Owners of Belarusian equipment Atlant often face a situation where food freezes “to stone” in the freezer compartment, while warmth reigns in the main refrigerator compartment. This is a classic symptom of a heat exchange problem or a malfunction of the control system. Refrigerators of this brand are famous for their reliability, but even they have weak points that require attention over time. Most often, the problem lies in a violation of the circulation of the refrigerant or in incorrect operation of the sensors.
The situation when refrigerator compartment stops cooling can take you by surprise, but there is no need to panic. In most cases, the malfunction has a specific technical cause that can be identified independently. Understanding the operating principles of single-compressor systems that most models are equipped with will help you quickly find the root of the problem. It is not always necessary to call a specialist to restore functionality; sometimes simple preventive maintenance is enough. Atlant, will help you quickly find the root of the problem. It is not always necessary to call a specialist to restore functionality; sometimes simple prevention is enough.
In this article we will analyze in detail the main reasons for the lack of cold in the upper compartment. We will look at mechanical failures, electronic problems and operational errors. It is important to understand that ignoring the first signs of failure can lead to more serious consequences, including failure of the compressor. Therefore, timely diagnosis is the key to the long life of your equipment.
Violation of operating rules and freezing of the evaporator
The most common and easily eliminated reason that refrigerator compartment does not freeze is the formation of an ice coat on the evaporator. In modern models Atlant with the No Frost or Low Frost system, the ice should not be visible, since it is hidden behind a plastic panel. If the defrost system fails, ice blocks the cold air passages. As a result, the fan circulates air inside the freezer, but it simply does not enter the upper chamber.
Often users themselves provoke this situation by violating the temperature regime. For example, if you put a hot pot of soup in the chamber or leave the door ajar for a long time, the humidity increases sharply. The defrost system may not have time to remove condensate, and it turns into ice. The problem is also relevant if the rubber seal on the door does not fit tightly, allowing warm air from the room to pass through.
⚠️ Attention: If you notice that the refrigerator door Atlant does not close tightly, do not try to slam it by force. Check if anything is interfering with the seal and wipe it with clean water.
To eliminate this problem, it is necessary to carry out a complete defrost. This is not just a shutdown for a couple of hours, but a full cycle that takes up to 24 hours. During this time, the ice in the hidden cavities will have time to completely melt and evaporate. If you turn on the unit earlier, the water may freeze in the drainage system, which will lead to re-blocking of the channels.
☑️ Correct defrosting algorithm
After defrosting, the equipment can operate normally. However, if the ice plug forms again after a short time, then the problem is deeper and lies in a malfunction of the defrost system, which we will discuss below.
Malfunctions of the No Frost defrost system
In refrigerators Atlantequipped with the No Frost system, a special unit consisting of a heating element is responsible for removing ice (heater), defrost sensor and timer (or electronic module). If any of these elements fail, ice stops melting and builds up on the evaporator, cutting off cold air from entering the refrigerator compartment. Visually you may not see the ice, but you will hear the fan hitting the frozen mass with its blades.
The first candidate for replacement is often Defrost heating element. This is a nichrome spiral that burns out over time, like a light bulb. You can check it with a multimeter for resistance. If the device shows an open circuit, the heating element must be replaced. Also, the defrost sensor often fails, which should signal the module when a certain temperature has been reached.
A more complex problem is the failure of the defrost timer or electronic control module. Older models Atlant use a mechanical timer that can be clicked manually to test the hypothesis. In modern models, the “brain” of the refrigerator is responsible for all processes. If it “glitches” and does not send a command to turn on the heating element, the ice will grow endlessly.
How to check the defrosting heating element with a multimeter?
To check, you need to gain access to the evaporator by removing the back panel in the freezer. Disconnect the wires from the heating element and switch the multimeter to resistance measurement mode (Ohm). The normal resistance of a working heating element is usually from 200 to 400 Ohms. If the device shows infinity or one, the heating element has burned out.
It is important to note that diagnosing the defrost system requires partial disassembly of the freezer compartment. If you are not confident in your skills, it is better to contact a specialist, since careless handling of plastic elements can lead to their breakage.
Problems with the fan and air circulation
In two-chamber refrigerators Atlant with one compressor, cold is forced into the upper chamber using a fan. It is located in the freezer compartment and drives cooled air upward through the duct. If the fan stops, cold air remains below, and the temperature in the refrigerator compartment begins to rise. This is one of the most common reasons for a “warm” refrigeration chamber when the compressor is running.
The reasons for the fan stopping may be different. Mechanical blocking with ice - we have already discussed this in the context of defrosting. But the fan motor itself or its bearings can also burn out. In this case, you may hear extraneous noise, humming, or, conversely, unusual silence when the compressor is running. Normally, the fan should operate cyclically, together with the compressor.
Another important element is the air duct damper. It regulates the amount of cold air entering the refrigerator compartment. If the damper is stuck in the closed position, the cold simply will not get to the top shelf. In some models Atlant the damper is controlled by a mechanical thermostat, in others - by an electric drive.
Checking the fan requires removing the back wall of the freezer. Make sure the blades rotate freely and have no play. If the motor is burnt out, replacing it is not a difficult matter, the main thing is to choose an analogue with the appropriate voltage and size characteristics.
Compressor malfunctions and freon leakage
If the refrigerator Atlant hums, but does not freeze in any of the chambers, or freezes only at the back wall, but it is warm in the center, this may indicate a refrigerant leak. Freon is a working fluid that transfers heat. If its amount in the system decreases due to microcracks in the evaporator tubes (often hidden in the foamed part of the housing), the cooling efficiency drops to zero.
Symptoms of a freon leak are specific: the compressor works almost non-stop, trying to gain temperature, but cannot. The condenser (grid at the back) may be lukewarm or cold when it should normally be hot. At the leak site, sometimes (but not always) you can notice an oily spot, as freon circulates along with the oil.
⚠️ Attention: Filling with freon is not just “topping up gas.” It is necessary to evacuate the system, find the location of the leak, and accurately dose the refrigerant. This can only be done efficiently in a workshop.
Another serious problem is the malfunction of the compressoritself. This is the “heart” of the refrigerator. If it starts up, buzzes for a few seconds and turns off with a click, the thermal protection relay may have tripped. This may be a sign of an interturn short circuit in the motor windings or jamming of the piston group. In this case, the compressor needs to be replaced.
It is also worth mentioning that the capillary tube is clogged. This is the thinnest tube through which freon enters the evaporator. If moisture or oil breakdown products enter the system, an ice or dirt plug will form. The circulation of the refrigerant stops, and cooling becomes impossible.
Failures in the operation of the thermostat and electronics
The thermostat (thermostat) is a device that “tells” the compressor when to turn on and when to turn off. In older models Atlant this is a mechanical “twist” with a capillary tube. If the thermostat is faulty, it may keep its contacts open and the compressor simply won't start. As a result, the chambers will be warm.
In modern models with electronic control, the role of a thermostat is performed by temperature sensors (thermistors). They transmit data to the control module. If the sensor “lies” and shows that the chamber is already -20°C, the module will not give a command to turn on the compressor. Diagnosis of such faults requires checking the resistance of the sensors at different temperatures.
Often users accidentally change the settings. For example, in models with a display, you can accidentally activate the “Vacation” or “Super Freeze” mode, which changes the operating algorithm. It is also worth checking whether the temperature is set correctly. For the main camera, the optimal value is about +4...+5°C.
If you find that the mechanical thermostat does not click when the temperature changes, it should be replaced. This is an inexpensive part and replacing it often brings the refrigerator back to life. Models Atlant are characterized by TAM or K-59 thermostats, which are easy to find on sale.
Diagnostic table of main faults
For ease of systematization of information, we have compiled a table that will help compare symptoms and probable causes. This will simplify the initial diagnosis before calling a technician or starting self-repair.
| Symptom | Probable cause | Difficulty of repair | Necessary actions |
|---|---|---|---|
| The refrigerator hums, but does not freeze | Freon leak, system clogged | High | Call a technician, search for leaks, refill |
| The freezer is working, top warm | Fan malfunction, freezing | Medium | Defrost, fan check |
| Compressor does not start (silence) | Thermostat or starter is faulty relay | Low | Replacing the thermostat or relay |
| The compressor hums and turns off | The compressor or relay is faulty | High | Replacing the start relay or compressor |
Analyzing the data in the table, you can see that many problems can be solved. However, the more complex the symptom, the higher the likelihood of needing professional intervention. Do not underestimate the importance of accurate diagnosis.
Installation errors and external factors
Sometimes the reason that refrigerator compartment does not freeze lies not in a breakdown, but in improper operation or installation. Refrigerator Atlant, like any other equipment, requires certain conditions to be met for effective operation. Ignoring these rules can lead to overheating of the compressor and a decrease in cooling efficiency.
The first rule is the presence of a gap for ventilation. The condenser, located at the back or on the sides (hidden), must release heat to the environment. If the refrigerator is moved close to a wall or furniture, the heat does not escape and efficiency decreases. The minimum gap at the back should be at least 5-7 cm.
The second factor is the temperature in the room. Most refrigerators Atlant are designed to operate at ambient temperatures from +10°C to +32°C. If the room is too hot (above +35°C), the compressor may not be able to cope with the load. If it is too cold (below +10°C), the oil in the compressor thickens and it may not start or work intermittently.
⚠️ Attention: Do not install the refrigerator near heating appliances, stoves or in direct sunlight. This creates an additional thermal load on the system.
It is also worth checking the installation level. If the refrigerator's legs are not adjusted and the door is askew, it may not close tightly. This leads to a constant flow of warm air and freezing of the evaporator. Use a building level to check the horizontal position.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Why does the Atlant refrigerator not turn on after defrosting?
If after defrosting the refrigerator is silent, the thermal protection of the compressor may have tripped due to overheating, or moisture has gotten into the electrical contacts. Let the equipment stand turned off for a few more hours in a dry room. If this does not help, the start relay or the compressor itself may have failed.
Is it possible to operate the refrigerator if the upper chamber does not freeze?
For a short time - yes, the food in the freezer will not spoil. However, prolonged operation in this mode is harmful to the compressor, which will work non-stop. In addition, food in the refrigerator can quickly become unusable. It is better to eliminate the cause.
How often do you need to defrost the Atlant refrigerator with No Frost?
The No Frost system involves automatic defrosting of the evaporator. However, it is recommended to completely defrost the housing itself and wash it 1-2 times a year for hygiene and to check the operation of the system. If the refrigerator requires defrosting more often, this is a sign of a malfunction.
Where is the thermostat located in the Atlant refrigerator?
In mechanical models, the thermostat knob is usually located inside the refrigerator compartment, at the top left or right. The capillary tube goes into the wall. In electronic models, temperature sensors are hidden inside plastic boxes or behind the back wall.
Why does ice form on the back wall of the refrigerator compartment?
A thin crust of ice on the back wall is a normal process for a drip defrosting system (crying evaporator). The ice melts when the compressor rests. If a “fur coat” or icicles grows, this is a sign of a loose door fit or a malfunction of the thermostat.