Biryusa refrigerator: the freezer is working, but the refrigerator compartment is not cooling - what to do?

Have you opened the refrigerator Biryusaand there is warm air instead of the usual cold, but the freezer is properly freezing ice? This problem is familiar to many owners of dual-chamber models of the brand. In 80% of cases, the malfunction is related to refrigerant circulation system or electronically controlled, but sometimes trivial things are also to blame - for example, a door that is not tightly closed or a clogged fan. Let's figure out why this happens and what can be done without calling a technician.

In this article you you will find:

  • 🔍 Top 7 reasonswhy the refrigerator compartment does not cool, but the freezer works (with photos and diagrams).
  • 🛠️ Step-by-step instructions for diagnosing and repairing yourself - from checking the seal to replacing the thermostat.
  • ⚠️ Dangerous errorsthat aggravate the breakdown (for example, defrosting a refrigerator with a faulty compressor).
  • 📊 Comparison table cost of repairs in the service vs self-repair.

Important: if your model Biryusa with a system No Frost, the troubleshooting algorithm will differ from drip refrigerators. We will analyze both options separately.

1. Why the freezer works, but the refrigerator does not: the main reasons

Two-chamber refrigerators Biryusa (for example, models 130K, 140S, 226K) are built on the principle single-circuit cooling system: one compressor serves both chambers. If the freezer freezes, but the refrigerator compartment does not, the problem lies in cold distribution or control sensors. Here are the key reasons:

  • ❄️ Clogged capillary tube —the refrigerant does not enter the evaporator of the refrigeration chamber, but circulates freely in the freezer.
  • 🔌 Malfunction of the thermostat (thermostat) of the refrigeration chamber - it does not give a signal to turn on the cooling.
  • 🚪 Problems with the door seal - warm air gets inside, and the system does not have time to compensate heating.
  • ⚙️ Failure of the magnetic valve (in models with No Frost) - it “sticks” and does not switch the flow of refrigerant to the fridge compartment.
  • 🔥 Compressor overheating —works hard, trying to cool both chambers, but the power is only enough for the freezer.
  • 📉 Freon leak —the refrigerant is not enough to fully cool the two chambers.
  • 🤖 Electronic module failure —control board incorrectly distributes resources.

The first thing to do is determine the type of your refrigerator:

  • 💧 Drip (the evaporator is visible on the back wall, water periodically drains).
  • ❄️ No Frost (no visible frost, the fan distributes the cold evenly).
📊 What type of Biryusa refrigerator do you have?
Drip
No Frost
I don’t know
Other

2. Malfunction diagnosis: where to start?

Before disassembling the refrigerator, perform a basic check:

Check that the refrigerator door is tightly closed

Make sure that the thermostat is not set to minimum cooling (turn the knob to the middle value)

Listen to whether the compressor is working (should hum quietly)

Assess how hot the condenser (grid at the back of the refrigerator) gets hot

-->

If everything is in order, but the refrigerator compartment is still not cooling, go to deep diagnostics:

For drip models:

  1. Unplug the refrigerator and defrost it for 10-12 hours.
  2. After turning it on, check if frost appears on the back wall of the refrigerator compartment. If not, the problem is in the freon circulation system.
  3. Shine a flashlight on the evaporator (rear wall): if it is covered with ice unevenlythe capillary tube may be clogged.

For No Frost models:

  1. Listen to the operation of the fan - if it does not make noise, it may be clogged with ice or burned out.
  2. Check whether cold air is blowing from the ventilation holes between the chambers. If not, the problem is magnetic valve or clogged air duct.

Critical sign of breakdown: if the compressor works without stopping, but the refrigerator compartment does not cool, and the freezer freezes - urgently disconnect the refrigerator from the network to avoid overheating of the compressor.

3. Clogged capillary tube: how to check and fix

The capillary tube is a thin channel through which the refrigerant enters the evaporator of the refrigeration chamber. If it becomes clogged (for example, due to moisture or oil), freon does not pass through and the chamber stops cooling. In this case, the freezer operates normally, since its circuit is not affected.

Signs of a blockage:

  • The compressor runs without stopping or turns on for 1-2 minutes and turns off.
  • The condenser (grid at the back) heats up unevenly (hot in only one corner).
  • The refrigerator compartment is not cooling, and the freezer is freezing too much.

How to fix:

  1. Unplug the refrigerator and defrost it for 24 hours.
  2. Remove the back panel to gain access to the capillary tube (it goes from the compressor to the evaporator).
  3. Gently tap the tube with a wooden stick - sometimes this helps to move the plug.
  4. If this does not help, you will need blowing nitrogen or replacing the tube (this is already a job for a master).
Method of elimination Difficulty Cost (independently) Cost (in service)
Defrost + tapping the tube Low 0 ₽ 500–1000 ₽ (diagnostics)
Nitrogen purge High 3000–5000 ₽
Replacement of capillary tube Very high 6000–10000 ₽

4. Malfunction of the thermostat (thermostat)

The thermostat is a sensor that monitors the temperature in the refrigerator compartment and sends a signal to the compressor to turn on/off. If it is broken, the compressor may either not turn on at all or work incorrectly (for example, only cool the freezer).

How to check the thermostat:

  1. Find the thermostat - it is usually located inside the refrigerator compartment, under the plastic cover (next to the temperature control knob).
  2. Remove the cover and disconnect the wires from the thermostat.
  3. Short the wires directly (without thermostat). If the compressor is working, the sensor is faulty.

Signs of a thermostat failure:

  • 🔴 The compressor does not turn on at all, although the freezer can still keep the cold.
  • 🔄 The refrigerator turns on for a few seconds and turns off.
  • ❄️ In the freezer the temperature is below normal (freezing), and in the refrigerator compartment it is higher.

Replacing the thermostat will cost 1000–2500 ₽ (depending on the model). If you decide to change it yourself, be sure unplug the refrigerator and take a photo of the wiring diagram.

Where to buy a thermostat for Biryusa?

Original thermostats for Turks can be found in specialized spare parts stores (for example, "Holod-Service", "Rembyttekhnika") or on marketplaces by article number. For models 130K/140S thermostat K-59 or TAM-133is suitable. Check compatibility with the seller!

5. Problems with the door seal: how to check and replace

If the sealing rubber on the door of the refrigerator compartment is worn out or deformed, warm air gets inside and the system cannot cope with cooling. In this case, the freezer can work normally, since its door is sealed.

How to check the seal:

  1. Close the door and shine a flashlight along the seal. If light is visible, there are gaps.
  2. Insert a sheet of paper between the door and the seal. If it pulls out easily, the tightness is broken.

What to do:

  • 🧼 Clean the seal with soapy water - sometimes it sticks due to grease or dirt.
  • 🔥 Heat the deformed areas with a hairdryer (no higher than 60°C) and give them shape.
  • 🛠️ If the seal is torn or has lost elasticity, replace it (cost of a new one: 1500–3000 ₽).

Replacing the seal is one of the few breakdowns that can be eliminated without special tools. The main thing is to choose the right model in size and type of fastening (with glue or in a groove).

6. Failure of the magnetic valve (for No Frost models)

In refrigerators Biryusa with a system No Frost responsible for the distribution of cold between the chambers magnetic valve. It switches the flow of refrigerant either to the freezer or to the refrigerator compartment. If the valve is stuck in the “freezer” position, the refrigerator compartment stops cooling.

Symptoms of valve malfunction:

  • The freezer is operating normally, and the refrigerator compartment is warm.
  • The compressor works without stopping or with short pauses.
  • The fan in the refrigerator compartment does not blow (if there is forced circulation).

How to check the valve:

  1. Turn off the refrigerator and remove back panel.
  2. Find the valve - this is a small box with tubes and wires.
  3. When you turn on the refrigerator, the valve should make light clicks (switching). If they are not there, it is faulty.

Replacing the valve will cost 2500–4000 ₽ (including labor). It is not recommended to change it yourself - it requires soldering the tubes evacuating the system.

7. Freon leakage and other serious breakdowns

If none of the listed reasons are suitable, it may be in the system freon leak or the compressor is faulty. These breakdowns require professional repairs, but they can be diagnosed independently.

Signs of a freon leak:

  • The compressor works without stopping, but there is no cold in any of the chambers (or only in the freezer).
  • On the back wall of the refrigerator, oil stains are visible (the refrigerant leaves along with the oil).
  • The evaporator tubes do not heat up and are not covered with frost.

Signs of a compressor malfunction:

  • The compressor does not turn on at all (no hum, does not heat up).
  • The refrigerator turns on for 1-2 seconds and turns off with a click (protection is triggered).
  • The compressor housing is too hot (above 90°C).

In both In cases, you will need:

  1. Call a technician for diagnosis (cost: 500–1500 ₽).
  2. In case of leakage - searching for a leak, soldering and filling with freon (3000–6000 ₽).
  3. If the compressor breaks down, replace it replace it (8000–12000 ₽).

Attention! If the compressor burns out, do not turn on the refrigerator until repaired - this can lead to fire or damage to the electronic module.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about Biryusa refrigerators

Is it possible to defrost a Biryusa refrigerator with a hair dryer if it does not cool?

❌ No! Hot air can damage plastic parts and seals. Defrost naturally at room temperature. If you need to speed up the process, place a container with warm water (not boiling water!) in the chamber.

How long should the compressor operate normally?

In a working refrigerator, the compressor operates in cycles: 10-20 minutes on, then 5-15 minutes rest. If it works for more than 30 minutes without pauses or turns on for a few seconds, this is a sign of a malfunction.

What to do if after replacing the thermostat the refrigerator still does not cool?

Possible reasons:

  1. The wires are connected incorrectly (check the diagram!).
  2. The new thermostat is defective (rarely, but it happens).
  3. The problem is not in the thermostat, but in compressor or freon leak.

Turn off the refrigerator and repeat the diagnostics from the beginning.

Is it possible to fill the refrigerator with freon yourself?

⚠️ Strongly not recommended! For refilling you need:

  • Special equipment (vacuum pump, pressure gauges).
  • Experience in working with refrigerants (freon is toxic!).
  • Knowledge of the system diagram (otherwise you can damage the compressor).

An error during refueling can lead to a capacitor explosion or compressor breakdown.

How often do you need to defrost the Biryusa refrigerator with No Frost?

The system No Frost does not require regular defrosting, but 1-2 times a year it still costs:

  1. Turn off the refrigerator.
  2. Take out all the products.
  3. Rinse the shelves and walls with warm water and soda.
  4. Wipe dry and turn on.

This will prevent the accumulation of bacteria and unpleasant odors.

If your refrigerator Biryusa still does not cool after all the checks, do not delay repairs. Long-term operation in this mode leads to overheating of the compressor i accelerated wear of parts. In most cases, the problem is solvable, and the cost of repair is much lower than buying a new refrigerator.