The situation when Stinol refrigerator stops turning off and works around the clock is critical for technology. A compressor that hums without interruption is subjected to enormous loads, which in the shortest possible time can lead to its complete combustion and costly repairs. Owners often do not notice the problem immediately, thinking that the equipment simply intensively cools products after defrosting or loading a large volume of warm goods.
However, if the compressor does not enter the rest cycle within several hours, this is a signal of a serious failure in the control or heat exchange system. Stinol models, despite for their reliability and time-tested design, they have typical “diseases” characteristic of equipment of this class. Understanding why the unit does not turn off will help you make the right decision: call a technician or try to fix the problem yourself.
Ignoring the problem leads not only to electricity bills, but also to food spoilage due to temperature violations. In this article we will analyze in detail the mechanical and electrical reasons why refrigerator compartment the freezer stops achieving the set parameters, causing the motor to wear out.
Faults in the thermostat and temperature sensors
The most common reason is The reason why the Stinol refrigerator does not turn off is the failure of the thermostat (thermostat). This mechanical sensor is responsible for opening the compressor power circuit when a certain temperature inside the chamber is reached. If the contacts stick or the capillary tube loses sensitivity, the signal to stop the motor simply does not arrive.
In more modern models with a No Frost system or electronic control, a temperature sensor (thermistor) is installed instead of a thermostat. Its readings are read by the electronic control module. If the sensor “lies” and shows that it is warm in the chamber, although in fact it is already frosty there, the control board will constantly keep the compressor on.
Diagnostics of the thermostat in older Stinol models is carried out by the method of elimination. It is necessary to carefully remove the sensor bellows tube from the evaporator (usually it is located under a plastic cover on the back wall or in the lampshade) and cool it, for example, by putting it in the freezer for 10-15 minutes. If after this there is a click, it means that the sensor is working properly, and the problem lies in a freon leak.
How to check the thermostat with a multimeter?
To check, remove the thermostat and ring its contacts. When warm, they should be closed (resistance close to zero). If you place the sensor in the cold (or blow cold air from a can on it), the contacts should open. The absence of a reaction indicates the need for replacement.
Replacing the thermostat is a procedure accessible to a home craftsman, but requires care when installing a new capillary tube. It is important not to pinch or damage the thin sensor tube, as this will lead to leakage of sensitive liquid and repeated breakdown.
Problems with the control module and electronics board
In refrigerators, Stinol with electronic control (often these are two-compressor models or series with a display) is responsible for all processes electronic module. If the processor freezes or there is a breakdown in the control circuit, the relay can remain closed, continuously supplying voltage to the compressor. This often happens after power surges or thunderstorms.
The first step if you suspect an electronic problem is to completely reboot the system. It is necessary to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply for 15–20 minutes. This action will clear errors in the controller memory and restart the software. If after turning on the problem recurs, there is a high probability of a hardware malfunction of the board.
Repairing the control board requires professional skills and special equipment. At home, you can only visually inspect the board for burnt tracks, swollen capacitors or traces of soot. Often repairs involve replacing a burnt-out relay or fuse, but without a diagram and experience it is better not to go inside the control unit.
Refrigerant leak and capillary system blockage
If the Stinol refrigerator works without interruption, but does not freeze well or does not freeze at all, the cause may be freon leak. The refrigerant in the system becomes insufficient to create the required cold, the sensors record the high temperature and do not give a command to stop the compressor. The motor is trying to compensate for the lack of refrigerant by working in enhanced mode.
Similar symptoms are observed when clogged capillary tube. A plug forms in the refrigerant circulation system (from moisture, oil or decomposition products), which prevents the normal flow of gas. The pressure in the system is disrupted and the refrigerator cannot enter the operating cycle.
⚠️ Attention: It is strictly prohibited to independently look for a freon leak or clean the capillary system without a vacuum pump and pressure gauges. This is a complex technical procedure that requires professional equipment.
Indirect signs of a leak or blockage are:
- 🔥 Hot condenser (grid at the back) only in the upper part or at the compressor, and the rest is cold.
- ❄️ Bulging of the rear wall in freezer (a symptom of a “snow coat” due to moisture).
- 🔊 The compressor runs very hot and is constantly humming.
- 💧 The appearance of puddles of water under the refrigerator or inside the chambers.
To eliminate these malfunctions, you need to call a technician who will diagnose the pressure, will detect a leak, replace the filter drier and charge the system with new refrigerant.
Violation of tightness and problems with the seal
Often the reason for continuous operation lies not in the internal components, but in the violation of the thermal insulation of the circuit. If sealing gum the door is worn out, dirty or deformed, warm air from the room constantly enters the chamber. Temperature sensors detect heating and force the compressor to work without stopping, trying to cool the incoming heat.
You can check the tightness with a simple test with a sheet of paper. Clamp the sheet with the door around the entire perimeter. If the paper comes out easily, without resistance, it means that the seal does not fit tightly in this place. It is also worth inspecting the rubber for cracks, tears or greasy deposits that prevent a tight fit.
In addition to the door, heat loss can occur due to a loosely closed chamber. Check whether the food does not interfere with the door closing tightly, and whether the shelves and containers are installed correctly. Even a small constant gap leads to continuous operation of the equipment.
Improper installation and operating conditions
The technical characteristics of the Stinol refrigerator require operation in a certain climate class. If the equipment is installed next to heat source (battery, stove) or under direct sunlight, it will overheat. In such conditions, natural heat exchange is disrupted, and the refrigerator physically cannot reach the set temperature, working non-stop.
Insufficient ventilation also plays a role. The gap between the back of the refrigerator and the wall should be at least 5-7 cm. If the equipment is built into a niche or moved close to the wall, the condenser does not have time to cool, the cooling efficiency drops, and the compressor does not turn off.
It is important to take into account the volume of loaded products. Loading large amounts of warm food or frequently opening the door in a hot room creates extreme stress. In such cases, prolonged operation of the compressor is a normal reaction of the system to a sharp increase in internal temperature.
☑️ Checking the installation conditions
Malfunctions of the starting relay and compressor
Sometimes it seems that the refrigerator does not turn off, but in fact it cycles on and off at very short intervals, or the compressor hums but does not start. This may indicate a malfunction start relay. If the relay is “stuck” in the on state, it will constantly supply voltage to the motor windings.
The compressor itself can also cause problems. Wear of the piston group leads to a drop in performance. The motor hums, trying to create pressure, but due to wear, it cannot reach the required parameters to turn off the thermostat. In this case, it is often necessary to replace the compressor itself, which is an expensive procedure.
The relay can be diagnosed by a characteristic click when starting or stopping. If there are no clicks, or a crackling sound is heard, or the compressor hums for 2-3 seconds and turns off, the problem is in the starter or motor windings.
Comparative table of symptoms and solutions
To quickly navigate the problem, use the following table, which compares symptoms with the most likely causes.
| Symptom | Probable cause | Difficulty of repair | Necessary actions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Compressor is hot, no cold | Leakage freon or clogged | High | Call a technician to refill |
| The refrigerator freezes, but does not turn off | Thermostat/sensor is faulty | Medium | Replacement of temperature sensor |
| Crackling noise is heard, the compressor does not start | Start relay burnt out | Low | Replacement relay |
| The chamber is warm, there is ice on the seal | The seal is broken | Low | Replacing or cleaning the seal |
| Electronics does not respond, errors are on | Control board failure | High | Diagnostics or board replacement |
Frequently asked questions and answers (FAQ)
How long should the Stinol refrigerator work and how long should it rest?
In normal operation, the cycle is approximately 15-20 minutes of operation and 20-30 minutes of rest. The ratio of work time to rest time should be approximately 1:2 or 1:3. If the refrigerator runs for 40 minutes and stops for 10, this is already an alarming sign.
Is it possible to operate the refrigerator if it does not turn off?
For a short time (several hours) - possible, for example, after defrosting or loading food. Long-term operation without stopping will lead to overheating of the compressor, thickening of the oil and eventual combustion of the motor. Operation in this mode reduces the service life of the equipment by several times.
Why does the refrigerator not turn off for a long time after defrosting?
After defrosting, the walls and food are warm. The equipment requires time (from 2 to 6 hours depending on the model and load) to cool the entire volume to the set temperature. At this time, continuous operation of the compressor is the normal mode.
What to do if the thermostat is working, but the refrigerator does not turn off?
If the thermostat clicks when cooling, but the compressor does not stop, it means that the opening circuit is broken or the opening mechanism itself inside the thermostat is faulty. This may also indicate a freon leak when the temperature physically cannot drop to the shutdown value.
Does the room temperature affect the operating time of the refrigerator?
Yes, directly. If the room is hot (above +25...+28°C), the heat exchange of the condenser deteriorates. The refrigerator takes longer to cool, increasing operating time and reducing downtime. In extremely hot rooms, equipment can work almost without stopping.