Owners of refrigeration equipment often face a situation when equipment stops maintain the temperature correctly, and the first suspicious element becomes thermostat. In two-chamber models with two compressors, the design of the temperature control system differs significantly from single-compressor analogues, which often confuses inexperienced professionals. Understanding where is the thermostat of the Atlant two-chamber two-compressor refrigeratoris a key step for successful diagnosis and repair.
The two-compressor circuit implies the presence of independent cooling circuits for the freezing and refrigerating chambers, which means that the sensors here work autonomously. An error in determining the location of the regulator can lead to unnecessary disassembly of the unit or even damage to the insulation. In this article, we will analyze in detail the temperature control architecture in different series Atlantso that you can accurately localize the faulty unit without unnecessary actions.
Modern models can hide controls under decorative panels, while in older versions access to them was open. Thermostat (or temperature sensor in electronic models) is the “brain” that commands the compressor to turn on or off. If you notice that the Atlant refrigerator does not turn off or, on the contrary, starts up too often, the problem most likely lies in this unit or its capillary tube.
Fundamental differences between the Atlant two-compressor system
Two-compressor refrigerator Atlant is actually two independent refrigerators united by a common body. One compressor is responsible for the freezer compartment, and the second for the refrigerator compartment. Accordingly, there are two here: one controls freezing, the other controls cooling of the upper compartment. This is an important difference, since troubleshooting must be carried out in two directions at once if the symptoms indicate a failure in both chambers. thermostats there are two here: one controls freezing, the other controls cooling of the upper compartment. This is an important difference, since troubleshooting must be carried out in two directions at once if the symptoms indicate a failure in both chambers.
In mechanical models, thermostats are devices with a long capillary tube, the end of which is fixed to the evaporator inside the chamber. The length of this tube and the location of its output determine where exactly the regulator body itself will be located. In electronic versions, the role of a thermostat is performed by thermistors (resistance sensors), which are connected to the main control module by wires, not tubes.
⚠️ Attention: In two-compressor models, it is absolutely impossible to confuse the thermostats of the freezer and refrigerator compartments when replacing them, since they may have different temperature thresholds.
Localization of elements depends on the series of the refrigerator. For example, in models of the series KShD-256 or KShD-258 the controls are often located on the top of the body, while in more compact versions they can be hidden inside. Understanding this logic allows you to reduce the search time by several times.
Searching for a thermostat in the refrigerator compartment (top compartment)
Most often users search for refrigerator thermostat, since this is where the main products are stored and the violation of the regime is most noticeable. In classic two-chamber models Atlant with a top freezer, the temperature regulator for the upper compartment is usually located inside the refrigerator compartment itself. This is a standard solution for most mechanical models.
Look for a plastic knob or rotary mechanism with numbers from 0 to 7 (or Min/Max). In older models, it can be located directly on the front wall inside the chamber, sometimes next to the lighting shade or just above it. In more modern versions, such as series 450 or 600, the control unit is often hidden behind a decorative trim in the upper part of the internal volume.
- 🔍 Classic location: Left or right upper corner inside the refrigerator compartment, the handle protrudes inward.
- 🔍 Hidden location: Under the plastic cover at the top of the chamber, access through removing the decorative panel.
- 🔍 Bottom location: In some modifications, the regulator may be located below, at the first shelf, but this is rare for two-chamber models.
If you do not see the handles inside, your refrigerator may be equipped with a system No Frost or electronic control. In such cases, there is no mechanical thermostat inside the chamber, and its function is performed by sensors located behind the rear wall or in the air ducts. To access them, partial disassembly of the internal space will be required.
Location of the regulator in the freezer compartment
Searching for the freezer thermostat is not the issue things are more complicated. In two-compressor refrigerators Atlant the second compressor serves only the freezer, and the control of this process is also autonomous. However, manufacturers often hide this regulator so that the user does not accidentally reset the deep-freezing settings.
In most cases, the freezer thermostat is located outside the body, on the top panel of the refrigerator. This is typical for models where the freezer is located on top. If the freezer is located at the bottom (bottom-mounted models), then the regulator is often hidden behind a protective cover on the front or inside the freezer itself at the entrance to the cooling channels.
It is important to note that in some budget two-compressor models, the temperature control of the freezer can be fixed or carried out through a single electronic unit, even if there are two compressors. In such cases, there may not be a separate mechanical thermostat with a capillary tube in the freezer at all, and control is carried out electronic module.
⚠️ Attention: When looking for a thermostat in the freezer, do not use sharp objects to pick out ice or plastic, so as not to damage the capillary tube or wiring.
To access the internal thermostat of the freezer, it is often necessary to remove the top cover of the case or dismantle the front panel. This is a more complex procedure that requires care, since the plastic latches in older models Atlant can be fragile.
Electronic control versus mechanics: where to look for sensors
Determining the type of control is the first step to a successful repair. A mechanical thermostat is a device with a bellows and capillary tube that physically opens an electrical circuit. Electronic control involves the use of thermistors that transmit data to the board. In refrigerators Atlant with electronics you will not find the usual “knobs” inside the chambers.
In models with electronic control, all temperature sensors are usually hidden. The refrigerator compartment sensor is often hidden behind a plastic panel on the back wall or mounted in the air duct. The freezer sensor may be located in the evaporator or also in the air circulation duct. To replace them, disassembly is required, often with removal of the back wall of the chamber or evaporator.
| Control type | Location of the regulator | Sensor type | Difficulty of replacement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mechanical | Inside the chamber or outside from above | Capillary tube + bellows | Medium |
| Electronic | Hidden behind panels / Board | Thermistor (resistance sensor) | High |
| Combined | Mechanics in one chamber, electronics in another | Mixed type | High |
If your refrigerator Atlant has a display on the door, but there are mechanical handles inside the chambers, which means that the display only displays the approximate temperature or serves as an indicator, and the actual control is still mechanical. This is a common circuit in transition models.
How to distinguish a working thermistor from a faulty one?
A working thermistor at room temperature (20-25°C) has a resistance of about 5-10 kOhm (depending on the model). As your hands warm up, the resistance should drop. If the resistance is infinite or equal to zero, the sensor is faulty.
Instructions for accessing the thermostat for diagnostics
Before proceeding with disassembly, you must turn off the power to the refrigerator Atlant. This is the number one safety requirement. Next, depending on the intended location of the thermostat, we prepare a tool: usually you need a Phillips screwdriver, a flat-head screwdriver for removing the plugs and, possibly, a multimeter for checking.
If the thermostat is inside the chamber (mechanical), remove the regulator handle (it can sit on friction or be fixed with a stopper). Carefully remove the mounting screws holding the thermostat housing in place. Be prepared for the fact that the capillary tube may be secured with brackets that will need to be carefully unbent.
☑️ Preparing to diagnose the thermostat
To access hidden thermostats or sensors in No Frost models, you will need to remove the back panel inside the chamber. This is done by unscrewing the screws and carefully snapping off the plastic clips. After removing the panel, you will see the evaporator and sensors suitable for it.
Checking is carried out by testing the contacts. For a mechanical thermostat, in the “off” position the circuit should be open, and when the handle is turned, it should be closed. The resistance of the electronic sensor is checked. If the results do not correspond to the norm, the element must be replaced.
Typical errors when searching and replacing
The most common mistake is looking for a thermostat where there is none. In two-compressor models Atlant users often look for one common regulator, forgetting that there are two of them. Or they start disassembling the freezer when the problem lies in the refrigeration chamber sensor.
The second mistake is damage to the capillary tube. It is very thin and filled with freon. If you accidentally eat a snack or bend the tube too much while trying to remove the thermostat, the refrigerant will escape and the refrigerator will stop freezing. Repairs in this case will become much more expensive.
- ❌ Ignoring grounding: When installing a new thermostat, it is important to check whether the housing is pierced to ground, especially if the model is old.
- ❌ Incorrect calibration: Installing a thermostat from a different model can lead to incorrect compressor operating cycles.
- ❌ Forgotten wires: During assembly, it is easy to forget to connect the ground wire or mix up the contacts, which will lead to a short circuit.
⚠️ Attention: Thermostat characteristics (temperature on/off) may vary even within the same brand. Use only original spare parts or complete analogues with identical markings.
Also, do not forget that in some cases, a “malfunction” of the thermostat is a consequence of a freon leak. If there is not enough refrigerant in the system, the thermostat may simply not “see” the desired temperature and keep the compressor on constantly. Therefore, before replacing the regulator, make sure that the condenser (grid at the back) is heated evenly.
Is it possible to replace a mechanical thermostat with an electronic one in Atlanta?
Theoretically it is possible, but this requires a deep rework of the control system, laying new wires and installing a board. The factory design of a two-chamber, two-compressor refrigerator Atlant does not provide for such a “bolt-on” replacement. It is easier and more reliable to find an original mechanical analogue.
Why does the Atlant refrigerator not turn off after replacing the thermostat?
There may be several reasons: a thermostat is installed with different temperature thresholds, a freon leak has occurred (and the refrigerator simply cannot reach the temperature), or the compressor/starter itself is faulty relay Also check the tightness of the door.
Where can I find the thermostat markings for my model?
The markings are usually applied to the metal body of the thermostat itself (for example, TAM-133, K-59, K-57, etc.). To see it, you need to remove the device from its seat. Also, the spare part number can be found in the service documentation for a specific model Atlant.