The situation when the refrigerator Atlant stops freezing always takes you by surprise. The food begins to deteriorate, and an unpleasant damp smell appears inside the chamber. This is one of the most common problems faced by home appliance owners and requires immediate attention. Ignoring the symptoms can lead to complete breakdown of the unit and the need for an expensive compressor replacement.
The reasons for the lack of cold can be trivial, for example, a failure in the settings, or complex technical faults, such as a refrigerant leak. Two-compressor models often behave differently than single-circuit systems, therefore It is important to understand the structure of your particular device. In this article we will analyze in detail the main factors influencing the operation of the freezer.
Before calling a technician, it is worth carrying out the initial diagnostics yourself. Often the problem lies in small things that can be fixed in a few minutes without special tools. However, if we are talking about a complex heat removal system, it is better not to take risks and turn to professionals.
Operation errors and external factors
Before you panic and look for a breakdown in the “inside” of the unit, it is worth checking the most obvious things. Sometimes the reason that Atlant refrigerator does not freeze lies not in technology, but in user actions or environmental conditions. For example, if you have just defrosted the chamber and turned on the device, it takes time for it to enter operating mode.
Pay attention to how tightly the door is closed. If sealing rubber it is worn out or dirt has stuck to it, the cold will escape outward. The compressor will work hard, trying to compensate for the loss of temperature, but the desired result will not be achieved. Check the tightness of the door around the entire perimeter.
It is also worth assessing the temperature in the room. If the refrigerator is located near the radiator, in direct sunlight or in an unheated garage in winter, its operation will be impaired. Climate class Technicians determine the permissible limits of ambient temperatures.
⚠️ Attention: Installing the refrigerator close to the wall (less than 5-7 cm gap) leads to overheating of the capacitor. This is a common reason why the system stops effectively freezing, especially in summer.
Let's consider the main mistakes that users make:
- ❄️ Loading hot or warm products into the chamber, which sharply increases the internal temperature.
- 🚪 Frequent and prolonged opening of doors, especially in hot weather room.
- 🧊 Setting the temperature controller to minimum (maximum cold) is unnecessary.
- 🧹 Lack of regular defrosting (for drip systems), which leads to the formation of an ice coat.
Malfunctions of the thermostat and sensors
One of the key parts that controls the cooling cycle is thermostat (thermostat). It is he who gives the command to the compressor to turn on when the temperature in the chamber rises above the set one. If this element fails, the compressor may simply not receive a signal to start working, and no cold is produced.
In more modern models Atlant with electronic control defrost sensors and air sensors are responsible for the temperature. If the sensor “lies” and shows that the chamber is already -20°C, although the temperature there is above zero, the motor will not start. Diagnosis of such faults requires special equipment - a multimeter or a tester.
Symptoms of a thermostat failure are often expressed in the fact that the refrigerator is either completely silent or works without stopping, without turning off. In the second case, the food may freeze or, conversely, it will be warm in the freezer if the circulation is disrupted.
How to check the thermostat yourself?
For a mechanical thermostat, you can try to close the contacts directly. If the compressor starts working when shorted, the problem is in the regulator. However, this method is not suitable for electronic systems and is dangerous!
Often owners confuse a thermostat breakdown with a freon leak. But if, when you turn it on, you do not hear the characteristic click of the relay or the hum of the motor, you should start checking with the temperature control circuit. Replacing the thermostat is a relatively inexpensive and quick procedure.
Problems with the compressor and start relay
The heart of any refrigerator is compressor. If it doesn't start, there won't be any cold anywhere. There may be several reasons: the motor winding has burned out, the piston mechanism has jammed, or the starting relay has failed. A relay is a small part that supplies a starting impulse to the motor.
If you hear the refrigerator trying to turn on (a click is heard), but immediately turns off, and this repeats cyclically, most likely the problem is in the relay or in the compressor itself. In models Atlant with two motors, one of them may not work, which will lead to a lack of cold in only one of the chambers.
Overheating of the compressor can also block its operation. Modern models have protection that turns off the unit at critical temperatures. If the motor is hot to the touch and the refrigerator does not freeze, let it cool down with it turned off for several hours.
| Symptom | Probable cause | Sound character |
|---|---|---|
| Silence, no reaction | Open circuit, thermostat, relay | Absent |
| Click and silence | Faulty start relay | Single click |
| Humming and shutdown | Compressor jamming | Low humming for 5-10 seconds |
| Works without stopping | Freon leakage, wear | Constant hum |
☑️ Compressor diagnostics
Refrigerant leak and system blockage
If the compressor runs continuously, hums, but there is no cold or it is very weak, most likely it has occurred freon leak. The refrigerant circulates in a closed circuit, and if a microcrack forms in the tubes or evaporator, the gas escapes. Without a sufficient amount of freon, heat is not removed.
Another serious technical problem is clogged capillary tube. An ice or oil blockage may have formed in the system, which is preventing the circulation of the substance. In this case, one part of the refrigerator may freeze, while the other (usually the bottom of the freezer or the main chamber) remains warm.
Signs of a leak are often visible visually: swelling of the back wall inside the chamber or the appearance of oily spots on the outside of the condenser tubes. Repair in this case requires evacuation of the system, searching for the leak and refilling with new gas.
⚠️ Attention: Self-refilling with freon without evacuation of the system is prohibited. Remaining moisture or air will lead to rapid failure of the compressor. Professional equipment is required.
It is important to note that freon itself is not consumed during the work process. If a leak occurs, it means that the seal of the circuit has been compromised. This can happen due to corrosion (especially in older models) or mechanical damage during transportation.
Faults in the No Frost system
Refrigerators Atlant with the system No Frost (or "Crying evaporator" in some models) have a complex system moisture removal. If it is not freezing in the main chamber, but there is ice in the freezer, the problem may be in the fan or defrost heating element.
The fan distributes cold air among the chambers. If it is jammed with ice or the motor burns out, the cold remains in the freezer compartment and does not enter the refrigerator. You may hear extraneous noise or grinding, or a complete absence of sound from the fan.
The defrosting system includes TEN (heater), a timer and a sensor. If this unit does not work, the evaporator becomes overgrown with a “coat” of ice, which blocks the air supply channels. Visually this may not be noticeable, since the evaporator is hidden behind a plastic panel.
To defrost the No Frost system, the refrigerator must be completely unplugged for at least 12-24 hours. Simply turning it off for an hour is not enough, since the ice in hidden channels takes a very long time to melt. After complete defrosting, the equipment can operate in normal mode.
Failures in the electronic control module
In modern models Atlant the entire process is controlled electronically control module. Power surges in the network, lightning strikes, or simply a manufacturing defect can lead to the burning of the board or its individual elements. In this case, signals from the sensors are not processed correctly.
Symptoms of module failure are varied: the refrigerator may turn on and off chaotically, an error will appear on the display, or the unit will completely stop responding to commands. Often before a complete breakdown, indication “glitches” are observed.
Diagnostics of the board requires deep knowledge in electronics. Sometimes it is enough to replace a blown fuse or relay, but in most cases it is necessary to replace the entire module or have it professionally repaired in a workshop.
⚠️ Attention: If you notice that the refrigerator began to behave strangely after a thunderstorm or a power surge, first check the integrity of the fuses in the plug or socket, and then diagnose the board.
It is worth remembering that the warranty period for electronics may differ from the warranty period for the entire refrigerator. When purchasing spare parts, it is important to consider the compatibility of module versions.
Frequently asked questions and answers (FAQ)
Why does the Atlant refrigerator hum, but not freezing?
If the motor is humming, it means it is trying to work. Most often, the reason is a freon leak (the compressor is running empty) or a clogged capillary system. It is also possible that the compressor is jammed, when the shaft cannot turn and the motor only hums.
How long does it take for the refrigerator to reach the temperature after defrosting?
Usually the refrigerator Atlant takes from 2 to 6 hours to reach operating mode. If there is a lot of food in the chamber or the room is hot, the time may increase to 8-10 hours. Do not completely load the chamber with food in the first hours.
Is it possible to use a refrigerator if it does not freeze completely?
You cannot operate equipment with a malfunction. The compressor will work hard trying to reach the set temperature, which will lead to its combustion. In addition, food in a warm environment will quickly deteriorate and can become hazardous to health.
Why does only the freezer freeze in a two-chamber refrigerator?
This is a classic sign of a malfunction of the No Frost system (the air supply channel is frozen) or a freon leak (there is only enough gas for the first circuit of the evaporator). Also, the problem may be in the fan, which does not blow cold into the main chamber.
How often do you need to defrost the Atlant refrigerator?
Models with the system No Frost do not require manual defrosting, it is enough to wash them 1-2 times a year. Drip systems (“Crying Wall”) need to be defrosted manually when the layer of ice on the back wall reaches 5-7 mm, usually 2-3 times a year.