The situation when refrigerator compartment stops cooling, but the freezer continues to freeze, is one of the most common problems in household appliances. Owners of brand units Stinol often encounter this phenomenon, since the design of these refrigerators has its own characteristics. This often indicates that the compressor is working properly, but the refrigerant circulation is disrupted or the thermoregulation settings are lost. There is no need to panic, but you cannot ignore the problem either, since food in the upper compartment can quickly spoil.
There may be several reasons: from a banal valve sticking to the failure of complex electronics. In some cases, equipment Stinol signals a malfunction by flashing indicators or sound, but often works “blindly”. It is important to correctly diagnose the source of the problem so as not to spend extra money on calling a technician to solve a problem that you can fix yourself.
Problems with defrosting the No Frost system
If your Stinol refrigerator is equipped with a system No Frost, then the most likely reason for the lack of cold in the upper chamber is a failure in the defrost system. Ice can accumulate on the evaporator located behind the rear wall and block the ducts that allow cool air to flow into the refrigerator compartment. As a result, the freezer operates at full capacity, and there is heat on top.
Several elements are responsible for the defrosting process: defrost heating element, defrost sensor and a timer (or electronic module). If the heating element is burnt out, the ice does not melt and the “fur coat” blocks the ventilation. The sensor may incorrectly read the temperature, not giving a command to turn on the heating. In models Stinol with electronic control, the module itself often fails, which stops supplying voltage to the heating element.
⚠️ Attention: Before checking the electrical elements, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the mains. Working with live electrical wiring is deadly!
For diagnostics, you need to remove the back panel in the freezer and visually assess the amount of ice. If the evaporator is completely covered with frost, and the fan (if there is one) is humming or standing still, then the problem is in defrosting. Sometimes completely defrosting the unit during the day helps.
How to check the heating element with a multimeter?
To check the heating element, you need to ring its contacts with a multimeter in resistance measurement mode. If the device shows one or infinity, the circuit is broken, the heating element is faulty and requires replacement. Normal resistance is usually from 200 to 400 Ohms.
Malfunctions of the thermostat and temperature sensors
In refrigerators Stinol with mechanical controls, thermostatis responsible for maintaining the temperature. If it is faulty, the compressor may turn off prematurely, not having time to cool the upper chamber, although the freezer is still cold. In electronic models, this function is performed temperature sensorswhich transmit readings to the main control unit.
A symptom of a thermostat failure is often that the refrigerator does not work at all turns on or, conversely, works without interruptions. In the case of a working freezer and a warm refrigerator, the thermostat may “think” that the temperature has already been reached and prematurely turn off the compressor. This is typical for older models Stinol series 102 and 106.
Replacing the thermostat is a simple procedure, but requires care. The capillary tube of the new sensor must be positioned correctly, otherwise it will not read the temperature correctly. In electronic versions Stinol replacing the sensor requires disassembling the internal panel and resoldering the contacts.
Clogged capillary tube or leak of freon
One of the most unpleasant technical malfunctions is clogged capillary tube or refrigerant leak. In both cases, the circulation of freon through the system is disrupted. The compressor hums, trying to pump gas, but there is no cold in the refrigeration chamber, since the freon does not reach the evaporator of the upper compartment or its pressure is too low.
When clogged, gurgling or gurgling is often heard whistling sound in the area of the filter drier. If there is a leak, the refrigerator may run longer than usual, trying to get up to temperature, and the freezer will only keep cold due to a residual effect or working at its limit. In models Stinol with a foamed evaporator, leaks often occur inside the housing, which makes repairs economically impractical.
⚠️ Attention: Self-filling with freon or cleaning the system without special equipment is impossible and prohibited. These works are performed only by certified, licensed technicians.
It is difficult to diagnose a leak visually; it often requires the use of a leak detector or the technique of “squeezing” the tubes while the compressor is running. If, after defrosting, the refrigerator worked for a couple of days and stopped cooling again, this is a sure sign of a leak or progressive blockage.
Problems with the fan and damper
In two-chamber refrigerators Stinol s system No Frost cold is forced into the upper chamber using fan. If the fan stops due to frozen blades or motor failure, air circulation stops. The freezer continues to freeze, since the evaporator is located there.
Another element that is often ignored is damper (damper), which regulates the air flow. It may get stuck in the closed position. In some models Stinol the damper is controlled electronically, and if the board fails, it simply does not open. You can check it by reaching the channel between the chambers.
Often the fan jams due to frozen ice. This happens if the refrigerator door has been open for a long time or is not closed tightly. Humid air gets inside, condenses on the blades and blocks rotation. After defrosting, operation is usually restored.
☑️ Fan diagnostics
Comparative table of symptoms and causes
To quickly determine the reason why Stinol refrigerator it does not cool in the upper compartment, it is convenient to use the table of symptoms. This will help to weed out unnecessary options and understand what equipment will be needed for repairs.
| Symptom | Probable cause | Difficulty of repair | Required equipment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ice on the back wall of the freezer | Malfunction of the defrosting system (heating element, sensor) | Medium | Multimeter, screwdrivers |
| The compressor does not turn on | The thermostat or start relay is faulty | Low | Multimeter, new thermostat |
| The compressor is humming, but there is no cold | System clogged or freon leak | High | Vacuum pump, freon, burner |
| It makes noise, but does not blow cold | The fan is jammed | Low | Disassembly tool |
What to do first: algorithm of actions
If you find that refrigerator compartment it is warm, do not rush to call the service. Start with simple steps. First of all, check whether the door is tightly closed and whether the door sensor button is stuck. Then listen to the operation of the unit: is the compressor running, is there the sound of a running fan.
The most effective method of primary diagnosis is complete defrosting. Unplug Stinol the mains, remove all food and leave the doors open for at least 24 hours. It is better to put some rags on it, as there will be a lot of water. If after turning on the refrigerator worked normally, then the problem was in the defrosting system or freezing of ice.
⚠️ Attention: Do not use a hair dryer or other heating devices to speed up defrosting. A sharp temperature change can damage the plastic and evaporator tubes.
If defrosting did not help, and after 5-6 hours of operation the cold has not entered the upper chamber, parts will probably need to be replaced. In this case, it is worth assessing your skills: you can replace the thermostat or fan yourself, but it is better to entrust the search for leaks to professionals.
When you need to call a technician
There are situations when independent repair of the Stinol refrigerator is impossible or dangerous. If you hear that the compressor turns on, makes several pumping motions and turns off with a click, and the tubes on the rear grille are cold, these are signs of problems with the refrigerant or compressor.
A technician is also needed if the compressor needs to be replaced or the system needs to be sealed. These operations require special tools: rolling, pipe cutter, torch and vacuum pump. In addition, for refilling you need a specific type of freon (R134a or R600a), which is selected for the model Stinol.
Do not forget about the warranty. If your refrigerator is less than 3 years old, any DIY repairs will disqualify you from free service. In this case, it is better to immediately contact an authorized service center.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Why, after defrosting, did the Stinol refrigerator stop cooling again after a couple of days?
This is a classic sign of a malfunction in the automatic defrosting system. Most likely, the evaporator heating element has burned out or the defrost sensor has failed. Ice accumulates again and blocks the air supply channels.
Is it possible to operate the refrigerator if the upper chamber does not work?
For a short time - yes, but you can’t work like that for a long time. The compressor will work harder trying to reach temperature, which will lead to overheating and eventual failure. In addition, the food in the upper chamber will spoil.
Where is the thermostat located in the Stinol refrigerator?
In mechanical models, the thermostat knob is usually located inside the refrigerator compartment on the right wall or on the ceiling. In electronic models, the sensors are hidden behind plastic panels.
How long should the refrigerator reach its temperature after turning on?
Usually it takes from 2 to 6 hours to reach the mode. Stinol refrigerator . If after 6 hours of compressor operation it is warm in the upper chamber and cold in the freezer, there is a malfunction.