Samsung Refrigerator Not Cooling

When a refrigerator stops cooling, it becomes a pressing matter as it affects the freshness of our food and our well-being. Samsung refrigerators seem to have this issue more frequently. However, most of the cooling problems can be resolved easily.

Here are some solutions you can try before calling a technician for help. In some cases, the error code is a combination of lit parts of the panel. Resetting the fridge will erase the code. It’s helpful to photograph the panel before performing the reset.

If the refrigerator is still not cooling, you can also check the power supply by ensuring that the power cable is securely plugged into the outlet. If the issue persists, you may need to turn off power at the circuit breaker, wait 5 minutes, and then restore power.

Samsung Refrigerator Not Cooling

When Samsung refrigerators stop cooling, it could be due to various issues like dirty coils, malfunctioning fans, or defective components. First, check the evaporator fan, which helps to distribute cool air from the freezer compartment into the refrigerator compartment. The next component to check is the evaporator fan. This fan is crucial for proper cooling.

Also, inspect the thermistor responsible for temperature monitoring. Other causes include incorrect temperature control settings, faulty seals, or clogged drains. While some problems can be fixed with a screwdriver, others may require professional assistance. Before attempting any repairs, explore all possibilities and systematically troubleshoot the issue.

Double Check Samsung Refrigerator Power Outlet

• Check the Outlet: Sometimes, if the place where you plug in your refrigerator isn’t working well, it can cause problems. So, unplug your refrigerator and try plugging in a different electronic thing. If that thing doesn’t work right, it might be the outlet’s fault.
• Try a Reset: If the new thing works fine in the outlet, then unplug your refrigerator for about two minutes and then plug it back in. This can often fix the issue.
• Give Space for Air: Make sure there’s some room behind your refrigerator. It needs space to breathe and cool properly. Leave at least one inch of space between the back of the fridge and the wall. This helps it work better.

Ensure That Samsung Refrigerator and Freezer Doors Close Properly

• Check the Rubber Seals: Look at the rubber seals around the doors of your refrigerator. They’re really important. They help keep the cold air inside and stop warm air from getting in.
• Make Sure the Doors Close Right: When you check your Samsung fridge, make sure the doors close properly and are tightly shut.
• Fix Loose Seals: If you see a seal (the rubber part) is loose, gently push it back into place.
• Replace Damaged Seals: If the seal is visibly broken, you might need to get a new one.
• Check for Obstructions: Also, make sure there’s no food or big trays blocking the doors from closing all the way. This helps keep everything cold properly.

Set the Correct Mode

• Choosing the Right Mode: Samsung refrigerators have different modes like vacation mode, cooling down mode, and a special mode called demo mode. When demo mode is on, the fridge looks like it’s working, but it’s not actually making things cold.
• Understanding Demo Mode: When demo mode is active, the display shows OF-OF. This means the part that makes things cold is turned off to save power when the fridge isn’t being used.
• Turning off Demo Mode: How to get out of demo mode depends on which model of refrigerator you have. For example, on some models, you might need to press and hold the ENERGY SAVER and POWER FREEZE/FREEZER buttons for three seconds. This should make a sound, like a chime, and you’ll know it worked.

Reset Temperature Controls

If your Samsung refrigerator isn’t cooling, it’s important to check the temperature control settings. Experts recommend keeping the temperature between 33°F and 40°F. If it’s too high, the freezer and ice maker won’t work properly.

To fix this issue, adjust the temperature controls for both the freezer and refrigerator. Over time, check the accuracy of the settings as refrigerators can experience temperature changes. Put a thermometer inside for a week to determine if adjustments are needed.

Clean the Condenser Coils

• Cleaning the Condenser Coils: This is an important step. First, unplug the fridge from the wall. Then, gently move it a bit away from the wall so you can reach the back easily. 
• Using a Vacuum and Damp Cloth: Use a vacuum cleaner with a special tool to clean the coils. Any dust that falls on the floor should also be vacuumed. After that, wipe the coils with a damp cloth to make sure they’re really clean.
• Why This Matters: The coils at the back of the fridge are like its ‘engine’. They help make the cold air. But if they get dirty, they can’t work properly.
• Other Possible Issues: Sometimes, a fridge not cooling well could be due to other problems like a refrigerant leak or a broken control board. If the problem persists, you might need to get those parts checked or replaced.
• Checking the Thermostat: Make sure the temperature control is working right. If it’s not, the fridge might not be able to cool properly.
• How to Clean the Coils: Take off the cover at the back of the fridge (it’s usually held by screws). Clean the vents too while you’re back there. Then, carefully vacuum the coils. There might be some spots that are hard to reach, so use a special brush if needed. Make sure to also check the new start relay, a small device that jump-starts the compressor, located at the bottom of the fridge. It is similar to an ink cartridge and feeds the cords into the compressor.
• Double Check for Dirt: Inspect the coils closely. If they still look dirty, give them another good clean.
• Put Everything Back: Once you’re done, put the cover back on, plug the fridge back in, and you’re good to go!

Ensure the Condenser Fan Functions Properly

• Check the Fan that Cools Things Down: Inside your fridge, there’s a fan that helps keep things cold. It’s really important, but sometimes people forget about it.
• Where is it Located: This fan is found between two important parts, called the condenser coils and the compressor. Its job is to make sure these parts don’t get too hot by blowing air over them.
• Why it’s Important: If this fan doesn’t work or gets blocked, your whole fridge won’t cool properly. It’s a big deal!
• When Should it Work: This fan starts spinning as soon as you turn on the fridge and keeps going as long as the fridge is running. If it doesn’t start when you turn on the fridge, there’s a problem.
• Checking for Issues: Take a close look at the fan blades. If they’re stuck or blocked, try gently moving them. If that doesn’t work, there might be a problem with the motor that makes the fan go round. It might need to be replaced. Also, if the blades look rusty, they might need to be swapped out too. In addition, it is important to ensure that the fan motor has continuity to confirm its proper functioning.

Inspect the Start Relay

If your Samsung refrigerator isn’t cooling, check if the condenser fan is working correctly. Then, inspect the start relay attached to the compressor. This part powers the motor unit, and without it, the compressor won’t work, and the fridge won’t cool.

To see if the start relay is functional, turn on your refrigerator to check for activity in the compressor. If there’s no movement or buzzing sound, unplug your fridge and remove the compressor relay gently. Shake it lightly to see if you hear rattling noise or small particles falling out.

Listen for a click from the compressor when starting your refrigerator; if it clicks off promptly, replace the start relay as soon as possible.

Verify the Operation of the Evaporator Fan

• Checking the Cooling Fan: In your Samsung fridge, there’s a fan at the front, not at the back. This fan is called the evaporator fan.
• What the Fan Does: This fan pulls in cold air from the coils and spreads it all over the fridge. First, it cools the freezer, and then it cools the main part of the fridge.
• Why it Matters: If this fan isn’t working right, it can’t spread the cold air, and your fridge won’t cool properly.
• How to Tell if it’s Working: If the freezer is nice and cold but the main part of the fridge is warm, it might mean this fan needs to be replaced.
• Two Types of Fans: Some Samsung fridges have one of these fans, while newer models have two – one for the freezer and one for the main part of the fridge. Older models usually just have one in the freezer.
• Simple Test: You can actually hear this fan working. Just listen for it! If you can’t hear it, there might be a problem.

For Refrigerators with a Single Evaporator

To access the evaporator fan in classic Samsung refrigerator models, remove the light mountings and look up through the casing. If you need direct contact with the fan, you may have to remove the entire system. The good news is that this doesn’t require advanced technical skills.

Once you can reach the fan, inspect it closely to see if it’s working. If it’s not, it may be faulty or obstructed. To determine if it’s faulty, perform a simple experiment with the door switch. This switch controls the fan’s motion and the lights’ activation.

Closing the refrigerator doors triggers the door switch, but you can simulate this by pressing the switch with your hand. If the evaporator fan is in working order, it should start automatically after a few seconds.

For Refrigerators with Dual Evaporators

Refrigerators with dual evaporators have two of them. To check the evaporator fan motor, gently separate the refrigerator and evaporator panels while keeping them connected. This will fully expose the fan.

Close the refrigerator doors and quickly reopen them after a few minutes. If the fan is still in motion before it stops, it’s working correctly. If it remains stationary after multiple attempts, it may be defective.

Inspect the Evaporator(s)

If you’ve checked the evaporator fans and they’re working, it’s time to examine the refrigerator’s evaporator. Samsung refrigerators have evaporator coils consisting of copper tubes. They are usually located behind the freezer and generate cold air. The evaporator fan then circulates this air into the refrigerator section.

Newer Samsung models have dual refrigerators with separate evaporators for the freezer and refrigerator sections. This design allows for more precise temperature control in each compartment.

For Refrigerators with a Single Evaporator:

• Unplug and Open: First, unplug the fridge from the wall. Then, carefully open the freezer door.
• Take Out Shelves and Unscrew: Remove all the shelves from the freezer and unscrew the panel at the back. This will show you the coils.
• Check for Ice: Look closely at the coils. Do you see a lot of ice? If so, it might mean there’s a problem with a part called the defrost thermostat, located at the top of the coils.
• Look at the Thermostat: Check the defrost thermostat closely. If it looks swollen or strange, it might need to be replaced.
• Test the Thermostat (Optional): If the thermostat looks okay, you can do a test to check if it’s working right. But be careful, this needs some technical knowledge, so it’s best to ask a professional for help.
• Check the Defrost Heater: There’s another part called the defrost heater that melts any ice on the coils. It’s under the coils and turns on every few hours.
• Testing the Heater: You might need to take it out to test it properly. Use a tool called a multimeter. It should show a reading between 20 to 40 Ohms if it’s working fine.

For Refrigerators with Dual Evaporators

• Unplug and Open: Unplug the fridge and open both the refrigerator doors.
• Remove Food and Shelves: Take out all the food and remove the shelves and drawers.
• Unscrew the Panel: Unscrew the panel to get to the coils.
• Find the Defrost Heater: Under the coils, you’ll find the defrost heater. It stops the coils from freezing up by turning on every few hours.
• Check for Ice: If there’s a lot of ice on the coils, give it some time to melt. Leaving the fridge door open for a bit can help.
• Plug it Back In: After the ice melts, plug the fridge back in, let it run for a while, and see if it’s working properly.
• If It’s Still Not Working: You might need to think about replacing either the defrost heater or the evaporator fan.

Inspect the Defrost Drain

Refrigerators are complex machines with each part playing a specific role. When one part malfunctions, it can affect the entire unit. The evaporator coils are crucial for cooling and maintaining low temperatures.

The defrost heater prevents ice buildup on the coils. Sometimes, the defrost drain can get blocked, causing excess water and ice buildup during the frost cycle. This can lead to poor cooling performance. To solve this issue, unplug the refrigerator and let it thaw out for a few minutes. Then, use forced air to clear any blockages from the drain.

For Refrigerators with a Single Evaporator

In traditional Samsung refrigerators with a single evaporator, you’ll find the defrost drain located in the freezer, underneath the evaporator coils.

For Refrigerators with Dual Evaporators

In refrigerators with dual evaporators, you’ll locate the defrost drain in the refrigerator, positioned directly beneath the evaporator coils.

When You Need to Order Replacement Parts for Your Samsung Refrigerator:

If you’ve tried our suggestions and found the cause of your Samsung refrigerator not cooling, your final option is to replace a broken part by installing a new main control board or a new thermistor.

To ensure you buy an authentic replacement, look for your fridge’s model number. It’s on a sticker inside the fridge. Make a note of it and enter it into Sears Parts Direct. You can order the specific part you need from there.

Samsung Refrigerator User Manual

If your Samsung refrigerator is not cooling, it is important to refer to the user manual. You can find the manual online at Samsung.com if you don’t have a physical copy. Just enter your model number in the search bar and download an electronic version for troubleshooting advice and other information.

If you reset the fridge and it still doesn’t work, then schedule service, the error codes and other diagnostic information in the main control board will be wiped out. That makes it more difficult for the technician to diagnose and repair the problem.

Samsung Customer Support

If your Samsung fridge isn’t cooling, try our troubleshooting steps. If they don’t work, trained professionals may be needed.

You can call them anytime at 1-800-726-7864 or schedule an appointment online. If you have a warranty, the cost may be covered.

FAQs

Conclusion

If your Samsung refrigerator isn’t cooling, there may be a specific issue causing the problem. Check for a dirty condenser coil, faulty evaporators, defective start relay, or malfunctioning evaporator fan. Luckily, these issues are simple to fix as we have outlined in this guide. We hope that our guide will help you identify and solve the issue quickly. If you need professional assistance, we also provide resources to help you get help.

Jeegna

Greetings, tech enthusiasts! I'm Jeegna, your go-to guru for all things gadget-related. With a passion for technology that runs deep, I've made it my mission to unravel the mysteries of the digital world and simplify it for you.