The situation when the refrigerator compartment Atlant suddenly stops the required temperature is maintained, but the food begins to deteriorate, is familiar to many owners of this equipment. Most often, users notice the problem by melting ice, soft ice cream, or a characteristic spoilage smell emanating from stored supplies. It is important to understand that two-chamber models of this brand are designed so that cold enters the upper chamber from the freezer located below.
If the lower compartment works properly and freezes water, and the upper compartment is warm, this indicates a violation of the refrigerant circulation or a failure in the control system. Ignoring the first symptoms may lead to complete breakdown of the compressor, the repair of which will cost much more. In this article we will analyze in detail the mechanical and electrical causes of the malfunction.
Before calling a technician, it is necessary to carry out an initial diagnosis to eliminate common operating errors. Often the problem lies not in a breakdown of the unit, but in incorrect settings or violation of the rules for placing products. If the compressor runs continuously without stopping, but there is no cold, this is a sure sign of a freon leak or a clogged system.
The main reasons for the lack of cold in the upper compartment
The most common reason why The refrigerator Atlant stops freezing in the upper compartment, due to a violation of the tightness of the circuit. Freon circulating in the system is a working fluid that transfers heat. If a hole is formed in the tubes, gas escapes and the pressure drops. As a result, the refrigerant simply does not reach the evaporator located behind the rear wall of the refrigeration chamber.
Another common reason is the failure of thermostat or the electronic control module. The thermostat is responsible for turning the compressor on and off depending on the temperature inside the chambers. If its contacts are “stuck” in the open state or the sensor transmits incorrect readings to the controller, the motor-compressor simply will not start. In models with a system No Frost a fan is also responsible for the distribution of cold, a malfunction of which leads to air stagnation.
Clogged capillary tube is another technical defect typical of equipment that has been in use for more than 7-10 years. Ice plugs may form in the circulation system or oil and freon oxidation products may accumulate. This creates a mechanical obstacle to the movement of the refrigerant, due to which the pressure in the evaporator drops and cooling stops.
⚠️ Attention: If you hear gurgling or hissing inside the housing after the compressor stops, this may indicate that there is still freon, but the system is not working correctly. Do not try to open sealed tubes yourself.
Diagnostics of the thermostat and control system
Checking the thermostat is the first step that you can do yourself without a special tool. In refrigerators Atlant with mechanical controls, the thermostat is usually located inside the chamber or on the front panel. If, when you turn the regulator knob, you do not hear a characteristic click and the compressor does not respond, there is a high probability of a malfunction of this unit.
In models with electronic control, control moduleis responsible for all processes. Malfunctions in its operation can be caused by power surges in the network. If the display shows erroneous indicators or indicators flash, you need to check the integrity of the wiring and contacts. The terminals suitable for the temperature sensor often oxidize, which leads to a break in the control circuit.
To accurately diagnose the electrical part with a multimeter, you need to ring the contacts of the thermostat. In the “on” position, the circuit should ring, and when the sensor is cooled (for example, by putting it in the freezer for 15 minutes), it should open. If the circuit does not close even at room temperature, the part requires replacement.
Problems with the compressor and engine compartment
The compressor is the “heart” of the refrigerator, and its incorrect operation directly affects the ability of the unit to freeze. If the engine hums but does not start, or starts for a few seconds and stalls with a click, the problem may be with the start protection relay. This element protects the motor windings from overloads and, if it fails, blocks the start.
In more serious cases, motor windings or mechanical wear of the piston group are observed. In such situations, the compressor may operate silently or make an uncharacteristic metallic knock. Repairing the compressor at home is impossible; it must be replaced with a new unit of the same marking. turn-to-turn short circuit motor windings or mechanical wear of the piston group. In such situations, the compressor may operate silently or make an uncharacteristic metallic knock. Repairing the compressor at home is impossible; it must be replaced with a new unit of the same marking.
It is also worth paying attention to the cooling system of the motor itself. If the refrigerator is located close to the wall or the radiator grille at the back is covered with a layer of dust and animal hair, the compressor will overheat and go into protection. This is a common reason why equipment Atlant does not freeze well in the summer.
☑️ Engine compartment diagnostics
No Frost system and problems with defrosting
In refrigerators Atlantequipped with a system No Frost, the lack of cold in the upper chamber is often associated with the formation of an ice coat on the evaporator. Normally, this fur coat should thaw regularly thanks to the heating element and defrost timer. If one of the elements of this chain fails, the ice blocks the air channels, and cold air simply does not enter the refrigerator compartment.
The main culprits of such a breakdown:
- ❄️ Defrost heating element - it burns out and stops heating the evaporator.
- ⏱️ Defrost timer — “sticks” in cooling mode and does not switch the system to defrost.
- 🌡️ Sensor defrost —incorrectly reads the temperature and does not give a command to turn on the heater.
- 💨 Fan —freezes or fails, stopping air circulation.
To identify the problem, you need to defrost the refrigerator for 10-12 hours. If, after complete defrosting and turning on, the unit begins to freeze normally, but after 1-2 weeks the problem returns, it means that the defrosting system is faulty. A visual inspection of the evaporator (partial disassembly of the back wall in the freezer is required) will confirm the presence of an ice shell.
⚠️ Attention: Do not use sharp objects to chip the ice inside the freezer. Damage to the evaporator tubes will lead to an immediate release of freon and expensive repairs.
Table of symptoms and probable malfunctions
To simplify diagnostics, we suggest that you familiarize yourself with the summary table, which will help compare the visible signs of failure with the possible cause. This will allow you to more accurately describe the problem to the technician over the phone.
| Symptom | Probable cause | Difficulty of repair |
|---|---|---|
| The compressor is silent, there is no light | No power, burnt out socket or wire | Low |
| Buzzes, but does not start | Faulty starting relay or compressor | Medium |
| Works without stopping, cold no | Freon leak or capillary blockage | High |
| It freezes slightly, ice freezes | Malfunction of the defrost system (No Frost) | Average |
| It turns on and turns off immediately | Problems with the thermostat or module | Average |
Is it possible to replace the compressor yourself?
Replacing a compressor requires special equipment: a vacuum pump for pumping out air, a pressure gauge station and a torch for soldering copper tubes. In addition, it is necessary to know exactly the type and amount of freon being charged. Without experience and tools, such an operation is doomed to failure.
The influence of freon leaks and blockages on the operation of the unit
A refrigerant leak is a critical malfunction that cannot be eliminated without calling a specialist. Freon circulates in a closed circuit, and if it leaves, it means a microcrack has formed. Most often this happens in places where tubes are soldered or in the foamed part of the body, where the metal is subject to corrosion. Refilling Without finding and eliminating the leak, it makes no sense, since the gas will leave again after a short time.
A clogged capillary tube is often accompanied by the formation of an ice plug. This happens if there is moisture in the system, which freezes at the narrowest point of the circuit. As a result, the compressor works, trying to push freon, but circulation is impossible. A characteristic sign is a hot condenser (grid at the back) only in the upper part, while the lower part remains cold.
To eliminate these problems, the technician performs the following actions:
- 🔍 Finds the leak using a leak detector or soap solution.
- 🔥 Solders the damaged area or changes the section of the tube.
- 💨 Vacuums the system to remove moisture and air.
- 💉 Fills the unit with new freon strictly by weight.
Operation rules for extending service life
In order for the refrigerator Atlant to serve for a long time and not cause problems with cooling, it is important to follow simple operating rules. Do not overload the chamber with food, especially in fast freezing mode, as this will place excessive stress on the compressor. Also, do not place hot foods in the chamber, which upset the temperature balance and contribute to the formation of ice.
Regularly wash the condenser grille at the back of the refrigerator to remove dust. A clogged radiator impairs heat transfer, causing the engine to wear out. Check the integrity of the sealing rubber on the doors: if it does not fit tightly, warm, moist air enters the chamber, which leads to freezing and malfunctions.
Compliance with the temperature regime is also important. Do not set the regulator to the maximum value unless necessary, especially in winter in an unheated room. For most models Atlant the optimal position of the thermostat is the middle of the scale.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Why does the Atlant refrigerator freeze only near the back wall?
This may be a sign of an incipient freon leak or blockage. The refrigerator operates at its maximum capacity, so cooling occurs only in the area of direct contact with the evaporator. Diagnostics of the pressure in the system is required.
Is it possible to operate a refrigerator if it does not freeze at the top?
Short-term - yes, but you cannot store perishable foods. Long-term operation in this mode (especially if the compressor does not turn off) will lead to overheating and burning of the motor windings.
How long should defrosting last in case of problems with No Frost?
To completely defrost the ice in the hidden channels and on the evaporator, the refrigerator must stand turned off with the doors open for at least 10-12 hours, preferably a day.
Will the refrigerator be replaced under warranty if it stops freezing?
If the warranty period has not expired and the breakdown is not caused by mechanical damage or improper operation, the manufacturer is obliged to eliminate the defect. If repairs are impossible or if the item breaks again, an exchange of goods is possible.