When your Stinol refrigerator stops turning off or, conversely, refuses to get cold, the first reason is most often a failure of the thermostat. This small device is the “brain” of the cooling system, commanding the compressor when to start working and when to rest. Ignoring the symptoms of a malfunction can lead to spoilage of products or even breakdown of a more expensive unit, such as a motor-compressor.
Independent replacement thermostat is a very real task for a home craftsman who has a minimum set of tools and basic skills in working with electrical chains. In this article we will analyze the process of diagnostics, selection of the appropriate spare part and its installation in refrigerators Stinol of various series, including the popular models 101, 102, 103, 104 and 107. You will learn how to avoid common mistakes and safely carry out repairs.
Before Before disassembling, make sure that the device is completely disconnected from the power supply. Safety —priority number one when working with household appliances. We will look at the nuances of removing the adjustment knob, dismantling the internal panel and correctly connecting the wires so that after assembly the refrigerator works like new.
Diagnostics of thermostat malfunction
You can understand that the problem lies precisely in thermostatby characteristic features. If the compressor hums continuously, without stopping for a minute, or, conversely, is silent, although it is warm inside, this is a direct signal to check the temperature sensor. In some cases, the refrigerator may turn on too often, which also indicates a failure in the settings or a breakdown of the device.
The easiest way to initially check is to turn the temperature control knob. If you do not hear a characteristic click when turning in any direction, and the operating mode of the motor does not change, most likely the mechanism is jammed. It is also worth paying attention to the camera: if a “coat” of ice has formed on the walls, and the food in the upper compartment is frozen, the thermostat could “stick” in the maximum cold position.
⚠️ Attention: If after defrosting the refrigerator within 24 hours, the problem does not disappear, it is likely that there is an electrical malfunction of the thermostat, and not just icing of the capillary tube.
For more accurate diagnostics, you can use a multimeter in dial mode. At room temperature, contacts of a certain type should be closed, and when cooled (if the sensor is immersed in cold water) they should open. However, at home, it is often easier to replace the part with a known good one to confirm the diagnosis.
Necessary tools and selection of spare parts
For successful replacement thermostat in the refrigerator Stinol you will need a standard home repair kit. You should not try to carry out the work “by eye” or using improvised means, as this can lead to damage to the plastic elements of the case or broken contacts.
Here is a list of what needs to be prepared before starting work:
- 🔧 Phillips screwdriver - for unscrewing the panel mounting screws and the thermostat itself.
- 🔧 Flat screwdriver —may be needed to carefully pry up the plastic plugs.
- 🔧 Pliers —for ease of working with wires and terminals.
- 🔧 Multimeter —for checking the circuit (optional, but recommended).
- 🔧 Hair dryer —can be useful for defrosting if ice interferes with access.
To choice A new part must be approached responsibly. Thermostats for Stinol are often marked with codes starting with TAM, K or RANCO. For example, suitable for many models TAM 133 or its analogues. It is important to pay attention to the length capillary tube —it must be comparable to the original so that the sensor correctly reads the temperature in the evaporator.
Removing the old thermostat
The removal process begins with freeing access to the device. In refrigerators Stinol the thermostat is usually hidden behind a plastic cover inside the refrigerator compartment or behind a decorative panel on top, depending on the model. First you need to remove the temperature control knob. It may fit tightly, so act carefully so as not to break the plastic rod.
After removing the handle, unscrew the screws holding the plastic panel. In some models, such as Stinol 103 or 104, you may need to remove the top cover of the refrigerator completely. Be careful: the wires may be connected to a light bulb or defrost button located nearby, so do not jerk the panel sharply.
When access is open, you will see the thermostat itself, mounted in a metal or plastic bracket. Before disconnecting the wires, it is strongly recommended to take a photo a connection diagram or sketch it. The colors of the wires can fade over time, and it is very easy to confuse the ground and phase contacts.
☑️ Preparation for dismantling
Disconnect the terminals from the thermostat contacts. If they have oxidized, carefully clean them. Then remove the thermostat from its mount. The capillary tube, which goes deep into the housing to the evaporator, must be pulled out very carefully so as not to damage the thin copper tube containing the refrigerant. Any damage to the cooling system will lead to the need for complex and expensive repairs with refilling with freon.
Installation of a new thermostat and connection diagram
Installation of a new one thermostat is carried out in the reverse order of dismantling. Make sure the new part has the same fastening. If the standard location is different, you may need to be smart and use insulating tape or additional clamps, but the main thing is to ensure tight contact of the sensor with the surface whose temperature it is supposed to measure.
Carefully insert the capillary tube of the new thermostat into the hole until it stops. It should lie along the standard groove or be attached to the evaporator in the same way as the original one. The length of the tube is often longer than necessary - the excess can be carefully rolled into a ring and secured in the free space behind the panel, without bending or wringing it.
The most critical stage is connecting the wires. In thermostats for Stinol usually three contacts:
- ⚡ Contact 3 —phase input (power supply).
- ⚡ Contact 4 —output to the compressor.
- ⚡ Contact 6 —output to the defrost lamp (if any) or grounding.
⚠️ Attention: The numbering of contacts may differ depending on the thermostat manufacturer (Danfoss, Ranco, Klixon). Always check the diagram printed on the body of the device itself, and do not rely only on memory.
After connecting all the terminals, make sure that they are seated tightly and do not loosen. Poor contact will result in sparking, heating and eventual failure. Then install the thermostat into the seat and secure it with screws. Return the plastic panel to its place, tighten the fastening screws and install the adjustment knob.
What to do if the wires are not the right length?
If the standard wires are too short, they can be extended using special connecting sleeves and heat shrink. Twisting wires simply with electrical tape in the refrigerator is unacceptable due to humidity and temperature changes.
Compatibility table of thermostats for Stinol
When looking for spare parts, it is important to know which analogues are suitable for your model. Below is a table of correspondence between original numbers and popular substitutes that can be found on sale.
| Model Stinol | Original number | Analogue (replacement) | Capillary length |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stinol 101 / 102 | TAM 133 | K-59 L1138 | 0.73 m |
| Stinol 103 / 104 | TAM 133 | K-59 L1138 | 0.73 m |
| Stinol 107 | TAM 145 | K-59 L1139 | 0.9 m |
| Stinol 110 | TAM 133 | K-59 L1138 | 0.73 m |
Please note that parameters may vary slightly between batches. If you do not find an exact match in the length of the capillary, you can use a thermostat with a slightly longer tube that can be carefully laid. However, you cannot use a part with a short tube - the sensor simply will not reach the desired zone.
First start-up and setting the temperature
After everything is assembled, you can turn on the refrigerator. Don't expect instant results - it will take time for the compressor to get up to speed and start cooling. In the first 10-15 minutes, listen to the operation of the unit. The engine should turn on, run for a while and turn off when the thermostat clicks.
Setting temperature control is done experimentally. Set the control knob to the middle position (usually number 3 or 4). After a few hours, check the temperature in the chamber using a thermometer. If the food freezes, reduce the power; if the heat is not enough, add it.
It is important to let the refrigerator run idle for at least a couple of hours before fully loading it with food. This will allow the system to stabilize and you to ensure there are no leaks or strange sounds. If the “on-off” cycle is observed, then the replacement was successful.
⚠️ Attention: If, after replacing the thermostat, the compressor hums but does not start, or immediately knocks out the plugs, immediately turn off the device. The wires may be incorrectly connected or the start-protection relay is faulty.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to replace the thermostat with a universal one?
Yes, there are universal thermostats, but they require careful adjustment of capillary length and temperature range. For refrigerators Stinol it is better to use specialized analogues, such as series TAM or K-59, since they are as close as possible in characteristics to the original.
Why does the new thermostat click, but the refrigerator does not turns off?
This may indicate that the sensing element (capillary tube) is not pressed tightly against the evaporator or is installed in the wrong place. It is also possible that the new device itself is faulty or does not fit the temperature range for your model.
Do you need to defrost the refrigerator before replacing?
Full defrosting is not necessary if the ice does not interfere with access to the panel. However, if you plan to work near the evaporator, it is better to first defrost the chamber so that water does not get on the electrical contacts and complicate installation.
How long does a new thermostat last?
The service life of a high-quality thermostat is on average 5-10 years, depending on the intensity of use of the refrigerator and the stability of the voltage in the network. Sudden voltage surges can shorten the life of electronic and mechanical components.