The situation when the good old Yuryuzan refrigerator works without interruption is familiar to many owners of this equipment. The unit hums for hours, the engine does not stop, and the rear radiator grille is constantly hot. It's not just annoying noise and higher electricity bills. This is a direct signal that the thermoregulation system has failed or the tightness of the circuit is broken.
Ignoring the problem leads to rapid wear of the compressor, which can ultimately burn out, unable to withstand the constant load. Unlike modern models with inverter control, classic Yuryuzani equipped with simple starting relays and thermostats that are easy to diagnose. Understanding the physics of the process will help you save on calling a technician.
In this article we will analyze in detail the mechanical, electrical and physical reasons for the endless operation of the refrigerator. You will learn how to distinguish banal freezing from a serious refrigerant leak, and what steps need to be taken right now to save equipment from major repairs.
Mechanical causes and problems with the thermostat
The most common reason for this the refrigerator does not turn offis the failure of the thermostat. This small device is responsible for opening the compressor power circuit when the set temperature inside the chambers is reached. If its sensitive element (bellows tube) has lost its seal or has moved, the motor will work continuously.
Often the problem lies in the incorrect position of the thermostat. In models Yuryuzan the regulator is usually located inside the refrigerator compartment. If you accidentally move the knob to the “maximum cold” or “freeze” position, the unit will strive to reach unattainable values, working without rest. Try returning the knob to the middle position (usually the number 2 or 3) and listen to whether the motor stops after 20-30 minutes.
How to check the serviceability of the thermostat without instruments?
To check, you can close the thermostat contacts directly. If the refrigerator starts working when the contacts are closed, but stops after opening, the problem is in the thermostat. However, this method requires caution and electrical skills. If you are not sure, it is better to call a specialist.
It is also worth checking the condition of the door seals. If the rubber has dried out or the door is warped, warm air constantly flows inside. The sensor detects the temperature increase and commands the compressor to continue working. Carry out a test with a sheet of paper: clamp it with a door around the perimeter. If the sheet is pulled out without resistance, seal requires replacement or adjustment of the hinges.
- 🔧 Displacement or freezing of the capillary tube of the thermostat.
- ❄️ Setting the regulator knob to maximum mode frosts.
- 🚪 Depressurization of the circuit due to wear of the rubber seal.
- ⚡ Oxidation of contacts inside the thermostat itself.
Leakage of freon and violation of the tightness of the system
When in the circulation system a microscopic hole appears in the refrigerant freon begins to evaporate. The pressure in the circuit drops, and the compressor, trying to compensate for the lack of cooling capacity, wears out. It hums constantly, but the temperature in the chambers either barely reaches normal or does not drop at all.
It is difficult to visually determine a leak in the early stages, since freon is colorless and odorless. However, there are indirect signs. For example, if you notice that the freezer has stopped freezing like stone, and the “coat” of frost on the back wall of the refrigerator compartment has disappeared (in models with a drip system), this is an alarm bell. The compressor may be hotter than usual.
⚠️ Attention: If you find an oily spot under the refrigerator or on the rear grill, this is almost guaranteed to indicate a leak. Oil comes out along with the gas, and ignoring this symptom will lead to complete failure of the compressor.
Leaks often occur in places where tubes are soldered or in the foamed part of the housing (evaporator). Finding a leak on your own without a leak detector or soap solution is almost impossible. Moreover, refilling the refrigerator requires evacuation of the system, which is extremely difficult to do at home.
Faults of the compressor and start relay
Your heart Yuryuzani is the compressor. Over time, its mechanical parts wear out and the piston group loses compression. The motor tries to build up pressure, but cannot, so it does not go into standby mode. A characteristic sign of such a malfunction is a quiet hum and the absence of a characteristic shutdown click.
The second important element is the starting relay. It is responsible for starting the engine and protecting it from overloads. If the relay contacts are stuck in the "on" position, the compressor will run continuously, even if the internal temperature is already below normal. This is a common problem with old Soviet and post-Soviet refrigerators.
You can check the relay visually and by ear. If, when the refrigerator is running, you hear frequent clicking noises (attempts to start) or, conversely, a humming sound without a click of a switch off, the problem is most likely in the electrical part. Replacing a relay is an inexpensive procedure and can often be solved with your own hands if you have basic skills.
| Symptom | Probable cause | Difficulty of repair |
|---|---|---|
| Humming, but not cold | Freon leak / Compressor faulty | High (needs a technician) |
| Works without stopping, there is cold | Thermostat / Seal is faulty | Medium / Low |
| Clicks and buzzes | Start relay / Compressor jammed | Medium |
| The side of the housing gets hot | Normal for operation / Clogged capillary | Diagnostics |
The influence of the environment and operating modes
Sometimes the reason lies not in the breakdown, but in the operating conditions. If Yuryuzan refrigerator is installed next to a radiator, stove or in direct sunlight, the cooling system does not have time to release heat. The compressor is forced to work in enhanced mode in order to maintain the set temperature.
The gap between the rear wall of the unit and the wall of the room is also critically important. For normal air circulation, a minimum of 5-10 cm of free space is required. If the refrigerator is built into a niche or moved close, hot air remains inside, heating the condenser and causing the motor to run endlessly.
Loading with food also plays a role. If you put a large pot of hot soup in the chamber, the refrigerator will run until the entire volume has cooled down. However, if you load it to capacity with cold products, this, on the contrary, helps the accumulation of cold. The main thing is not to block the ventilation holes inside the camera.
Diagnostics and troubleshooting with your own hands
Before calling the service, carry out an initial diagnosis. It will help you more accurately describe the problem to the technician or, perhaps, solve it yourself. Start with a visual inspection: check the tightness of the door, the absence of ice in unexpected places and the cleanliness of the radiator grille.
Then listen to the operation of the unit. A steady hum followed by silence? If so, then perhaps the problem was temporary (for example, defrosting). If the motor runs 24/7, try to forcefully unplug the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes. After turning on, it should reach temperature and turn off. If this does not happen, look for a malfunction in the thermostat or relay.
For a more accurate check of the thermostat in models Yuryuzan Often it is necessary to remove the plastic cover inside the camera. Below it is a thermostat. Carefully inspect it for corrosion or damage to the tube. If the tube is swollen or has traces of oil, the thermostat has “died.”
☑️ Primary check algorithm
When you need to call a specialist
There are a number of situations when DIY repairs are not only useless, but also dangerous. If the diagnostics indicate a freon leak, you cannot do without special equipment (vacuum pump, pressure gauge station, scales for refilling). In addition, different models may require different types of refrigerant (R12, R134a, R600a), and an error here is unacceptable. This is a sealed unit, and opening it at home is equivalent to buying a new refrigerator. If after replacing the thermostat and relay the problem does not disappear, most likely the problem is a clogged capillary system or loss of motor compression. Yuryuzaney may require different types of refrigerant (R12, R134a, R600a), and error here is unacceptable.
Also, do not climb inside the compressor. This is a sealed unit, and opening it at home is equivalent to buying a new refrigerator. If after replacing the thermostat and relay the problem does not disappear, most likely the problem is a clogged capillary system or loss of engine compression.
⚠️ Attention: Working with refrigerants requires a license and special equipment. An attempt to refill on your own may lead to an explosion or fire, especially if flammable freon R600a is used.
Contacting a professional is also necessary if you are not confident in your abilities when working with 220V electricity. Errors in connecting the thermostat or relay can lead to a short circuit and fire of the wiring.
Prevention and extension of service life
So that your Yuryuzan serves for a long time and does not cause problems with endless operation, follow simple rules of prevention. Regularly, at least once every six months, defrost the refrigerator completely. This will prevent the growth of a thick crust of ice, which interferes with heat transfer and causes the compressor to work harder.
Keep the condenser clean. Dust and animal hair clinging to the black grille at the back act as a heat insulator. Heat is not dissipated, efficiency drops, and the motor runs without rest. Vacuum the grille or carefully clean it with a brush.
Check the condition of the door seal. Wipe it with a soft cloth, making sure that it does not become deformed. If the rubber has become hard, you can try to gently warm it with a hairdryer or lubricate it with silicone grease, but it is better to immediately replace it with a new one.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Can the Yuryuzan refrigerator not turn off due to power surges?
Yes, power surges can cause damage electronics (if any) or burn the contacts of the start relay and thermostat. This leads to them sticking or incorrect operation. It is recommended to use a voltage stabilizer.
How long should the compressor normally work?
In normal mode, the compressor operates about 30-40% of the time (operation cycle 10-15 minutes, rest 20-25 minutes). If it works constantly or the cycles are too short (2 minutes on, 2 minutes off) - this is a malfunction.
Is it dangerous to leave a running refrigerator unattended?
Long continuous operation leads to overheating of the motor windings and a fire hazard. If you notice that the refrigerator does not turn off for several hours, it is better to unplug it until the reasons are clarified.
Why does the refrigerator not turn off for a long time after defrosting?
After complete defrosting, it is warm inside, and the compressor takes more time (up to 2-3 hours) to cool the chambers to the set temperature. This is fine. If after 4 hours it does not turn off, look for a malfunction.