Sometimes, you could find your Samsung refrigerator freezing everything you put in it. If this is the case with your unit, this article deals with how to fix the problem easily and quickly.
Table of Contents
Samsung Refrigerator Freezing Everything – Solutions
The following are common solutions to a Samsung refrigerator that is freezing everything:
1. Turn Power Cool Off
Check the Power Cool icon on the control panel to see if it is lit. if it is, it means the function is turned on.
To turn it off, touch the Freezer button and hold it for about 3 seconds or until the icon is no longer lit.
However, if the refrigerator is the Family Hub model, you can turn off the Power Cool function through the Fridge Manager app.
The Power Cool function reduces the temperature in the refrigerator to the lowest. It does this by bypassing the set temperature for the refrigerator so that it drops lower than that.
The function is used when the unit has been off for a while and the temperature inside it has risen or when there is a need to chill a large amount of food and drinks.
2. Relocate the Refrigerator
Move the refrigerator to another part or room in the house, where the temperature is just right for the unit. Be sure to keep it away from any heat source or direct sunlight as these affect how well the unit works.
If the temperature is too high, the compressor and other parts of the unit would work extra hard to keep it cold. In the process, the refrigerator will become too cold, freezing everything in it.
3. Clean the Condenser Coils
If the condenser coils have never been cleaned or are dirty, clean them thoroughly. And be sure to maintain the cleaning routine, checking and cleaning the coils at least once every 6 months.
This is because the coils are responsible for releasing the heat from the refrigerant that passes through them so that it does not transfer to the unit.
But if they are dirty, they cannot perform this duty, so the refrigerator has to compensate by working extra to keep cold. This could lead to overcooling and freezing.
4. Leave the Air Vents Free
Keep food away from the air vents at the back of the refrigerator, especially water-rich food such as vegetables and meat.
To do this, make sure no food is placed against the back or on the bottom of the refrigerator. Food will freeze in these areas because they are the coldest areas within the refrigerator.
Additionally, make sure nothing is blocking the air vents. This is because the unit will sense the poor flow of air and try to make up for it by working harder. As a result, it will become too cold, leading to freezing.
5. Replace the Thermistor
Test the thermistor using a multimeter to check its resistance and continuity. Its resistance should change just as the temperature of the refrigerator changes. If this does not happen and there is no continuity, it means the thermistor is faulty and should be replaced.
The thermistor sends the results of the temperature of the refrigerator to the control board. This is so that the board can regulate the proper amount of voltage to the evaporator fan and the compressor as they are in charge of cooling the refrigerator.
However, if the thermistor is faulty, the temperature reading would be wrong. As a result, the compressor and fan could run more than is needed, causing the unit to become too cold and freeze.
6. Change the Door Gasket
If the gasket is weak, torn or loose, replace it. To determine if it is time to change it, use the dollar-bill trick. Close the door of the refrigerator on a dollar bill and try pulling it out. If you pull it out successfully, replace the gasket.
This is because if the gasket is working fine, it should seal tightly and prevent the bill from coming out easily.
In addition, if the gasket is dirty, clean it with warm soapy water and be sure to clean it regularly to prevent dirt buildup.
A weak or loose gasket compromises the cold temperature inside the refrigerator. As a result, the unit works extra to make up for the loss of cold air. In the end, the refrigerator becomes too cold, even to the point of freezing everything in it. The same applies to when the gasket is dirty.
This video shows how to replace the gasket on the door of a french-door refrigerator…
Check out these other articles…
Samsung Refrigerator Problems [How to Fix]
Fisher and Paykel Refrigerator Dispenser Problems [Solutions]
Samsung Refrigerator Freezer Quit [How to Fix]
JennAir Refrigerator Dispenser Problems [Solved]
7. Lower the Temperature
It is possible to inadvertently lower the temperature of the refrigerator. So check the setting of the temperature and set it to 38 degrees celsius or 3 degrees Fahrenheit. This is the recommended setting. Any setting higher than this will make the unit too warm and any setting lower than this will cause freezing in the compartment.
8. Increase the Content
If the temperature is right yet the refrigerator is freezing, increase the amount of food or items in it. This is because a full refrigerator has better capacity to absorb the cold air circulating in it than one that is not so full. This helps reduce the chances of freezing in the refrigerator.
However, be careful not to overstock the refrigerator as this could lead to poor cooling or having some items freeze while others don’t due to poor air circulation.
9. Replace the Temperature Control Thermostat
Turn the thermostat from the lowest temperature setting to the highest temperature setting and wait for an audible click. If there is a click, it is likely the thermostat is working fine.
But if there is no audible click from the thermostat, test it using a multimeter to check for continuity. If there is no continuity at any temperature setting, replace the thermostat.
If the temperature control thermostat malfunctions, it is likely to cause the refrigerant to run longer than is necessary. And if this happens, the refrigerator will get too cold and freeze eventually.
10. Replace the Air Damper
Check to see if the air damper, which is usually between the fresh food and freezer compartments, is stuck open. If it is, it means the damper is damaged and must be replaced.
It will also explain the freezing as the damper opens to allow the right amount of cold air to flow from the freezer section into the refrigerator section before closing.
Remaining permanently open means cold air will always get into the refrigerator section and consequently, it will become as cold as the freezer.
You can also check the temperature control board or the main control board as they may keep the fan motors and the compressor running continuously. If this happens, the refrigerator will get too cold and freeze with time.
Important Note
Contact Samsung Service center to report the issue and request service if you follow the steps above yet your Samsung refrigerator keeps freezing everything. This is especially true if the refrigerator has an active warranty or if you are not sure about following the steps above.
As an alternative, we have experienced and qualified refrigerator technicians here who can assist with fixing the problem. Chat with any of them.
Always unplug your Samsung refrigerator if you want to test its components or replace it. This is to prevent electrocution. The exception is when the test requires using electric power and in such a situation, tread with caution or call a professional.
Get Instant Help — Ask An Experienced Verified Appliance Technician
Need expert help? Click here to use the chat box on this page to speak with a verified appliance technician right away. No need for expensive in-home service calls. No appointments. No waiting.
