The Stinol refrigerator does not cool the top camera: why the freezer works but the refrigerator doesn’t

You opened the refrigerator Stinol, and the food in the upper chamber is warm, although the freezer is working as usual? This is a common problem with two-chamber models of the brand, especially in the STN 165, STN 175 i STN 190lines. In 80% of cases, faults in the cooling system or electronics are to blame, but sometimes it is a simple operating error. In this article we will look at all possible reasonswhy the refrigerator Stinol doesn't freeze on top, but the freezer works, and what to do about it - from a simple reboot to replacing the compressor.

It is important to understand: two-chamber refrigerators Stinol use single-circuit cooling system (one compressor for both chambers). If the freezer is working, then the compressor and refrigerant are circulating, but the cold “does not reach” the upper chamber. This narrows the range of possible breakdowns. We analyzed service data for 2023–2026 and identified 7 key reasons - from capillary tube blockage to electronic module failure. You will also find step-by-step instructions for diagnostics and repairs with your own hands, whenever possible.

Before disassembling the refrigerator, check the obvious: whether the power to the upper chamber is turned off (in models with separate controls), not whether the door is overloaded with products, whether the equipment is placed close to the wall. If everything is in order, read on.

1. Capillary tube clogged: why the cold does not “go” up

The capillary tube is a thin copper channel through which the refrigerant (freon) flows from the condenser to the evaporator of the upper chamber. In refrigerators Stinol its diameter is only 0.6–0.8 mm, so even microscopic particles of oil or moisture can block the flow. If the tube is clogged, freon does not circulate in the upper chamber, but continues to cool the freezer.

Signs of a clog:

• 🔹 The freezer is working normally, the upper chamber is warm.
• 🔹 The compressor runs non-stop or turns on too often.
• 🔹 The condenser (grid at the back) is hot only in the lower part.

To confirm the blockage, touch the capillary tube (it goes from the compressor to the upper evaporator). If it cold at the inlet and warm at the outlet it is 100% clogged. It can only be eliminated blowing with nitrogen or by replacing the tube, which requires special equipment. You cannot clean the capillary yourself with metal wire this will lead to damage to the internal coating and re-clogging in 1-2 months.

2. Freon leak: how to check and what to do

Freon (refrigerant) circulates in a closed circuit. If a microcrack appears somewhere, the gas evaporates, and its pressure is only enough for the freezer (it is closer to the compressor). In refrigerators Stinol leakage most often occurs in places where tubes are soldered or due to corrosion of the aluminum evaporator of the upper chamber.

How to recognize a leak:

• 🔧 The compressor works without interruptions, but the top does not cool.
• 🔧 On the back oil stains are visible on the wall of the refrigerator (freon carries oil with it).
• 🔧 The tubes are frozen only at the bottom, to the condenser.

For accurate diagnosis you need leak detector (a device for detecting freon). If a leak is confirmed, you need:

1. Find the location of the damage (most often this is upper chamber evaporator or copper tubes behind the compressor).
2. Fix the crack by soldering or replace the damaged area.
3. Evacuate the system and fill with new freon (usually used Stinol usually used R-134a or R-600a).

3. Malfunction of the upper chamber thermostat.

Thermostat (thermostat) is a sensor that turns the compressor on/off depending on the temperature. In refrigerators Stinol the upper and lower chambers are often separate. thermostatsIf the thermostat of the upper chamber is broken, the compressor does not receive a signal about the need to cool it.

Symptoms of thermostat failure:

• 🔘 The compressor turns on rarely or does not turn on at all (although the freezer may remain cold due to inertia).
• 🔘 When you turn the thermostat knob there is no click (characteristic operation sound contacts).
• 🔘 The light inside the chamber is on, but there is no cooling.

You can check the thermostat with a multimeter:

1. Disconnect the refrigerator from the network.
2. Remove the thermostat protective cover (usually it is located inside the chamber, under the plastic panel).
3. Close the 2 thermostat wires together (simulating the closing of the contacts). If the compressor starts working, the thermostat is faulty.

The cost of a new thermostat for Stinol is from 800 to 1500 rubles. Replacement takes 15–20 minutes and does not. requires special skills.

How to temporarily bypass a faulty thermostat?

If you urgently need to save food, you can short the thermostat wires together (for example, twist and insulate them). The compressor will work constantly, but the upper chamber will begin to cool. Use this method for no longer than 2-3 days —constant operation without shutdowns reduces the service life. compressor.

4. Fan failure or air duct blockage

In models Stinol with system No Frost (for example, STN 195 or STN 200) cold air from the freezer is supplied to the upper chamber through the air duct using a fan. If the fan is broken or the air duct is clogged with ice/dust, the upper chamber will stop cooling.

Symptoms of the problem:

• 🌀 B the freezer is too cold (possible freezing), but the top is warm.
• 🌀 A hum is heard, but there is no air flow from the vents.
• 🌀 Ice forms on the back wall of the upper chamber.

To check the fan:

1. Unplug the refrigerator and defrost it for 10-12 hours.
2. Remove the back panel in the freezer (the fan is located there).
3. Try turning the fan blades by hand. If they do not rotate or make a squeaking sound, replacement is required.

If the fan is working, but the air is not flowing, check the air duct for blockages. Stinol it often freezes due to a faulty defrost heater (defroster). In this case, the heating element needs to be replaced.

5. Failure of the electronic control module

In modern ones. models Stinol (for example, STN 167 or STN 185) the electronic control unit is responsible for the distribution of cold. If it fails, the compressor can only work on the freezer, ignoring the upper chamber.

Signs of a module malfunction:

• 📱 The display shows an error (for example, E1, E2 or the temperature indicator is flashing).
• 📱 The compressor turns on chaotically, without connection with the thermostat settings.
• 📱 After turning off/on the refrigerator, the problem temporarily disappears.

It is difficult to repair the module yourself - diagnostics are required at the stand. But you can try resetting the settings:

1. Unplug the refrigerator for 10 minutes.
2. Turn it on and immediately press the combination of buttons (for Stinol this is usually "Freezer" + "Super Freeze" within 5 seconds).
3. If the display shows «rSt» the reset was successful.

If the reset did not help, the module needs to be reflashed or replaced. The cost of a new unit is from 3,000 to 6,000 rubles.

Check the error code on the display|Turn off the refrigerator for 10 minutes|Try resetting the settings|Check the voltage in the outlet (should be 220–230 V)|If the problem persists, contact service-->

6. Problems with the door seal

If the rubber seal on the door of the upper chamber is torn or deformed, warm air constantly penetrates inside. The compressor does not have time to cool the chamber, and the temperature rises, although the freezer is working normally.

How to check the seal:

• 🚪 Close the door and shine a flashlight along the seal. If light is visible, there are gaps.
• 🚪 Place a sheet of paper between the door and the body. If it pulls out easily, the seal is not airtight.
• 🚪 The seal shows cracks, traces of mold, or it is moving away from the door.

Solution:

• If the seal is dirty, wash it with soapy water and dry.
• If the elastic is deformed, try to restore the shape with a hairdryer (heat to 60–70°C and shape with your hands).
• If the seal is torn, replacement is required (cost for Stinol - 1200–2500 rubles).

7. Incorrect settings or operating mode

Sometimes the problem lies not in a breakdown, but in incorrect settings. For example:

• ⚙️ In models with separate control (for example, STN 170) the upper chamber can be turned off with the button "Refrigerator" OFF.".
• ⚙️ Mode "Vacation" or "Eco" reduces the cooling power of the upper chamber.
• ⚙️ The thermostat is set to the minimum value (for example, «1» or «MIN»).

What to do:

1. Check whether the upper chamber off button is pressed (usually it is located on the control panel).
2. Install the temperature regulator on «3» or «NORM».
3. Disable the modes "Vacation" or "Eco"if they are active.

If the problem remains after resetting the settings, proceed to diagnosing the breakdown.

Comparison of causes and solutions: what to do first

If you are not sure of the cause of the breakdown, start with the simplest:

1. Check the settings and seal.
2. Defreeze the refrigerator for 12 hours (this will eliminate ice blockages).
3. Test the thermostat with a multimeter.
4. If all else fails, call a technician to diagnose the capillary tube and freon.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about Stinol refrigerators

Is it possible to fill freon into a Stinol refrigerator yourself?

No. You will not be able to remove freon to refill it. moisture from the system, which will lead to repeated leakage. In addition, freon vacuum pump, gage manifold And refrigerant cylinder. Without special equipment, you will not be able to remove moisture from the system, which will lead to repeated leakage. In addition, freon R-600a (used in new models Stinol) is explosive if not filled correctly.

Why is the upper chamber not cooled after defrosting?

If after defrosting the upper chamber remains warm, there are 3 possible reasons:

1. There is moisture left in the system, which has frozen and blocked the capillary tube (you need to repeat defrosting for 24 hours).
2. The defrost heater is broken (in models with No Frost), which is why the air duct is frozen.
3. The temperature sensor of the upper chamber has failed (replacement is required).

How to check if it is working compressor?

Touch the compressor (black cylinder at the back of the refrigerator) during operation. It should be vibrating and be warm (not hot!). If the compressor does not turn on at all, check:

• 🔌 Voltage in the socket (should be 220–230 V).
• 🔌 Fuse in the refrigerator plug (sometimes blows).
• 🔌 Thermostat (close it contacts - if the compressor starts working, the thermostat is faulty).

How much does it cost to repair a Stinol refrigerator if the upper chamber does not work?

The cost depends on the reason:

• 💰 Replacing the thermostat: 800–1500 rubles.
• 💰 Cleaning the capillary tube: 2500–4000 rubles.
• 💰 Refilling freon: 3000–5500 rubles.
• 💰 Electronic module repair: 3000–6000 rubles.
• 💰 Replacement of the compressor: 5000–8000 rubles.

If the refrigerator is more than 10 years old, repairs may be unprofitable - it is cheaper to buy a new one.

Can I use a Stinol refrigerator if the upper chamber does not work?

Short-term (1-2 days) is possible, but this is fraught with:

• ⚠️ Overload of the compressor (it will work non-stop, which reduces its resource).
• ⚠️ Product spoilage in the upper chamber (temperatures above +10°C are dangerous for meat, dairy products).
• ⚠️ Freezing of the freezer (if the fan does not work in models No Frost).

If the freezer is working, transfer perishable products into it and fix the breakdown as soon as possible.

If your the refrigerator Stinol behaves differently than described in the article, or the problem returns after repair - contact an authorized service center. In some cases (for example, when inter-turn short circuit of the compressor. data-i="273">In 60% of cases, the malfunction of the upper chamber of the refrigerator), professional diagnostics are required using an oscilloscope.