Owners of two-chamber refrigerators Atlant often face a problem when the set temperature is no longer maintained in one of the chambers. In most cases, the culprit in this situation is solenoid valve, which regulates the supply of refrigerant to the evaporator. Understanding where this element is located is the first step to self-diagnosis or preparation for repair.
The location of the part depends on the specific model and type of defrost system, but in classic two-compressor and single-compressor systems Atlant a certain logic of installation can be traced. It is important to know that the valve is not always in plain sight - it can be hidden behind decorative panels or located in hard-to-reach places in the compressor compartment.
In this article we will analyze in detail the design of the refrigeration system, indicate the exact location of the valve in different modifications and describe how to distinguish it from other elements of the pipeline. This knowledge will help you save time on searching and avoid mistakes when disassembling the unit.
Functional purpose of the valve in the system
Before looking for the part, you need to understand its role. Magnetic valve (solenoid) is an electromechanical device that, under the influence of an electric current, opens or closes the passage for freon. In single-compressor models Atlant with a system No Frost or “Crying evaporator”, this element is critically important.
When the thermostat detects the achievement of the desired temperature in the freezer camera, it sends a signal to close the valve. This redirects the flow of refrigerant, allowing the compressor to cool only the refrigerator compartment or go into standby mode. If the valve gets stuck closed, the cold will stop flowing where it is needed.
- 🧊 Regulates the direction of freon flow between the evaporators of the upper and lower chambers.
- ⚡ Responsible for switching compressor operating modes depending on sensor readings.
- 🛡️ Prevents overheating of the evaporator in one of the zones when the target temperature is reached.
Typical diagram location in single-compressor models
In modern single-compressor refrigerators Atlant, where one motor serves both chambers, the valve is usually located directly at the outlet of the compressor or at the inlet to the evaporator of the freezer. Most often, access to it is through the back wall of the unit.
To find the element, you will need to remove the compressor protective casing located at the bottom of the refrigerator at the back. Solenoid valve it is embedded in a high-pressure copper tube and has a characteristic cylindrical body with exiting wires. In series models XM-4008 or XM-4208 it is often mounted on the frame next to the condenser.
⚠️ Attention: In single-compressor systems, the valve operates under high pressure. Before any manipulations with the tubes, you must make sure that the refrigerant has been completely pumped out of the system by professional equipment.
Sometimes the valve is hidden under a layer of thermal insulation (polyurethane foam) closer to the top of the rear wall, if the design involves supplying freon from top to bottom. In such cases, it can be felt through the insulation as a small thickening with suitable wires.
Where to look for the part in two-compressor refrigerators
In two-compressor models Atlant the situation is radically different. Here, a separate motor-compressor is responsible for each chamber, and the classic switching valve may not be present as such. However, in some modifications with the system No Frost valves can be installed to control defrost or additional circuits.
If your model has a valve, it will be located near the second compressor, usually in a niche covered with a metal or plastic cover. You need to look for it using a pair of wires going to the tube. Unlike single-compressor analogues, here the load on the system is distributed, and fault one node is less likely to affect the operation of the neighboring circuit.
| System type | Valve location | Quantity wires | Characteristic feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single compressor | At the compressor outlet / at the evaporator | 2 wires | Cylindrical coil |
| Two-compressor | Rarely, in the defrost circuit | 2-4 wires | Small size |
| No Frost system | Near the heating element or fan | 2 wires | Plastic case |
Access to the valve through the internal panel
In some cases, especially in models with system No Frost, the magnetic valve can be mounted inside the refrigerator compartment, behind the rear plastic panel. This is done to minimize the length of the pipelines and reduce cold losses.
To access the part, you will have to completely defrost the unit, remove all the shelves and dismantle the back wall in the freezer compartment. Valve in this arrangement it is often located next to the temperature sensors or defrost heating elements. Be careful: plastic panel fastenings Atlant become fragile with age.
- 🔧 Unscrew the screws securing the rear panel (often they are hidden under plugs).
- ❄️ Carefully bend the panel without damaging the wiring of the sensors and fan.
- 🔍 Inspect the copper tubes for the presence of a cylindrical element with wires.
If you find a valve inside the chamber, check the integrity of its insulation. Often the cause of failure is condensation, which short-circuits the solenoid winding. A visual inspection may reveal traces of oxidation or melting of the plastic.
Diagnostics of the serviceability of the solenoid valve
Having understood where it is located magnetic valve in your refrigerator Atlant, you need to check its performance. The simplest method is acoustic. When the refrigerator is turned on or off, a clear click should be heard, indicating movement of the rod.
A more accurate method is to test the winding with a multimeter. The resistance of a working coil is usually from 1 to 3 kOhm, depending on the model. If the device shows infinity (open circuit) or zero (short circuit), the part must be replaced. It is also worth checking the presence of voltage on the contacts when the compressor is running, but no cold is flowing.
☑️ Checking the valve
⚠️ Attention: If the valve is “stuck” in the closed state, sometimes lightly tapping the body with the handle of a screwdriver while the power is on helps. This is a temporary measure that allows you to get to the store for a new spare part.
Replacement and installation features of a new part
Replacing a valve is an operation that requires special equipment. Even if you know exactly where the part is located, simply removing it and putting a new one “cold” will not work. The system is sealed and filled with freon under pressure.
The replacement process includes pumping out the refrigerant, removing the old valve (soldering is often required), installing a new element and re-evacuating and charging the system. Soldering copper tubes should be done using nitrogen purge so that an oxide film does not form inside, which will quickly remove the compressor from building.
Is it possible to install a valve from another brand?
Theoretically, yes, if the fitting dimensions of the fittings and the coil voltage match (usually 220V). However, it is better to use original Atlant spare parts or proven analogues (Danfoss, Embraco), since the valve capacity must strictly correspond to the compressor performance.
Do not forget that after replacement it is necessary to check the system for leaks. Using low-quality consumables or violating the soldering technology will lead to repeated leakage of freon in a short time. Entrust the final assembly and refilling to a certified technician.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Why Atlant refrigerator does it click, but does not freeze?
The clicking sound can come from the compressor starter or the magnetic valve itself. If the clicks are frequent, but there is no cold, the valve may not open due to mechanical jamming of the rod or a burnt out winding, blocking the circulation of freon.
How much does it cost to replace a magnetic valve?
The cost consists of the price of the part itself (usually from 1000 to 2500 rubles) and the cost works of the master, including refilling with freon. The total amount may vary depending on the region and the complexity of access to the node.
Is it possible to temporarily remove the valve from the circuit?
Theoretically, in some circuits it is possible to short-circuit the circuit, but this will lead to the refrigerator no longer regulating the temperature in the chambers independently. This is an emergency mode, which can lead to defrosting of food or freezing of the evaporator.
Where to buy an original valve for Atlant?
It is better to purchase original spare parts in specialized stores of spare parts for household appliances or authorized service centers of the brand. When purchasing, pay attention to the markings and voltage of the coil.