The situation when double-chamber refrigerator the Atlant brand suddenly ceases to perform its functions always takes us by surprise. Products begin to deteriorate, and water appears on the shelves or, conversely, ice builds up where there should not be any. Owners are often faced with the fact that refrigerator compartment works normally, but the freezer becomes warm, or the equipment hums, but does not produce cold at all.
Before calling a technician, it is worth carrying out an initial inspection diagnostics, since the problem does not always lie in a complex breakdown compressor or refrigerant leak. Sometimes the reason is simple: incorrect settings, a faulty sensor or clogged drainage. Understanding the design of your model Atlant will help save time and money.
In this article we will analyze in detail the mechanics of the system No Frost and drip defrosting so that you can accurately determine the source of the malfunction. We will consider both software failures and physical damage to the unit components.
Symptoms and initial diagnosis of the malfunction
The first step should always be a visual and auditory assessment of the condition of the equipment. If Atlant refrigerator it doesn't freeze, it can manifest itself in different ways. In some cases, the motor hums continuously without turning off, in others there is deathly silence, and in others the unit turns on for a couple of minutes and goes silent again.
Pay attention to the nature of the ice in the freezer. If you see a “fur coat” only on the back wall, and the food in the corner is warm, air circulation may be impaired. If there is no ice completely and the temperature is above zero, the problem is more serious.
⚠️ Attention: If you smell burning or see sparking in the compressor area, immediately unplug the device. Continued operation may result in a fire.
It is important to check whether the light inside is on when you open the door. This is a basic test that is often ignored. Also listen to the sounds: gurgling, clicking or whistling may indicate a specific unit that requires replacement.
Problems with the thermostat and temperature sensors
One of the most common reasons why two-chamber refrigerator stops cooling is the failure of the thermostat. This element is responsible for sending a signal to turn the engine on and off. If thermostat is stuck in the "Off" position, the compressor simply will not receive a command to start.
In modern Atlant models, instead of a mechanical regulator, electronic ones can be used temperature sensors. They transmit data to the control module. If one of the sensors is lying, the “brain” of the refrigerator may think that the cold has already been reached and not turn on the cooling.
How to check the thermostat without instruments?
Remove the thermostat and short-circuit the two wires coming from the network directly. If the refrigerator starts, the problem is in the regulator. However, this method is dangerous for beginners and requires skills in working with electricity.
Diagnostics of an electronic unit requires a special tester. Often the problem lies not in the sensor itself, but in the oxidized contacts of the wiring going to it. Moisture condensing inside the housing gradually destroys the insulation.
Faults of the compressor and start relay
The heart of any refrigerator is compressor. If it doesn't start, there won't be any cold anywhere. Often, it is not the “heart” itself that is to blame, but the starting relay - a device that provides the initial impulse to start the motor. If the relay is burned out, you will hear a characteristic click, followed by silence or humming.
In more severe cases, the compressor itself fails. This may be an interturn short circuit of the winding or a mechanical wedge of the piston group. In such a situation two-chamber Atlant it may hum, trying to start, but then the thermal protection is triggered and it turns off.
Replacing a compressor is a complex process that requires evacuation of the system and charging with freon. It is practically impossible to carry out this procedure independently without professional equipment.
☑️ Compressor diagnostics
Refrigerant leak and capillary system clogged
If freon (refrigerant) has evaporated from the system, cooling becomes physically impossible. Leaks often occur in places where tubes are soldered or in the evaporator if it is damaged during careless defrosting. A sign of a leak is weak cold or its absence when the compressor is running.
Another problem is clogged capillary tube. Oil circulates in the system, which over time can thicken or mix with breakdown products, forming a plug. Freon cannot circulate, and the pressure in the system drops.
⚠️ Attention: Freon is odorless and colorless. If you suspect a leak, don't rely on your sense of smell. A leak is indicated only by indirect signs: a hot condenser on the back wall and a lack of cold inside.
To fix these problems, you need to call a technician. He will find the leak using a leak detector, seal it and fill the system with new gas at the required pressure. Independent attempts to “top up” the gas without eliminating the hole are useless.
Failure of the defrost system (No Frost)
In models with the system No Frost there is often a problem with ice buildup on the evaporator, which is hidden behind the rear panel. If the defrost system (heating element, timer or defrost sensor) breaks down, ice blocks the air channels. Cold air simply does not enter the chambers.
Visually it may look like this: the freezer is working, but weakly, and the refrigerator compartment is warm. Or you hear the fan trying to spin, but ice blocks its blades, making a cracking sound.
To check, you need to remove the back panel in the freezer. If you see a huge piece of ice there, and the heating element is cold and does not ring with the tester, the problem has been found. The defrost sensor could also have failed, which “does not see” that the ice has melted and does not give a command to turn on the cooling.
Table of main faults and solution methods
For convenience, we will systematize the received data. Below is a table to help compare symptoms with probable causes.
| Symptom | Probable cause | Difficulty of repair | Required actions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Compressor does not start, silence | The thermostat or relay is faulty | Low | Replacing the relay or thermostat |
| Buzzes, clicks and turns off | Wedge compressor or burnt starter | High | Replacement of the starter, if unsuccessful - compressor |
| Works constantly, no cold | Freon leak or blockage | High | Searching for leaks, soldering, filling |
| Ice in the freezer, heat in the refrigerator | No Frost system failure | Average | Checking the heating element, timer, sensor |
Influence of external factors and rules operation
The breakdown does not always lie inside the mechanism. Sometimes Atlant refrigerator it does not freeze due to incorrect installation. If the unit stands close to the wall or in a niche without gaps, heat transfer is disrupted. The condenser (grid at the back) does not give off heat, and efficiency drops.
The temperature in the room is also critical. If the refrigerator is located in an unheated country house or balcony, where the temperature is below +10°C or above +32°C, it may not start or work intermittently. The oil in the compressor thickens in the cold, and in the heat the system overheats.
Another factor is dense packing of food. If you cover the air ducts with bags of food, air circulation in the system No Frost stops. The cold simply does not reach the sensors and products.
Is it possible to place a refrigerator near a radiator?
It is strictly not recommended. Heating the side wall will lead to wear and tear on the compressor and rapid failure of the seals.
When you need to call a professional technician
There is a limit beyond which a home craftsman should not go. If the diagnostics showed a freon leak, the need to replace the compressor, or a complex repair of the electronic control module, you need a specialist. These works require a license, tools and knowledge.
An attempt to solder the tubes yourself or replace the motor without a vacuum sealer will result in moisture and air remaining in the system. This is guaranteed to kill the new compressor in a short time.
⚠️ Attention: By opening the sealed circuit yourself, you lose the official warranty on the device. If the warranty period is still valid, contact an authorized service.
A professional technician will not only replace the part, but also check adjacent components, clean the system of combustion products (if there was a burnt out motor) and give a guarantee for their work.
Prevention and care of two-chamber models
For two-chamber refrigerator Atlant to serve for a long time, it needs prevention. Regular defrosting (even for the No Frost system is recommended once a year) helps remove plaque and check the condition of the seals.
Keep the condenser clean at the back. Dust and animal hair clogging the grille cause the motor to overload. You need to vacuum it at least once every six months.
Check the tightness of the doors. If the seal (“rubber band”) is dry or dirty, the cold goes away and warm, moist air gets inside. This leads to increased ice formation and stress on the compressor.
Why does the Atlant refrigerator work, but does not freeze after defrosting?
A common reason - you turned on the device too early. After defrosting, you need to wait 4-6 hours for the oil to drain into the compressor crankcase. If you turn it on immediately, water hammer or operation without lubrication is possible.
What to do if it is warm in the refrigerator compartment, but normal in the freezer?
Most likely, the cold air supply channel from the freezer to the refrigerator compartment is clogged with ice or food. The damper-air flow regulator could also have failed.
Is it possible to replace the thermostat with an analogue from another manufacturer?
Yes, if the mounting dimensions, capillary tube length and temperature response range match. However, it is better to look for original spare parts or high-quality analogues certified for Atlant.
How often do you need to defrost the Atlant No Frost refrigerator?
Technically, the No Frost system does not require frequent defrosting. However, once a year (or if a smell appears), it is recommended to turn off the device for a day to completely defrost the hidden evaporator and wash the internal channels.
Why is the sound of flowing water heard if the refrigerator does not freeze?
The sound of flowing liquid (freon) is normally faintly audible. If the sound is loud and gurgling, but there is no cold, this is a sign of a freon leak or the presence of air in the system due to poor-quality previous repairs.