Do you have a Samsung freezer that is not working on your hands? Read this article to know how to fix the problem.
Table of Contents
Light in Samsung Freezer Not Working – What to Do
If you find the light in a Samsung freezer is not working, check the following:
1. Door or Lid
Check the door to be sure it is closed properly. This is because leaving the door open for longer than 8 minutes causes the light to turn off. But closing the door usually causes the light to turn on again.
However, if the light does not start working again after you close the door, give it about 30 minutes and try the light again.
In addition to the above, if the door or lid was recently removed and reinstalled, check to see if it was properly fitted. Consult the manual of the unit to see how to properly install and align the door.
The light will go off after about 8 minutes if the door or lid is not properly aligned or reinstalled. This is because the unit senses that the door is open and as programmed, turns the light off after some minutes.
2. Sabbath Mode
For Samsung freezer models that have Sabbath mode, check to see if the mode is turned on. If it is turned on, consult your user’s manual to determine how to turn it off. Different models have different ways of turning the Sabbath mode off.
When a refrigerator is in Sabbath mode, the lights don’t work. This mode could explain why the light in your freezer is not working.
3. Bulb
This is rare but check to see if the bulb in the freezer has burned out. Doing this is especially needed if the unit is an older model. Replace the bulb to check if that is the problem.
You can find such bulbs in local hardware stores. Consult your manual to know the right size for the refrigerator model you have. Usually, a 60W or 30W E26 bulb would work but be sure from your manual before buying one.
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It is important to note here that refrigerators that have a top-mount freezer have their sensor between the two doors. If you open the two doors to the exact same position, the sensor may think the doors are actually closed and the lights will turn off. However, this is a normal occurrence.
If you follow all the steps above and the light still does not work, the unit may require service. Contact Samsung Support center for assistance.
One Side of Samsung Freezer Not Working – How to Fix
If one side of a Samsung freezer is not working, it could be because there is a leak in the sealed system of the freezer. There may be other reasons for this but a leak is the likeliest reason.
Fixing this requires professional hands so contact Samsung Support center to request service. You can also chat with any of our experienced refrigerator technicians who can offer expert service.
Samsung Freezer Not Working – Solutions
Check the following if you have a Samsung freezer that is not working:
1. Power Cord
Check to see if the power cord is properly plugged into the wall socket. Make sure it is a dedicated wall outlet and not an extension cord. Using an extension cord reduces the power supplied to the freezer.
If the cord is fully and properly plugged in, then unplug it and plug in another appliance to see if there is enough supply of voltage. If the appliance does not turn on fully, check the circuit breaker that controls that wall outlet and reset it.
Additionally, check for damages to the power cord. Any damage will affect how well the freezer functions. Contact Samsung Support center and request service if the cord is damaged.
2. Location
If the freezer is in the path of direct sunlight, move it to another location where the temperature is cooler. The same is true if there is any other heat source hitting it directly or if it is in a poorly-ventilated garage.
But if you cannot move the freezer, lower the temperature in the freezer so that it can cool adequately.
Also, ensure that the temperature of the location is conducive for the freezer. High temperature affects how well the freezer can work.
Additionally, shift the freezer a little away from the wall at the back so that there is room for air to move behind it. If it is too close to the wall, it could affect the compressor and cause the freezer not to work properly or at all.
3. Content
Ensure that the freezer is at least half full and at most, three-quarters full. Don’t leave it too empty or too full because this can reduce its capacity to cool.
A freezer that is too full won’t have room enough for the cold air to circulate. And a freezer that is too empty won’t have any content to hold in the cold air so it escapes easily once you open the door.
4. Temperature Setting
Lower the temperature at which the freezer is set and watch to see if there is any change. If your Samsung freezer is not working, it is probably because the temperature is not set at the right point.
5. Mode
If the freezer is still in demonstration mode, unplug it, leave it unplugged for about a minute and plug it back in. Doing this will reset it and take it to regular mode. Check this especially if the Samsung freezer is new.
However, if all these are in place and the freezer is still not working, check the following parts:
6. Compressor
Ensure that the compressor is starting and running. Unplug the freezer and plug it back after a few minutes. Listen for the sound of the compressor; you should hear its low hum.
If you don’t hear it and it is too hot or too cold to the touch, it could be faulty. Contact a qualified refrigerator technician to test it and determine if it needs to be replaced.
Note: If the compressor is bad, it may be cost-effective to just buy a new freezer. However, if the freezer is a newer model, changing the compressor is more cost-effective. But be sure the unit is no longer under warranty before replacing the compressor.
The compressor is the heart of any refrigerator or freezer. If it is not working properly or not working at all, the unit won’t work at all.
7. Start Relay
If the compressor is working but turns on and off intermittently, check the start relay. Detach it from the side of the compressor and test it between the start and run terminals to check for continuity. If there is no continuity, replace the relay.
Additionally, if it rattles when you shake it or has a burnt odor, replace it.
The compressor will have a hard time running if the start relay is defective. And the freezer won’t work if the compressor cannot run.
8. Evaporator Fan
Start by opening the door of the freezer. The fan should go off once the door opens. Now, activate the door switch manually in order to get the fan motor running again. If the motor does not start running again, it is faulty and needs a replacement.
Also, check the blades of the fan. If they are frozen, defrost the ice using a hair dryer or by manually defrosting the freezer. But there is a need to check the defrost heater for faults because there should be no ice buildup if the heater is working.
A freezer will be an empty box, more like storage space, if the evaporator fan is not working. And the fan cannot work if the motor is faulty or damaged. This is because the fan is responsible for passing air over the cooling coils and taking the now cold air into the freezer to cool it.
9. Boards
Though rare, check the user control and display board along with the main control board for burns around the solder points. If there are burns, it means they are damaged.
Even if there are no burns, test them to see if they are still functioning. If you cannot do this, have a refrigerator technician run the test for you. The freezer won’t work if any of the boards is damaged. Replace them as soon as possible.
10. Condenser Coils
If the coils are not within the walls of the freezer, inspect them to see if they are dirty. More likely than not, they are dirty. Therefore, clean them thoroughly so that they can effectively dissipate the heat from the freezer. Otherwise, the freezer won’t work properly in freezing food.
Clean the condenser coils every 6 to 12 months, ideally. Doing this leaves them in top shape to perform their duty optimally.
11. Evaporator Coils
Open the inside back panel of the freezer to inspect the coils. They should be free of ice but if they are frozen, defrost the ice using a hair dryer. You can also defrost the ice by defrosting the freezer manually. This usually takes up to 24 hours. Some models take up to 48 hours to fully defrost.
The evaporator coils, also called the cooling coils, are responsible for cooling the air that circulates in the freezer. If they are frozen, they cannot cool the air and the freezer won’t work at freezing food.
However, ice on the coils is an indication that something is wrong with the defrost system. Most likely, the defrost heater has failed. It is attached to the bottom of the evaporator and turns on to heat the coils when they get too cold in order to prevent an ice buildup.
Test the heater using a multimeter to check for continuity. If there is no continuity, replace the defrost heater.
If the heater is working fine, test the defrost timer. It should advance the freezer into the defrost cycle every few hours. Turn it counterclockwise until it clicks, indicating that the freezer has advanced. If this happens, replace the timer because it is defective.
You can also test the defrost thermostat and the defrost control board to see if they are in good working condition.
12. Temperature Control Thermostat
Turn the thermostat from the lowest temperature setting to the highest temperature setting. Listen for an audible click as the freezer kicks into action.
If this happens, the thermostat is not faulty but if there is no audible click, test the thermostat for continuity using a multimeter. If there is no continuity at any temperature setting, replace the thermostat.
The thermostat is responsible for sending voltage to the evaporator fan and the compressor. If the thermostat is faulty, it cannot send the needed voltage so these two parts won’t run when necessary. As a result, the refrigerant can’t run. And the freezer won’t cool if the refrigerant does not run.
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In the event you cannot troubleshoot or replace any of the parts above, it is important to request service from Samsung. This is especially true if there is an active warranty on the freezer.
But you can also use any of our technicians who are available to help you find and fix the problem permanently.
Note: These steps apply to all types of Samsung freezers – top mount, chest, bottom- drawer and side-by-side models.
Check out these other articles…
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GE Refrigerator Leaking [How to Fix]
Samsung Freezer Not Working after Defrost – What to Do
Check the defrost timer to see if it is in good working condition if a Samsung freezer is not working after defrost. If it is stuck in the defrost mode, not advancing to the cooling mode, it means the freezer won’t cool.
Locate the defrost timer and turn it with your hand counterclockwise. It should click and return the freezer to normal operations. But this is an indication that it is broken and should be replaced.
Here is a video showing how to replace the defrost timer in a Samsung freezer…
Samsung Refrigerator and Freezer Not Working – What to Do
If both sections of your Samsung refrigerator are not working, check the following parts for faults:
1. Condenser Fan
Turn the blades of the fan to see if they spin freely. If they don’t, it is likely the bearings of the motor are worn out. So the motor needs to be replaced.
Check the blades for debris restricting their ability to spin. Clean them thoroughly to remove any such obstruction.
If the blades are clean and spin well, then test the continuity of the motor using a multimeter. If there is no continuity, replace the motor.
The condenser won’t be able to cool the refrigerant adequately if the condenser fan motor is faulty. So the refrigerant will carry the heat into the unit and reduce its ability to work.
2. Condenser Coils
Take a look at the condenser coils to check for dirt and debris. If they are dirty, clean them thoroughly and repeat the cleaning process every 6 or 12 months to keep the coils working optimally.
The brush head of your vacuum cleaner can get the job done. If there is grease or any stickiness, clean it with mild soap mixed in warm water.
3. Evaporator Fan
Turn the blades of the fan with your hand to see if they turn freely. If they don’t, it is probably because the motor of the fan is faulty. Replace it. And if there is a noise from the motor, replace it because it is damaged.
Additionally, if there is no life in the motor, test its windings to check for continuity. If there is no continuity in the windings, replace the motor.
The evaporator fan has the job of circulating cold air within the unit. If the motor of the fan is faulty or broken, the fan cannot circulate the cold air so the refrigerator and the freezer cannot cool.
4. Evaporator Coils
If the evaporator coils are frozen, use a hair dryer to defrost the ice. This is a fast way to melt the ice. But a safer way is to defrost the unit manually. Empty the unit, store the frozen food items in another freezer or cooler, unplug the unit, leave the doors open and allow it to defrost over a period of 24 hours.
There will be no cold air in the unit if the coils are frozen. And if the coils are frozen, an abnormal occurrence, it means the defrost system has failed.
Troubleshoot all the components of the defrost system to determine which of them is defective. Start with the defrost heater, which is the likeliest defective component. Replace any defective part.
5. Start Relay
Test the relay between both sockets to check for continuity. If there is no continuity or it smells as if it is burnt, replace the relay.
Together with the winding, the start relay starts the compressor. So if the relay is not working, the compressor is likely not to run at all or may run but only intermittently. And if the compressor doesn’t run smoothly, none of the sections will work.
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6. Thermistor
Test the thermistor using a multimeter. You should find the resistance changing along with the temperature of the refrigerator. But if it does not change, and there is no continuity, it means the thermistor is defective. Replace it.
The thermistor makes sure there is enough power supplied to the compressor and the evaporator fan motor based on the temperature of the refrigerator. But if it is defective, the fan and compressor won’t receive the needed power to operate as the refrigerator needs.
7. Temperature Control Thermostat
Turn the thermostat from low to high and wait to hear a click. If there is a click, the thermostat is likely working fine. But if there is no audible click, test it to check for continuity using a multimeter. If there is no continuity, no matter the temperature setting, replace the thermostat.
The fan motors and the compressor receive voltage from the thermostat to enable the refrigerant to run. If it is not working, the refrigerant is likely not to run and the refrigerator won’t cool.
8. Start Capacitor
Test the start capacitor using a multimeter. If there is no reading on the multimeter, replace the capacitor because it is faulty.
The start capacitor enables the compressor to start by providing a power boost. If it is faulty, the compressor will have a hard time starting. As a result, the unit won’t work.
You can also check the main control board, the temperature control board and the user control and display board. If any of the boards has burns on it, it means it is damaged and can prevent the refrigerator section or the freezer section from working. Replace any damaged board.
Also, for the freezer section, check the sealed system for leaks. This is especially true if the top part is not freezing or a part of the evaporator coils is frozen.
Note: These repairs work for all models of Samsung refrigerators that have freezer sections, including side-by-side and french door models.
Samsung Freezer Not Working After a Power Outage – Quick Fix
There may be a power supply problem from the breaker box or power cord. The wall AC outlet may also be bad or there is a wiring short. There is a chance of a damaged internal component. Start with the breaker that controls the freezer; ensure it is not tripped and there is no damaged fuse.
Turn the breaker on and off and on again to see if there is a change. If switching the breaker off and on fixes the problem, you are good to go. However, if the freezer does not begin working, consider replacing the fuse. There is typically more than one fuse in a breaker box, and you will need to test them to find the defective one. Hire an electrician for the job or find and replace the fuse to see if there is an improvement.
If the problem continues, check the freezer’s power cord; ensure it is fixed well into the power outlet. Sometimes, a power spike can damage the outlet and cord, so inspect both to determine whether or not that is the case. You may need a new power cord if the old one is damaged or a new power outlet if burned.
However, if none of the above fixes the problem, you may have a faulty component problem. Contact the Samsung Service Center to report the issue and request service.
Recap
If a Samsung freezer is not working, it can cause a fright because of all the potential food loss. But fixing the problem can take only a short time if you know what to look for. This article, therefore, shows you what to look for and how to fix them.
If you don’t know how to fix them, contact Samsung to request service. Alternatively, chat with any of our qualified refrigerator technicians who are always available to offer support and expert advice.
Reminder
Stop! Before you begin troubleshooting or fixing any part of the freezer or refrigerator, switch it off. Do this by unplugging it from the wall outlet or shutting down the circuit breaker that controls that part of the house. This is the first step in protecting yourself from electrocution.
Even with the refrigerator or freezer unplugged, it is important to keep in mind that there are parts that retain some electric power. So tread carefully when removing or reinstalling any part.
Wearing a good pair of work gloves helps in reducing shock but much more, works at protecting your hands from sharp parts.
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