Finding the installation location of the thermostat in refrigerators Atlant is the first and most crucial step in diagnosing cooling problems. Often users are faced with a situation where the compressor runs continuously or, conversely, does not start at all, and this is precisely the reason for this. Understanding the design of your unit will save time on searching for hidden elements and avoid unnecessary damage to the housing. thermostat. Understanding the design of your unit will save time searching for hidden elements and avoid unnecessary damage to the housing.
The location of the sensor directly depends on the year of manufacture of the model and the type of control system. In old single-compressor models and modern two-chamber units, the installation scheme can be radically different. Thermoregulator It can be hidden behind decorative panels, built into the lighting ceiling or placed on the back wall.
In this article we will analyze in detail all possible options for the location of this important unit. You will learn how to safely get to the mechanism, what tools are required for dismantling and what to look for when visually inspecting the contacts. Atlant It is famous for its maintainability, but requires care when disassembling plastic elements.
Types of thermostats in Atlant refrigerators
Before you start disassembling, you need to understand what type of device you are dealing with. In household appliances of the Belarusian manufacturer Atlant historically two main types of temperature controllers were used: mechanical and electronic. Mechanical models, such as TAM-133 or K-59, are a sealed capsule with gas or liquid connected by a long capillary tube to a sensitive element.
Electronic thermostats are more modern devices that operate on the basis of thermistors (thermistors). They do not have long tubes, but are a small sensor that transmits data to the control module. Electronics found in models with the system No Frost and new generation refrigerators with displays on the door.
⚠️ Attention: Never try to replace a mechanical thermostat to electronic without changing the electrical control circuit. These systems are not directly compatible and require different installation approaches.
You can determine the type of your regulator by the appearance of the control knob. If the panel has a scale with marks from 1 to 7 and a defrost button, you have a classic one. mechanics. If the temperature is set using buttons or via a touch screen, then an electronic sensor is installed inside, the search for which will be different.
Location in single-chamber models
In single-chamber refrigerators Atlant, where the freezer compartment is a small compartment inside the main chamber, The thermostat is most often located inside the refrigerator compartment. The classic installation location is the upper right corner, next to the lampshade or directly in the structure of the lampshade itself.
To get to the mechanism, you usually need to remove the plastic lamp casing. In some models, the regulator knob is placed outside, on the front panel, but the body itself with contacts is hidden behind the inner wall of the chamber. The capillary tube in such models is fixed to the evaporator using special clamps or inserted into a separate sleeve.
When dismantling Capillary you cannot bend it at an acute angle or pull with force, as a violation of the tightness will lead to failure of the thermostat. If you see that the tube is taped to the wall of the evaporator, carefully cut off the fasteners.
In rare cases, typical for very old models, the thermostat could be placed on the rear wall of the housing outside, near the compressor. However, most popular series Atlant are characterized by an internal location in the upper part of the fridge compartment.
Search in two-chamber refrigerators with a drip system
In two-chamber models with a drip defrosting system (where condensation periodically appears on the back wall of the refrigerator compartment) The thermostat is almost always located inside the refrigerator compartment. The standard location is the upper right corner, often hidden behind a decorative plastic cover or integrated into the light control unit.
To access the unit, you must perform the following steps:
- 🔌 Disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply to ensure safety.
- 💡 Carefully remove the lampshade, by unscrewing the screws or snapping the latches.
- 🔩 Remove the plastic cover under which the thermostat housing is hidden.
- ❄️ Inspect the place where the capillary tube is attached to the evaporator.
Often users confuse the thermostat with the defrost sensor, but in In drip systems, these are different elements. Thermostat in such models it controls turning the compressor on and off, focusing on the air temperature in the chamber. Its sensitive element should be in close contact with the surface of the evaporator, but not be frozen into ice.
If the regulator handle is located outside on the front panel, then the mechanism itself is still inside the chamber, and only the control rod is outside. In such cases, disassembly begins with removing the handle and the decorative trim around it.
Features of models with the No Frost system
Refrigerators Atlant with the system No Frost have a more complex design, and the location of the temperature sensors here is fundamentally different. In such units, the main thermostat is often replaced by an electronic sensor, which can be located in the air duct between the freezer and refrigerator compartments or in a special air circulation channel.
A mechanical thermostat in systems No Frost is rare, but if there is one, it usually controls the operation of the evaporator in freezer. You can get to it by removing the back panel of the freezer compartment. However, most often an electronic module is responsible for the temperature regime, and sensors (thermistors) are scattered in different zones:
- 🌡️ Air temperature sensor in the refrigerator compartment.
- ❄️ Evaporator temperature sensor (in the freezer).
- 💨 Evaporator defrost sensor.
It is important to understand that in modern models with No Frost there is no classic “torsional” thermostat in the usual sense. Adjustment occurs through an electronic board, and fault diagnosis requires testing the sensors with a multimeter. Replacing such elements requires precise selection of resistance.
⚠️ Attention: In models with No Frost, the plastic back wall of the freezer is very fragile in the cold. Before removing the panels, let the refrigerator thaw completely, otherwise the plastic may crack.
Step-by-step instructions for removing the thermostat
The process of replacing the thermostat requires care and adherence to the sequence of actions. Improper dismantling may damage the capillary tube or compromise the tightness of the system. Below are general instructions suitable for most mechanical models Atlant.
First you need to completely defrost the refrigerator. This will take at least 10-12 hours. Once defrosted, remove all shelves and drawers to gain easy access to the top of the chamber. Disconnect the appliance from the network.
☑️ Checklist before dismantling
Next follow the algorithm:
- Remove the temperature control knob (if it is removable) or the decorative trim.
- Unscrew the screws securing the lampshade and remove it.
- Under the lampshade or next to it, find the thermostat housing.
- Disconnect the electrical wires, first remembering their location.
- Carefully pull the thermostat housing out of the niche.
- Remove the mounting strip from the capillary tubes.
- Carefully remove the sensitive tube from the hole in the chamber.
When installing a new element, proceed in the reverse order. Capillary tube Do not bend with a radius of less than 5 mm. Make sure that the end of the tube fits tightly to the evaporator, otherwise the refrigerator will work intermittently.
| Thermostat model | Atlant refrigerator type | Capillary length | Installation features |
|---|---|---|---|
| TAM-133 | Single-chamber | 0.73 m | Mounting to the evaporator, defrost button |
| K-59 L1950 | Two-chamber (drip) | 0.73 m | Standard mount, 3 contacts |
| T-112 | Old models Minsk | 0.9 m | Requires precise differential adjustment |
| 10 kOhm sensor | No Frost (electronic) | Without a tube | Connecting via a connector to the board |
Diagnostics and signs of malfunction
How to understand that the problem is in the thermostat, and not in the compressor or freon leak? There are several obvious signs indicating failure thermostat. If the refrigerator stops turning off and works around the clock, forming a “coat” of ice, this is a sure sign of sticking contacts or loss of sensitivity of the sensor.
The opposite situation - the compressor does not start at all, and the chamber is warm. If the light is on, but there is no sound of the engine running, perhaps the thermostat simply does not send a signal to start. Sometimes hitting the regulator body helps, but this is a temporary measure.
Short circuit test method
Remove the wires from the thermostat and connect them directly to each other (using a jumper). If the compressor starts, it means the thermostat is faulty. If the motor is silent, the problem is in the start relay or the compressor itself.
It is also worth paying attention to the nature of the click. When you turn the knob, a working mechanical thermostat makes a clear, loud click. If the sound is dull or absent at all, the mechanism inside could be destroyed. In electronic models, diagnostics are carried out with a multimeter: the sensor resistance is measured at different temperatures.
Frequent replacement errors and expert advice
Independent refrigerator repair Atlant is a very real task, but beginners often make critical mistakes. One of the most common is incorrect installation of the capillary tube. If the end of the tube does not fit tightly to the evaporator or hangs in the air, the refrigerator will “think” that the temperature has not yet been reached and will not turn off.
Another mistake is using the wrong analogue. Thermostats differ in the length of the capillary, the type of contacts and the temperature range of operation. Installing T-112 instead of TAM-133 may result in the refrigerator freezing too much or, conversely, too little.
⚠️ Attention: Technical characteristics of thermostats may vary slightly depending on the batch and year of production. Always check the markings on the body of the old device with the new part before purchasing.
Do not forget about grounding. Some thermostat models have a ground contact (usually marked with a letter Z or colored yellow-green). Ignoring this contact can lead to voltage on the refrigerator body, which is life-threatening.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions questions
Is it possible to temporarily close the thermostat to make the refrigerator work?
Yes, by connecting the wires going to the thermostat, you will start the compressor bypassing the regulator. However, in this mode the refrigerator will run continuously until you break the circuit. This will result in deep freezing of food and possible icing of the evaporator. Use this method only for short-term diagnostics.
Where can you find the thermostat markings in the Atlant refrigerator?
The markings are on the metal body of the thermostat itself (cylindrical part). To see it, you need to remove the decorative plastic casing and remove the device from the niche. There is usually no marking on the adjustment knob.
Why does the refrigerator not turn off after replacing the thermostat?
Most likely, the capillary tube of the new thermostat has a different length or heat sink, or it is not pressed tightly enough to the evaporator. It is also possible that a thermostat with a different temperature response range is installed. Check the tightness of the tube and the correct connection.
What is the difference between the TAM-133 thermostat and the K-59?
The main difference is in the design of the capillary tube fastening and the length of the capillary itself. TAM-133 often has a longer tube and a specific end fastening spray can, while K-59 is a more universal analogue, but may require modification of the landing site.
Do I need to wait after installing a new thermostat?
Yes, after replacing and plugging in the refrigerator, let it work for at least 30-40 minutes without loading food. This will allow the system to enter operating mode, and the thermostat to correctly calibrate and make the first on-off cycle.