The situation when in a two-chamber refrigerator Atlant the upper chamber stops cooling food, and the lower freezer the section continues to operate normally, this is one of the most common problems. Users often notice that milk turns sour and vegetables wilt, although the compressor is humming and there is still hard ice in the freezer. This indicates that the refrigerant system has not completely failed, but the circulation of freon is disrupted precisely in the refrigeration chamber circuit.
A similar scenario is typical for models with one compressor, where the refrigerant passes first through the evaporator of the freezer, and then through the evaporator of the refrigeration compartment. If the cold does not reach the top, it means that the heat exchange process is interrupted or blocked. In this article, we will analyze in detail the technical reasons for such an anomaly, from simple settings to complex mechanical breakdowns that require the intervention of a specialist.
The principle of operation of the No Frost and drip defrosting system
To understand the essence of the breakdown, you need to briefly remember how it works cooling cycle in household refrigerators. Models Atlant most often use a circuit where cold air is generated in the freezer. In systems No Frost a fan drives this air through special air ducts into the upper chamber through a damper. If the damper is closed or the air duct is clogged with ice, the cold simply does not reach the products.
In drip systems (crying evaporator), the situation is different: here the evaporator is located behind the rear wall of the refrigerator compartment. Freon, passing through the tubes, cools this wall, and the condensate flows into the gutter. If there is little freon in the system, it is only enough for the first stage of the cycle (freezer), and it no longer reaches the top in the required state of aggregation. Heat transfer it is violated, and the temperature in the main chamber rises.
It is important to understand the difference between the models, since the diagnostics will be different. In “crying” refrigerators, the problem most often lies in a leak or blockage, and in systems without frost - in a malfunction of the fan or defrost sensors. Incorrect diagnosis can lead to the purchase of unnecessary spare parts.
Malfunctions of the thermostat and temperature sensors
One of the first reasons why the refrigerator Atlant stops freezing in the upper compartment is the failure of thermostat (thermostat). This device is responsible for turning the compressor on and off, based on the temperature inside the chamber. If the sensor “lies” and shows that there is enough cold, the compressor will not turn on until it becomes too warm in the freezer, but in the main chamber by this time the products will have already spoiled.
In modern models with electronic control, the role of a mechanical thermostat perform temperature sensors (NTC resistors). They may transmit incorrect data to the control module. For example, the sensor may show a short circuit or open circuit error, due to which the “brains” of the refrigerator block the operation of the cooling system of the upper chamber, believing that there is an abnormally low temperature.
- 🔍 Signs of a thermostat failure: the compressor works very rarely or does not turn off at all, but there is no cold in the main chamber no.
- ❄️ Symptom of sensor malfunction: an error appears on the display (if any), or the temperature in the chambers varies greatly for no apparent reason.
- ⚙️ Mechanical damage: the capillary tube of the thermostat could be damaged when defrosting with a knife, which led to a gas leak inside the thermostat itself.
Diagnostics of these elements requires a multimeter. It is necessary to “ring” the thermostat contacts at different temperatures. If the contacts do not close when cooling or do not open when heating, the part must be replaced. In electronic systems, the resistance of the sensor is checked, which must correspond to the manufacturer's temperature table.
Refrigerant leak: hidden problem of the system
The most common and serious reason why the refrigerator Atlant freezer works, but the refrigerator compartment is warm, is partial freon leak. When the amount of refrigerant in the circuit decreases, there is not enough of it for a full cooling cycle. The gas has time to evaporate and give off cold only in the first heat exchanger (freezer compartment), and already warm or insufficiently cold gas enters the second circuit (refrigerator compartment).
Leaks often occur in the foamed part of the housing where the evaporator coils are located (evaporators). Microcracks can form due to metal corrosion under the influence of moisture and detergents, or due to mechanical damage during transportation. Sometimes freon escapes through the soldering joints of the tubes if the factory seam was of poor quality.
⚠️ Attention: It is almost impossible to independently find a freon leak without special equipment (leak detector). Attempts to simply “refuel” the refrigerator without eliminating the cause of the leak will only give a temporary effect for a few weeks.
The repair process in this case is labor-intensive: the technician must find the leak, digest the circuit or install a new external evaporator (“plate” or grille on the back wall), evacuate the system and only then charge the unit with new refrigerant. Using the wrong type of freg (for example, R600a instead of R134a) is strictly prohibited and can damage the compressor.
Clogged capillary tube and ice plug
Another technical reason for temperature imbalance is clogged capillary tube. This thin element serves as a choke, creating the pressure difference necessary for freon to boil. If moisture gets into the system (for example, due to poor-quality previous repair) or oil oxidation products, an ice or mud plug forms in a bottleneck.
If clogged, the circulation of the refrigerant is disrupted. The compressor is trying to push freon, it hums more than usual, but the cooling capacity drops. A “cyclical” effect is often observed: the refrigerator may freeze normally for some time, then stops, and after a long period of inactivity it starts working again. This is due to the fact that the plug either thaws or freezes again.
To eliminate this malfunction you need:
- Opening the system and purging with nitrogen.
- Replacing the filter-drier that absorbs moisture.
- Complete refilling the system with freon.
Why can’t you ignore the blockage?
If you operate the refrigerator for a long time with a clogged capillary tube, the compressor operates in overload mode. This leads to overheating of the motor windings and, ultimately, to its combustion. Replacing a compressor costs significantly more than cleaning the system.
Problems with the fan and damper (for No Frost)
If you have a model Atlant with a system No Frostthen the lack of cold in the upper chamber when the freezer is running almost always indicates problems with air circulation. The fan and air damper are responsible for the distribution of cold flows. If the fan does not spin, cold air remains in the freezer, and only room air enters the refrigerator compartment.
Often the fan stops due to icing of the blades or failure of the electric motor. The damper itself may also become stuck in the closed position. In some models, the damper is controlled by a separate gear motor, which also tends to break. This can be checked visually by reaching the back wall of the refrigerator compartment.
| Symptom | Probable cause | Check method |
|---|---|---|
| The fan does not make noise | Fan motor burned out | Ring the winding with a multimeter |
| Crackling, humming is heard | Ice frozen on the blades | Visual inspection after defrosting |
| The damper does not move | The damper drive is faulty | Check the voltage supply to the motor |
| There is cold, but weak | Air ducts are clogged with ice | Defrosting within 24 hours |
It is important to note that in No Frost systems the “disease” of the formation of ice build-up in the air supply channel is often encountered. This happens if the defrost heating element does not warm up the evaporator completely. Ice blocks the channel, and air physically cannot pass into the upper chamber, even if the fan is working properly.
Malfunction of the compressor and start relay
Although the compressor is the “heart” of the refrigerator, its complete stop would lead to defrosting of both compartments. However, there is a condition when compressor works ineffectively. Wear of the valve group or piston system leads to a drop in discharge pressure. The engine power is enough to maintain a low temperature in a small volume of the freezer, but it is no longer possible to create pressure to pump freon through the entire circuit of the refrigeration chamber.
It is also worth checking starting relay. If the relay contacts are burnt or stuck, the compressor may hum but not start, or start jerkily. In some cases, the relay may not work correctly, turning off the engine ahead of time, preventing the system from reaching operating mode.
☑️ Compressor diagnostics
Diagnostics of the compressor requires professional skills. If low compression (low outlet pressure) is confirmed, the unit must be replaced. Repair of sealed motor-compressors of household refrigerators Atlant
are not subject to.Operating rules and common user errors
Before sounding the alarm and calling a technician, it is worth eliminating the human factor. Often, users themselves create conditions under which the refrigerator cannot freeze properly. For example, loading hot products into the chamber causes a sharp jump in temperature and the formation of excess condensation, which freezes and blocks the system.
The position of the refrigerator is also critically important. If the unit is located too close to the wall or radiators, the heat transfer of the condenser (grids at the rear) is disrupted. The compressor overheats and may go into thermal rest without having time to freeze the chambers to the required values. The gap to the wall should be at least 10 cm.
- 🥘 Do not place hot food: let the dishes cool to room temperature before putting them in the refrigerator.
- 🌡️ Check the mode: the “Vacation” mode or the minimum cooling power may have been accidentally set.
- 🧊 Do not cram the chamber full: air must circulate between the products, otherwise the temperature will be unevenly distributed.
⚠️ Attention: If you notice that the refrigerator is in a draft or in direct sunlight, this may also distort the temperature sensor readings. Move the unit to a more suitable location.
Algorithm of actions when a problem is detected
If you encounter the problem described, do not panic. Be consistent. First, do a visual inspection and check simple settings. If this does not help, a more in-depth diagnosis will be required. Remember that timely contact with a specialist can save food and prevent expensive repairs.
First of all, completely defrost the refrigerator. Leave it turned off for a day (at least 24 hours) with the doors open. This will help eliminate ice blockages in the channels and evaporator. If after switching on the problem disappears, it means that the defrost cycle was disrupted or an ice jam formed. If after 2-3 days the situation repeats, look for a leak or a malfunction of the electronics.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Can I continue use the refrigerator if it is warm in the compartment and cold in the freezer?
For a short time - yes, but the food in the refrigerator compartment will quickly spoil. Long-term operation in this mode is dangerous for the compressor, which works with overload, trying to compensate for the lack of cold. This can lead to its combustion.
How much does it cost to repair if there is a freon leak?
The cost consists of the work of a technician, the cost of freon, a filter-drier and, possibly, a new evaporator. The price may vary depending on the model Atlant and the complexity of access to the system. The technician will tell you the exact amount after on-site diagnostics.
Why did the refrigerator work after defrosting, but after a week it stopped again?
This is a classic sign of a freon leak or blockage. Defrosting temporarily removes the ice plug or allows the remaining freon to be distributed, but the other reason (a hole in the circuit or a clogged capillary) does not go away. Repair is required.
Is it possible to replace the thermostat yourself?
If you have a mechanical thermostat and have the skills to work with electricity, theoretically it is possible. However, in modern models access to it is difficult. If the problem is an electronic sensor or a freon leak, it is better not to experiment without special equipment and knowledge.