Instructions on how to replace the refrigerator thermostat with your own hands

Proper operation of the refrigerator depends on the status of the thermostat. In case of serious failures of the thermostat of the refrigerator, a replacement of the element is required. In order to properly install a new component, it is important to first understand the design features.

Design and purpose

A thermostat, also called a thermostat, is one of the main elements of a refrigerator. It monitors the readings of the temperature sensors and transmits the corresponding signal to the start relay of the motor-compressor. Based on the received signals, the compressor is activated at low temperature and automatically stops when the temperature reaches the desired level.

The design of the thermostat is a relay, at the end of which a sealed tube with refrigerant is attached. On the second base of the relay there are contacts that give a signal about the temperature. The refrigerant in the thermostat reacts even to slight temperature fluctuations, therefore, its change leads to a change in the pressure level inside the tube, due to which the contacts open or connect.

How to find a thermal relay

The location of the thermostat depends on the equipment model. To find out where the element is, you need to familiarize yourself with the attached instructions or data sheet.

In the refrigerator compartment

For obsolete models of equipment, it is common to place a thermal relay in a protective plastic box, located above the upper shelf of the chamber. There is a temperature switch on the case. To remove the thermal relay, you need to remove the handle and dismantle the case.

Out

In modern types of refrigerators, the thermostat is located outside the chamber. This design allows you to free up space from the inside and does not violate the appearance of the camera. You can find the thermostat next to the temperature control knob, which is usually located on the top of the case. The handle is removed, then the clip is unscrewed and the relay is accessible.

The main signs of failure

It is possible to detect a malfunction of the thermostat by various symptoms. In the face of signs of failure, it is recommended to immediately start repairs so as not to cause a deterioration in the condition of the equipment.

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Doesn't turn off by itself

Any type of refrigerator provides for a periodic shutdown when the temperature inside the chamber reaches the required level. If the thermostat fails, the relay does not receive a signal about temperature fluctuations, and the refrigerator continues to work continuously. As a rule, with this symptom, a component replacement is necessary, since the repair is inconvenient.

Off and silent

When the refrigerator turns off and does not resume operation after a certain period of time, several factors can cause the breakdown.If a light is on inside the chamber and the engine is not running, the likely cause of the malfunction is a burnt out compressor. A fault can often be determined by the quiet clicks the starter relay makes when it tries to turn on.

The thermostat itself, which controls the temperature in the cold room, does not transmit information through the contacts in the event of a fault. The lack of data on heating leads to the fact that the engine does not start.

snow coat

One of the most common problems is ice and snow forming on the back of the chamber. The malfunction is especially significant for equipment with a drip defrost function. In the presence of a snowpack in the chamber, the normal way of storing food is disturbed. Products in the chamber begin to freeze, lose their taste characteristics and presentation. In addition, there is a risk that the snowpack will sometimes melt and the refrigerator will start to leak.

To fix the malfunction, many try to defrost or beat pieces of ice, but this is not a solution to the problem if the ice appeared due to a breakdown of the internal part.

When the thermostat is not working properly, a new layer of snow accumulates over time.

If the thermostat malfunctions, the sensor mistakenly sends a signal that the temperature is not low enough, and the engine turns on more often to cool the room. As a result, the back wall of the chamber does not have time to thaw and is covered with snow. In most situations, replacing the thermostat completely solves the problem.

How to replace correctly

When performing replacement work on a faulty thermostat, you must follow the instructions in order to avoid common mistakes. Violation of the rules for installing a new component can lead to improper operation of the equipment and cause failures of other parts.

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Dismantling

When you begin to disassemble the thermostat, be sure to unplug the refrigerator. Then you should find the location of the component based on the type of equipment. Usually, for dismantling, it is enough to unscrew the adjustment knob, remove the fasteners and the protective cover from the case.

DIY replacement

To install a new thermostat, you do not need to have any special skills. In doing so, you should follow some tips to avoid difficulties. Especially:

1. All operations should be photographed sequentially in order to carry out installation after disassembly in the reverse order. You need to know exactly where the cores of the cables were, because rearrangement will lead to incorrect operation.
2. If the thermostat is outside, it may be necessary to completely remove the chamber door. To do this, you need to unscrew the hinges, after removing the upper hinge cover, under which the bolts are hidden.
3. It is better to put all the clamps and swabs in a separate container so as not to lose them.

The very procedure for installing a new thermostat requires the reverse order of assembly. The component is put in place and securely fastened with fasteners.

Review

Before replacing the thermostat, it is recommended to check its operation. The test procedure depends on the detected symptoms of a malfunction. If the refrigerator runs continuously and the motor does not stop, you need to do the following:

• disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply and remove all food from the chamber;
• set the temperature regulator knob to the coldest mode or activate the quick freezing function (if available);
• leave a thermometer on the central shelf of the room, capable of measuring negative temperatures;
• start the refrigerator and leave for 2-3 hours;
• remove the thermometer and check the temperature - it should show 6-7 degrees, and if there is a strong deviation, the thermostat should be replaced.

To simplify testing and not waste a lot of time, you can get to the thermostat and move the plate to the sides, which is near the pin holding the handle. If, when moving the plate, no click is heard or it remains stationary, then the thermostat is replaced.

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When the refrigerator does not turn on, the problem may be with the compressor or the start relay. After removing the thermostat, you need to inspect it from all sides, paying special attention to the power wires. The wires have different markings that indicate their purpose.

To check the operation of the thermostat, you need to take all the wires, except yellow with a green stripe, disconnect them and short them. Then the refrigerator is turned on, and if the device does not start, there is probably a problem with the compressor. If, after shorting the wire, the motor starts to work, the relay must be replaced so that the problem does not reoccur.

Thermostat repair

In most situations, repairing the thermostat does not make sense, since only replacing the component can help to completely eliminate the malfunction.At the same time, there are modern types of refrigeration equipment with electronic thermostats that need to be repaired. Such thermostats consist of a temperature sensor and a control module.

There are also models with multiple sensors designed for different cooling zones.

To repair an electronic thermostat, special knowledge, experience and the use of special equipment will be required, so it is better to entrust the work to specialists.

Common Mistakes

When replacing, many make typical mistakes that complicate the work and lead to further breakdowns. One of the most common errors is the lack of preliminary checking, which prevents a full diagnosis and understanding of the causes of the breakdown. There is always a chance that a component can be repaired without replacing it.

Rules of operation

To reduce the risk of malfunctions associated with improper operation of the thermostat, it is possible to observe the rules for the operation of the equipment. The basic rules are as follows:

1. Hot foods should not be left in the room. Otherwise, the compressor will work without stopping for a long time, which will affect the performance of the temperature sensor.
2. The refrigerator should not be placed close to the wall. Tight placement leads to a decrease in power, overheating of the motor-compressor, accelerated wear of parts.
3. If the equipment requires periodic defrosting, this requirement should not be overlooked.