The situation when Atlant refrigerator stops turning off, but continues to freeze, often causes confusion among owners. On the one hand, the food does not spoil, and the temperature inside the chambers seems to be maintained. On the other hand, the continuous hum of the motor, hot sides of the case and growing electricity bills indicate a serious malfunction.
It is important to understand that the normal operating mode of refrigeration equipment implies cyclicity: after reaching the set temperature, the compressor must rest. If Atlant it hums for days without a break, this indicates that the control system or the refrigeration circuit itself is operating in emergency mode. Ignoring the problem can lead to complete failure of an expensive compressor.
In this article we will analyze the main technical reasons for this behavior of the unit, methods of self-diagnosis and situations where it is no longer possible to do without calling a specialist. A critical sign is not only continuous operation, but also the formation of "snow". fur coats" or, conversely, a complete absence of cold when the engine is running.
Primary diagnostics: checking tightness and temperature conditions
Before disassembling the equipment or calling service, it is necessary to exclude trivial but important factors. Often the reason lies in a violation of heat exchange. Check the tightness of the rubber seals door. If the rubber is worn out, dirty or the door is skewed, warm air constantly enters the chamber.
The refrigerator Atlant tries to compensate for the heat influx, so the compressor works without stopping. To check, use a sheet of paper: hold it with the door closed and try to pull it out. If the paper is removed without resistance, the seal is broken.
It is also worth paying attention to the location of the unit. If the refrigerator is located close to the wall or in a niche without gaps, heat is not removed from the condenser. This leads to overheating of the system and forced operation of the motor.
- 🌡️ Check the thermostat settings - perhaps the "Super Freeze" mode is turned on accidentally.
- 🚪 Inspect the door hinges for distortion, which prevents them from closing tightly.
- ❄️ Make sure that there are no products in the chamber that prevent the door from closing.
- 🧹 Clean the rear grill from dust that blocks heat transfer.
⚠️ Attention: If you notice that the back wall of the refrigerator compartment is covered with a uniform layer of ice, and there is a “fur coat” in the freezer, this may indicate problems with defrost, even if the compressor does not turn off.
Malfunctions of the thermostat and temperature sensors
One of the most common reasons why the refrigerator does not turn offis the failure of the thermostat (thermostat). This element is responsible for monitoring the temperature inside the chambers and sending a signal to turn off the compressor. If the thermostat contacts are “stuck” or the sensor transmits incorrect data, the motor will work constantly.
Modern models Atlant with the No Frost system use electronic sensors instead of a mechanical thermostat. Their breakdown or oxidation of the contacts leads to the fact that the electronic control module “does not see” the reached temperature and does not stop the cooling cycle.
To diagnose a mechanical thermostat, you can try knocking on its body or slightly turning the adjustment knob. If you hear a click and the motor stops, the problem is in this unit. In electronic models, you will need a multimeter to check the continuity of the circuit.
Where is the thermostat located?
In older Atlant models, the thermostat is located inside the refrigerator compartment, often under the lampshade or on the side wall. In modern models, sensors can be hidden behind plastic panels or built into the evaporator.
Refrigerant (freon) leakage as a hidden threat
Paradoxically, but freon leak often causes the refrigerator to work without interruption. When the amount of refrigerant in the system drops, the unit simply cannot reach the required temperature to stop. The compressor hums, trying to compensate for the lack of pressure, but there is either little cold or it is distributed unevenly.
Usually, when there is a leak, first only part of the evaporator freezes, and then the cold disappears altogether. However, at the initial stage, the refrigerator may freeze, but not turn off for a very long time. A characteristic sign is the compressor overheating - it becomes hot to the touch.
It is difficult to find the leak on your own, since freon is odorless and colorless. Most often, microcracks form in the foamed parts of the body or in places where tubes are soldered. The use of a leak detector and professional equipment for refueling are required.
| Symptom | Probable cause | Necessary actions |
|---|---|---|
| The engine is humming, there is no cold | Complete leak freon | Call a technician, search for leaks, refill |
| It freezes slightly, does not turn off | Partial leak or blockage | Diagnostics of pressure in the system |
| The refrigerator turns off, but rarely | Wear of the compressor | Replacement of the motor-compressor |
| Ice only at the back wall | Malfunction of the defrost system | Checking the heating element and timer |
Problems with the compressor and start relay
If compressor the refrigerator Atlant wears out, its performance drops. The mechanism cannot create enough pressure for rapid cooling, so it operates in constant mode. This often happens in older models after 10-15 years of operation.
It is also worth checking the starting relay. If its contacts are burnt or the mechanism is stuck, the compressor may not start correctly or may operate intermittently, simulating continuous operation. The hum may be accompanied by clicks.
Replacing a compressor is a complex process that requires evacuation of the system and precise filling with oil and freon. It is not recommended to carry out this procedure on your own without skills and tools, as you can permanently damage the equipment.
☑️ Compressor diagnostics
⚠️ Attention: If the compressor housing is so hot that it cannot be touched, immediately disconnect the refrigerator from the network. Further operation in this mode can lead to a fire or a jam of the motor.
Malfunctions of the No Frost and defrosting system
In refrigerators Atlant with the No Frost system, continuous operation is often caused by “overgrowing” of the evaporator with ice. The automatic defrosting system (heating element, defrost sensor, timer or electronic module) stops turning on the heating, and the ice blocks the circulation of cold air.
The refrigerator tries to cool the chamber, the temperature sensor records the heat (since the air is not circulating), and instructs the compressor to work even harder. As a result, the motor does not turn off, and the chambers may be warmer than normal.
To check this version, it is often enough to defrost the refrigerator completely (leave it turned off for 24 hours with the doors open). If, after turning it on, it starts working in a normal cycle, there is a problem in the defrost system.
- 🔥 Check the serviceability of the evaporator heating element - it should ring with a multimeter.
- 💧 Inspect the drainage hole for blockages.
- ⏱️ Test the timer defrost (in mechanical models).
- 📉 Measure the resistance of the defrost temperature sensor.
The influence of external factors and operating conditions
Do not forget that the operation of the refrigerator is influenced by external conditions. If room temperature too high (above +30°C) or too low (below +10°C), the refrigerator Atlant may behave inappropriately. In the summer heat, it will work longer, trying to cool the chambers.
In winter, if the refrigerator is on an unheated veranda, the oil in the compressor thickens, and the sensors may not read the readings correctly. It is also important to ensure good ventilation around the cabinet.
Frequent loading of warm products or prolonged opening of the door also forces the equipment to work in increased mode. However, in this case, after the temperature has stabilized, the cycle should be restored.
⚠️ Attention: Installing the refrigerator next to a radiator, gas stove or in direct sunlight is guaranteed to lead to continuous operation of the compressor and a reduction in the service life of the unit.
When a call to the technician is necessary: final summary
If simple methods like defrosting and checking the seals did not help, and Atlant refrigerator continues to work without interruption, professional repairs are most likely required. Especially if you hear extraneous sounds or notice a change in the nature of the noise.
Complex diagnoses, such as a freon leak, a clogged capillary tube or a breakdown of the electronic module, require special equipment. The technician will carry out an accurate diagnosis and replace faulty components with a guarantee.
Do not delay repairs: continuous operation of the compressor leads to its overheating and costly replacement. A timely call for service will save your money and preserve your food.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Why does the Atlant refrigerator hum, but there is no cold?
This is a classic sign of a freon leak or a blockage in the system. The compressor is running, but the refrigerant is not circulating or there is not enough refrigerant for cooling. A search for leaks and refueling is required.
Is it possible to operate the refrigerator if it does not turn off?
For a short time - yes, but you can’t do this for a long time. This will cause the compressor to overheat and burn out. It is better to turn off the unit and call a technician.
How often should the refrigerator turn off normally?
In normal mode, the operating coefficient is about 40-50%. That is, if he worked for 10 minutes, he should rest for about 10-15 minutes. Depends on the load and temperature in the room.
How much does it cost to replace a thermostat in Atlanta?
The cost consists of the price of the spare part and the work of the technician. On average, replacing a thermostat is cheaper than repairing a compressor or finding a leak.
What to do if, after defrosting, the refrigerator does not turn off again?
This means that the problem is not ice, but a technical malfunction (thermostat, relay, leak). It is necessary to carry out in-depth diagnostics of the components.