The situation when Biryusa refrigerator stops freezing normally in the upper compartment often takes you by surprise. While the lower compartment can keep food frozen, in the upper compartment the temperature rises to critical levels, threatening food spoilage. This is a classic symptom of a refrigerant circulation problem or a malfunction in the temperature control system.
Owners of models Biryusa 6, 8, 118 and other series with one compressor encounter this regularly. The main reason lies in the physics of the operation of two-chamber units: cold air is pumped from the freezer, and if this process is disrupted, the upper chamber becomes warm. Diagnostics requires consistent elimination of factors, from simple settings to complex technical breakdowns.
Do not panic and immediately call a technician, as in some cases the problem can be solved yourself by checking simple elements. However, ignoring signs of malfunction can lead to failure of an expensive compressor. In this article, we will analyze the main reasons why Biryusa it does not freeze well on top, and we will draw up an action plan.
Primary diagnosis and external factors
Before disassembling the unit, it is necessary to exclude trivial reasons related to operation. Often the problem lies not in a breakdown, but in a violation of the rules of use. Check whether the door of the upper chamber is not pressed by foreign objects, since even a microscopic gap leads to a constant flow of warm air.
Pay attention to the location of the refrigerator. If unit stands close to the wall or batteries, the heat dissipation of the condenser is disrupted. This causes the compressor to work harder, but the cooling efficiency decreases. There should be a distance of at least 5-7 cm between the back wall and the kitchen wall for free air circulation.
Check the operating mode. Perhaps the mode was accidentally activated Super Freeze or, conversely, the minimum power level was set. It is also worth making sure that the products in the chamber are laid out correctly and do not block the outlet openings for cold air.
- 🚪 Check the tightness of the sealing rubber of the door around the entire perimeter.
- ❄️ Make sure that the ventilation holes inside the chamber are not clogged with bags or ice coats.
- 🌡️ Measure the temperature in the center of the chamber 2-3 hours after loading.
- 🔌 Inspect the plug and socket for burning or poor contact.
⚠️ Attention: If you notice that the motor-compressor has been running continuously for more than 20 hours, and the temperature in the upper chamber does not fall below +10°C, this is a sure sign of a serious refrigerant leak or system blockage.
Biryusa refrigerators, especially older models, are sensitive to overload. If you have just placed a large amount of warm food, the system may take up to 24 hours to stabilize the temperature.
Malfunctions of the thermostat and sensors
One of the most common reasons why the upper chamber does not freeze is failure thermostat. This element is responsible for turning the compressor on and off depending on the temperature inside the chamber. If the thermostat is “stuck” in the “off” position or transmits incorrect readings, the compressor simply will not start.
In models with electronic control (for example, series Biryusa 133), a sensor (thermistor) is responsible for temperature control. Its resistance changes depending on the heating, and if the circuit breaks or the readings go wild, the control unit blocks the operation of the system. Diagnostics requires the use of a multimeter to check the resistance.
Mechanical thermostats are characterized by loss of tightness of the bellows tube. In this case, the freon inside the tube evaporates and it stops responding to temperature changes. It is difficult to determine this visually; replacement of the unit is required.
How to check the thermostat yourself
To check a mechanical thermostat, you can close its contacts directly. If after this operation the compressor starts working and cold appears, then the problem is in the regulator. However, remember that you can only leave the refrigerator with the contacts closed for a short time for diagnostics, otherwise it will freeze indefinitely.
Replacing the thermostat is a procedure accessible to a home handyman, but requires care. It is necessary to drain the condensate, remove the plastic cover, unscrew the old sensor and install a new one with the same marking. It is important to correctly seat the capillary tube in the seat so that it is in tight contact with the evaporator.
- 🔧 Disconnect the refrigerator from the electrical outlet before starting any work.
- 📏 Write down the markings of the old thermostat before purchasing a new one.
- 🧊 Do not allow moisture to get into the electrical sensor contacts.
Problems with the No Frost system and defrosting
If your Biryusa refrigerator is equipped with a system No Frostthe lack of cold in the upper compartment is often associated with a violation of the evaporator defrost cycle. Ice builds up on the heating element and blocks the channels through which cold air should flow into the refrigerator compartment. As a result, the fan circulates air, but there is no cold.
The key elements of the defrost system are the heating element (heater), defrost sensor and timer (or electronic control module). If the heating element burns out, the ice does not melt. If the sensor is faulty, it does not give a command to turn on the heating or, conversely, does not turn it off in time. In models Biryusa 134, 135 the defrost sensor often fails.
The symptom of such a breakdown is that after the refrigerator is completely defrosted (for 24 hours with the doors open), it begins to freeze normally, but after 1-2 weeks the problem returns. This is a 100% sign of an evaporator clogged with ice.
☑️ Diagnostics of the No Frost system
To fix the problem, you will have to remove the back panel in the freezer, defrost the ice (using a hair dryer, but be careful not to damage the plastic) and check the integrity of the heater circuit. The resistance of a working heating element is usually several hundred Ohms. If the device shows a break, the element must be replaced.
Freon leakage and capillary blockage
The most unpleasant technical reason is refrigerant leak. Freon circulates in a closed circuit, and if a microcrack appears in the tubes (often due to corrosion of the foamed evaporator or mechanical damage), the gas escapes. The pressure in the system drops, and there is no longer enough cold even for the freezer, not to mention the upper chamber.
The second option is clogged capillary tube. An ice or oil blockage may have formed in the system, which physically blocks the movement of freon. In this case, the compressor may hum, trying to pump gas, but circulation does not occur. A characteristic sign is a hot condenser (grid at the back) at the beginning and cold at the end, or a completely cold grill.
It is almost impossible to diagnose a leak visually, since the gas is colorless and odorless. Craftsmen use leak detectors or the nitrogen pressure test method. It is impossible to eliminate a leak on your own without special equipment (vacuum pump, burner, pressure gauges).
| Symptom | Probable Cause | Required action |
| :--- | :--- | :--- |
| The compressor is silent, there is no light | No power, relay burned out | Check the socket, replace the starting relay |
| The compressor hums, but does not start | Compressor jammed or low voltage | Call a technician to check the windings |
| Freezer freezes, top is warm | Defrost channel clogged, freon leak | Defrost for 24 hours, if that doesn’t help, repair |
| The refrigerator rarely turns on | Thermostat faulty | Replace the thermostat |
| The “fur coat” is freezing in one corner | Localized leak or blockage | Professional diagnostics required |
⚠️ Attention: Attempting to refill the refrigerator with frequency yourself without vacuuming the system will result in the remaining moisture and air mixing with the oil, forming acid. This will kill the compressor in a few months.
Faults in the compressor and start relay
The “heart” of the refrigerator is compressor. If it is faulty, the cold will not be produced at all or there will not be enough of it. In Biryusa refrigerators, starting relays often fail, especially in older models. The relay is responsible for starting the engine; if it burns out, the compressor either hums and clicks, or is silent.
Replacing the start relay is one of the simplest operations. You need to remove the casing at the back of the refrigerator, disconnect the wires and the old relay barrel, and install a new one, strictly observing the orientation (the UP arrow should point up). This is a consumable material that can be changed easily and inexpensively.
If the problem is in the motor-compressor itself (interturn short circuit, wedge of the piston group), then repair is not economically feasible. In such cases, the entire assembly is usually replaced. Signs of the death of the compressor are the characteristic smell of burnt wiring, strong heating of the motor housing and the absence of vibration when the hum is running.
- 🔌 Before replacing the relay, be sure to photograph the wiring diagram.
- 🔨 Do not try to knock out the compressor wedge with a hammer - this will finally finish off the unit.
- 🌡️ Allow the compressor to cool for 30-40 minutes before turning it on again after diagnostics.
DIY Repair or call a specialist
When deciding on repairs, soberly assess your skills. Replacing a thermostat, starting relay, or completely defrosting are tasks that most men can handle with a basic set of tools. However, work related to refrigerantsoldering tubes and evacuation of the system requires a license and expensive equipment.
If the diagnostics showed a freon leak or a clogged capillary, a call to a specialist is inevitable. The cost of such repairs consists of the work of the technician, the cost of freon, oil and consumables. In the case of old Biryusa refrigerators (over 10-12 years old), it is sometimes cheaper to buy a new unit than to repair the old one, especially if the compressor needs to be replaced.
However, if the problem is in the electronics or sensors, the repair will extend the life of the equipment by several years. The main thing is to use original spare parts or high-quality analogues, since cheap Chinese thermostats often do not work correctly and quickly break down.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Why, after defrosting, the Biryusa refrigerator began to freeze, and after a week it stopped again?
This is a classic sign of a malfunction of the defrost system in No Frost models. Ice has again accumulated on the evaporator and is blocking the air passages. It is necessary to check the defrost heating element, defrost sensor and timer.
Is it possible to operate the refrigerator if it barely freezes the upper chamber?
For a short time - yes, if you transfer perishable foods to the freezer or lower shelves. However, long-term operation with a malfunction can lead to overload and combustion of the compressor, since it will work without interruption.
How much does it cost to replace freon in a Biryusa refrigerator?
The cost depends on the region and the type of refrigerant (R600a or R134a). Usually the price includes the work of the master, vacuuming and refilling. The exact amount can only be found out after on-site diagnostics, since the price may vary.
Where is the thermostat located in the Biryusa refrigerator?
In most mechanical control models, the thermostat is located inside the refrigerator compartment, under a plastic cover on the ceiling or side wall. A capillary tube goes from it to the evaporator.