Owners of Belarusian equipment often face a situation when two-compressor refrigerator ceases to perform its main function. If the temperature in the refrigerator compartment remains the same, but food in the freezer begins to defrost, this indicates that the problem is localized in the low temperature circuit. The two-compressor scheme, unlike single-circuit analogues, assumes autonomous operation of two units, which theoretically should increase reliability, but in practice creates specific failure scenarios.
The first thing to do when a malfunction is detected is to exclude trivial causes, such as a loosely closed door or incorrect thermostat settings. However, if you hear that the compressor is running continuously or, conversely, is silent, and there is heat inside the chamber, we are talking about a technical malfunction. Atlant refrigerator, like any complex equipment, is subject to wear of parts, refrigerant leakage or failure of the control electronics.
Further diagnostics is required understanding the operating principle of the system. In two-compressor models, a separate circuit is responsible for the freezer chamber, including a compressor, condenser, capillary tube and evaporator. A disruption in the circulation of freon or the operation of the control elements leads to the fact that cold ceases to be produced or supplied to the chamber volume. Below we will analyze in detail the main reasons why The freezer compartment does not freezeand ways to eliminate them.
Faults in the defrost system No Frost
Modern models Atlant are often equipped with system No Frostwhich prevents the formation of an ice coat. If the freezer has stopped freezing, and a layer of ice is visible on the back wall or, conversely, it is dry and warm, the problem may lie in the defrost system. The main elements of this system - the heating element, defrost sensor and timer (or electronic module) - can fail.
When the heating element burns out, the ice stops melting and gradually freezes on the evaporator, blocking the air circulation channels. As a result, the fan circulates air, but there is no cold in the chamber. If the defrost sensor is faulty, it may not give a command to turn on the heating or, conversely, not turn off the heating in time, which leads to overheating and loss of cold.
- ❄️ A burnt-out evaporator heating element is the most common reason for the lack of defrosting.
- ⏱️ Malfunction of the defrost timer or electronic module controls.
- 🌡️ Failure of the defrost temperature sensor (defroster).
How to check the heating element with a multimeter?
To check, you need to “ring” the heating element with a multimeter in resistance measurement mode. If the device shows infinity (break), it means that the spiral has burned out and requires replacement. The normal resistance of a working heating element is usually from 200 to 400 Ohms.
Diagnostics of the defrost system requires partial disassembly of the freezer chamber and removal of plastic panels.
Freon leakage and problems with the compressor
One of the most serious reasons, why Atlant refrigerator it does not freeze is a refrigerant leak. Freon circulates in a closed circuit, and if the tightness of the system is broken (due to corrosion, mechanical damage or manufacturing defects), the gas gradually evaporates. The compressor starts working without interruption, trying to gain temperature, but there is no cold.
In two-compressor models, a leak often occurs in the foamed part of the body or in the heating circuit of the door perimeter. Symptoms may vary: the freezer may work poorly or not turn on at all if the compressor’s thermal protection has tripped due to overheating. It is also possible that the compressor itself fails - “cleaning” of the mechanical part or combustion of the windings.
| Symptom | Probable cause | Necessary actions |
|---|---|---|
| The compressor hums, but does not start | Motor jammed or faulty start relay | Replacing the relay or compressor |
| The compressor runs constantly, there is no cold | Freon leak or clogged capillary tube | Looking for leaks, evacuation, filling |
| Hot condenser (grid at the back) | Normal operation or system blockage | Diagnostics of pressure in the system |
⚠️ Attention: Self-filling the refrigerator with freon is impossible without specialized equipment (vacuum pump, pressure gauge station, scales). An attempt to refuel “by eye” will lead to compressor failure.
If you notice that the tubes inside the chamber or on the rear wall are unevenly covered with frost, or they are completely dry and warm when the engine is running, this is a sure sign of a problem with the refrigerant circulation. In such cases, you need to call a technician to carry out a full diagnostic of the pressure in the system.
Malfunctions of the thermostat and sensors
In two-compressor refrigerators Atlant the temperature in the freezer is controlled by its own thermostat (in mechanical models) or sensor (in electronic ones). If this control fails, the compressor simply does not receive a signal to turn on. As a result, the food is defrosted, although outwardly the equipment may seem to be working properly.
Mechanical thermostats lose sensitivity over time or the contacts stick. Electronic sensors can give incorrect resistance readings, which is why the control module “thinks” that the chamber is already cold enough and blocks the compressor from starting. Diagnostics is carried out by testing contacts or measuring the resistance of the sensor at different temperatures.
Replacing the thermostat is a relatively simple procedure, but requires precision. It is important to install an element with similar characteristics, otherwise the operation of the refrigerator will be disrupted. In electronic models, it is often necessary to reflash the module or completely replace it if the control circuit fails.
Clogged capillary tube
Another technical malfunction leading to a lack of cold is clogged capillary tube. During operation, microscopic oxide particles, paraffin plugs or ice crystals (if moisture is present) may form in the freon circulation system. They block the narrow cross-section of the capillary, preventing the flow of refrigerant.
Signs of a blockage are often similar to a leak: the compressor works, but the evaporator does not cool. However, if you touch the condenser (the grille at the back), it may only be hot at the beginning or, conversely, cold, and the compressor itself may become very hot due to operation in high pressure mode.
Removing the blockage requires purging the system with high pressure nitrogen and replacing the filter drier. This is a complex procedure that cannot be performed at home without a set of tools from a refrigeration technician. Attempts to “break through” the blockage on your own can lead to depressurization of the circuit.
Problems with the fan and air circulation
In models with the system No Frost the fan is responsible for the distribution of cold air. If it stops working, cold air from the evaporator does not enter the freezer volume, remaining behind the rear wall. As a result, the products are defrosted, although the evaporator itself may be covered with frost.
The reasons for the fan stopping are trivial: wear of the bearings, freezing of the blades due to a violation of the defrosting system, or broken wiring. Often, before stopping completely, the fan begins to make extraneous sounds - creaking, humming or crackling, which serves as the first warning signal for the owner.
- 🌀 Freezing of the fan blades due to poor defrosting.
- ⚙️ Wear of bushings or bearings of the fan motor.
- 🔌 Open circuit or control module malfunction.
Checking the fan is carried out visually and by checking the continuity of the motor windings. If the motor is working properly, but does not spin when turned on, the problem may be a lack of voltage, which indicates a malfunction of the control board or switching circuits.
Electronic control module and wiring
In modern two-compressor refrigerators Atlant The entire process is controlled by an electronic module. Power surges in the network, moisture ingress during defrosting, or a manufacturing defect can damage the “brains” of the equipment. In this case, signals from the sensors are not processed correctly, and commands to turn on the compressor or fan are not received.
Often, a module malfunction is accompanied by chaotic behavior of indicators on the control panel or their complete absence. However, in some cases, the module may remain partially operational, controlling one circuit (refrigerator), but ignoring the second (freezer).
⚠️ Attention: Before replacing the control module, be sure to check the integrity of the wiring and connectors. Oxidized contacts or frayed wires can simulate an electronics failure.
Module diagnostics require special knowledge in electronics. In most cases, if a malfunction is confirmed, the entire board is replaced or the memory chip is re-flashed in a service center.
☑️ Diagnostics before calling a technician
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Why does the two-compressor Atlant hum loudly, but does not freeze?
A loud hum in the absence of cold often indicates that the compressor is running “idle” due to a freon leak or a clogged system. This may also be a sign of a faulty start relay that cannot start the motor, or mechanical jamming of the compressor.
How long should the refrigerator freeze after defrosting?
After complete defrosting and turning on, the two-compressor refrigerator Atlant should increase the temperature in the freezer to nominal (usually -18°C) for 2-4 hours. If the temperature does not drop in 6-8 hours, there is no frost on the walls, and the food is warm, repairs are required.
Is it possible to operate a refrigerator if one chamber does not freeze?
You can operate equipment with a faulty freezer temporarily, only in refrigerator mode. However, this will lead to increased energy consumption and wear on the operating compressor. It is recommended to eliminate the malfunction as soon as possible.
What to do if there is ice frozen in the Atlant freezer, but there is no cold?
This is a classic sign of a malfunction of the defrost system (the heating element or sensor has burned out) or the fan has stopped. Ice blocks air circulation. It is necessary to completely defrost the refrigerator (at least 12-24 hours) and call a technician to replace the elements of the defrost system.