The situation when the refrigerator Stinol stops turning off or, conversely, does not want to start the compressor, often confuses the owner. In most cases, the reason for this behavior is the failure of thermostat the device responsible for maintaining the set temperature inside the chambers. Understanding the principle of operation of this unit and having basic skills in working with the tool allow you to perform the replacement yourself, saving money on calling a technician.
The thermostat is an electromechanical sensor that opens or closes the electrical circuit depending on the temperature of the sensitive element. In models Stinol, especially the two-compressor series 102, 103, 104 and 107, this element plays a critical role. If you notice that a “coat” of ice has formed on the back wall of the refrigerator compartment, or the food has begun to defrost, you cannot ignore the problem - this is a direct threat to the safety of the food supply and the service life of the engine.
Before you start disassembling, you need to make sure that the problem lies in the relay. Symptoms are often confused with a faulty start relay or a freon leak. However, if the compressor operates continuously and the temperature drops below normal, or the motor is silent despite turning the control knob, the diagnosis points to thermostat.
Diagnostics of thermostat malfunction
The first stage of repair should always be a thorough diagnosis. You should not immediately disassemble the refrigerator if you can carry out simple tests. Visual inspection helps to identify obvious mechanical damage to the capillary tube or oxidation of the contacts. However, the most accurate results are obtained by using a multimeter in continuity mode.
To check, you need to get to the thermostat itself by removing the plastic cover or adjustment knob. After disconnecting the wires, check the integrity of the circuit. In normal condition (at room temperature), the contacts should be closed, and the device will show zero or a resistance value close to it. If the circuit is open, this is a sure sign that membrane inside the device has lost its properties or the contacts have burnt out.
⚠️ Attention: Never try to check the operation of a thermostat that is under voltage. A short circuit of the multimeter probes to a live circuit is guaranteed to disable the measuring device and can lead to electric shock.
Another testing method is a temperature test. If you remove the thermostat and place its sensitive tube in a container of cold water (about +5°C), and then in hot water, you can hear characteristic clicks. The absence of clicks indicates that the mechanism is stuck. It is also worth paying attention to the length of the capillary tube: if it is too short or deformed, the sensor will incorrectly read the temperature inside the chamber.
Preparation for repair and selection of tools
The success of the replacement operation directly depends on the correct preparation of the workplace and the availability of the necessary tools. To work with refrigerators Stinol no complex industrial equipment is required, but the set must be fully equipped. The absence of the required screwdriver can lead to the edges of the screws breaking off or the plastic case being damaged.
First of all, it is necessary to ensure good lighting. Refrigerator interiors are often shadowed, making small parts such as terminals or fasteners difficult to see in dim light. Use a portable lamp or headlamp. Also prepare a container for storing small fasteners so as not to lose them during dismantling.
☑️ Tools for replacing the thermostat
Particular attention should be paid to the selection of a new part. Thermostats for Stinol are often marked by manufacturers Tam, K59, K50 or Ranco. It is important to choose an analogue with an identical capillary tube length and contact arrangement. Using an unsuitable model may lead to incorrect operation of the defrost system or incorrect activation cycle of the compressor.
Below is a table of correspondence of the most common thermostat models for various series of refrigerators Stinol:
| Refrigerator model | Thermostat type (original/analogue) | Capillary tube length | Contact features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stinol 101, 102 | TAM 133 / K59-L1275 | 0.75 m | 3 contacts (with grounding) |
| Stinol 103, 104 | TAM 133 / K59-L1275 | 0.75 m | 3 contacts |
| Stinol 107, 110 | TAM 133 / K59-L1275 | 0.75 m | 3 contacts |
| Stinol 106 (No Frost) | TAM 133 / K59-L1275 | 0.75 m | 3 contacts |
When purchasing, pay attention to the markings. The numbers at the end of the code (for example, L1275) often indicate the length of the tube in centimeters. If you purchase a thermostat with a tube shorter than the original one, it may not reach the evaporator and the refrigerator will not work correctly. If the tube is longer, it can be carefully twisted into a ring, but not pinched.
Removing the old thermostat
The process of removing a faulty part requires care, especially when working with plastic interior elements. In refrigerators Stinol the thermostat is usually located inside the refrigerator compartment, in the upper right corner, hidden under a plastic panel or directly behind the temperature control knob.
Start by removing the regulator knob. It can be removed by simply pulling it towards you or require unscrewing a hidden screw under the decorative plug. After removing the handle, access to the thermostat rod will open. Next, you need to remove the top cover of the refrigerator or the plastic cover that is held in place by latches and screws. Proceed with caution, as the plastic becomes brittle over time.
After removing the protective panels, you will see the thermostat itself, fixed in a special socket. The capillary tube goes deep into the housing, to the evaporator. The main task at this stage is to remove the tube from the canal without damaging its thin walls. Any microcrack will lead to leakage of filler gas, and the new thermostat will have to be thrown away.
How to safely remove the capillary tube?
The tube often sticks to the walls of the channel or is fixed with staples. Don't pull it too hard. Use soft-nose pliers, gripping the tube closer to the exit of the housing. Movements should be progressive, with slight turning. If the tube is wrapped around the evaporator, carefully loosen the turns, controlling the tension.
When the tube is freed, proceed to the electrical part. Take a photo of the wiring diagram before disconnecting. This will help avoid mistakes when installing a new element. Unscrew the screws securing the thermostat housing and remove the terminal block. If the wires are oxidized, clean the contacts with fine sandpaper or a file.
Installation and connection of a new thermostat
Installation of a new device is carried out in the reverse order of dismantling. Insert the sensitive tube into the canal until it stops. It should take the same position as the previous one. If there is factory grease on the tube, do not remove it completely - it improves heat transfer and protects the metal from corrosion.
Fix the thermostat housing in its original place. Make sure it fits snugly and doesn't wobble. Compressor vibrations should not be transmitted to the sensor, as this may cause false alarms or contact rattling. Connect the wires according to the photograph or color marking you took earlier.
The standard connection diagram for three-pin thermostats Stinol looks like this:
- 🔴 Red wire — the phase coming from the network (or through the starting relay).
- 🟡 Yellow or yellow-green wire —case grounding (if provided for by the design).
- 🔵 Blue or black wire —phase going to the compressor.
After connecting all the wires, assemble the plastic cladding. Set the control knob to the position corresponding to the average temperature (usually number 3 or 4 on the scale). Do not tighten the plastic fastening screws too much to avoid cracking the housing.
⚠️ Attention: When connecting wires, make sure that the insulation on the wires is not damaged. In conditions of high humidity inside the refrigerator, even a microscopic bare area can lead to corrosion of the contacts and an eventual short circuit.
Setup and initial start-up
After assembling all components, the refrigerator is ready for the first start. However, you should not immediately load it with products. The empty chamber must be “run in” for several hours. This will allow you to evaluate the cyclic operation of the compressor and make sure there are no cold leaks.
Plug in the device and set the regulator to the middle position. Record the operating time of the compressor before the first shutdown. Normally, this cycle takes from 20 to 40 minutes, depending on the ambient temperature in the room. If the refrigerator runs nonstop for more than an hour, the thermostat may not “see” the temperature drop.
Check the tightness of the door seal after assembly. If opened frequently during repairs, the seal could become loose. Wipe it clean and make sure the door fits tightly all the way around. The presence of gaps will lead to a constant flow of warm air, and the thermostat will drive the compressor idle.
To control the temperature, you can use an external thermometer placed in a glass of water on the middle shelf. After 5-6 hours of operation, the readings should stabilize in the range +2..+5°C. If the temperature differs significantly, you will need to re-adjust the screw on the thermostat housing (if available) or select a different sensor model.
Typical mistakes when replacing
Even experienced craftsmen sometimes make mistakes that nullify all efforts. The most common of them is damage to the capillary tube during installation. A thin copper conductor can easily be cut or bent, which makes the part unusable. You need to work with the utmost care, using only the right tool.
The second common mistake is ignoring the cleanliness of the contacts. Oxides on the terminals create additional resistance, which leads to heating and burning of the contacts in the future. Before assembly, be sure to wipe all connections with alcohol or a special contact cleaner.
Also, users often forget about grounding. In older models Stinol the third contact may not have been used, but in modern operating conditions, the presence of grounding is critical for safety. If there is no “ground” in your wiring, consider installing an RCD on the refrigerator socket.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to replace the Stinol thermostat with an analogue from another brand?
Yes, you can. The main manufacturers of compatible thermostats are the companies Tam, K59, Ranco and Orbital. The main thing is to maintain the geometric dimensions, the length of the capillary tube and the contact pattern. Functionally, they are identical to the originals.
Why does the refrigerator turn on immediately after being turned off?
This phenomenon is called a “short cycle”. It can be caused by incorrect installation of the sensitive tube (it does not have time to cool/heat), a malfunction of the thermostat itself (sticking contacts) or too low a temperature in the room where the refrigerator is located.
Do you need to defrost the refrigerator before replacing the thermostat?
Complete defrosting is not necessary if you act quickly. However, if there is a significant layer of ice on the evaporator, it is better to let it thaw so that water does not get on the electrical contacts when removing the tube. In addition, ice can interfere with access to the tube channel.
How to understand that the thermostat is set incorrectly?
Signs of incorrect settings are: the formation of an ice crust on the back wall (too low temperature) or defrosting of food in the upper sections (too high). Adjustment is carried out by turning the knob or tightening the calibration screw under the seal.
Is it dangerous to change the thermostat yourself?
Replacing the thermostat is a job of medium complexity and does not require evacuation of the system or working with freon, so it is safer than repairing the compressor. The main risk is electric current, so compliance with safety rules when working with electrical appliances is mandatory.