Atlant refrigerator repair: common problems and how to fix them

Atlant refrigerators are the heirs of the popular Soviet brand “Minsk”.According to experts and most users, the equipment is not inferior to its European counterparts, and in terms of price-quality ratio it even surpasses its competitors. But, like any other equipment, they can break.

Of course, you can contact a service center, but you must admit that it is much cheaper to restore the unit’s functionality with your own hands. As practice shows, repairing Atlant refrigerators does not cause any particular difficulties, the main thing is to understand the cause of the breakdown. The article we present will provide effective assistance in this regard.

We will tell you about the most common breakdowns of Belarusian refrigerators, as well as ways to fix them. You will also learn about what signs may be a reason to contact a service center. As illustrations, we have included thematic photographs and videos with advice from experienced refrigeration technicians.

Features of Atlant refrigerators

Atlant equipment is assembled in Minsk at the plant of the same name.The company is a Soviet pioneer in the production of two-chamber equipment and the introduction of polyurethane foam thermal insulation of the body. Belarusian products are supplied to European countries and China.

Refrigerators are also in demand among domestic consumers due to a number of advantages:

• competitive cost - the price of units is slightly lower than products of European brands;
• energy efficiency;
• practicality and ease of use - there is a spacious refrigerator compartment, a shelf for bottles, an insert for eggs;
• the ability to independently move the door;
• the presence of an information display showing the temperature in the freezer/refrigerator compartment.

An additional plus is the developed network of service centers for servicing Atlant equipment. Equipment warranty – 3 years.

The company's product range includes 8 series of refrigerators of different configurations: single- and double-chamber, with a Fresh or No Frost cooling system, with mechanical or electronic controls. The total number of models is about 100

The design concept is a strict style with a predominance of straight, laconic lines. Some users miss trendy models with a streamlined “facade”. Disadvantages include the lack of child protection and a super-cooling zone.

All Atlant models are equipped with thermostats for selecting the cooling mode, and wheels for convenient movement of the refrigerator

If we talk about Atlanta breakdowns, then most often users contact the service center due to a failure of the mechanical thermostat, a clogged capillary tube and a malfunction of the electronic unit.

In older versions, the freezer evaporator was placed openly, so it was often deformed during operation.The scratch caused a refrigerant leak. The manufacturer took this drawback into account and in new refrigerators the evaporator is protected with plastic.

A faulty refrigerator is indicated by a red light indicator at the top of the cabinet. "Attention" light also lights up when the appliance is turned on for the first time or after defrosting, as well as when there is no food in the freezer compartment of a single-compressor appliance

Minor problems: causes and solutions

Serviceable equipment works without failures, does not create extraneous sounds - the motor does not knock, condensate drainage is not heard, and the cabinet body does not vibrate. Problems manifest themselves by disruption of the cooling cycle, the appearance of puddles outside and inside the chamber, lack of lighting and other signs.

To solve the problem in time, you need to know refrigerator operating principle and understand the cause-and-effect relationships of a particular breakdown. You can fix some malfunctions yourself.

#1. Vibration during operation

If the device is noisy, then first you need to eliminate all minor causes of the “sound effect”. If self-diagnosis does not produce results, you will have to call a technician from their service center to repair the Atlant refrigerator.

The hum of the unit. Possible causes of excessive noise:

• the refrigerator is located very close to the walls and furniture - due to the vibration of the motor, adjacent elements rumble;
• operation of the unit at maximum performance - if thermostat is set to the highest value, then the load on the motor-compressor increases;
• commissioning - the first week of operation the unit freezes louder than usual;
• sudden changes in voltage.

A more serious cause of hum is a breakdown of the electric motor.Possible wear on rings and pistons.

Knocking and vibration. Rattling and slight shaking can be caused by uneven floors or improper placement of dishes inside the refrigerator.

A common cause of knocking is vibration of the compressor housing suspension. Solution to the problem: place a piece of rubber under the part and tighten the bolts. The substrate will absorb vibration and reduce rattling

The motor-compressor may also knock if the shock absorber fastenings are loose. To restore quiet operation, simply tighten the fasteners. Sometimes the tubes on the back of the unit make noise. They cannot be moved, but to reduce knocking, a seal can be placed under them.

A possible reason for the knocking noise of the new refrigerator is the transport fastenings of the electric motor that have not been removed.

If the steps taken do not help resolve the problem, then it is better to invite a technician from a nearby service center to diagnose. Metal knocking sound when starting/shutting down refrigerator compressor may indicate that it is broken and needs to be replaced.

Creak and crackle. These sounds may indicate the following problems:

• wear of the electric motor and rapid failure of the part;
• The freezer fan clings to the ice - possibly during prolonged use without defrosting.

When the temperature in the kitchen changes, the plastic walls of the chamber may crack slightly - this phenomenon is not critical and does not need to be eliminated. A characteristic creaking noise can be observed if the refrigerator is installed incorrectly.

The recommended distance from the walls to the sides of the device is 25 mm. The clearance from the rear panel of the case is at least 7-10 cm. This gap is necessary for normal air circulation in the area of ​​the motor-compressor

Refrigerator hissing and whistling. These sounds are usually caused by clogged capillary tubes or debris getting on the fan blades. A faulty compressor makes similar sounds. To solve every problem, the help of a specialist is required.

Brief gurgling and howling noises are sometimes associated with intense movement of refrigerant.

#2. Insufficient cooling temperature

If you hear the sound of a functioning refrigerator compressor, a light comes on in the chamber, but the temperature does not drop, then the first thing you need to do is eliminate typical operating errors:

1. Incorrect thermostat position. Perhaps the knob is set to position “1” - minimum cooling. It is necessary to turn the thermostat to the desired value, depending on the amount of food inside the compartment, the frequency of door opening and the temperature inside the room.
2. The door does not fit tightly. Due to slight misalignment or mixing, the seal of the chamber is broken. The door must be re-hung and the temperature in the refrigerator compartment checked after a while.

Temperature problems also occur for more serious reasons: freon leak, clogged capillary tube or compressor failure.

The above-mentioned failures in single-compressor Atlant models lead to the inoperability of the freezer and refrigeration compartments at the same time. Two-compressor units have independent cooling circuits - if one fails, the second continues to work

Insufficient cold production may be the result of a broken control board, a defective motor or thermostat. Correcting any situation requires the participation of a qualified technician.

#3. Appearance of snow on the inner wall

The formation of a snow or ice crust inside the refrigerator compartment is caused by one of the following reasons:

• incorrect choice of temperature;
• non-compliance with operating conditions;
• clogged drainage tube;
• leakage of working substance in the evaporator;
• temperature sensor failure.

The first three reasons must be eliminated independently. It is necessary to check the tightness of the refrigerator closure and change the cooling mode. If the unit operates at maximum performance on a hot day, the cooling will not stop - the walls do not have time to thaw.

Belarusian models are equipped with a defrost sensor. The element begins to work incorrectly if hot pots and containers are placed in the refrigerator. The same effect is caused by an excessive flow of warm air from the room into the chamber.

When the drainage system is clogged, drops of moisture accumulate and frost freezes on the walls. To fix the problem, just defrost the refrigerator and clean the drain channel

#4. Water inside the chamber or under the refrigerator

The appearance of water under the unit or inside the refrigerator compartment can be caused by various reasons.

The most common ones are:

1. Breakdown of the defrosting system. A malfunction of the evaporator heating element of a unit with the No Frost function leads to the accumulation of water in the refrigerator compartment.
2. Thermostat malfunction. The only correct solution is to contact technical support to replace the structural element.
3. Clogged drainage channel. Water droplets flowing down the inner wall do not find a way out and accumulate at the bottom of the refrigerator compartment.
4. Disconnecting the water pipe. The liquid flows through the drain hole directly onto the floor and not into the tank. Eliminating the problem is returning the drainage circuit to its place.

Periodically it is necessary to check the integrity of the tank itself.Over time, the material cracks and the container requires replacement.

A loose door connection leads to an increase in the temperature inside the refrigerator compartment, and as a result, the unit begins to freeze more intensely, forming ice on the walls. When warm air enters, the ice melts - part of the liquid accumulates inside, and part of it enters the reservoir and quickly overflows the reservoir.

Solution: adjusting door hinges or leveling the refrigerator. If the actions do not help, then you should check the quality of the seal and, if necessary, replace the worn part

#5. Long-term operation without shutdown

First, you should check the instructions for the operating time of the refrigerator without turning off in a certain mode. It is important to consider: the warmer the room, the longer the unit will freeze.

Some Atlant models have a “Quick Freeze” mode – the refrigerator continues to work for 10-12 hours. Moreover, the motor operates continuously until forced shutdown: pressing the switch key.

If the refrigerator has been running for a long time, be sure to check the position of the “freeze” button. The indicator on the top panel reminds you that this mode is activated - as a rule, it glows yellow

Another probable reason for prolonged operation is improper pressure of the thermostat. In single-chamber models and products with an evaporator plate, mounting tubes are provided on the back side. Through them, the thermostat is fixed to the evaporator element.

Over time, the screws rust, the clamp weakens, and the thermostat sensor begins to work incorrectly. Elimination of the defect - restoration of normal fasteners.

Operation without shutdown is also observed when the door is not tightly closed, the seal is worn, or the refrigerator is placed near heating devices.

Things are more complicated if the continuous operation of the device is caused by the following breakdowns:

• contamination of the capillary line;
• refrigerant leak;
• a defect in the thermoregulatory circuit or start protection relay.

The listed problems require the involvement of an experienced refrigeration equipment repair technician. Restoration of performance cannot be delayed, as there is a high risk of engine overheating.

#6. No lighting in the refrigerator compartment

The common cause of a malfunction is a burnt-out light bulb.

The solution to the problem is simple:

1. Disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply.
2. Remove the lampshade, unscrew the old one and install a new bulb.
3. Return the lampshade to its place.

After all the manipulations, you need to connect the refrigerator to power and check the functionality of the backlight. If the problem is not solved, then the fault lies in the wiring. To further troubleshoot the problem, it is better to invite a specialist.

Reasons for contacting the service center

Diagnostics and repair of refrigeration equipment should definitely be entrusted to the refrigeration specialist if it is necessary to disassemble the circuit, check the functionality of the compressor, thermal relay and the presence of freon. Assessing the condition and repairing electrical wiring and electronic control units is a task for professionals.

Reason #1. Quick shutdown of the refrigerator

To determine the possible cause of the shortened operating cycle, it is necessary to analyze the sound when the unit is turned on/off.

The refrigerator worked for several seconds, before turning off there was a click, and the motor began to run loudly, which means the compressor or thermal relay is damaged.Violation of the usual operating intervals is due to a breakdown of the electronic board or power surges

To diagnose the problem yourself, you can do the following:

1. Check the mains voltage.
2. If the indicator is within the normal range, then you need to remove the thermal relay, and then connect the motor directly.
3. If the unit is working properly, then the cause of the shortened cycle has been identified. The next step is to replace the thermal relay.

If the cyclical operation is caused by fluctuations in the power supply, then the installation of an alternating voltage stabilizer is required. More serious breakdowns include rupture of the compressor windings or jamming of the motor. Fixing a malfunction or completely replacing a defective unit will not be cheap.

To replace the start-protection and thermal relays, which are a single unit in household refrigerators, it is better to contact a workshop. However, it is quite possible to do the work yourself, based on the information presented in the video:

Reason #2. Damage to external and internal thermostats

In most Atlant models, the thermostat is located outside the refrigerator compartment - under the top cover. Replacement of the element should be entrusted to professionals.

For your information, here is the general operating procedure:

1. Remove the refrigerator door.
2. Remove the plugs on the cover and unscrew the screws.
3. Remove the top panel.
4. Unscrew the screws that secure the thermostat brackets, remove and replace the element.
5. Reassemble in reverse order.

In two-chamber versions with a top freezer, the thermostat is located inside the refrigerator - the bellows tube is attached to the rear wall of the unit.

Failure of the thermostat is a minor breakdown. The technician will fix the problem at home - there is no need to deliver the equipment to a service center

Reason #3. Current breakdown on the refrigerator body

If even a light touch to the case is accompanied by at least a slight discharge of electricity, then it is highly not recommended to find out the cause and fix the malfunction yourself. It is likely that exposed wires are in contact with metal walls. The refrigerator will identify the damaged area and isolate the problem area.

Reason #4. Clogged capillary tube and freon leak

Both malfunctions lead to similar consequences: an increase in temperature inside the refrigerator compartment and continuous operation of the motor-compressor. To establish an accurate “diagnosis”, the wizard performs diagnostics - opens the system.

If the gas is in sufficient quantity, then a blockage of the capillary pipeline is determined.

Ways to fix the problem:

• pressing with a press – oil under pressure acts on the blockage;
• washing with a specialized solution similar to a “liquid desiccant”;
• blowing with compressed nitrogen;
• complete replacement of the capillary circuit.

If the Atlant refrigerator has stopped cooling and is not working due to a lack of refrigerant, you will need refilling the circuit with freon, the rules of which are described in detail in the article we recommend.

Carrying out the work requires caution and special skills. Tools you will need: pressure gauges, a freon cylinder, hoses. Refueling is carried out in an isolated area, away from heating elements and sources of fire.

Freon leakage often occurs due to the fault of users. The most common reason is damage to the channel by sharp mechanical objects when defrosting the freezer or evaporator.

This video will show you one of the options for determining a breakdown, identifying a leak, how to fix it and the process of pumping freon:

Atlant equipment fault codes

In the event of a breakdown on the display refrigerator Atlant Alphanumeric symbols are displayed, indicating a problem in a specific unit unit. Built-in self-diagnosis is provided in models with an electronic control system.

Deciphering error codes:

• F1 – problems with signal transmission from the temperature sensor – equipment cannot correctly determine the required operating power;
• F2 – in models with the Fresh option, the code indicates a breakdown of the evaporator heating controller in the refrigerator compartment, in units with No Frost – a breakdown of the thermostat in the freezer compartment;
• F3 – malfunction of the temperature sensor in the freezer, in refrigerators with No Frost – defects in the defrosting circuit;
• F4/F5 – are displayed during voltage surges and disappear after the network parameters are normalized;
• F6 – malfunction of the refrigeration chamber compressor, F7 – freezer.

The letter designations H and L characterize critical temperature conditions. H – the refrigerator is too warm, L – cold. If the icon is displayed for a long time, it can be regarded as a signal of a malfunction.

Codes E1/E2 are relevant for modifications with No Frost. The markers indicate problems with the evaporator defrost mechanism. As a rule, this is a breakdown of measuring parts - temperature or defrost sensors

Techniques and methods for restoring functionality common to all types of refrigerators are described in detail in next article, the contents of which we recommend that you familiarize yourself with.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

Reviews are provided for general information purposes and not as a guide to action. Solving the problems described requires a qualified approach.

Video courses for beginners at home refrigeration:

The lack of cooling in the refrigeration chamber of the two-compressor unit led to the replacement of the compressor:

A developed network of Atlant service centers provides repairs under warranty and post-warranty service. Specialists work from home or in a workshop.

If the broken equipment is still under warranty, then it is better to immediately contact the technical center - independent intervention may be a reason for refusing free repairs and replacement of spare parts.

Would you like to tell us about your own experience in restoring the functionality of a Belarusian refrigerator? Do you have useful information on the topic of the article that is worth sharing with site visitors? Please write comments in the block below, ask questions and post photos.