How to replace the thermostat yourself in the refrigerator if it breaks

temperature relayturning to the service center. Even a novice master can deal with simple breakdowns. Today we will try to figure out how to replace the thermostat of the refrigerator with our own hands. And also talk about what kind of device and what are its characteristics and purpose?

What is a thermostat and why is it needed

First, let's figure out what it really is. A thermostat is a device that controls t˚C in your refrigerator and sends signals to the compressor, causing it to turn on and off depending on the degree of cooling in the chamber. It works very simply. The thermostat is a relay. On one side of it is a special hermetically sealed tube filled with freon. On the other hand, the contacts of the electrical circuit, with their help, the compressor is controlled.

See also - How to adjust the thermostat( thermostat) in the refrigerator

How it works

Everything works very simple. The end of the capillary tube is attached to the evaporator. Since it is filled with a refrigerant, for example, freon, with increasing tC inside the refrigerating chamber, the pressure in it increases. This closes the corresponding relay contacts and turns on the compressor. After some time, t˚C in the refrigeration compartment decreases, the pressure in the bellows tube drops and the contacts open. The compressor turns off.

Another important component of the thermostat is a spring, compressing and unclamping its contacts. It depends on it, how and when they will work. For example, in order to open the contacts with a small pressure in the system( low t˚C), less effort is needed, for large it is more. The tension force of the spring is adjusted using the thermostat knob. This is how the temperature in the Atlant refrigerator and other models with mechanical control changes.

In some models of refrigerators, an electronic thermostat is installed. It consists of a temperature sensor and a control module. In modern models, several sensors can be installed for each cooling zone. If your refrigerator has an electronic temperature control mode, special knowledge may be needed to repair it.

See also - 5 models of refrigerators that we do not advise you to buy

Where to look for the thermostat of the refrigerator

Well, we have disassembled the device and characteristics of the device, go to the next question. To repair the thermostat with your own hands, you need to find it first.

Make it easy. The thermostat is always connected to the knob or button for setting the temperature mode in the chamber. Depending on the model of the refrigerator, the thermostat can be installed:

• inside the refrigerator;
• outside the refrigerator.

Inside

This arrangement is typical for earlier models of Atlant and others. If you open the refrigerator, you can see a small plastic box placed on one of the panels. This is the thermostat. To get to it, you just need to remove the temperature knob and unscrew the protective case.

Outside

Modern refrigeration units are arranged a little differently. In them the device we need is located outside the refrigerator chamber. It is usually located at the top of the refrigerator, above the door. But maybe in another place.
In any case, there is one principle - the temperature controller is located in the same place as the shift knob. To get to it, you need to remove all the protective parts.

See also - Why does the refrigerator need an

voltage regulator? Signs of a breakdown of the

temperature relay

Do we really need a temperature controller? Maybe the cause of the breakdown is completely different? Most often, signs of a thermal relay are obvious:( See also: Why the refrigerator does not freeze - what to do?) The

• refrigerator works non-stop and does not turn off on its own;
• unit begins to freeze very much in the refrigerator compartment, where, in normal mode, there should be a low, but still positive temperature;
• refrigerator spontaneously turns off and no longer makes any sounds.

The cause of each of these faults can be a temperature controller. In order not to spend money on calling a specialist, we will try to fix the damage with your own hands.

The refrigerator does not turn off by itself.

In order to make sure that the temperature regulator is the cause of the malfunction of the Atlant or any other refrigerator, do this:

• disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply;
• remove all food from it and defrost well;
• move the thermostat knob to the “Max” position or turn on the freeze, if any;
• on the middle shelf of the refrigeration compartment( not in the freezer), place the thermometer, best of all, if it has a negative measurement scale;
• switch on the cooling unit( empty, without food);
• wait 2 hours, then quickly reach the thermometer and evaluate its readings.
  On the “thermometer” you should see at least 6–7˚С.If not, repair is inevitable. And if the thermostat in your refrigerator is electronic, then you will hardly be able to repair it yourself.

Disconnected and silent

There can be only 3 reasons:

• the thermostat is broken;
• blown motor start relay;
• burned down the engine of the refrigeration unit.

The last two reasons are, of course, very serious. But we are now interested in the first one. To make sure that you need to replace the thermal relay, you need to check it:

• unplug the refrigerator;
• locate the location of the thermal relay and remove the protective covers;
• carefully inspect the device.

Most often, the temperature controller has three to four colored wires. One of them is usually yellow with a longitudinal green stripe. This is grounding. We do not need it, so put it aside so that you do not accidentally hook it. All wires that fit to the thermal switch body, connect directly to each other. If, after turning on the refrigerator in the network, you hear an even humming of the engine, it means that the temperature controller has failed and you will have to replace it with a new one.
By the way, the wires suitable for the thermostat have the following purpose:

• orange, red or black - connects the thermostat to the motor;
• brown - zero, wire leading to the outlet;
• white, yellow or green - leads to a light bulb indicating that the refrigerator is on;
• striped yellow-green - grounding.

Snow coat in the

refrigerator If you find such a nuisance, there may be several factors. So first you need to do all the actions described in the first paragraph. If the thermometer readings were + 6˚С or less, quickly turn the thermostat control knob until the refrigerator is turned off.
If the refrigerator is turned off - everything is in order. Not? It has to be replaced. In the case when the refrigerator is turned off, we leave it to work without food for at least 5–6 hours. After that, we begin to detect the intervals between switching on and off the compressor. For a properly operating refrigeration unit, this period should be approximately 40 minutes. If you have less, add a little “cold”, that is, turn the switch a little to the right, clockwise.
If everything went well, you can download products. Not? The temperature regulator will have to be replaced.

The procedure for replacing the temperature relay

Repair thermostat with his own hands does not take much time. For example, take the refrigerator brand Atlant:

• remove the cover of the upper hinge and unscrew the bolts under it;
• remove the door of the refrigeration compartment;
• further, remove the plug in the roof of the refrigerator and turn out one screw( most often it has a built-in hex);
• unscrew the screws that hold the roof( located behind) and remove it;
• remove the temperature control knob;
• remove the temperature controller by unscrewing the 2 screws that secure the bracket;
• change the node to a new one and perform all actions in the reverse order.

In principle, wherever the thermostat is located, repair it looks approximately the same:

• get to the part;
• disconnect the capillary tube from the evaporator body;
• carefully pull it out of the case;
• disconnect the relay itself;
• carefully insert the new bellows tube and fasten it securely to the evaporator;
• connect all necessary wires and attach the relay in place.

Tip:

If you are doing this kind of work for the first time, take a photo of each step on your phone or camera. Photos are very helpful in the assembly, if you forget what and where to join.