The situation when a refrigerator Stinol works without interruption is familiar to many owners of household appliances of this brand. This is not just an annoying compressor noise, but also a signal that the cooling system cannot reach the set temperature parameters. In two-chamber models, where the circulation of the refrigerant is more complex than in single-chamber analogues, such a failure can lead to spoilage of products and failure of expensive components of the unit.
Constant operation of the engine causes it to overheat, which significantly reduces the service life compressor. If you notice that the equipment hums for hours and does not go into rest mode, you cannot ignore it. It is necessary to quickly identify the cause, since the future fate of your refrigerator and the amount of financial costs for its restoration depend on timely diagnosis.
In this article we will analyze in detail why Stinol refrigerator it stopped turning off, which components most often fail and whether it is possible to fix the problem yourself. We will consider both simple operating errors and complex technical malfunctions that require the intervention of a specialist.
⚠️ Attention: Prolonged operation of the compressor at temperatures above 80-90 degrees Celsius can lead to melting of the start relay or jamming of the engine piston group.
Malfunctions of the thermostat and thermostat
The most common reason why a two-chamber refrigerator Stinol does not turn off lies in the temperature sensor. The temperature regulator (thermostat) is responsible for opening the electrical circuit of the compressor at the moment when the set temperature is reached inside the chambers. If the contacts inside the device stick or oxidize, the signal to stop the engine is simply not received, and the unit continues to freeze until it stops.
In models with electronically controlled an air sensor is responsible for this process, which may give incorrect readings due to a broken wiring or failure of the sensor itself. In mechanical models, such as classic Stinol 101, 102, 104, a capillary tube is used, which, if there is mechanical damage or leakage of freon inside the bellows, also stops responding to changes in heat.
Diagnostics of the thermostat requires caution. If you hear a characteristic click when turning the regulator knob, this is not a guarantee that it is working properly. It often happens that the circuit opens, but when it cools down it does not close again, or vice versa - it remains closed constantly.
⚠️ Attention: Before checking the thermostat, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply. Working with live electrical contacts is life-threatening.
To replace the thermostat in Stinol often you need to remove the top cover of the refrigerator compartment and dismantle the plastic casing that hides the contacts. It is important to choose an analogue with identical parameters, since the length of the capillary tube and the temperature range of operation may differ for different models.
Refrigerant leakage and problems with freon
If the refrigerator Stinol hums, but does not turn off, when If the chambers are warm or the products are only slightly cooled, there is a high probability of leakage refrigerant. Freon circulates in a closed circuit, and its quantity should not change during the entire service life. However, over time, microcracks may form in the welds of the evaporator or in the places where the tubes are soldered, through which the gas evaporates.
If there is insufficient amount of freon, the compressor tries to compensate for the lack of cold by working in increased mode. It pumps the remaining gas, but the pressure in the system is not enough for the thermostat to record the desired temperature and turn off the engine. Visually, this can manifest itself in the form of swelling of the side walls of the refrigerator (if the condenser is built into the body) or the formation of an ice “coat” in only one corner of the freezer.
It is difficult to find the leak on your own, since the gas is odorless and colorless. Craftsmen use special leak detectors or the water immersion method (for dismantled components). An attempt to simply add freon without finding and eliminating the leak is a temporary measure that will lead to repeated breakdowns in a few days or weeks.
Is it possible to fill a refrigerator with freon yourself?
Theoretically, it is possible if you have the equipment (vacuum pump, pressure gauge station, scales) and soldering skills. However, without evacuation of the system (removing air and moisture), the compressor will quickly fail, and the mixture of freon with air can become explosive or cause blockage of the capillary tube with ice.
It is worth noting that in modern models Stinol with the system No Frost the leak can be hidden in the foamed part of the housing. In such cases, repairs often require the installation of an external evaporator (“crying” on the back wall), since replacing the foamed circuit is not economically feasible.
Malfunctions of the compressor and start relay
When the refrigerator Stinol does not turn off, the problem may lie in the very “heart” of the unit - compressor. Over time, the motor-compressor loses its performance. The piston group wears out, compression drops, and the engine is physically unable to reach the required pressure in the system during a standard operating cycle. As a result, it works continuously, trying to compensate for its weak power.
Another culprit is starting relay. This small element is responsible for starting the engine and protecting it from overloads. If the relay is stuck in the “on” position, the compressor will run constantly, even if the temperature in the chamber has already reached a minimum. A malfunction of the relay can be determined by a characteristic crackling sound when trying to start or by the fact that the engine gets very hot, but does not turn off.
Checking the compressor includes measuring the current and discharge pressure. If the current consumption is lower than the rated one, and the pressure does not increase, there is a loss of motor performance. In such cases, a complete replacement of the compressor unit is necessary.
☑️ Compressor diagnostics
Replacing a compressor is a complex procedure that requires soldering copper tubes, evacuating the system and accurately filling with freon. This work should only be carried out by a qualified specialist with the appropriate equipment.
Problems with the No Frost system and defrost sensors
In two-chamber refrigerators Stinol with the system No Frost a frequent cause of continuous operation is a failure in the defrosting algorithm. The evaporator defrost sensors and a timer (or electronic module) are responsible for this process. If the sensor is “stuck” and does not give a signal that the evaporator has warmed up, or the timer does not switch modes, the refrigerator may go into an endless cooling cycle or, conversely, not exit the defrost mode, which causes constant operation of the heating element and attempts by the compressor to cool the defrosting air.
A situation often occurs when the defrost sensor shows an incorrect temperature due to oxidation of the contacts or circuit break. The control module “thinks” that there is no ice on the evaporator and does not turn on the heater, or does not see that defrosting has completed and does not give a command for cooling, disrupting the operation cycles.
System diagnostics No Frost requires testing the sensors with a multimeter. The resistance of a working sensor changes depending on the temperature. If the device shows a break or short circuit at any temperature, the element must be replaced.
Violation of tightness and thermal insulation
Sometimes the reason that the refrigerator Stinol does not turn off is trivial and lies in the violation of the tightness of the chambers. If the rubber sealant on the doors is worn out, dirty or deformed, warm air from the room constantly enters the chamber. The compressor is forced to work without stopping to cool this flow.
You can check the tightness in a simple way: clamp a sheet of paper between the door and the body around the entire perimeter. If the paper pulls out too easily without resistance, the seal is poor. It is also worth inspecting the door hinges - if they are loose, the door warps and does not close tightly.
Another factor is thermal insulation. In older models Stinol over time, the insulation in the walls of the case may become damp and lose its properties, especially if the refrigerator has been standing in an unheated room for a long time or has been subjected to mechanical damage.
⚠️ Attention: Frequently opening the door or installing hot products also makes the refrigerator work in increased mode. This is not a breakdown, but it leads to excessive energy consumption.
Comparative table of faults
For ease of diagnosis, the main symptoms and probable causes can be summarized in a table. This will help you quickly figure out the nature of the problem.
| Symptom | Probable cause | Necessary actions |
|---|---|---|
| The refrigerator is humming, the chambers are warm | Leakage freon, compressor is faulty | Call a technician to find a leak and refill |
| The freezer is working, the refrigerator compartment is warm | The thermostat is faulty, the capillary tube is clogged | Replacing the thermostat or purging the system |
| The compressor is hot, does not turn off | Sticking start relay, motor wear | Replacing the relay or compressor |
| Ice in only one corner of the freezer | Partial refrigerant leak | Circuit repair and refilling with freon |
| The refrigerator freezes too much | Thermostat malfunction | Replacing the thermostat |
When you need to call a professional
Understanding when you can do it yourself and when you need a professional is critically important. If the problem is solved by replacing the light bulb, adjusting the legs or replacing the seal, you can act independently. However, if we are talking about freon, soldering tubes, replacing a compressor or complex electronics of the control module, it is better not to take risks.
Unqualified intervention in the refrigerant circulation system can lead to the fact that a simple repair turns into a complete replacement of the refrigerator. Craftsmen use specialized tools: vacuum pumps, freon dispensers, leak detectors and burners for soldering with silver-containing solders.
In addition, a professional craftsman will give a guarantee for the work performed. In the case of refrigerators Stinolwhich may no longer be young, it is important to assess the economic feasibility of repairs. If the cost of the work exceeds 50% of the price of a new analogue, it may be worth considering purchasing new equipment.
Can the refrigerator not turn off due to power surges?
Yes, power surges can damage the electronic control board or the starting relay. As a result, the relay may stick, or the module will stop correctly reading sensor readings, issuing a command to constantly operate the compressor. To protect equipment, it is recommended to use a voltage stabilizer.
How long should a Stinol refrigerator operate normally?
In normal mode, the refrigerator operates cyclically: it works for about 15-20 minutes and rests for 30-40 minutes. The work coefficient is about 0.3–0.5. If the unit operates more than 50% of the time without interruption under normal load conditions and room temperature, this is a cause for concern.
What to do if after defrosting the refrigerator does not turn off?
If after complete defrosting (at least 24 hours) the refrigerator Stinol starts working again without stopping, then defrosting is not possible eliminated the root cause. Most likely, the problem is technical: a freon leak, a thermostat malfunction, or compressor wear. It is necessary to diagnose the nodes.
Does the temperature in the room affect the operation of the refrigerator?
Of course. If the refrigerator is located next to a radiator, stove, or in direct sunlight, heat exchange is disrupted. The compressor has to work longer and harder to remove heat from the chambers. It is also not recommended to operate conventional refrigerators at room temperatures below +10°C or above +32°C.