The situation when a two-chamber refrigerator Atlant stops turning off is a classic sign of a malfunction of the cooling system. The compressor hums continuously, trying to compensate for the lack of cold, which can ultimately lead to overheating and costly repairs. The owner notices that the equipment works for days, and the temperature inside the chambers is either insufficient or completely absent.
Ignoring the problem entails the risk of food spoilage and failure of the motor-compressor. In most cases, the reason lies in the depressurization of the circuit, electronics failure, or natural wear and tear of the door seals. Understanding the principles of operation of the refrigeration circuit will help you quickly determine the nature of the breakdown.
Next we will analyze in detail the main scenarios in which the unit does not go into standby mode, and methods for eliminating them.
Malfunctions of the thermostat and sensors temperature
The most common reason for the engine to run endlessly is the failure of the thermostat. This mechanical or electronic element is responsible for opening the compressor power circuit when the set temperature is reached. If the contacts are stuck in the closed position or the sensor transmits incorrect readings, electronic control module continues to supply voltage to the starting relay.
In older models Atlant with mechanical control, the thermostat is located inside the refrigerator compartment. It is easy to replace it yourself by choosing an analogue with identical characteristics. In modern models with the system No Frost air sensors are responsible for the temperature regime, which can oxidize or break.
⚠️ Attention: Before replacing the thermostat, be sure to disconnect the device from the power supply. Working with live electrical components is prohibited by safety regulations.
Diagnostics of a mechanical thermostat is simple: you need to close its contacts directly. If after this procedure the compressor turns on and works normally, but turns off when it opens, the problem is in the regulator. In electronic systems, you will need a multimeter to check the resistance of the sensor at different temperatures.
Refrigerant leakage and circuit failure
If freon evaporates from the system, the cooling capacity drops to almost zero. The compressor runs continuously because the set temperature is never reached. A leak can occur as a result of corrosion of the evaporator, mechanical damage to the tubes or manufacturing defects in welds.
It is not always possible to determine a leak visually, since gas can escape in microdoses for a long time. Often a sign is swelling of the rear wall of the refrigerator compartment or the appearance of oily spots at the site of damage to the pipeline. In such cases, you need to call a technician to find the leak using a leak detector.
The restoration process includes soldering the damaged area, evacuating the system and charging a new portion of refrigerant strictly by weight. It is impossible to carry out these operations independently without specialized equipment.
Problems with the door sealing rubber
A tight fit of the doors is a key condition for the efficient operation of the refrigerator. If sealing rubber has become dry, torn or simply dirty, warm air from the room constantly enters the chamber. Sensors detect an increase in temperature and command the compressor to work harder.
You can check the tightness using a regular sheet of paper. Squeeze the sheet with the door and try to pull it out. If the paper comes out freely without resistance, then the seal is broken in that area. Pay special attention to the corners of the door, where the rubber wears out the fastest.
Often the problem can be solved by simply washing and wiping the rubber with a soda solution or silicone grease, which will restore its elasticity. If the rubber is deformed or has cracks, you will need to completely replace the seal with a new one.
Faults of the compressor and start relay
The most expensive breakdown is the wear and tear of the compressor itself. Over time, the piston group wears out, the valves lose their tightness, and the unit is not able to create the necessary pressure in the system. The motor hums, but does not pump freon with the required performance.
The starting relay, which is responsible for starting the engine, also often fails. If the relay contacts are burnt or the mechanism is stuck, the compressor may not start the first time or may not work correctly. In some cases, the relay “sticks” in the on state, constantly supplying power to the motor windings.
You can diagnose a compressor by its temperature and sound. If the motor housing is hot to the point where it is impossible to touch it, but there is no cold, this is a sign of an interturn short circuit or wedge. Replacing a compressor is a complex procedure that requires overhauling the entire refrigeration system.
Clogged capillary tube
The refrigerant circulation system uses a thin capillary tube, which serves as a throttle to reduce freon pressure. Over time, a blockage may form in it due to oil oxidation products or moisture entering the circuit. This phenomenon is called “ice blockage” or oil blockage.
When there is a blockage, the circulation of the refrigerant is disrupted or stops completely. The compressor tries to push freon through the plug, running idle with increased noise and temperature. A characteristic sign is that the condenser (grid at the back) may be only partially cold or warm.
To remove the blockage, a professional high-pressure nitrogen purging of the system and replacement of the filter drier is required. Often this procedure is combined with a complete recharge of the system with refrigerant.
What is a “crying” evaporator?
In refrigerators with a drip defrosting system, moisture accumulates on the back wall and freezes. If the drainage hole is clogged, the water does not drain away, turning into an ice coat that disrupts heat exchange and makes the compressor work longer.
The influence of external factors and operating modes
Sometimes the reason lies not in a breakdown, but in improper operation. Installing the refrigerator near (battery, stove, direct sunlight) forces it to work at its limit. The load is also affected by the volume of loaded products: if you put a hot pan in the chamber, the compressor will work until it cools completely.
In the summer, when the room temperature is high, the compressor operating time increases naturally. If the room is hotter than +30°C, the refrigerator may not turn off at all, since heat exchange with the environment is difficult.
Check the temperature settings. If you set the temperature to minimum (maximum cooling) in a hot room, the unit will run continuously. It is recommended to set average values in the summer.
Diagnostics of two-chamber models with two compressors
In two-compressor models Atlant separate units are responsible for the refrigerating and freezing chambers. If only one of them does not turn off, the problem is localized to a specific circuit. For example, if the freezer motor is humming and the refrigerator is silent, look for a leak or a malfunction of the thermostat in the freezer compartment.
The advantage of this design is that if one compressor breaks down, the second continues to work. This simplifies diagnostics: you immediately understand in which part of the system the failure occurred. However, if both compressors operate simultaneously and for a long time, the problem may be common, for example, poor door seals or high temperature in the room.
Table: Comparison of symptoms and probable causes
For ease of diagnosis, the main symptoms of malfunctions are summarized in a table. Compare the behavior of your device with the symptoms described.
| Symptom | Probable cause | Difficulty of repair | Necessary equipment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Compressor is hot, no cold | Freon leak or compressor wear | High | Leak detector, soldering iron, freon |
| The motor does not turn off, but there is cold | Thermostat or sensor is faulty | Medium | Multimeter, screwdriver |
| Severe freezing of the rear wall | Malfunction of the defrosting heating element or timer | Medium | Multimeter, new heating element |
| Noisy operation, vibration | Clogging of the capillary or wear of the suspension | High | Nitrogen, vacuum depressor |
☑️ Primary diagnostics of the refrigerator
When you need to call a technician
If simple methods like defrosting and checking the seal did not help, and the refrigerator Atlant continues to work without interruption, most likely, specialist intervention is required. Especially when it comes to replacing a compressor, searching for leaks or repairing electronics.
Independent repair of complex components without experience can lead to the final failure of equipment. In addition, working with refrigerants requires a license and compliance with environmental standards.
⚠️ Attention: The characteristics and designs of refrigerators may vary depending on the year of manufacture and model. To accurately determine error codes and connection diagrams, refer to the technical documentation on the manufacturer's official website or in the service book of your device.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Can the refrigerator not turn off due to the heat in the room?
Yes, if the room temperature exceeds +30°C, heat exchange is disrupted, and the compressor can work almost non-stop, trying to maintain the set temperature.
How long should a compressor normally work?
Under normal conditions, the operating cycle is approximately 15-20 minutes of work and 30-40 minutes of rest. The operating time may increase immediately after loading warm products or in the summer.
Is it dangerous if the refrigerator hums for a day?
Yes, it is dangerous. Long-term operation without rest leads to overheating of the motor windings, oil burnout and eventual jamming of the compressor, which will require its replacement.
Why does the refrigerator not turn off for a long time after defrosting?
After complete defrosting, the unit takes time (from 2 to 12 hours) to freeze the entire volume of the chambers and stabilize the temperature. During this period, continuous operation of the compressor is the norm.