The situation when The Atlant refrigerator turns on and immediately turns off.is a classic symptom of serious problems with the electrical or mechanical part of the unit. Owners often describe it as "clicking, buzzing, and silence." The motor tries to start, makes a characteristic sound, but after a few seconds a loud click is heard and the operation stops. After a certain time interval (usually 15–20 minutes), the cycle is repeated.
This behavior of the equipment is the result of the work of protective mechanisms that prevent the final failure of expensive components. Ignoring the problem can lead to complete combustion of the electric motor windings or jamming of the piston group. In this article we will analyze in detail the main causes, diagnostic methods and troubleshooting methods for models of Atlant various series.
The first thing you need to understand: the problem is cyclical in nature. This means that the control system or the motor itself cannot overcome the initial stage of operation. The most common culprits are the start protection relay, the compressor itself, or in rare cases, wiring problems. It is important not to panic and check each unit sequentially.
Diagnostics of the start-protection relay
The most likely reason that the refrigerator clicks and does not startis a malfunction of the start-up relay. This small plastic block, attached to the compressor housing, is responsible for supplying voltage to the starting winding of the engine at the moment of start. If the contacts inside the relay are oxidized or burnt, no current flows and the motor stalls.
The relay also has a built-in thermal protection. If it operates too quickly or, conversely, “sticks,” the compressor will go into protection immediately after switching on. Models Atlant are characterized by the use of relays of the RTP, RT and RSO series. Their resource depends on the number of switching cycles and the quality of the voltage in the network.
⚠️ Attention: Before removing the relay, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply. Residual voltage or accidental shorting of contacts can result in electric shock or damage to the electronics.
The relay can be checked visually and using a multimeter. If soot is visible inside the housing, or a knocking sound is heard when shaking (the coil is destroyed), the part requires replacement. The cost of a new relay is low, and replacing it is a standard repair procedure.
How to properly remove the relay
Carefully remove the retainer (bracket) from the compressor. Disconnect the wire connectors. Remove the relay from the compressor shank using light rocking movements. Do not pull the wires so as not to break them at the base.
Compressor malfunctions and broken windings
If replacing the relay did not help, and Atlant refrigerator hums and turns offthe problem may lie in the very heart of the unit - the compressor. The motor consists of starting and working windings. Over time, the insulation of the wires may become damaged, which will lead to an interturn short circuit or an open circuit.
When the starting winding breaks, the compressor hums, but does not start, since the necessary torque is not created. If a short circuit occurs to the housing or between the turns, the current in the circuit increases sharply, which causes instantaneous operation of the thermal release in the protection relay. As a result, the unit turns off.
Diagnostics of the windings is carried out using an ohmmeter. The normal resistance of the starting winding of compressors Atlant usually is 20–35 Ohms, and the working winding is about 10–15 Ohms. If the device shows infinity (open) or zero (short), the compressor must be replaced.
Another reason for blocking the start is mechanical jamming of the piston group. This often happens after a long period of equipment downtime or due to the exhaustion of its resource. In this case, the motor shaft cannot turn, and the protection system turns off the power.
Problems with interturn short circuit
The situation when refrigerator compressor goes into protection due to an interturn short circuit deserves special attention. This is an insidious malfunction that is difficult to diagnose without experience. Symptoms can be floating: sometimes the refrigerator works normally, and sometimes it turns off after a couple of seconds.
With an interturn short circuit, some of the winding turns are excluded from the circuit, which changes the inductance and resistance. The current increases, causing excessive heating and tripping of the protection. Often, with such a malfunction, a louder and lower-frequency hum is heard than usual.
An indirect sign of a short circuit is heating of the compressor housing. If after trying to start the case becomes hot within 10-15 seconds, this is a bad sign. In some cases, installing an additional capacitor helps, but this is a temporary measure.
The influence of voltage in the electrical network
Unstable voltage in the household network is a common reason why the refrigerator turns on and off. If the voltage drops below 190–200 Volts, the engine power is not enough to overcome the pressure in the system and the inertia of the pistons. The motor hums, but does not start, after which the protection is activated.
Old models Atlant with asynchronous motors are especially sensitive to voltage drops. Voltage surges can occur in the evening, when the load on the network increases, or when powerful consumers (welding, electric heaters) are turned on in neighboring apartments.
To protect equipment, it is recommended to use a voltage stabilizer. It will ensure smooth start-up and operation of the compressor even during network drawdowns. This will extend the life of the electronics and motor windings.
You can check the voltage with a multimeter turned on in the alternating current measurement mode. If the values constantly fluctuate, the problem is not in the refrigerator, but in the house electrics.
Faults in the thermostat and starting capacitor
Although less common, the thermostat can be the cause of cyclic switching on and off. If its contacts burn or stick, they can open the circuit immediately after the start pulse is given. It is also worth checking the starting capacitor if it is installed in your model.
The capacitor is used to create the phase shift necessary to start the engine. If its capacity has fallen or it is broken, starting will be difficult. A visually broken capacitor often swells or has traces of electrolyte on the body.
In models with electronic control (with a display), the problem may lie in the control module. If the relay on the control board does not close properly, the compressor will not receive power. Diagnostics requires testing the contacts when turned on.
| Symptom | Probable cause | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Buzzing 3-5 seconds, clicking, pause | Faulty starting relay | Replacing the relay |
| Humming, heating the housing, knocking out plugs | Interturn short circuit | Replacing the compressor |
| Silence or quiet hum, no click | Breakage of winding or wiring | Checking the circuit with a multimeter |
| Works jerkily at low voltage | Problems with the electrical network | Installation stabilizer |
☑️ Diagnostics before calling a technician
Mechanical wear and jamming
Long-term operation without maintenance leads to the oil in the compressor thickening or burning out. This increases friction between parts. When trying to start, the engine encounters high mechanical resistance and cannot turn the shaft.
In such cases Atlant refrigerator it may produce not just a hum, but a dull knock or grinding noise before turning off. This indicates critical wear of the bearings or cylinder-piston group.
Sometimes “wedging” the compressor by applying increased voltage or impulse helps, but this is an extreme measure with a low chance of success. Most often, a complete replacement of the unit is required.
⚠️ Attention: Attempting to repair the compressor yourself (opening the casing, rewinding) at home is dangerous and impractical. There is refrigerant inside under pressure.
If you find that the tubes coming from the compressor vibrate strongly or a metallic clang is heard, this is a sure sign of mechanical failure of the internal components.
Frequently asked questions and answers (FAQ)
Is it possible to resuscitate refrigerator, if it turns off after 5 seconds?
In most cases, resuscitation is only possible by replacing faulty parts: the start relay, thermostat or the compressor itself. If the problem is in the windings, repairs are not economically feasible.
Why does the refrigerator turn on only after a long period of inactivity?
This is the work of a thermal protection relay. It needs time (from 15 to 40 minutes) to cool down and close the contacts again. Frequent attempts to turn on without eliminating the cause will lead to engine combustion.
How much does it cost to replace a compressor in Atlanta?
The cost consists of the price of a new compressor, replacement work, freon charging and evacuation of the system. The exact amount can only be found out after diagnostics, since prices depend on the model and region.
Is it dangerous to leave a refrigerator on that is constantly clicking?
Yes, it is dangerous. Constant inrush currents overheat the wiring, which can lead to a fire. In addition, you risk completely “killing” the compressor, which could be saved with timely repairs.
Could there be a reason in the wiring inside the refrigerator?
Yes, oxidation of contacts in connectors or chafing of wires (for example, on the edge of the case or drain tube) can cause a short circuit and shutdown of the equipment. A visual inspection of the wiring harness is required.