The principle of operation of the refrigerator
The operating principle of almost all such equipment is the same. The place of cold concentration is located inside the device. And the generated thermal energy is removed outside. To solve work problems, so-called freons are used, this is a popular type of refrigerant. Troubleshooting requires a minimum level of training in this regard.
Freon includes several main components in the form of chlorine with ethane, fluorine. The main difference between the material is the change from the liquid state to the gaseous state, when pressure fluctuations inside the walls begin.
The cooling procedure itself can be described as follows:
- The operation of compressors helps draw the refrigerant inside. The design of the refrigerator is almost always the same.
- Next, the composition moves through the tubes with the participation of a piston.
- The refrigerant condenses during heat transfer.
- The freon form becomes liquid.
- Moisture turns into gas after being absorbed by the sorbent.
- Transfer of refrigerant into the capillary tube.
- The temperature of the gas and the pressure inside drop almost simultaneously.
- The properties of freon change as it passes through the evaporator.
- In the gas state, the refrigerant passes to the compressor of the Stinol no Frost refrigerator.
Models are being sold that have not one compressor, but two devices at once. Although this technique is considered more effective, maintenance does involve some problems. Possible malfunctions will be given below.
Diagnostics of Stinol refrigerators
To identify the probable cause of the malfunction, carefully check the operating condition of each of the components of the significant components of the refrigeration unit:
- The main components are visually inspected for corrosion damage to components, as well as other mechanical deformations and defects in the protective coating.
- Check the tightness of the pipeline and how secure the automation devices and other working parts are.
- The correspondence of three functional parameters of refrigeration equipment is established - power consumption, temperature in the freezer compartment and the thermometer mark near the rear wall in the refrigeration compartment is determined.
Attention! To check the power consumption of the unit, a multimeter is used; to accurately set this parameter, general electrical knowledge and skills in handling the measuring device are required.
Compressor electrical system design
The motor is the main element inside the refrigerator. Without it, freon or refrigerant simply will not move through the pipes.
But this unit is not the only one; it is complemented by other parts:
- Protective relay that prevents engine overheating.
- A thermostat that sets the temperature at a certain level.
- Start relay which should work fine after troubleshooting.
The engine has a rotor and a starter. Essentially, the latter is copper coils in some quantity, assembled together. The rotor is a conventional steel shaft, working in conjunction with a piston system. Possible malfunctions of this part of the equipment also have their own.
Electromagnetic induction is generated inside the coils when the motors are turned on. Due to this source, torque is generated. Centrifugal force contributes to the rotation of the rotor itself, and at the same time the piston moves.
The modern Stinol refrigerator is distinguished by the location of the engines inside the compressor. Then the probability of spontaneous leakage remains a minimal problem. The initial design of the system leads to frequent vibrations. A special suspension on metal springs is created just to prevent such situations.
New models differ in that the springs are fixed inside the housing. In old ones, this component is located inside. The first option was always considered more practical, since it allowed vibration to be dampened from the inside. But then repairs are more difficult to organize if the suspension breaks. The two-chamber type of technology is no exception.
The motor runs until a certain temperature level is established inside the chambers. After this, the thermostat is connected to operation. The motor stops receiving current with the contacts open. The compressor stops working. When the temperature rises, the contacts close again. The work cycle continues.
Important! Most often, problems occur in models that belong to the middle and lower price categories. It is more practical not to repair the device, but to buy a new one; replacement is much cheaper.
Checking the Thermostat
The temperature controller often fails. This is due to the fact that the thermostat of the German company Ranko, which was installed in the refrigerator, has a short working life - approximately 5-6 years. If the temperature controller in the refrigerator is not working, the compressor will not start. To exclude other breakdowns, it is necessary to check the serviceability of this part.
At home, it is difficult to check whether the device is working or not. However, there are 2 ways to determine the operating status.
Any malfunction of a refrigeration unit whose service life is more than 10-15 years requires a thorough inspection by a specialist. Repair of Stinol refrigerators most often involves replacing a worn-out part. If you have experience in electrical installation work, you can replace the spare part yourself. But when breakdowns occur too often, you should think about purchasing a more modern version of the refrigeration appliance.
Fridge
Stinol is reliable equipment from a European manufacturer that can work for a long time. Reliability and durability, together with affordable prices, are already attracting buyers.
But various malfunctions and problems appear even if you handle the device with care. There are several problems that have become the most common among owners of Stinol no Frost. Troubleshooting Stinol does not cause problems.
Refrigeration unit diagnostics
A thorough inspection of the unit helps to identify problem components:
- Be sure to check the main details. Have they developed corrosion or other deformations? Are protective coatings damaged? Other mechanical damage is also highly likely to occur when the Stinol refrigerator does not freeze.
- The tightness and fastening strength of the structural parts also deserve a separate analysis, especially if the Stinol refrigerator does not freeze.
- Of all the properties, there are three main ones - power consumption, temperature in the freezer and near the back wall of the cabinet. You need to understand whether the start relay of the Stinol refrigerator needs to be replaced.
Failure of the thermostat (temperature regulator) – from 1600 rubles*
The thermostat regulates the cooling in the refrigerator compartments. Based on the data from the thermostat, the motor-compressor is turned on or off. As a rule, thermostats fail due to long service life: over time, the contacts of the thermostat oxidize or burn, or its tube loses its seal.
SIGNS
The Stinol refrigerator does not freeze: it is warm in one chamber or in both. The opposite situation rarely occurs: the engine runs without interruption, one or two chambers freeze and become overgrown with a snow coat. In some cases, the engine does not turn on at all, but the light in the refrigerator compartment is on.
HOW TO FIX
A faulty thermostat must be replaced with a new one.
*Prices are only for the work of the master, a new thermostat is paid separately.
Frequent problems with the Stinol refrigerator
Reliability is a distinctive feature of all refrigerators from this manufacturer included in the model range. But even in this case, no one provides complete protection against breakdowns during daily use. Dealing with a problem becomes easier if you know the causes and effects from the very beginning. There is a separate instruction manual for the Stinol refrigerator compressor.
Cabinet breakdowns
A thin layer of frost will appear on the static evaporator if the cabinet has been inoperative for some time. Because of this, liquid accumulates in large quantities inside the container.
Because of this, the tightness of the No Frost system is compromised, which is caused by:
- Gaps that appeared between the rubber seal and the cabinet doors.
- The appearance of deformations.
- Broken seal or loose seal.
A 1-1.5 kW hair dryer for drying and styling hair will completely cope with the problem if the defect is not very serious. It is enough to apply a hot jet to the place where the seal is adjacent to other parts of the structure. Then the material is stretched so that its shape is adjusted. When the manipulation is completed, the door is closed. If there are breaks in the protective layer, the latter is changed so that the freezer continues to work.
Malfunctions of electrical circuit and automation elements
Electrical circuit components and automatic parts also often cause breakdowns. Here is a list of only the most common ones:
- The drainage system became clogged with small particles, after which the Stinol refrigerators stopped working.
- The evaporator tray heater was broken.
- Defects appeared in the freezer and timer.
- Malfunction related to the thermal fuse or defrost heater.
- The insulation resistance in the electrical system has decreased.
- The fan or compressor or other main parts of the system have broken down.
- The start or thermal relay is faulty, causing the freezer to stop working.
Identification of a defective element and repair are the main actions that are associated with solving the problem in this case. If the issue cannot be resolved simply, the part is simply replaced with a new one.
Problems with refrigerant
In the freezer, the temperature level will be less than -18 degrees if the volume of refrigerant when filling the device was too high. The refrigerator compartment will remain too cold.
The return pipe is covered with condensation or a layer of frost. It is better to adjust the dose of freon after a two-hour break-in; this helps to cope with problems, for example, if the upper chamber does not freeze.
The refrigerator will remain warm if the dose of liquid, on the contrary, is underestimated. Temperatures drop more than 25 degrees below zero. In such a situation, frost often appears on the back walls. It is necessary to adjust the dose until the readings become normal so that the Stinol refrigerators start up immediately.
Long-term defrosting and correct start-up
Before any manipulations with the device, you must unplug it and remove food and empty containers from it. In order to understand whether to replace the refrigerator under warranty or whether it is working properly, you need to defrost it completely and let it sit for a day without connection and without food. This is done in order to completely remove condensation from the system.
- The reason that the upper chamber in the Stinol refrigerator does not freeze, but the lower one works, may be the randomly selected fast freezing mode or the hasty simultaneous placement of a large amount of warm food into the compartment.
- Especially often, the problem of poor cooling against the backdrop of proper operation of the freezer haunts newly purchased units.
- Another reason why the upper chamber of the Stinol refrigerator does not freeze is often a malfunction of the fan: its blades can become covered with ice and jam, causing the drive motor to burn out.
The device should be loaded only after several cycles of turning the compressor on and off and reaching operating temperature. Products must be added in small portions, taking breaks to cool them.
Double chamber refrigerator
Signs of problems with the refrigerator and possible malfunctions
One of the common problems is when the power to the refrigerator stops turning on. Here are just a few possible defects:
- The timer in the defrost position is broken.
- The thermostat and start relay stopped working.
- The compressor winding is broken.
- Malfunctions and problems with the plug and power cord of the refrigerator.
It often happens that food is frozen too hard. This happens if the quick freeze button is stuck or the thermal handle has been adjusted incorrectly.
If the freezing is weak, then there are also several possible problems and reasons:
- Lost electrical circuit integrity.
- Compressor performance is low.
- Loose fit of the filler, loss of its elasticity.
- Damage to the thermostat and control element. The electrical circuit of the refrigerator is checked separately.
Interesting. Freezer malfunctions have also become a fairly common problem. It also happens that this part of the installation refuses to work at all. System depressurization and freon leakage are the most common causes. A breakdown in the No Frost system leads to large amounts of heat accumulating inside the refrigerator freezer. In this case, the problem can be resolved only by contacting specialists from service centers. They are definitely familiar with all the malfunctions of the Stinol refrigerator and their elimination.
Malfunctions and their elimination
The most common malfunctions of the Stinol refrigerator and methods for eliminating them:
- Impossibility of switching on due to breakdown of electrical circuit and automation elements. If the power cords or electronic components are loose, the equipment may start but then shut down. Failure of the thermostat or air sensor (or faulty operation of the elements) leads to overcooling or overheating of the compartments. The defect may be floating and depend on the room temperature. To check electrical circuits, a test device is used; the automation is checked only under service conditions.
- Constant operation of the compressor and increased temperature due to problems with the refrigerant or regulator. Long-term operation of the pump at reduced pressure negatively affects the service life of the equipment. In 2-circuit units, refrigerant leakage is one of the main reasons why the refrigerator or freezer does not work. Filling the circuit with gas requires the use of special equipment; during the injection process, the tightness of the lines is checked.
- There is no light when the door is unlocked; the cause of the defect is oxidation of the switch contacts or burnout of the lamp. The owner can independently replace the light source and wash the switch.
- Malfunctions of the No Frost unit due to a breakdown of the heating element. The resulting frost negatively affects the operation of the equipment; repairs are carried out under service conditions. Some owners pay attention to the crackling sound of a working refrigerator. Extraneous sound occurs due to contact between the fan impeller and the frost layer.
- Flooding of the refrigerating chamber with water occurs in installations with a drip defrosting system. Drops of water flow down the back wall of the refrigerator; the design provides a drainage channel, which becomes clogged with dirt. After cleaning the tube with wire, the drainage is restored. It is recommended to check the position of the tray on the compressor that ensures the evaporation of moisture.
View » What to do if the refrigerator does not freeze but the freezer works
Features of operation
It is worth considering what owners most often encounter in practice.
- Stinol 102.
The installation includes two compressors with the unique NoFrost system. Two thermostats are added to the front trim. The model uses a fan heater, due to which the internal compositions move. Thermal relay malfunctions are the most popular problem among those who have this particular model. The control panel may also break, although the reasons will be different.
Usually, the wires are removed from the contacts to make sure that there is a breakdown and its correct origin. Then the parts are connected to each other using a jumper. If after such manipulation everything starts, it means that the problem was definitely in the relay. Repair of the Stinol 102 refrigerator should be entrusted to professionals.
- Stinol 103, which has its own electrical circuit.
In this case, the temperature regulator often breaks down in order to repair the Stinol 103 refrigerator . All structural parts are designed for a maximum five-year service life. Defects lead to the temperature inside the chamber becoming too high. Oxidation of the contacts occurs, due to which the tightness of the connection of the parts to each other is broken over time. Contacts can burn, break, and lead to other types of breakdowns. It is not difficult to change the starting relay for equipment.
- Stinol 110.
The malfunctions are in many ways similar to the problems characteristic of the 102 model. Old models also fall under the rule - Stinol 101, Stinol 107, Stinol 110 itself.
Typical breakdowns
One of the common problems with the Stinol refrigerator is that its power does not turn on. Possible defects include:
- faulty plug or power cord;
- the compressor winding is broken;
- The thermostat or start relay does not work;
- Timer failure in defrost position.
There are times when the refrigerator gets too cold. This is due to:
- fast freeze button sticking;
- incorrect adjustment of the thermo knob.
Weak freezing occurs due to:
- breakdown of the temperature regulator;
- loose fit of the filler and loss of its elasticity;
- reduced compressor performance;
- violation of the integrity of the electrical circuit.
Another common problem is the breakdown of the freezer, because there are times when the freezer refuses to freeze. The reason for this phenomenon is a leak of freon gas or depressurization of the system. If you notice that heat is accumulating inside the freezer, then most likely there is a breakdown in the No Frost system. Troubleshooting can only be done with the help of specialists from the service center.
If you notice that moisture is accumulating at the bottom of the unit, then the output tube is to blame. The problem may also arise due to clogging of this tube with small particles.
About checking the thermostat
The temperature regulator often fails, as can be understood from previous stories.
This is due to the working life of the equipment, which lasts for a maximum of 5-6 years. The refrigerator compressor does not start when this part is broken. Things are different when the upper chamber does not freeze in Stinol models.
There are two ways to determine the working status.
- The regulator contacts must remain closed. Stinol 101 is no exception.
Motor-compressor malfunction – from RUB 1,900*
The heart of the refrigerator, the motor-compressor, is responsible for circulating the refrigerant. In Stinol motors suffer from broken windings (working and/or starting) and interturn short circuits. In older refrigerators, there are cases of compressor “wedge”.
SIGNS
The Stinol refrigerator does not freeze: in models with one motor, both chambers do not work, in single-compressor refrigerators - only one. In this case, the light in the refrigerator compartment lights up as usual. When there is a short circuit in the windings, the engine turns on and turns off immediately, and the refrigerator can “knock out plugs.” When the compressor is “wedged”, the motor runs without stopping, while the chambers are warm.
HOW TO FIX
A faulty motor-compressor cannot be repaired; the engine must be replaced.
*Prices are only for the work of the master, the new motor is paid separately.
More about diagnostics and existing problems
Water often appears and accumulates inside units with a drip system inside the refrigerator compartment. A clogged drainage system is the main cause of problems. The purpose of the structure is to drain water from the chamber. It runs inside the body of the Stinol 101 refrigerator.
If a snow coat appears in the freezer, this is also one of the signs of a malfunction. Drainage begins in the compartment where food is stored. Therefore, it is imperative to have a water seal in this part to avoid problems in the future.
Note. In practice, this part looks like a bend of small dimensions. Contaminants and other similar components are retained inside such a part. The manufacturer often sells additional tools that are used for cleaning.
After such actions, the outflow of water should improve. If the blockage is severe, such actions do not help; it becomes necessary to break through the structure.
The main thing is to take a careful approach. The tubes are made of thin sheet plastic, which is too easy to damage. It is recommended to use fishing lines that have a slightly melted end. You will get an improvised cable, which, after diving inside, will clean the system. Then everything is filled with a cleaning solution, and the insides of the Stinol 101 equipment are washed with water.
Compared to “crying” systems, the “no-frost” options are considered more complex structurally. They differ from existing analogues in that they contain a blowing system to remove excess moisture. The fan, fuser and timer are the weakest points of the systems.
The fan comes from the freezer. The part can be closed or open depending on the model.
Open devices with electronic control are practically not subject to self-repair; you just need to call a specialist. It’s another matter when the device is simpler, with electromechanical elements. It is enough to gain access to the inside. When they get to the fan, they carefully study the design and check the impeller. The knot definitely requires disassembly if everything is tight and cannot be moved. Stinol 110 is repaired in almost the same way.
Refrigerator Stinol - the upper chamber does not freeze
If the Stinol refrigerator stops freezing, depending on the number of compressors, various malfunctions are diagnosed. In a two-compressor refrigerator, the upper chamber is independent and has its own energy unit. Breakage can cause food to freeze or the contents to sour.
If the chamber is warm, you need to compare the temperature of the compressors. One cold one means that the automation has deteriorated and does not give the command to start the unit. This is confirmed by a light bulb burning inside the chamber. If both compressors are hot and the chamber is warm, there is no freon. Another reason may be an interturn short circuit of the compressor - a specialist will determine the exact cause.
A breakdown caused by a common cause for one and two-compressor Stinol refrigerators is considered to be signs when the chamber gets very cold or the temperature in it rises:
- failure of the thermostat or air sensor;
- Freon leak, insufficient compression;
- magnetic valve sticking;
- severe icing of the camera from the inside due to various circumstances.
Only a freon leak leads to an increase in temperature. In other cases, the regime changes unpredictably.
After defrosting a single-compressor Stinol refrigerator, most of the cold will be directed to the freezer. The same will happen if the intensive freezing function is turned on or the regulator is set to maximum. The upper chamber does not freeze temporarily; this is not a malfunction. It's just not cold enough.