The situation when refrigerator compartment stops cooling food, while freezer compartment continues to work properly, is one of the most common problems of two-chamber refrigerators Atlant. Users often encounter the fact that the upper compartment becomes warm and food spoils, but the lower part of the unit functions normally. This creates a false impression that the equipment is fully operational, although in fact there has been a failure in the refrigerant circulation or thermoregulation system.
The main reason lies in the design features of modern models, where used one compressor to serve two circuits. If the freezer freezes, it means that the compressor is running and freon is entering the system, but there is not enough of it for a full cycle or its path is disrupted. Most often, the culprits are a clogged capillary tube, a freon leak, or a system failure No Frost. It is important not to ignore the first signs, such as freezing of a “fur coat” in one of the compartments or an uncharacteristic hum.
Independent diagnosis requires care and compliance with safety precautions. Before starting any manipulations, it is necessary to completely defrost the unit for 24 hours. It often happens that after full defrosting the refrigerator starts working normally again for several days or weeks, which indicates a problem with the evaporator defrost. However, this is only a temporary measure, and to completely eliminate the malfunction, deeper intervention in the device will be required.
Main causes of malfunction in Atlant models
Let us examine in detail why a temperature imbalance occurs. In two-chamber models Atlant with one compressor, the refrigerant first passes through the freezer, cooling it, and only then is sent to the refrigerator compartment. If Freon the system becomes less than normal due to microleakage, it is only enough for the first circuit - the freezer. The gas simply does not reach the fridge compartment in the required volume, and there the temperature rises to room temperature.
The second common reason is clogged capillary tube. Clots may form in the oil and freon circulation system, blocking the flow of liquid. This causes the compressor to work overload, trying to push the refrigerant, but the pressure in the refrigeration circuit drops. As a result, the freezer operates in increased mode, and the upper compartment does not cool. This can be determined by the characteristic gurgling sound or the complete absence of circulation noise.
⚠️ Attention: If you hear the compressor turn on, run for 10-20 seconds, and then click and turn off, this is a sign of the thermal protection relay working. Further attempts to turn on without repair may lead to burning of the motor windings.
It is also worth considering the condition thermostat or the electronic control module. If the temperature sensor in the refrigerator compartment is “lying” and sends a signal that it is already cold there, the compressor will not turn on at full power or will not open the freon supply valve to the second circuit. In models with electronic control, the board itself often malfunctions, requiring flashing or replacement.
Problems with the defrosting system No Frost
In models Atlantequipped with the system No Frost, the lack of cold in the main chamber when the freezer is running is often due to ice freezing on the evaporator. Air cannot circulate through the ice-clogged heat exchanger, so cold does not flow into the refrigerator compartment. This occurs due to a malfunction of one of the elements of the defrost system: Tena, defrost timer or defrost sensor.
If it fails heating element (heating element), ice formed on the evaporator in during operation, does not melt. Over time, the “fur coat” grows and blocks the air supply channels. This can be seen visually if you remove the back plastic panel in the freezer: you will see a huge lump of ice hiding the radiator. The refrigeration chamber will be dry and warm.
The defrost sensor also plays a critical role. It controls the temperature of the evaporator and gives a command to turn the heating element on and off. If the sensor is stuck in the defrost complete position, the heater will never turn on. If it constantly shows that defrosting is in progress, the refrigerator will spend time heating instead of cooling. Diagnostics of these elements requires a multimeter to test the circuit for an open or short circuit.
It is worth noting that in some models Atlant with a full No Frost system, a damper (damper) is used, regulating the flow of cold air from the freezer to the refrigerator compartment. If the damper mechanism is stuck in the closed position or the drive motor is burned out, cold air simply does not enter the upper chamber. You can check this by opening the refrigerator door: if cold air does not blow from the air duct opening when the compressor is running, the problem is most likely in the damper.
Diagnostics of the compressor and start relay
The compressor is the “heart” of the refrigerator, and its incorrect operation directly affects the distribution of cold. In dual-circuit systems, even with one motor, a situation may occur where the piston group is worn out. The compressor creates insufficient pressure, which is only enough to fill the first circuit (freezer chamber). Freon does not enter the second circuit, to the refrigeration compartment, under insufficient pressure or enters in the form of steam, without releasing cold.
An important element is starting relay. It is this that starts the engine and protects it from overloads. If the relay contacts are burnt or the mechanism is stuck, the compressor may hum but not start, or start jerkily. In models Atlant relays of the RT or P-3 series are often found. Replacing them is inexpensive, but requires precise selection for the power of a particular motor.
Diagnostics should begin by listening to the operation of the unit. If the compressor runs continuously without turning off for hours, but there is no cold in the upper chamber, this is a sure sign freon leaks or clogging. If the motor turns on for a couple of seconds and immediately clicks and stalls, the problem is in the starting relay or the compressor itself (turn-to-turn short circuit). In the latter case, independent repair is almost impossible and requires calling a specialist with a press and a vacuum degasser.
How to check the start relay?
Remove the relay from the compressor contacts. Shake it: if the ball rattles or rings inside, it means the coil winding is damaged or the mechanism is broken. Also check the contacts for carbon deposits and melting.
Freon leak: symptoms and search
Refrigerant leak is one of the most insidious problems. Freon is a colorless and odorless gas, so it is difficult to detect visually. As already mentioned, if there is a partial leak, the refrigerator compartment stops freezing first, since the volume of gas is only enough for the freezer. Over time, when freon becomes critically low, the freezer compartment will also stop cooling.
Where leaks most often occur in Atlanta?
- 🧊 In the foamed part of the body (internal circuit), especially in models with a “crying” evaporator embedded in wall.
- 🔩 In places where tubes are soldered, where a microcrack could form over time due to vibration.
- ❄️ In the evaporator of the freezer, if it was damaged during defrosting with a knife or sharp object.
It is almost impossible to find a leak on your own without special equipment (leak detector). However, an indirect sign may be the appearance of oily stains under the refrigerator or on the rear condenser grille. The oil leaks out along with the freon. If you notice such traces, refilling with freon without eliminating the leak will have only a temporary effect - the gas will leave again in a week or month.
⚠️ Attention: Never try to solder the refrigerator tubes yourself without the skill and equipment. Improper soldering can lead to a fire or complete system failure. It is better to entrust replacing the evaporator or searching for leaks in the foamed part to professionals.
Faults in electronics and thermostats
In modern models Atlant with electronic control, the control module is responsible for the distribution of cold. If errors appear on the display or indicators flash in a certain sequence, this is a signal of a failure. The electronics may mistakenly assume that the target temperature has been reached in the refrigerator compartment and not issue a cooling command. A failure in the board could have occurred due to a power surge in the network.
In simpler models with mechanical control, thermostatis used. This device measures the temperature inside the chamber and opens or closes the electrical circuit of the compressor. If the thermostat is faulty, it may not “see” the temperature increase in the refrigerator compartment. As a result, the compressor does not turn on or does not work long enough to produce cold. You can check the thermostat by closing its contacts directly: if the refrigerator starts working and starts freezing, the thermostat needs to be replaced.
It is also worth mentioning solenoid valve, which is found in some dual-compressor or complex single-compressor systems. It switches freon flows between circuits. If the valve is stuck in the freezer only position, the upper chamber will remain warm. Repairing such a unit requires disassembling the rear part of the unit and checking the voltage on the valve coil.
☑️ Do-it-yourself primary diagnostics
Atlant fault diagnosis table
For convenience, we systematize the main symptoms and probable causes in the table. This will help narrow down the search for the problem before calling a technician.
| Symptom | Probable cause | Difficulty of repair | Necessary actions |
|---|---|---|---|
| The freezer is freezing, refrigeration is warm, the compressor works constantly | Freon leak or capillary blockage | High | Call a technician, vacuum and refill |
| There is an ice coat in the freezer, in the refrigerator heat | No Frost system malfunction (heating element, sensor) | Average | Replacement of the heating element or defrost sensor |
| The compressor hums for 5-10 seconds and clicks | Faulty starting relay or compressor wedge | Low/High | Replacing the relay or replacing the compressor |
| The refrigerator does not turn on, the indicators are on | Electronics failure or thermostat | Average | Checking the thermostat, flashing the board |
| The sound of liquid flowing is heard, there is no cold | Air lock or leak | High | Professional circuit diagnostics |
When you need to call a specialist
Despite the desire to save money, there are situations when do-it-yourself repair is impractical or dangerous. If the diagnostics indicated a leak in the foamed part of the housing, you will need to open the insulation, change the evaporator (often with a hinged one) and re-foam it. This is a labor-intensive process that requires a special tool.
A master is also needed for charging with freon. You cannot fill the system “by eye”: you need to accurately weigh the refrigerant by gram and use a vacuum pump to remove moisture and air. An attempt to refill without evacuation will lead to the formation of an ice plug in the capillary and the final breakdown of the compressor.
If you are not confident in your abilities, it is better to contact an authorized service center Atlant. The use of original spare parts guarantees long service life of the equipment after repair. Remember that incorrect diagnosis can lead to the purchase of unnecessary parts, such as a compressor, when the problem was in a cheap sensor.
Why, after defrosting, does the refrigerator work for a couple of days, and then stops freezing again?
This is a classic sign of a malfunction of the defrost system. During operation, ice builds up on the evaporator. Defrosting removes it manually and the system starts working again. But since the heating element or sensor does not work, the ice builds up again within a few days and blocks the air channel. The faulty element of the defrost circuit needs to be replaced.
Is it possible to operate the refrigerator if the upper chamber does not freeze?
For a short time - yes, food can be transferred to the freezer. Continuous operation in this mode is harmful to the compressor, as it wears out, trying to reach a temperature that it cannot provide due to a lack of freon or blockage. This can lead to its burnout.
How much does the repair cost if the cause is a freon leak?
The cost consists of the work of the technician, the cost of freon, oil and, possibly, a new evaporator. If the leak is in an accessible location (capacitor), repairs are cheaper. If in the foamed part, the price will increase due to the complexity of the work and replacing the evaporator with an external one.
How to extend the life of the Atlant compressor?
Do not place the refrigerator close to the wall (you need a gap for ventilation), do not load hot products into the chamber and regularly defrost the equipment if you do not have a No Frost system. It is also advisable to use a voltage stabilizer if there are surges in your network.
Why is the back wall of the refrigerator compartment covered with ice?
In drip systems this may be the norm during defrosting, but the ice should not hang in icicles. If the ice constantly builds up, the door may not close tightly, the seal is worn out, or the thermostat is acting up, preventing the compressor from turning off in time.