timer malfunction.
• 🔌 Electronic control unit —in modern models Atlant the display may have a firmware failure.

In most cases (about 60%), it is to blame thermostat —its replacement costs 1.5–3 thousand rubles (depending on the model). In second place is start relay (repair cost ~2 thousand rubles). The most expensive breakdown is freon leak or replacement of the compressor (from 5 thousand rubles).

How to check the thermostat: step-by-step instructions

Thermostat (or thermostat) is the “brain” of the refrigerator that controls the temperature and turns the compressor on/off. If it is faulty, the motor will not start, although the light in the chamber is on. You can check the thermostat yourself:

Disconnect the refrigerator from the network|Remove the protective cover of the thermostat (usually located inside the chamber, under the plastic panel)|Find two wires going to the thermostat and close them together (simulating a command to turn on)|Plug in the refrigerator - if the compressor is working, the thermostat is faulty-->

If after shorting the wires the compressor launched, then the thermostat needs to be replaced. For models Atlant thermostats are suitable K-59, TAM-133 or TAM-145 (check the markings on the body of the old one). The cost of a new thermostat is from 800 to 1,500 rubles.

⚠️ Attention: Do not short-circuit the thermostat wires if the refrigerator is equipped with an electronic control unit (models with a display). This may cause the firmware to crash. In this case, it is better to entrust the diagnostics to a specialist.

If the compressor did not start even after shorting the wires, the problem may be:

• 🔌 Starting relay (check it for the presence of extraneous sounds - crackling or buzzing).
• 🔧 Compressor (if it hums but does not start, an interturn short circuit is possible).
• ⚡ Electronics (in models with a display, the control board may burn out).

Checking the compressor: it hums, but does not freeze

The compressor is the “heart” of the refrigerator. If it buzzing, but does not startor works continuously without turning off, the problem may be:

1. Interturn short circuit windings (the compressor heats up, but does not create pressure).
2. A jammed rotor (the motor tries to start, but cannot turn over).
3. Faulty starting relay (does not supply current to the winding).

To check compressor:

1. Disconnect the refrigerator from the network.
2. Remove the back cover (in most models Atlant the compressor is located at the bottom).
3. Check the resistance of the windings multimeter:
   • 🔹 Between terminals C (common) and S (starting) - there should be ~20–40 Ohms.
   • 🔹 Between C and R (working) - ~10–15 Ohm.
   • 🔹 Between S and R —the sum of the two previous values (~30–55 Ohm).

If there is no resistance or is very different, the compressor is faulty.

If compressor works, but does not freezemay be in the system no freon or the capillary tube is clogged. In this case, professional diagnostics using a manometric manifold will be required.

Freon leak: how to determine and what to do

Freon (refrigerant) is a gas that circulates through the system and provides cooling. If it leaks, the compressor runs “idle” and the refrigerator does not freeze. Signs of a leak:

• 🔹 The compressor works without stopping, but there is no cold.
• 🔹 The condenser (grid on the back wall) does not heat up.
• 🔹 Oil stains are visible on the tubes or in the soldering areas (freon comes out along with the oil).

It is impossible to refill freon yourself - this requires special tools and skills. However, you can check for leaks:

1. Turn off the refrigerator and turn it with the back wall towards you.
2. Inspect solder places the pipes (especially at the bottom where they connect to the compressor).
3. If there is oil traces or rust, there is probably a leak there.
4. Try with a soap solution - if you apply it to a suspicious place and turn on the refrigerator, in case of a leak, they will appear bubbles.

⚠️ Attention: Freon R-600a (used in modern models Atlant) is flammable! Do not use open fire to check for leaks.

If a leak is confirmed, you will need to:

1. Find the location of the damage (most often in the door heating circuit or in the evaporator).
2. Eliminate the leak (solder the tube).
3. Evacuate the system (remove air and moisture).
4. Fill in new freon (work cost ~4,000–6,000 rubles).

What will happen if the leak is not eliminated freon?

If you ignore the leak, the compressor will wear out, which will lead to its breakdown. In addition, without refrigerant, the refrigerator not only does not freeze, but can also become a source of an unpleasant odor due to the growth of bacteria in the warm chamber.

Problems with the No Frost system in Atlant refrigerators

Models Atlant with the system No Frost (for example, MHM 2835-080 or XM 6025-031) have additional nodes that may fail:

• 🔹 Fan — if it does not work, the cold is not distributed throughout the chamber.
• 🔹 TEN defrost —if it breaks, the evaporator freezes and the system stops cooling.
• 🔹 Defrost timer —if it is jammed, the compressor may not turn on.
• 🔹 Sensor defrost —if there is a malfunction, the system “thinks” that the frost has not yet melted and does not start cooling.

How to check the system No Frost:

1. Turn off the refrigerator and defrost it for 10-12 hours.
2. After turning it on, listen - the fan should start working (light air noise).
3. If the fan does not work, check it with a multimeter (resistance windings ~200–500 Ohm).
4. Inspect the evaporator (hidden behind the back panel of the freezer) - if it is covered with ice, the heating element or defrost sensor is faulty.

In models with No Frost often found evaporator freezing due to a faulty heating element. Replacing it costs ~2,000–3,500 rubles. If the problem is in the fan, you can replace it yourself (the cost of the part is ~1,500–2,500 rubles).

Electronic control unit: failures and solutions

Modern models Atlant (for example, XM 6321-089 or MHM 1708-080) are equipped with electronic control unit (ECU) with display. If the refrigerator does not freeze, but there is light, the following malfunctions are possible:

• 🔹 Firmware failure — after a power surge or power outage.
• 🔹 Faulty temperature sensors —the unit receives incorrect data and does not turn on the compressor.
• 🔹 Problems with board —elements (resistors, transistors, relays) have burned out.

How to diagnose the ECU:

1. Check if the display is on. If not, the problem is in the power supply of the unit.
2. If the display works, but the refrigerator does not freeze, try reset the settings (unplug it for 10 minutes).
3. Look at the error codes (if they are displayed). For example:
   • E1 - problem with the temperature sensor.
   • E2 - malfunction of the evaporator sensor.
   • E4 - failure in the defrost system.

If the reset did not help, diagnostics of the board will be required. In most cases, it can be repaired (replacing burnt elements), but sometimes a complete replacement is required (cost ~5,000–8,000 rubles).

⚠️ Attention: Do not try to solder the board yourself if you do not have experience. Errors during repairs can lead to complete failure of the unit.

When to call a technician: 5 cases when amateur activity is dangerous

Some refrigerator breakdowns Atlant can be fixed independently, but there are situations when it is better to contact to a professional:

• 🔧 Freon leak —it is impossible to refill the system without special equipment.
• ⚡ Replacement of the compressor —requires evacuation and soldering of tubes.
• 💻 Repair of the electronic unit —without a circuit diagram and soldering iron skills, you can break the board.
• ❄️ Clogged capillary tube —for cleaning you need a hydraulic press.
• 🔥 Replacement of defrost heating element in No Frost —requires disassembling the freezer cameras.

Average cost of calling a technician in Moscow and the regions:

If your The refrigerator Atlant is under warranty (usually 1-3 years), do not disassemble it yourself - this will void the warranty. Contact the service center Atlant by the hotline number (listed in the product passport).

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about Atlant refrigerators that do not freeze

🔹 The Atlant refrigerator is humming, but not freezing - what could it be?

Most likely, the problem is start relay or compressor. If the engine hums but does not start, try lightly tapping the relay (sometimes the contacts “stick”). If this does not help, you will need to replace the relay or diagnose the compressor.

🔹 Is it possible to fill freon into the Atlant refrigerator yourself?

No. To refill freon you need pressure manifold, vacuum pump and skills to work with refrigerant. Incorrect refueling can lead to compressor breakdown or gas leak.

🔹 The Atlant refrigerator with No Frost does not freeze, and the fan does not work - what to do?

Probably faulty fan or defrost timer. Try turning the fan blades by hand - if they do not rotate, the motor is burnt out. Also check if the evaporator is frozen (in this case, the defrost heating element needs to be replaced).

🔹 After the power surge, the Atlant refrigerator stopped freezing. What burned out?

Most often it fails start relay or electronic control unit. Check if the display lights up - if not, the problem is with the board. If the display works, but the compressor does not start, the relay is to blame.

🔹 How much does it cost to repair an Atlant refrigerator if it does not freeze?

The cost depends on breakdowns:

• Replacement of the thermostat - 1,500–2,500 rubles.
• Repair of freon leaks - 4,000–6,000 rubles.
• Replacement of the compressor - 6,000–10,000 rubles.
• Repair of the electronic unit - 3,000–8,000 rubles.

The technician will tell you the exact price after diagnostics.