The situation when it is warm, food begins to deteriorate, and In refrigerator compartment warm, food begins to deteriorate, and freezer compartment ice order still reigns, which is a classic symptom of a malfunction of dual-circuit systems. For equipment owners Atlant this is a common problem that can indicate a whole range of problems: from banal freezing to a serious refrigerant leak. Understanding the physics of the process helps not to panic and correctly diagnose a breakdown.
In two-compressor models, independent units are responsible for cooling different zones, so the failure of one of them does not affect the operation of the other. However, in single-compressor systems with one evaporator, a violation of the circulation of air or refrigerant leads to an imbalance of temperatures. Freezer often continues to work, since the evaporator is located there, and the cold simply stops flowing into the upper chamber.
Before calling a technician or disassembling the unit, it is necessary to carry out an initial diagnosis. This will save time and, possibly, money if the problem lies in improper operation or incorrect settings. In this article we will analyze in detail all the probable causes and ways to eliminate them.
The principle of operation of the No Frost system and static refrigerators
To understand why it doesn’t work the main camera, you need to know the structure of your Atlanta. In models with the No Frost system, the cold is generated in a hidden evaporator, usually located behind the back wall of the freezer. The fan forces this cold air through the ducts into the refrigerator compartment. If the fan stops or the channels become clogged with ice, circulation stops.
In static models (drip system), the evaporator is located directly in the freezer compartment or in the partition between the chambers. The cold falls down naturally or is supplied through small holes. The condition thermostat and tightness of the door are critically important here. Any gap disrupts the temperature balance, forcing the compressor to wear out, but not providing proper cooling of the upper zone.
The difference in the operation of these systems colossal. In No Frost a frequent problem is a malfunction of the defrost system, while in drip models there is a freon leak or a thermostat failure. Incorrect diagnosis can lead to the replacement of serviceable parts.
Malfunctions of the defrost system (Defrost)
One of the most common reasons why Atlant refrigerator stops cooling in the upper compartment when the freezer is running is a failure in the automatic defrosting system. A “coat” of ice grows on the evaporator, hidden behind a plastic panel. Over time, this ice completely blocks the channels through which cold air should enter the fridge compartment.
Visually, you may not notice the problem, since the ice is hidden inside the case. However, if you listen closely, you will notice that it compressor works almost non-stop, trying to lower the temperature, but to no avail. At some point, ice can even block the fan, and then the freezer will also become warmer, but until this moment it often continues to freeze.
Hidden signs of a defrost malfunction
If you see that the back wall in the refrigerator compartment is covered with an uneven layer frost or, conversely, absolutely dry and warm, while there is ice in the freezer - this is a sure sign of problems with defrosting.
Three key elements are responsible for the defrosting process: Heating element (heating element), thermal sensor (or timer) and a fuse. If any of them fails, the ice does not melt, but accumulates with each cycle. Sooner or later, it turns into a monolith that blocks the airflow.
To test this hypothesis, there is a simple but time-consuming method - complete defrosting. Unplug the appliance, open the doors and leave it for at least 24 hours. If, after switching on, cold appeared in both chambers, but after a few days the situation repeated itself, the problem is definitely in the defrost system components.
☑️ Symptoms of defrost system failure
Refrigerant leak (Freon)
The second most common cause of temperature imbalance is partial freon leak. The refrigerant circulates in a closed circuit: first it passes through the freezer, cooling it, and then enters the circuit of the refrigerator compartment. If a microcrack has formed in the system, the amount of gas decreases.
If there is a shortage of freon, it is only enough for the first stage of the cycle - freezing food in the freezer. The refrigerant simply does not reach the upper chamber or arrives already warm. Unlike the defrosting system, defrosting for 24 hours will not help here: the cold either will not appear at all or will appear for a very short time.
⚠️ Attention: You can only search for leaks using soapy water on visible external tubes (condenser). Internal leaks in the foamed part of the body or in the evaporator can only be found by a specialist using a leak detector and pressure gauges.
Often leaks occur at soldering points or as a result of metal corrosion, especially in older models. Atlant. If you notice that the compressor turns on rarely or operates in very short cycles, and the condenser grille at the back remains only partially cold or warm, this is an almost guaranteed leak.
Repair in this case requires skill: you need to find the leak, solder it, evacuate the system and refill freon under a strictly defined pressure. Using the wrong refrigerant or violating the charging technology can permanently damage the unit.
Problems with the thermostat and sensors
Thermoregulator (thermostat) is the “brain” that commands the compressor to turn on or off. In refrigerators Atlant with mechanical control, this is a knob with numbers inside the chamber. If its sensitive element (bellows tube) has moved or the mechanism itself is stuck, the refrigerator may “think” that the chamber is already cold and does not turn on the motor.
In models with electronic control, the temperature is controlled sensors. There may be several of them: one controls the evaporator, the other controls the air in the chamber. If the fridge compartment sensor gives incorrect readings (for example, it lowers the actual temperature), the control board will not start the compressor or open the air supply damper.
Diagnostics of the thermostat in mechanical models is simple: short-circuit the two wires going to it, bypassing the device itself. If the compressor starts working and cold appears, the thermostat needs to be replaced. In electronic models, you will need a multimeter to test the resistance of the sensors at different temperatures.
It is also worth checking the settings. Perhaps one of the household members accidentally switched the regulator to the “Vacation” mode or simply reduced the power to a minimum. Some models Atlant have a separate damper for regulating air flow, which can be closed accidentally.
Malfunction of the compressor and start relay
Although less common, a situation occurs when compressor loses its performance. It hums, starts, but does not create enough pressure in the system. As in the case of a freon leak, the pump power is only enough to cool the freezer located closer to the compressor outlet.
Another culprit is start relay. If the contacts in it are burnt or the motor winding is damaged, the compressor may try to start, click and turn off due to thermal protection. In this mode, normal circulation of the refrigerant is impossible.
You can check the operation of the compressor by touching its housing (be careful, it may be hot) and the condenser grille at the back. If the motor is running and the grille is cold, the problem is a lack of freon or compression. If the motor is silent but humming, the piston group may be jammed or the winding has burned out.
Replacing a compressor is a complex and expensive process that requires special equipment for rations and refills. Often the cost of such repairs is comparable to the purchase of a new budget refrigerator, so the economic feasibility should be assessed soberly.
Mechanical damage and blockages of the capillary system
The capillary tube is a thin copper conductor through which freon enters the evaporator. Its diameter is extremely small, so it is very sensitive to contamination. A clogging clog could form in the system (often at the inlet to the evaporator), caused by oil oxidation products or moisture trapped inside the circuit.
If clogged, freon cannot circulate in full. The pressure at the outlet of the compressor increases, and at the inlet it decreases. The freezer, which is at the beginning of the cycle, can still cool, but the refrigerant does not reach the refrigeration chamber in the required quantity.
| Symptom | Probable cause | Characteristic symptom |
|---|---|---|
| There is cold, but weak | Partial freon leak | The compressor runs longer than usual |
| The cold disappeared after defrosting | Faulty defrost heating element | Repeated after 1-2 weeks |
| Compressor is hot, no cold | Clogged capillary system | Condenser is only partially warm |
| Ice in the freezer, warm on top | Channel freezing (No Frost) | The fan is humming or silent |
Removing the blockage requires professional cleaning of the system with high pressure nitrogen and refilling. It is impossible to do this at home. Attempts to “blow out” the system yourself can lead to rupture of thin tubes.
What to do: step-by-step algorithm of actions
If you encounter the problem described, do not rush to call service. Follow these steps for initial diagnosis. This will help you more accurately describe the problem to the technician, or perhaps solve it yourself.
First, conduct a visual inspection and listening. Make sure the door closes tightly, the seal is intact, and there are no obvious pieces of ice blocking the vents inside. Check that the air supply damper is not blocked (if it is manually adjusted).
⚠️ Attention: Do not use sharp objects (knives, screwdrivers) to chip ice inside the chambers! You can damage the evaporator, and then a freon leak will become guaranteed, turning a simple repair into a complex one.
If there are no visual problems, completely defrost the refrigerator Atlant for 24 hours. This will eliminate the problem with the defrost system. After switching on, evaluate the operation of the unit. If after 5-7 hours cold does not appear in the upper chamber, there is a technical problem (freon, compressor, thermostat).
How to defrost correctly
Unplug the refrigerator from the outlet. Open all doors. Remove all food. Leave it to stand for a day. Do not try to speed up the process with a hair dryer or hot water - this can damage the plastic and seals.
If defrosting does not help, you must call a specialist. Further diagnostics require tools: a pressure gauge station, a leak detector, a multimeter. Independent disassembly of units containing freon is prohibited and dangerous.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
How long does the Atlant refrigerator take to get cold after defrosting?
Usually it takes 4 to 8 hours to stabilize the temperature. At this time, you should not load the chamber with food and often open the door. If after 10-12 hours it is still warm in the refrigerator compartment, and ice appears in the freezer, there is a malfunction.
Is it possible to use the refrigerator if the upper chamber does not work?
For a short time, it is possible, the products from the upper chamber need to be transferred to the freezer or eaten. However, continuous operation in this mode is harmful for the compressor, which will work to wear out, trying to achieve non-existent cold. This can lead to its combustion.
Why is there a lot of ice in the freezer, but it’s warm in the refrigerator?
This is a classic sign of a malfunction of the defrosting system (heating element, timer, sensor) in No Frost models. Ice builds up on the evaporator and blocks the air supply channels. This may also indicate that the freezer door does not fit tightly, which is why moist air gets in.
A gurgling sound is heard, but there is no cold. What is this?
The sound of gurgling or liquid flowing often indicates that there is little freon in the system and it is circulating with gaseous bubbles. This is a sure sign of a leak. A search for the leak and refueling is required.
Is it worth repairing the old Atlant or buying a new one?
If the refrigerator is more than 10-12 years old and requires a compressor replacement or complex repairs with refueling, it is often more economical to buy new equipment. If the problem is in the thermostat or defrost heating element, repair is quite advisable and will extend the life of the unit.