Sudden decrease productivity refrigeration chamber or freezer becomes an unpleasant surprise for any owner of household appliances. If you notice that food has begun to deteriorate faster, and there is no characteristic frost on the walls, it means that the device has stopped working normally. Units of the Belarusian brand Atlant are famous for their reliability, but even they are subject to wear and technical failures after several years of operation.
There are many factors that affect the quality of cooling, from trivial operating errors to complex mechanical damage to the system. Often users panic ahead of time, without checking basic settings or the position of the case. However, ignoring the symptoms can lead to a complete loss of tightness circuit or failure of an expensive motor-compressor.
In this article we will analyze in detail the main reasons why Atlant refrigerator it may stop freezing, and we will propose an algorithm of actions for independent troubleshooting. Understanding the operating principles of the unit will help you avoid unnecessary costs of calling a technician in cases where the problem can be solved in a few minutes. Remember that a timely response to the first signs of malfunction significantly extends the service life of the equipment.
Operating rules and external factors
Before sounding the alarm and looking for a breakdown within the system, it is necessary to exclude the influence of external factors. Often the reason lies in incorrect installation or violation of the operating conditions specified in the instructions. For example, if the unit is located too close to a wall or heating devices, the heat transfer efficiency drops sharply.
Check the tightness of the door to the body. If sealing rubber band is worn out, dirty or deformed, warm air constantly flows inside. The compressor tries to compensate for the loss of cold and works without stopping, which can lead to its overheating and subsequent failure.
⚠️ Attention: Never install the refrigerator close to the wall. The minimum gap for free air circulation should be at least 5-7 centimeters, otherwise the radiator on the rear wall will not be able to effectively transfer heat.
It is also worth paying attention to the number of loaded products. If you have just placed a large amount of warm food in the chamber, the system will take time (up to 24 hours) to reach the set temperature. During this period, you should not open the door unless necessary.
Defrost system malfunctions and ice
One of the most common reasons why Atlant refrigerator poor cooling is the formation of excessive amounts of ice in the evaporator. In models with a No Frost or drip-type system, this process should be regulated automatically, but malfunctions in the timer or defrost heater lead to freezing.
A thick layer of ice on the evaporator acts as a heat insulator, preventing freon from taking heat from the chamber. As a result, the compressor runs continuously, hums, but does not produce cold. Visually this may not be noticeable if the evaporator is hidden behind a plastic panel.
To check, it is necessary to completely defrost the unit. Unplug the appliance, open the doors and leave it for at least 12-24 hours. This will allow the ice to completely melt and the water to evaporate.
☑️ Correct defrosting
If after defrosting the refrigerator worked normally, but a week later the situation repeated itself, the problem lies in one of the elements of the defrosting system. This could be a burned out Evaporator heating element, faulty temperature sensor or a broken timer.
Problems with the thermostat and sensors
The thermostat (thermostat) is the “brain” that gives commands to the compressor turn on or off. If it fails, the refrigerator may simply “not know” that it has become warm in the chamber and not start the cooling cycle. Old Atlant models use mechanical thermostats, while new ones use electronic sensors.
Symptoms of a thermostat malfunction often manifest themselves in the fact that the compressor either does not turn on at all, or works without interruption, freezing the entire contents, or, conversely, remains silent until the food begins to deteriorate. In some cases, lightly tapping the regulator helps, but this is a temporary measure.
How to check a mechanical thermostat?
To check a mechanical thermostat, you can close its contacts. If the compressor starts when shorted, then the problem is in the temperature controller, and it must be replaced with a new one.
Electronic control modules are more sensitive to voltage surges. A failure in the control board can lead to incorrect readings from sensors. In such cases, professional diagnostics using a multimetra are often required.
Refrigerant leaks and system blockages
If the problem does not disappear after defrosting and checking the thermostat, there is a high probability of a leak. refrigerant (freon). Freon circulates in a closed circuit, and if its tightness is broken, the pressure drops, due to which the substance ceases to effectively cool the chambers.
Leakage can occur as a result of corrosion of tubes (especially in models with a foamed evaporator), mechanical damage during transportation or poor-quality factory soldering. Signs of a leak are quiet operation of the compressor, the absence of the characteristic noise of flowing gas and hot sides of the housing.
A clogged capillary tube is another technical malfunction that prevents the normal circulation of freon. Ice or mud plugs form in the system, blocking the flow of the working substance. This requires purging the system and replacing the filter-drier.
⚠️ Attention: Self-filling with freon or attempting to solder pipes without special equipment and skills is prohibited. This is dangerous to health and can completely damage the equipment.
Wear of the compressor and start relay
The compressor is the heart of the refrigerator. If it is worn out, its power may not be enough to create the necessary pressure in the system. Often, along with the compressor, the starting relay, which is responsible for starting the engine, fails.
Signs of a malfunction of the compressor or relay are clicks when trying to start, a humming sound without further turning on the engine, or an instant shutdown after a few seconds of operation. In some cases, the relay can be replaced independently by selecting an analogue according to the marking.
However, if the compressor itself burns out (interturn short circuit of the winding), repairs become economically impractical. Replacing the motor requires qualified intervention, evacuation of the system and precise filling with oil and freon.
Diagnostic table of main faults
For convenience, we will systematize the main symptoms and probable causes in table. This will help you quickly navigate the nature of the breakdown.
| Symptom | Probable cause | Difficulty of repair |
|---|---|---|
| The compressor hums, but does not start | The starting relay is faulty or the compressor is jammed | Medium / High |
| The refrigerator rarely turns on | Thermostat is faulty or freon is leaking | Average |
| Strong ice on the back wall | Failure of the defrosting system (heating element, timer) | Average |
| The motor runs without stopping | Freon leakage or the door does not close tightly | High / Low |
| The chamber is warm, the motor is silent | The thermostat has burned out or there is no electricity | Low |
When you need to call a specialist
Despite the desire to save money, there are situations when professional intervention is inevitable. If the diagnosis indicates a freon leak or a clogged capillary system, you cannot do without a vacuum pump and a pressure gauge station.
Also, a master is needed if the compressor needs to be replaced. This is a complex procedure that includes re-bending the tubes, soldering in an inert environment and fine-tuning the system. An error at any stage will lead to repeated breakdown.
In addition, specialists have original spare parts for models Atlantwhich cannot always be found on the open market. The use of low-quality analogues can shorten the service life of the repaired appliance.
Why does the Atlant refrigerator work normally, but does not freeze to the desired temperature?
Often the reason lies in a loose door fit or too much loading of the chambers, which disrupts the circulation of cold air. It is also possible that the temperature setting is too high.
How long should a new refrigerator cool down after delivery?
If transportation was carried out in a horizontal position, it is necessary to allow the oil to drain into the compressor. The standing time should be from 4 to 8 hours before the first use.
Is it possible to replace the sealing rubber yourself?
Yes, this is one of the simplest operations. The rubber band is sold in specialized stores and is installed in a groove around the perimeter of the door without the use of glue, secured with latches or screws.
What to do if the water in the bottom drawer freezes in the Atlant refrigerator?
This may indicate that the thermostat is set to maximum cooling, or there is a malfunction of the cold air supply damper. Try reducing the cooling power.