If your Samsung refrigerator has a problem and you are looking for a solution, this guide on Samsung refrigerator troubleshooting will show you what to do.
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How Do You Troubleshoot a Samsung Refrigerator?
The following are common Samsung refrigerator problems, how to troubleshoot and fix them. If you see any symptom of your refrigerator here, read through to know what to do.
Samsung Refrigerator Not Cooling
This is a Samsung refrigerator troubleshooting guide for when a refrigerator is not cooling:
1. Check the Condenser Fan Motor
To check the fan motor, turn the blades of the fan with your hand. They should turn without a hitch. If there is any resistance, the motor of the fan could be faulty.
To be sure, test the motor to check for continuity using a multimeter. If there is no continuity, replace the motor of the condenser fan.
The condenser fan makes sure the compressor and the condenser coils don’t overheat while they work. If the motor is faulty, the refrigerator won’t cool as a result of the heat.
2. Check the Condenser Coils
The condenser coils should not be dirty, at least not extremely so. So check them to see if they are dirty, especially if you have never cleaned them or you have pets. Take the brush head of your vacuum cleaner or a condenser brush and wipe the dirt off the coils. And if there is any greasy stain, clean it using a wet soapy cloth.
If the coils are left dirty, they won’t dissipate heat from the refrigerant so it does not carry it into the refrigerator. Consequently, the refrigerator’s capacity to cool reduces.
3. Check the Evaporator Fan Motor
Much like the condenser fan motor, try to turn the blades of the evaporator fan with your hand to check the functionality of the motor. If the blades are stiff, the motor is likely defective. Consider replacing it.
If the motor is noisy, it means something is broken or the motor is just damaged. Replace it. And if the windings of the motor don’t have continuity when you test using a multimeter, replace the motor.
The fan is what circulates cold air in the freezer and the refrigerator. If the motor is defective, the fan won’t work. So while the freezer may be cold, there won’t be enough cold air to cool the refrigerating section. Therefore, it will stop cooling.
If you troubleshoot these parts and none of them is defective, then check the temperature control thermostat, thermistor, start relay and start capacitor.
You can also check the main control and temperature control boards along with the compressor but they are hardly ever the reason for the refrigerator not cooling. Besides, you will need the services of a certified refrigerator technician to verify their status as they are too technical, especially the compressor.
Samsung Refrigerator Ice Maker Not Working
This is a Samsung refrigerator troubleshooting guide for when a refrigerator ice maker is not working:
1. Check the Water Inlet Valve
The pressure of the water supplied to the valve should be 20psi, at least. If it is lower, the valve won’t open or close properly. So the ice maker won’t be able to function properly.
To determine if the pressure is enough, dispense water into a glass ¾ of the way in 10 seconds or less. If this happens, the pressure is enough. But if not, find a plumber to increase the pressure from the housing supply.
However, if the pressure is enough yet the ice maker is not working, then test the solenoid of the valve using a multimeter to check for power. If sufficient power goes to it and there is continuity, replace the valve because it is faulty.
2. Check the Temperature
High freezer temperature reduces the ice maker’s ability to work. Water won’t freeze to the point of forming ice cubes in the ice tray if the temperature in the freezer is higher than 10 degrees Fahrenheit.
Therefore, adjust the temperature to 0 degrees Fahrenheit, as recommended. If you must keep higher than this, let it not exceed 5 degrees Fahrenheit for the best results.
3. Check the Water Filter
If you have never replaced the water or have not replaced it in the last 6 months, it is time to do so. Be sure to get one that is compatible with the model of the Samsung refrigerator you own. Also, inspect it to be sure it is genuine and there is no damage to the head or body.
A clogged or old water filter restricts the smooth flow of water to the dispenser and the ice maker’s ability to make good ice.
While it is true that the ice maker does not exactly need the filter to make ice, it is not advisable to use the ice maker without a filter. This is because the filter screens impurities from the water before ice is made. Therefore, the ice is pure and healthy.
4. Check the Ice Maker Mold Thermostat
With a multimeter, test the thermostat of the ice mold to check for continuity. If there is no continuity, replace the thermostat.
The ice maker won’t be able to make ice if the thermostat is malfunctioning. This is because the ice maker won’t be able to sense the temperature of the ice mold in order to eject ice as the thermostat is responsible for checking the temperature.
It is important to note here that the contacts of the ice mold thermostat will open if the ice maker does not get cold enough to make ice. And if the contacts are open, it means the ice maker won’t make ice.
To keep this from happening, ensure that the temperature is not higher than 20 degrees Fahrenheit. The right temperature keeps the contacts of the thermostat closed so that the ice maker can make ice.
While it is far-fetched that these parts can cause the ice maker to stop working if defective, you can check the ice maker module, door switch, ice level control board and ice maker switch. That is if none of the parts above is defective.
Lastly, replace the ice maker assembly if all else fails. It is likely that the assembly is damaged and the only repair is a complete replacement.
Samsung Refrigerator Not Defrosting
This is a Samsung refrigerator troubleshooting guide for when a refrigerator is not defrosting:
1. Check the Defrost Timer
Turn the timer slowly to take it into the defrost cycle. When you do this, you should hear the compressor go off as the defrost heater turns on. Allow the defrost cycle to run its course, which is usually not more than 30 minutes.
However, if the timer does not advance out of the cycle or power other components of the defrost system after this time, replace it. This is because it is faulty so cannot advance automatically anymore.
2. Check the Defrost Thermostat
Test the thermostat using a multimeter to check for continuity. If it reaches the lowest temperature point within its operating range yet has no continuity, replace the thermostat.
The thermostat has the job of monitoring the temperature of the evaporator or cooling coils. When their temperature drops below a preset range, the contacts of the thermostat close so that power can flow to the heater. The heater, in turn, will turn on to warm the coils so they don’t freeze.
However, if the thermostat is faulty, it cannot perform its duty and the coils will freeze. This can cause different problems in the refrigerator.
3. Check the Defrost Sensor with Fuse
Using a multimeter, test the fuse and the sensor to check for continuity. If there is no continuity in either the fuse or the sensor, or both don’t have continuity, replace the defrost sensor.
The sensor keeps an eye on the evaporator’s temperature. There is a fuse that acts as a backup in case the sensor fails to work.
So if the sensor is unable to shut the defrost heater off, the fuse would blow so that the heater will shut off. And if the fuse blows, the defrost system won’t work to defrost the refrigerator. You will have to replace the sensor with the fuse.
4. Check the Defrost Heater
Check the continuity of the defrost heater using a multimeter. If there is no continuity in the heater, replace it as soon as possible.
The defrost timer turns the defrost heater on several times a day so that it can warm the evaporator coils. But if the heater fails to work, the system won’t work and frost or ice will build on the coils. As a result, the refrigerator will be unable to defrost.
5. Check the Defrost Control Board
The board controls the defrost cycle of the refrigerator. If it is burnt or damaged in any way, the defrost cycle won’t work at all. But before checking or replacing it, make sure all other components are in good working condition. This is because the board hardly fails so should be the last thing you check.
Samsung Refrigerator Freezing Food
This is a Samsung refrigerator troubleshooting guide for when a refrigerator is freezing food:
1. Check the Thermistor
Run a test on the thermistor using a multimeter. When running the test, the resistance of the thermistor should change together with the temperature of the refrigerator. If you don’t see this happening, it means the thermistor is defective. And if there is no continuity, replace the part.
The thermistor keeps an eye on the temperature of the air around the unit and sends its findings to the control board. The board, in turn, sends voltage to the fan motors and the compressor based on the findings. If the thermistor is bad, the findings will be wrong and the parts will run more than is needed. As a result, the refrigerator will be too cold to the point of freezing.
2. Check the Door Seal
Close the door of the refrigerator on a dollar bill and try pulling it out without opening the door. If you pull it out successfully, the seal is weak and should be replaced. And if the seal is dirty, clean it with warm soapy water and a cloth.
Weak or damaged door seals let cold air out and warm air in. Warm air is usually laden with moisture, which freezes over time in the refrigerator.
3. Check the Content
Ensure you stock the refrigerator ¾ of the way full. This way, the cold air from the freezer will have enough items to cool. If there are only a few items, they will freeze easily because of the abundance of cold air circulating in the unit.
Additionally, do not store water-rich food close to the air vents. Always put them in the right drawers or bins. Otherwise, they will freeze quickly due to the water content.
4. Check the Air Damper
Take a look at the damper, located between the fresh food and freezer compartments, to see if it is stuck open. If it is, try closing it manually. Any stiffness tells you that the damper is broken and should be replaced.
Cold air flows into the refrigerating section from the freezer through the damper control. It opens and closes to regulate the right amount of cold air so the refrigerator doesn’t get as cold as the freezer.
But if the damper is broken or stuck in the open position, there would be no regulation of the amount of cold air that flows into the refrigerator. Consequently, it will become too cold.
5. Check the Temperature Control Thermostat
Remove the thermostat and turn it from low to high and wait to hear a click. The click means it is working. But if you don’t hear the click audibly, test it with a multimeter to check for continuity. If there is no continuity at any set temperature point, replace the thermostat.
The thermostat has the job of directing voltage to the fan motors and compressor. If it is defective, it could send more than is needed and cause the parts to run longer than necessary. As a result, the refrigerator will be too cold.
You can also check the main control board and the temperature control board if all the other parts are working fine. But they are rarely the cause of the freezing problem.
Check out these other articles…
Samsung Freezer Thawing Out [How to Fix]
Samsung Refrigerator Blinking [How to Fix]
Samsung Refrigerator Will Not Drain [How to Fix]
Water Not Coming through Samsung Fridge [How to Fix]
Samsung Refrigerator Will Not Turn On [How to Fix]
Water Coming Out of Samsung Fridge Freezer [How to Fix]
Samsung Refrigerator Freezer Is Cold But Refrigerator Is Warm
This is a Samsung refrigerator troubleshooting guide for when a refrigerator has a cold freezer but a warm refrigerator:
1. Check the Damper Control
Check to see if the damper is stuck closed. If it is, try opening it to check for any stiffness. The damper should automatically open and close so if it is stiff or stuck closed, replace it. It is damaged.
The damper lets in the proper amount of cold air into the refrigerating section from the freezer section. If it is stuck closed, there will be no cold air to cool the refrigerator even though the freezer is cold.
2. Check the Evaporator Fan Motor
Try spinning the blades of the fan with your hand. They should spin freely but if they don’t, consider replacing the motor of the fan as it is bad.
To verify further, listen for any unusual noise from the motor. And to confirm, remove the fan and test the windings of the motor using a multimeter to check for continuity. If there is no continuity in the windings, replace the motor.
3. Check the Evaporator Coils
If there is an accumulation of frost on the evaporator or cooling coils, thaw it by defrosting the unit manually. Simply empty the refrigerator and freezer, unplug it and leave the doors open. Place towels around the unit, on the floor, to absorb dripping water.
However, run a test on all the components of the defrost system to find which of them is defective and replace it. This is because it is the failure of the system that allows frost or ice to build on the coils.
4. Check the Thermistor
Test the thermistor with a multimeter because a defective thermistor can cause different parts of the refrigerator to run too frequently or not enough. This can make the refrigerator too cold or not cold at all.
During the test, you should see the resistance of the thermistor changing as the temperature of the refrigerator changes. If this does not happen, replace the thermistor.
There is a chance that the temperature control and main control boards are damaged. If you are not sure about checking them accurately, have a qualified technician check them. If there is any damage, replace them.
Samsung Refrigerator Noisy
This is a Samsung refrigerator troubleshooting guide for a refrigerator that is noisy or loud:
1. Check the Fan Blades
Inspect the blades of the condenser fan and the evaporator fan. If there is any debris or ice stuck in or around them, clear it. For debris, clean with a vacuum cleaner and for ice, melt by defrosting the unit manually.
When dirt or ice surrounds the fan blades, they tend to make noise as they hit the foreign object. Unless you clean out the object, the noise will continue.
2. Check the Compressor
If any part of the compressor is damaged, internally or externally, it will generate noise. But since you may be unable to verify this, contact a certified technician to check the compressor and ascertain if it is damaged.
3. Check the Water Inlet Valve
Though rare, the valve can become noisy if it has been in use for a long time, accumulating dirt. You can determine this if there is an unusually loud noise whenever water is entering the ice maker. Replace the valve if this is the case.
4. Check the Fan Motors
If there is a noise that grows louder when the door of the unit is opened and reduces when it is shut, check the evaporator fan motor. Replace it if the noise is coming from there.
And if the noise comes from under the refrigerator but not from the compressor, it is likely from the motor of the condenser fan. Replace it if this is the case.
These are the most common Samsung refrigerator problems and how to troubleshoot them successfully. If you want to know more about Samsung refrigerator troubleshooting and fixing, this article here will help you.
Recap
For a successful Samsung refrigerator troubleshooting journey, you have to know one or more of the symptoms of the problem. This way, you can choose the right problem, troubleshoot and fix it successfully. This guide will help you along the way.
