There are several known issues with Samsung refrigerators. In this article, we discuss the common ones and proffer solutions to them.
Table of Contents
Issues with a Samsung Refrigerator – Common Solutions
Samsung Refrigerator Light Is Not Working – Quick Fix
The light bulb could have burned out, causing the light in the refrigerator not to work. Therefore, check the bulb and replace it before touching any other light component. This is the likeliest reason for the issue.
There is also a chance the light socket is bad. Test the socket using a multimeter to check if there is power. If there is power and you are sure the bulb is not burnt yet the light is not working, change the socket.
Furthermore, press the door switch to see if it activates. If it does not, check its continuity using a multimeter. And if there is no continuity in the switch despite being activated, replace the door switch.
Additionally, check the light switch. Test it with a multimeter to check for continuity. If there is no continuity, replace the light switch.
Finally, the light assembly could be faulty. Since it is not likely that you will get individual parts of the assembly to replace any faulty one, you may have to buy the whole assembly. But you need to be sure other parts that can easily be replaced are working fine before settling for replacing the assembly.
Light not working is one of the known issues with Samsung refrigerators.
Samsung Refrigerator Not Cooling – Quick Fix
If a Samsung refrigerator is not cooling, check the following parts:
1. Condenser Fan Motor
Check the blades of the fan to see if there is any obstruction. Because of the location of the fan, it is easy to gather debris, especially if there are pets around.
Clean the blades thoroughly and check how well they turn. If they don’t turn well, replace the motor of the fan. But if the blades turn well and are free of obstruction, check for continuity in the motor using a multimeter. If there is no continuity, replace the motor.
The fan takes air over the compressor after passing it through the coils. If the fan is malfunctioning, the refrigerator won’t cool because the compressor will overheat.
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2. Condenser Coils
Dirty condenser coils cannot efficiently dissipate heat from the refrigerator. Therefore, clean them using a brush or rag. And be sure to check them from time to time to clean them.
As the refrigerant goes through the coils, they dissipate the heat from it as it condenses. But if they cannot do this, the refrigerant carries the heat along with it into the refrigerator, making the unit less able to maintain a cool temperature.
3. Evaporator Fan Motor
Check to see if the blades of the fan turn well. If they don’t, it means the motor is defective and should be replaced. And if the motor is noisier than usual, replace it because it is damaged.
Additionally, if the motor does not come on at all, check for continuity in the windings using a multimeter. If there is no continuity in the windings, replace the motor of the fan.
After taking air over the evaporator coils, the evaporator fan circulates the air throughout the freezer and refrigerator compartments. If the motor is bad, the fan won’t work and there will be no cold air in the unit. While the freezer can retain some coldness, the refrigerator won’t cool enough or at all.
4. Start Relay
Test the start relay between the start and run terminals to check for continuity using a multimeter. If there is no continuity between the terminals, replace the relay. And if it rattles when shaken or smells burnt, replace the relay.
If the start relay is faulty, the compressor will have a hard time running. And if the compressor does not run, the refrigerator won’t cool.
5. Start Capacitor
Much like the start relay, test the capacitor to check if it is still working. If there is no response from it, replace it.
This is because the capacitor helps the compressor start. But it cannot perform its duty if it is faulty. So, the compressor may not start at all.
6. Temperature Control Thermostat
While it is not likely this is the problem, check the thermostat by turning it from low to high. There should be an audible click. If there is no click, test it to check for continuity. And if there is no continuity at both the high and low settings, replace the thermostat.
If the thermostat is defective, the refrigerant may not run as it should and the refrigerator won’t cool without the refrigerant.
7. Boards
It is unlikely the temperature control board or the main control board is faulty, causing the refrigerator not to cool. They rarely fail. But check them to make sure they are in good working condition and to eliminate them from the list of possible causes why the refrigerator is not cooling.
8. Thermistor
Again, this refrigerator component may not be the reason it is not cooling. But to cover all bases, test the thermistor using a multimeter to see if the resistance changes as the temperature of the unit changes. If this does not happen and there is no continuity, replace the thermistor.
A bad thermistor can prevent the evaporator fan and compressor from running. This is because it is responsible for monitoring the temperature in the refrigerator and sending the results to the main control board. With the results, the board knows the amount of voltage that the fan and compressor need.
But if the thermistor submits a wrong reading, the board will regulate the wrong amount of voltage and consequently, the parts won’t operate as needed and the refrigerator won’t cool as it should.
This is another one of the known issues of Samsung refrigerators.
Samsung Refrigerator Ice Maker Not Working – Quick Fix
If you find that the ice maker in your Samsung refrigerator is not working, do the following:
1. Check the Water Inlet Valve
Ensure that the water pressure is up to 20psi, at least, because this is the only way the valve can get enough pressure to open and supply water to the ice maker. If the pressure is insufficient, increase it.
But if the pressure is right, test the solenoid of the valve with a multimeter to be sure it is getting enough power. If there is power yet the valve can’t supply water to the ice maker, replace it.
2. Check the Switch
Make sure that the ice maker is on. It could be turned off accidentally. If it is clearly on, then test the ice maker switch with a multimeter to check for continuity. If there is no continuity in the ice maker switch, it means it is defective and should be replaced.
3. Check the Temperature
If the temperature in the freezer is high, the ice maker will have a hard time making ice. So check the temperature setting and adjust it if it is higher than 0 degrees Fahrenheit. This is the right temperature for the ice maker to produce ice.
4. Check the Water Filter
Replace the water filter if you have been using it for longer than 6 months. If it is newly installed, check to see it is properly installed and there is no damage to the head or the housing.
A clogged filter inhibits the flow of water to the ice maker and water dispenser. As a result, the ice maker won’t be able to make ice as it should.
While the ice maker can function without a water filter, it is not recommended. This is because the water filter screens the water to remove impurities that are dangerous to health and can damage the machine over time.
5. Check the Ice Maker
The ice maker assembly could be the cause of the problem. But to be sure, test all the other parts that work along with it to produce ice. If all test fine, then check the ice maker. One or more parts could be faulty, causing it not to work. However, it may be difficult to find individual parts to replace faulty ones. It is usually easier to just replace the entire assembly.
Nobody can talk about known issues with Samsung refrigerators without talking about the ice maker.
Samsung Refrigerator Not Defrosting – Quick Fix
The following are possible reasons why a Samsung refrigerator is not defrosting:
1. Faulty Defrost Timer
Manually turn the dial of the timer slowly to advance it into the defrost cycle. When you do this, the defrost heater should turn on as the compressor turns off. If this happens, this is the first indication the timer is faulty.
But if it does not come out of the defrost cycle in 30 minutes or transmit power to other defrost components, it is clear that it is faulty. Replace the timer.
2. Malfunctioning Defrost Thermostat
Test the thermostat using a multimeter to check for continuity. If there is no continuity even at the operating range’s low temperature, replace the thermostat.
The thermostat keeps an eye on the evaporator or cooling coils to know when they are cold enough. At a preset temperature, the thermostat allows the defrost heater to turn on in order to warm the coils to prevent frost buildup.
If the thermostat malfunctions, this process would be interrupted and there will be an ice buildup in the refrigerator.
3. Defective Defrost Heater
Test the defrost heater using a multimeter to check for continuity. If there is no continuity, replace the heater.
The defrost thermostat allows the defrost heater to turn on a few times a day in order to warm the evaporator coils. This keeps them from getting frozen. But if the heater is defective, frot would accumulate on the coils, interrupting the defrost cycle.
4. Damaged Defrost Control Board
If the thermostat, timer and heater are all working well, the next likely reason for the refrigerator not defrosting is the control board. Have a technician test it to determine if it is truly defective and replace it.
If you can fix this, you have fixed one of the known issues of Samsung refrigerators.
Check out these other articles…
Samsung Freezer Icing Up [How to Fix]
Samsung Refrigerator Not Getting Cold [How to Fix]
Samsung Freezer Keeps Defrosting [How to Fix]
Samsung Refrigerator Freezer Is Cold But Refrigerator Is Warm – Quick Fix
Here are the parts to check if your Samsung refrigerator has this problem:
1. Evaporator Fan Motor
Check to see if the blades of the fan turn freely. If they don’t, it means the motor is bad. Replace it. And if the motor is too noisy, it should be replaced because something has gone wrong with it.
But if the motor of the fan does not run at all, check for continuity between its windings using a multimeter. If there is no continuity, replace the fan motor.
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2. Evaporator Coils
Open the inside back panel of the freezer section to assess the coils. If they are frozen, thaw them by defrosting the unit manually.
Empty the unit and unplug it from power. Leave the doors open and place towels around the unit to soak up excess water. Give the unit some hours to fully defrost so that the coils can defrost as well. Clean the unit and floor after that and plug it back in.
However, frozen evaporator coils mean something is wrong with the defrost system of the refrigerator. Test each component one by one to determine which is faulty and replace it.
Additionally, check the thermistor, damper control and main control board, though they are not likely to be the reason why the refrigerator is warm while the freezer is cold.
Samsung Refrigerator Defrost Drain Clogged – Quick Fix
Check the following if the defrost drain of your Samsung refrigerator is clogged;
1. Drain Strap
If the refrigerator is fitted with a drain strap, check to see if it is in place. Adjust it properly if it is askew so that the heat it conducts from the defrost heater can melt any ice accumulating over the drain.
2. Drain Heater
Check to see if your refrigerator has a drain heater that keeps the water accumulated in the drain pan from freezing and blocking the drain hole. Consult the user manual to determine this.
If the unit has this heater, ensure it is fitted in place and is in good working condition. Test it for continuity and if there is no continuity, replace it.
3. Debris
Using a stiff wire, clean out the drain. Then, mix water and vinegar and pour the mixture down the hole slowly to clean it out thoroughly. You can also use warm water to clean the hole. Dirt or debris in the drain prevents water from flowing.
This is one of the known issues of Samsung refrigerators.
Samsung Refrigerator Leaking Water – Quick Fix
The likeliest reason why a Samsung refrigerator is leaking water is a clogged defrost drain. Check the drain to see if ice or debris is blocking it. Pour hot water down the drain to melt ice or remove any debris in it. Ensure to check the drain regularly to prevent blockage.
Other reasons for this issue are:
1. Water Inlet Valve
If the valve is not tightly fitted or has a cracked head, it will cause water to leak into the refrigerator. Therefore, tighten the valve if it is loose and replace it if it cracked.
2. Water Filter
An improperly fitted water filter can cause water to leak from its head. And if the head is cracked, it will leak, making it look as if the refrigerator is leaking.
Check the filter and fit it properly to the housing if it is not done correctly. Consult the user manual for instructions on how to do this. Replace the filter entirely if the head is cracked and be sure to get the right type of filter for a Samsung refrigerator.
3. Drain Pan
Check the drain pan to see if it is filled to overflowing or cracked. Empty it if it is filled but determine why the water did not evaporate as it should. However, replace the pan if it is cracked. Otherwise, it will keep leaking water, making the refrigerator look as if it is leaking.
4. Drain Hole
If the drain is clogged or blocked with ice or dirt, clear it out using hot water. Pour the hot water down the hole to melt any ice or push the dirt out. Be sure to pour the water until it runs clean and clear.
A leaking refrigerator is yet another one of the known issues of Samsung refrigerators.
Samsung Refrigerator Water Dispenser Not Working – Quick Fix
The following are possible causes why a Samsung refrigerator water dispenser is not working:
1. Faulty Water Inlet Valve
First, ensure the pressure of the water from the house’s supply is up to 20psi. If it is not, increase the pressure. But if the pressure is sufficient, test the valve to check for continuity using a multimeter. If there is no continuity, replace the valve.
2. Frozen Water Tube
Disconnect the tube in the refrigerator door and blow air into it. If the air does not pass through freely, there is ice stuck in the tube. You can thaw it with hot water or use a hair dryer to do this. But do it carefully so as not to damage the tube.
To prevent the tube from freezing again, make sure the temperature in the freezer is at the correct point, 0 degrees Fahrenheit. If you must take it higher, ensure it does not exceed 10 degrees Fahrenheit and do not take it lower than 0 degrees. Otherwise, the tube will freeze again.
3. Water Filter
An old filter restricts the flow of water to the dispenser. Therefore, replace the filter if it is older than 6 months or if you have never changed it. Doing this also improves water quality.
Samsung Refrigerator Is Loud or Noisy – Quick Fix
These parts can make a Samsung refrigerator loud or noisy:
1. Fan Blades
Check the blades of the evaporator fan or the condenser fan. Be sure nothing obstructs the blades. For the evaporator fan, ice could be around the fan and when the blades hit it, they make a loud noise.
And for the condenser fan, an external object could have gotten stuck in the blades, causing them to make a noise when they try to spin.
Melt the ice around the fan by defrosting the unit manually. But using a hair dryer also works, though this is not advisable.
And clean the blades of the condenser fan, making a regular routine especially if there is a hairy pet in the house.
2. Fan Motors
If the motor of the condenser fan or the evaporator fan fails, it is likely to make a loud noise. It means the motor is faulty and should be replaced.
3. Water Inlet Valve
If water is filling the ice maker and the refrigerator makes a loud noise, it means the valve is faulty. Replace it because it is damaged internally.
4. Compressor
The compressor has internal damage if it is unusually loud. Even if it is still working with a loud noise, it is likely to fail soon. Therefore, replace it as soon as possible. Find a technician to do this job for safety reasons.
A loud or noisy refrigerator is one of the known issues with Samsung refrigerators.
Samsung Refrigerator Freezing Food – Quick Fix
Check the following parts if your Samsung refrigerator is freezing food:
1. Thermistor
Test the thermistor using a multimeter. You should see the resistance of the thermistor changing along with the temperature of the refrigerator. If this does not happen and there is no continuity, replace the thermistor.
The thermistor is responsible for monitoring temperature and sending the result to the control board. The board sends power to the cooling fan and the compressor based on what the result says.
So if the thermistor is bad, it could cause the fan and compressor to run too much, making the refrigerator cold enough to freeze food.
2. Temperature Control Thermostat
Take the thermostat from the lowest temperature setting to the highest point. Wait to hear an audible click. If you don’t hear the click, test the thermostat using a multimeter to check for continuity. If there is no continuity, no matter the temperature setting, replace the part.
The fan motors and the compressor get voltage through the thermostat. If it is not working well, the motors and the compressor could run too much, making the refrigerator too cold.
3. Air Damper
If the damper is stuck open, it means it is broken and needs to be replaced. Too much cold air will get through the opening and cause the refrigerator to get too cold.
4. Temperature Control Board
Check to see if the temperature control board is damaged or burnt at any solder point. Replace the board if it is.
The temperature control board could send voltage continuously to the fan motors and compressor if it is faulty. This, in turn, will make the refrigerator cold enough to freeze food.
However, it is easy to misdiagnose control boards and this is no different. Therefore, be sure it is damaged before replacing it.
Recap
It is usually easy to fix known issues with Samsung refrigerators. But if it goes beyond the known solutions, contact the Samsung Support center. As an alternative, use any of our qualified technicians to fix the issue with your refrigerator.