Owners brand household appliances Biryusa often face the need to access the upper unit of the unit in case of breakdowns. Most often, replacement of the thermostat, start relay, or diagnostics of the electrical circuit is required. The design of these refrigerators allows you to dismantle the protective casing yourself, if you act carefully and follow the sequence of operations.
Removal top cover is the first and key stage of any serious repair of the compressor-condensing unit. Errors at this stage can lead to damage to the plastic fasteners or loss of system tightness, so it is important to clearly understand where the hidden fasteners are located. In this article we will analyze the process in detail, taking into account the features of different modifications of the Krasnoyarsk plant.
Before starting work, be sure to turn off the power to the device by unplugging the power cord from the outlet. This is a basic safety rule, which cannot be ignored when working with electrical appliances. Prepare the necessary tools so as not to be distracted during the process and not to lose small parts in the cracks between the housing and the wall.
Necessary tools and preparation of the workplace
Specialized professional equipment is not required for successful dismantling of the casing. A minimum DIY kit, which most men have, is enough. However, the quality of the tool directly affects the safety of the fastening elements, especially if the refrigerator has been in use for a long time.
You will need a Phillips screwdriver with a magnetic tip, since the screws are often located in hard-to-reach places. You may also need a flathead screwdriver to gently pry up the plastic latches if they become sour or stuck. Do not use excessive force to avoid breaking the fragile plastic.
- 🛠️ Phillips screwdriver (size PH2) for removing main screws.
- 🔧 Flat head screwdriver or plastic spatula for working with latches.
- 🧤 Work gloves to protect your hands from sharp metal edges.
- 🔦 Flashlight for illuminating the interior space under the lid.
Free up space around the refrigerator. You need to ensure easy access to the top of the unit from all sides. If the refrigerator is located close to the wall, it will have to be moved, which may require the help of a second person due to the weight of the device.
Design features of the upper part of Biryusa refrigerators
Plant engineers Turkish over many years of production have developed several types of layout of the upper assembly. In classic models with one door, the lid is a separate metal or plastic panel secured with screws. In more modern two-chamber models, the structure can be integrated into the overall frame.
It is important to understand the difference between a decorative overlay and a supporting structure. Protective casing hides the compressor, capacitor and electrical fittings. In some modifications, it also serves as the top wall of the refrigerator compartment, which requires special care when removing so as not to damage the thermal insulation layer.
⚠️ Attention: In models with the No Frost system, fans and air ducts are often located under the top cover. Do not pull the cover sharply upward until you are sure that all cables and tubes are disconnected or have sufficient length.
Metal covers of older models may have signs of corrosion along the edges. Before removing, inspect the perimeter for rust, which may crumble and get inside the mechanism or onto the food if the lid is part of the chamber.
Step-by-step instructions: how to remove the cover
The dismantling process begins with a visual inspection. Locate all visible attachment points. In most cases, the screws are located in the corners of the top panel or hidden under decorative plugs. If there are no screws, then the lid is held on by latches.
Carefully unscrew all accessible screws, placing them in a magnetic tray or container with a lid. A lost screw may cause your refrigerator to vibrate in the future. After removing the fasteners, try to slightly move the cover back or lift its edge.
☑️ Algorithm for removing the cover
If the cover does not give way, do not use brute force. Perhaps it is secured with hidden hooks. Try moving it towards the back wall by 1-2 centimeters, and then lift it. Movements should be smooth and progressive.
In models where the cover is part of the body, it may be necessary to first remove the door or other elements. Always check the passport of a specific model Biryusa, since there are no universal instructions for all years of manufacture.
Working with electrical wiring and thermostat
Often the purpose of removing the cover is to gain access to thermostat or start relay. After dismantling the panel, you will see a bundle of wires and electrical components. Before touching any parts, make sure that the capacitors are discharged, although this is rare in domestic refrigerators.
If you need to remove the cover itself completely, and wires come to it (for example, to a light bulb or sensor), find the connectors. They usually have plastic clips. Press the latch tongue and smoothly separate the contacts.
Camera ceiling| Component | Location | Connection features |
|---|---|---|
| Thermostat | Under the cover, near the wall | The capillary tube requires caution |
| Start relay | On the compressor | Removable, fixed with a bracket |
| Lighting lamp | Often requires removal of the lamp shade | |
| Control unit | Upper corner | Multi-pin connector |
When working with wires avoid pulling them. Old insulation may crack, causing a short circuit. If you notice damage to the wires, they need to be insulated with heat shrink or replaced.
What to do if the wires are mixed up?
If you disconnected the wires and forgot where they went, under no circumstances connect them at random. Find an electrical diagram for your Biryusa model on the Internet or take a photo of the connection before disassembling. An incorrect connection can burn the compressor.
Nuances for different models and years of manufacture
Refrigerators Biryusa have been produced for several decades, and the design has changed. In old Soviet models, the cover could be mounted with bolts and nuts, which require access from inside the chamber or removal of the back wall. In such cases, simple instructions will not work.
Modern models often use a hidden mounting system, where the top panel snaps onto guides. The main thing here is to find the correct angle of application of the force. Sometimes it is necessary to first remove the upper decorative strip above the door.
⚠️ Attention: In models with electronic control, the main control unit is located under the cover. Static electricity can damage the board. Before touching electronics, touch a grounded metal object.
If your refrigerator has a system No Frostthere is an evaporator and fan under the cover. Removing the cover in such models often requires preliminary defrosting for 24 hours so that the ice does not damage the plastic parts during dismantling.
Typical errors during dismantling
The most common mistake is trying to rip off the lid by force. Plastic, especially on older refrigerators, becomes brittle. One wrong move can lead to a crack, which will then have to be sealed or the entire panel replaced.
The second mistake is the loss of fasteners. Small screws easily fall behind the refrigerator or into the vents. Use a magnetic screwdriver or hold the screw with your fingers until it is completely unscrewed.
The third mistake is ignoring the wires. Forgetting to disconnect the connectors, users pull the cover and break the wiring. Always check for connections before finally removing the part.
- ❌ Using a knife instead of a screwdriver to pry the cover.
- ❌ Forgetting to turn off the power from the mains.
- ❌ Trying to remove the cover without first defrosting (for No Frost).
- ❌ Ignoring hidden screws under the plugs.
Be attentive to the condition of the seals. If the cover is part of a sealed circuit, the sealing rubber may be damaged when removed. This will lead to loss of cold and the formation of ice.
Assembly and performance testing
After repair work or replacement of parts, it is necessary to reinstall the cover. Make sure that all wires are laid correctly and do not fall into moving parts or hot surfaces of the compressor.
Insert the cover into the grooves and secure it. Tighten the screws, but do not overtighten them to avoid stripping the threads in the plastic holes. Check the tight fit of the panel - there should be no gaps or gaps.
Plug in the refrigerator and listen to its operation. If new sounds or vibrations appear, it means that the cover is installed incorrectly or some element is touching the body. In this case, the procedure will have to be repeated.
Check the operation of the thermostat and lighting. If everything is functioning properly, you can move the refrigerator to the wall and operate it as usual. Regularly check the condition of the fasteners in the first weeks after repair.
Is it possible to remove the lid without moving the refrigerator?
Technically, this is possible if you have very long arms and good access from above. However, this is extremely inconvenient and increases the risk of dropping the tool inside the mechanism or losing the screws. It is still recommended to provide access from all sides.
What to do if the plastic latch breaks?
If the latch breaks off, the cover can be fixed using a small amount of sealant or double-sided tape for cars. You can also drill a hole and secure it with a screw with a wide head, if the design allows.
Is it necessary to drain the freon before removing the cover?
No, removing the top cover does not require intervention in the sealed refrigerant circuit. Freon is located in sealed tubes and the compressor. However, if you plan to solder the tubes, then you will need to pump out the freon by a specialist.
Where can I find the electrical connection diagram?
The diagram is usually pasted on the back wall of the refrigerator or inside the chamber. It can also be found in the service manual for a specific model Biryusa on the Internet by serial number.
Why can’t the cover be removed even though all the screws are unscrewed?
Most likely, it is held on by hidden latched or caught in the wiring. It is also possible that you did not notice one screw covered by a decorative sticker. Carefully inspect the perimeter again.