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Samsung refrigerators

Samsung refrigerator error codes: the complete guide

An error code on a Samsung refrigerator identifies the system that struggled: sensors, defrost, fans, ice maker, compressor or power. This guide explains each code simply, with safe checks and when you need a technician.

  • 13 codes explained
  • Codes vary by model

Samsung fridges usually show codes as a number followed by E (such as 1E and 21E), and some models use C. On many models codes appear on the door display, alternating with the temperature.

Before looking for a fault, make sure the display doesn’t show OF OF — that’s a demo mode that switches cooling off, not a fault. And remember a code points to a system, not necessarily a broken part.

OF

Samsung fridge code OF: Demo / cooling-off mode (not a fault)

May also appear as: OF OF · 0F 0F

Meaning

The display and lights work but cooling is off — this is a showroom demo mode that deliberately keeps the compressor off.

Likely causes

  • The mode was enabled by accidentally holding a button combination
  • A new fridge whose demo mode was never cancelled after installation

Safe checks for users

  • Look in your manual for “Demo mode” or “Cooling Off”; on many models you cancel it by holding two buttons (such as Freezer and Fridge) together for several seconds
  • After cancelling, allow several hours for temperatures to recover

Related parts: Display panel

When do you need a technician?

  • You don’t know the button combination for your model
  • You cancelled it and cooling is still weak

Model-specific note: The button combination varies a lot between models — send us the model number and we’ll tell you.

Does OF OF mean the compressor has failed?

No — it’s an operating mode that turns cooling off on purpose. Cancel it before suspecting any fault.

1E

Samsung fridge code 1E: Freezer temperature sensor error

Meaning

The board isn’t getting a valid reading from the freezer temperature sensor, so it runs the compressor on an estimated fallback.

Likely causes

  • Failed sensor
  • Corroded connector or broken wire
  • Moisture or ice around the connector

Safe checks for users

  • Unplug for 5–10 minutes, restart and watch whether the code returns
  • Make sure the freezer door closes properly

Related parts: Temperature sensorsWiring & connectorsMain control board

When do you need a technician?

  • The code returns after a restart
  • Freezer temperature is unstable

Model-specific note: On some models sensor codes appear in a different form or with C.

Does the fridge keep cooling with 1E?

Usually it keeps cooling on an estimate, but temperatures may be inaccurate — have the sensor checked soon.

2E

Samsung fridge code 2E: Fridge compartment sensor error

Meaning

An implausible reading from the fridge-compartment temperature sensor.

Likely causes

  • Failed sensor
  • Connector or wiring problem

Safe checks for users

  • Restart after unplugging for 5–10 minutes
  • Make sure air vents inside the fridge aren’t blocked by food

Related parts: Temperature sensorsWiring & connectorsMain control board

When do you need a technician?

  • The code returns
  • Food freezes or warms in the fridge compartment

Model-specific note: The code and sensor location vary by model.

Why are vegetables freezing with 2E?

Without a real temperature reading the board may over-cool. Checking the sensor usually solves it.

4E

Samsung fridge code 4E: Freezer defrost sensor error

Meaning

The defrost sensor on the freezer evaporator reads incorrectly, so the defrost cycle may not work properly.

Likely causes

  • Failed defrost sensor
  • Wire or connector damaged by ice

Safe checks for users

  • Restart and watch for ice forming on the freezer’s back panel

Related parts: Defrost sensorWiring & connectors

When do you need a technician?

  • The code returns
  • Ice builds up behind the freezer panel or cooling gradually weakens

Model-specific note: Twin-cooling models may have a separate fridge defrost sensor with another code.

How does a defrost sensor affect cooling?

If defrost doesn’t complete, ice builds on the evaporator and blocks airflow, so cooling gradually weakens.

5E

Samsung fridge code 5E: Freezer defrost system fault

Meaning

The defrost cycle didn’t complete in the expected time — usually linked to the defrost heater or its sensor.

Likely causes

  • Failed defrost heater or its fuse
  • Inaccurate defrost sensor
  • Defrost-control circuit fault

Safe checks for users

  • Look for a layer of ice on the back wall inside the freezer
  • Make sure doors close well to reduce frost

Related parts: Defrost heaterDefrost sensorMain control board

When do you need a technician?

  • The code returns after a restart
  • Visible ice build-up and weak cooling

Model-specific note: The meaning of 5E can vary between models — send us your model to confirm.

Should I defrost manually by unplugging?

A manual defrost (unplugged, doors open for hours) may restore cooling temporarily, but won’t fix the cause.

21E

Samsung fridge code 21E: Freezer fan error

Meaning

The freezer evaporator fan isn’t turning properly or isn’t sending a rotation signal.

Likely causes

  • Ice build-up obstructing the blades
  • Failed fan motor
  • Damaged wire or connector

Safe checks for users

  • Listen inside the freezer: can you hear the fan after closing the door?
  • Make sure food isn’t blocking the vent in front of the fan

Related parts: Evaporator fanEvaporatorWiring & connectors

When do you need a technician?

  • The fan is silent or scraping on ice
  • The freezer cools slowly

Model-specific note: Often linked to ice build-up caused by a defrost problem.

Why is the freezer clicking with 21E?

Usually the fan blades are hitting built-up ice. It needs a defrost and a check of why ice is forming.

22E

Samsung fridge code 22E: Fridge compartment fan error

Meaning

The fridge-compartment fan isn’t working properly (on models with a separate fridge evaporator and fan).

Likely causes

  • Ice obstructing the fan
  • Failed motor
  • Wiring problem

Safe checks for users

  • Restart
  • Keep doors closed — frequent opening stops the fan temporarily

Related parts: Evaporator fanWiring & connectors

When do you need a technician?

  • The code returns
  • The fridge compartment is warm while the freezer is cold

Model-specific note: Usually seen on twin-cooling models.

Does the fan stop when the door opens?

Yes — many fans stop when a door opens, which is normal. The code means it didn’t run when needed.

8E

Samsung fridge code 8E: Ice maker sensor error

May also appear as: 14E

Meaning

The ice maker’s temperature sensor reads incorrectly, so the ice maker may stop working.

Likely causes

  • Failed ice maker sensor
  • Moisture or ice on the connector
  • Damaged wire

Safe checks for users

  • Turn the ice maker off and on again in the settings
  • Restart the fridge after unplugging for 10 minutes

Related parts: Ice makerTemperature sensorsWiring & connectors

When do you need a technician?

  • The code returns
  • No ice is being made

Model-specific note: The code for the ice maker sensor varies by model (8E or 14E may appear).

Does this affect fridge cooling?

Usually not — it affects the ice maker only, but it’s worth checking to avoid the water line freezing.

39E

Samsung fridge code 39E: Ice maker function error

May also appear as: 39C

Meaning

The ice maker didn’t complete its cycle (filling or ejecting) — usually frozen water or a stuck tray.

Likely causes

  • Ice preventing the tray from turning
  • Low water pressure or an expired filter
  • Failed ice maker motor

Safe checks for users

  • Remove the ice bucket and clear stuck cubes
  • Make sure the supply tap is open and the filter isn’t expired
  • Reset the ice maker per your manual (some models have a Test or Reset button)

Related parts: Ice makerWater inlet valveWater filter

When do you need a technician?

  • The code returns after clearing ice
  • The ice maker makes noise but doesn’t eject

Model-specific note: The ice maker reset procedure varies by model.

Can low water pressure cause 39E?

It can contribute — poor filling produces small or hollow cubes and can upset the ice maker cycle.

40E

Samsung fridge code 40E: Ice room fan error

May also appear as: 40C

Meaning

The fan cooling the in-door ice room isn’t working properly, so ice production drops or ice melts.

Likely causes

  • Ice build-up around the fan
  • Failed fan motor
  • Warm air entering through the ice-room seal

Safe checks for users

  • Make sure the ice room cover is closed properly
  • Clear any visible ice around the ice-room vents

Related parts: Ice room fanWiring & connectors

When do you need a technician?

  • The code returns
  • Ice melts or clumps in the bucket

Model-specific note: Seen on models with the ice maker inside the fridge door.

Why does ice clump in the bucket?

Usually the ice room isn’t cold enough, so ice partly melts then refreezes into a block.

33E

Samsung fridge code 33E: Ice maker fill-tube heater error

Meaning

The small heater that stops the ice maker’s fill tube freezing isn’t working properly.

Likely causes

  • Failed heater
  • Wiring problem

Safe checks for users

  • Note whether the ice maker gets no water although the tap is open
  • Restart and watch for the code

Related parts: Water line & fittingsIce makerWiring & connectors

When do you need a technician?

  • The code returns
  • The fill tube keeps freezing

Model-specific note: This heater exists on specific models only.

How do I know the fill tube is frozen?

The ice maker doesn’t fill, while the dispenser may or may not work — diagnosis locates the freeze.

84C

Samsung fridge code 84C: Compressor operation error

Meaning

The board tried to start the compressor and it didn’t start or stopped abnormally.

Likely causes

  • Low or fluctuating supply voltage
  • Compressor overheating from a dusty condenser or poor ventilation
  • Failed inverter board
  • Fault in the compressor itself

Safe checks for users

  • Plug the fridge directly into an earthed wall socket — no extension
  • Leave ventilation space behind and beside the fridge per your manual
  • Unplug for 10 minutes, then restart

Related parts: CompressorInverter boardCondenser coil

When do you need a technician?

  • The code returns
  • The fridge doesn’t cool at all
  • You hear repeated clicking from the back without the compressor starting

Model-specific note: Needs electrical diagnosis to tell a board fault from a compressor fault — parts shouldn’t be replaced before measuring.

Does 84C mean replacing the compressor?

Not necessarily — weak supply or the inverter board are common causes too; diagnosis decides.

85E

Samsung fridge code 85E: Low supply voltage

May also appear as: 85C

Meaning

The fridge detects supply voltage below what it needs to run the compressor safely.

Likely causes

  • Low household or area voltage
  • Weak extension lead or socket
  • Circuit shared with high-power appliances

Safe checks for users

  • Plug the fridge directly into a wall socket
  • Note whether the code appears only at peak times
  • Use a voltage stabiliser rated for the fridge if your supply is persistently weak

Related parts: Wiring & connectorsMain control board

When do you need a technician?

  • The code appears although the supply is stable
  • The fridge stopped cooling

Model-specific note: Voltage fluctuations strain the compressor and inverter board over time.

Do I need a voltage stabiliser?

Where voltage often drops, a stabiliser rated for the fridge can help — ask a technician to choose the type.

Frequently asked questions

Samsung refrigerator error code FAQ

How do I reset a Samsung fridge after a code?

Unplug for 5–10 minutes and restart. If the code returns, the cause is still there and needs checking.

Can I keep using the fridge with an error code?

It depends on the code — some sensor codes allow estimated cooling, but compressor and defrost codes affect food safety and should be checked quickly.

Why doesn’t the code always show?

On some models it alternates with the temperature or appears after a specific button press, and may clear after a restart then return.

My code isn’t listed — what should I do?

Photograph the display and model label and send them on WhatsApp to 0782540147; we’ll help interpret it.

Need a Samsung repair technician?

Send us the model, the error code and a description of the fault — or book a technician visit in Amman, Zarqa, Salt, Madaba or Sahab.

0782540147
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