Thermostat replacement

[Electro_lux]

Good evening.
I have just twigged that the fridge has not been working properly for the past week – and now it has stopped altogether.
It is a built-in fridge-freezer Electrolux ER78311 – 4½ years old.
The freezer still works fine – it is not frost free. The fridge light is on. I have decided it must be the thermostat …. I loosened the light / thermostat housing from the fridge wall. There is a long, bare, metal wire which I believe is part of the thermostat. What I reall want to know is how do I take out the thermostat so I can put in another ?? That long wire disappears through a hole into the fridge wall – do I simply pull it out – or is it attached to something at the other end ? Apart from that, there is not much space to work – to get close enough to be certain whether to pull, push or what, in order to remove the thermostat from the housing. I am sure it is simple when you know how …. Any tips would be appreciated.

[Electro_lux]

Re: Thermostat replacement

More information ….. I have just twigged that the thermostat control is supposed to control the freezer too ….. and the freezer is still frozen … maybe not for long. However, I am not sure, because after the electric had been off for 15 minutes or so, when switching on again, the compressor could be heard ….
Maybe the thermostat is just hanging on ie, it works a bit. The fridge is a bit colder now than when I first switched on again, the cold knob is set to maximum (6), the compressor is now off – but the thermometer sitting in the fridge still says it is 10 degrees.

Should I invest in a new thermostat ? Or a new fridge-freezer …. ?

[clivejameson]

Re: Thermostat replacement

Tricky one potentially…a way of checking the cooling system itself is to bypass the stat for a few hours…the fridge should get really cold. If it does then the stat is faulty.
….and yes the bare wire (actually the stat capillary) will just pull out of the sleeve.

[Penguin45]

Re: Thermostat replacement

Sounds like a fairly standard mechanical thermostat failure……… The wire is a gas capillary tube, so don’t cut it – follow where it goes, as you’ll have to route the new one exactly the same way.

P/no 2262146-24/0, spares@ukwhitegoods.co.uk will get you one of you wish.

Power off when fitting.

Regards,
Penguin45.

[Electro_lux]

Re: Thermostat replacement

Good Aftenoon
I ordered a new thermostat (part number 2262146240) from UK Whitegoods.

I put it in a couple of days ago, but the temperature is staying at around +8C even though the knob is set to maximum 6.

Any ideas ? Or is it time for a new fridge ?

clivejameson – you mentioned testing by-passing the thermostat – how might this be done ?

[clivejameson]

Re: Thermostat replacement

Electro_lux wrote: you mentioned testing by-passing the thermostat – how might this be done ?

You need to identify the live supply connection to the stat, and the wire from it that feeds the compressor then link the two together. This you will need a meter for so if that is beyond you then it’s time for professional help i’m afraid.

Unplug before doing anything of course. :zap:

[pjs101165]

Re: Thermostat replacement

Hi
I have exactly the same problem with my Electrolux ER78311. it’s about
6 yrs old.
I’m still trying to get a schematic wiring diagram from Electrolux. before starting fault finding.

A simplier & safer way to check the fridge thermostat, for operation is to:
1. Switch off & unplug appliance.
2. Discconect & carefully remove thermostat.
3. Using a multimeter measure & record the resistance, across all combinations of connectors.
4. Place thermostat in your (or somebody elses freezer) for 1hr.
5. Re measure the resistances between all thermostat connectors.

If functioning, a clear change, close circuit (ambient room temp) to open circuit after freezer, should be observed.

Please advise on final fix solution.
Good luck.
😉

[Author]

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