Why the upper chamber of the Atlant refrigerator does not work: diagnostics and repair

The upper chamber of the refrigerator Atlant is the freezer compartment that most often fails due to the specifics of operation at low temperatures. If you notice that the freezer is not freezing, but the refrigerator compartment is working normally, the problem may lie in both minor faults (for example, clogged drainage) and serious breakdowns (compressor failure or freon leak). In this article we will look 7 main reasonswhy the upper chamber stops functioning, and what to do about it - from simple checks to complex repairs.

Features of refrigerators Atlant (especially models with No Frost type MHM 2835-080 or MX 2826-06) - interconnected operation of both cameras through a single cooling system. If the freezer does not freeze, but the refrigerator continues to cool, this is a signal about depressurization of the circuit, fan failure or electronic module failure. Don’t rush to call a technician: in 40% of cases the problem can be fixed yourself, saving up to 5,000 rubles on diagnostics.

Before starting repairs, answer two key questions:

• 🔹 Is the light on inside? freezers? If not, the problem is electrical (thermostat, relay, wiring).
• 🔹 Can you hear the noise of the compressor? If the compressor is silent, there may be a motor failure or a refrigerant leak.
• 🔹 Ice is freezing is the back wall? Ice on the wall indicates a clogged capillary tube or a malfunction of the evaporator.

1. Clogged freezer drainage system

One ​​of the most common reasons why the upper chamber Atlant stops freezing - clogging of the drainage hole. In models with No Frost (for example, MHM 1842-80), condensation should drain into a special pan, but if the hole is clogged with ice or debris, moisture accumulates inside the chamber. This leads to:

• 🌡️ Increase in temperature due to impaired air circulation.
• ❄️ Formation of ice at the bottom of the freezer.
• 🔊 Extraneous sounds (gurgling, gurgling).

How to check the drainage:

1. Unplug the refrigerator and defrost the freezer for 10–12 hours.
2. Find the drainage hole (usually in the center of the back wall).
3. Clean it with a cotton swab or a special brush (included with some models).
4. Rinse the hole with warm water and soda (1 tablespoon per 200 ml).

Unplug the refrigerator from the outlet|Defreeze the freezer completely|Remove ice and debris from the drainage hole|Rinse the hole with a soda solution|Dry the chamber before turning it on-->

If the problem remains after cleaning, the clog may be deeper - in the drain tube that leads to the compressor. In this case, you will need blowing the tube with compressed air (you can use a bicycle pump) or washing with vinegar.

⚠️ Attention: Do not use sharp objects (knitting needles, knives) to clean the drainage - they can damage the plastic tube and cause condensation to leak onto the floor.

2. Failure of the No Frost fan

In refrigerators Atlant with the system No Frost (models MHM 2808-90, MHM 1708-01), the fan located behind the rear panel of the freezer is responsible for the circulation of cold air. If it breaks, the upper chamber stops cooling, but the refrigeration chamber continues to work (since the refrigerant circulates, but is not distributed).

Signs of fan malfunction:

• 🔇 No noise from the freezer (normally a slight buzzing sound is heard).
• ❄️ Evaporator freezing (ice on the back wall).
• 🌡️ The temperature in the freezer is above -10°C when running compressor.

How to check the fan:

1. Unplug the refrigerator and defrost the freezer.
2. Remove the back panel of the freezer (unscrew the screws or remove latches).
3. Try to turn the fan blades by hand - if they do not rotate or rotate with difficulty, the problem is in the bearings.
4. Check the fan power supply with a multimeter (should be 12-24 V when the compressor is running).

If the fan does not work due to icing, defrost the refrigerator for 24 hours. If the problem is in the motor, replacement will be required. In models with tangential fans (for example, MX 2826-06), replacement is more expensive due to the complexity of dismantling.

3. Freon leakage or clogged capillary tube

If the upper chamber does not freeze and the compressor runs non-stop, it is possible refrigerant leak (freon R134a or R600a) or clogging of the capillary tube. In refrigerators Atlant this most often occurs due to:

• 🔧 Mechanical damage circuit (for example, when moving the refrigerator).
• ⏳ Corrosion of aluminum tubes (relevant for models older than 10 years).
• 🧊 Clogged filter drier oil or moisture particles.

How to diagnose leakage:

1. Check Is the capacitor hot? (grid on the back wall). If it is cold, there is no freon. Is the condenser hot? Look at it (through the viewing window, if any). If it foams, a leak is confirmed.
2. Look at oil in the compressor (through the viewing window, if available). If it foams, a leak is confirmed.
3. Check places where pipes are soldered for the presence of oil stains (a sign of microcracks).

Leakage freon is 100% reason to call a specialist, since refilling requires special equipment. Average repair cost:

• 💰 Freon refilling: 3,000–5,000 rubles.
• 🔧 Replacing a capillary tube: 4,000–7,000 rubles.
• 🔩 Soldering work: 2,000–3,500 rubles.

⚠️ Attention: In refrigerators Atlant with freon R600a (isobutane) leakage is dangerous - the gas is explosive! Do not try to repair the circuit yourself.

How to temporarily store food in the event of a freon leak?

If the refrigerator does not freeze due to a leak, and the technician will arrive only after 1-2 days, transfer the food to a thermal bag with ice (the temperature stays up to 12 hours). Do not store meat and fish at temperatures above -5°C - this is hazardous to health.

4. Malfunction of the thermostat or temperature sensor

In the upper chamber of refrigerators Atlant responsible for temperature regulation is thermostat (in mechanical models) or temperature sensor (in electronic ones, for example, MHM 2808-90). If they fail, the compressor either does not turn on or works continuously, but the freezer does not cool.

Signs of failure thermostat:

• 🔄 The compressor does not turn off (works 24/7).
• ❄️ Freezing of the rear wall in the refrigerator compartment.
• 🌡️ The temperature in the freezer is above -6°C at maximum settings.

How to check the thermostat:

1. Turn off the refrigerator and remove the thermostat protective cover (usually located on the right inside the freezer).
2. Press on small button under the thermostat cap - if the compressor turns on, the thermostat is working.
3. Ring the contacts with a multimeter in resistance mode. At room temperature, the resistance should be 0 Ohm, when cooling - ∞.

The cost of replacing the thermostat:

• 💰 Mechanical thermostat (for example, K-59): 800–1,500 rub.
• 💰 Electronic sensor: 1,200–2,500 rub.

5. Breakdown of the compressor or start relay

The compressor is the “heart” of the refrigerator, and if it breaks, the upper chamber stops working first (since the freezer requires a lower temperature). In refrigerators Atlant most often the following fail:

• 🔧 Motor windings (interturn short circuit).
• 🔩 Starting relay (does not supply current to start).
• 🧲 Magnetic valve (in two-compressor models).

Signs of a compressor malfunction:

• 🔇 Compressor not turns on (complete silence).
• 🔊 Relay clicks without starting the engine.
• 🌡️ Cold condenser (no freon circulation).

How to diagnose a compressor:

1. Check whether there is power at the compressor terminals (should be 220 V).
2. Test the windings with a multimeter:
   • Resistance between C-S (common and starting winding): 20–40 Ohm.
   • Resistance between C-R (common and working winding): 10–20 Ohm.
   • Resistance between S-R (starting and running): the sum of the two previous values.

If the resistance is equal to 0 or ∞ —the windings are burned out.

Cost of compressor repair:

• 💰 Replacement of the starting relay: 1,000–1,800 rub.
• 💰 Repair of windings: 3,500–5,000 rub.
• 💰 Replacement of the compressor: 6,000–12,000 rub. (depending on the model).

⚠️ Attention: In two-compressor refrigerators Atlant (for example, MXM 2832-03) the upper chamber has a separate compressor. If it burns out, repairs will cost more, but the refrigerator compartment will continue to work.

6. Problems with the electronic control module

In modern models Atlant (for example, MHM 2808-90 or MHM 1708-01) is responsible for the operation of both cameras. electronic control unit. If it fails, the freezer may turn off, but the refrigerator compartment may continue to work. Reasons for module failure:

• ⚡ Jumps voltage on the network.
• 💧 Moisture ingress on the board (due to condensation).
• 🕰️ Wear of capacitors (swelling, electrolyte leakage).

Signs of module malfunction:

• 📛 All indicators blink on the panel.
• 🔄 The refrigerator spontaneously reboots.
• 🌡️ The temperature in the freezer does not match settings (for example, instead of -18°C it shows -5°C).

How to check the module:

1. Turn off the refrigerator for 10 minutes, then turn it on again. If the problem disappears, the failure is temporary.
2. Inspect the board for the presence of darkening, swollen capacitors or oxidized contacts.
3. Ring the fuses on the board (should show 0 Ohm).

Cost of repair of the electronic module:

• 💰 Replacement of capacitors: 1,500–2,500 rubles.
• 💰 Module flashing: 2,000–3,500 rubles.
• 💰 Board replacement: 4 000–7,000 rubles.

7. The seal of the freezer door is broken.

If the upper chamber does not freeze well, but the compressor is working normally, check sealing rubber on the door. In refrigerators Atlant it loses elasticity over time, cracks or comes away from the body, which leads to:

• 🌬️ Inflow of warm air into the chamber.
• ❄️ Formation of ice on the walls.
• 💨 Increased load on the compressor (it works longer to compensate for heat loss).

How to check the tightness:

1. Close the door and insert a sheet of paper between the seal and the housing.
2. If the sheet easily pulled out the rubber band is not dense.
3. Inspect the seal for the presence of cracks, tears or deformations.

How to restore the tightness:

• 🧼 Wash the elastic band warm water and soap (sometimes it sticks due to fat).
• 🔥 Heat the seal with a hairdryer (temperature 50–60°C) - this will restore its elasticity.
• 🔧 Tighten the door fastenings (if it sags).
• 🛠️ Replace the seal (cost: 1,200–2,000 rubles).

If the seal is in order, but the door still does not close tightly, check hinges —they could become loose. In models Atlant with a top-mounted freezer (for example, MHM 2835-080), the hinges are adjusted with a hex key.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about a non-working freezer in Atlanta

The freezer is not freezing, but the refrigerator is working - what should you do first?

First, defrost the refrigerator for 12-24 hours. If the freezer starts working after turning it on, there is a problem. the drainage or fan was frozen. If not, check the thermostat and compressor.

How to understand that the compressor has burned out?

Signs: the compressor does not turn on (no vibration or noise), the condenser is cold, and there is voltage in the socket. For an accurate diagnosis, test the windings with a multimeter.

Is it possible to fill freon into the Atlant refrigerator yourself?

No. To refill, you need a vacuum pump, a pressure manifold and a cylinder with freon. In addition, freon R600a (isobutane) is explosive - repairs must be carried out by a certified technician.

How much does freezer repair cost in Atlanta?

The cost depends on the breakdown:

• Drainage cleaning: 800–1,500 rubles.
• Fan replacement: 1,800–3,000 RUB
• Refilling freon: 3,000–5,000 RUB.
• Replacement of the compressor: 6,000–12,000 RUB.

Why does the freezer work, but the refrigerator does not?

The problem is probably in the clogged capillary tube fridge compartment or thermostat malfunction lower compartment. In two-compressor models, the refrigeration chamber compressor may fail.