Hello, Samsung refrigerator owners! Ever wondered what those blinking LED lights on your Samsung inverter refrigerator mean? Whether you have a Samsung top-mount freezer, a side-by-side French door, or one of those fancy 4-door refrigerators, this post is here to help.
We’ll break down those blinking LED error codes, explain what they indicate, offer troubleshooting tips, and provide effective solutions to get your fridge working again.
The Meaning of LED Blinking Error Codes on Samsung Inverter Refrigerator
Samsung’s digital inverter compressors are designed with variable voltage and frequency control. These innovative compressors use an advanced three-phase control algorithm, enabling them to adapt their energy consumption dynamically in response to cooling requirements. The digital inverter compressor is meticulously engineered to maximize energy efficiency, making it an environmentally friendly and cost-effective choice for refrigeration needs.
Understanding Samsung Inverter Refrigerator LED Blinking Error Codes
Pinpointing LED Blinking Error Codes on Samsung Inverter Refrigerators
Locating the Warning LED:
- Access the Inverter Board: Carefully remove the lower rear panel of your refrigerator to reveal the inverter board. It’s typically located behind a metal cover, which may require unscrewing.
- Identify the LED. Look for a small, often red or orange, LED on the inverter board. Refer to the image below for visual guidance.
Counting Blinks and Decoding the Message
- Observe the Blinking Pattern: Once you’ve found the LED, watch closely to count the number of times it blinks in a single cycle. Each specific number of blinks corresponds to a particular error code.
- Refer to the Error Code Table: This guide outlines the meaning of every blink pattern right here. Simply match the number of blinks you observe to the corresponding explanation, and you’ll be on your way to diagnosing your Samsung inverter board refrigerator’s error code.
Note: The LED will keep flashing until you unplug the refrigerator. This helps you see and note down the error code for diagnosing and fixing the issue.
| Error codes | Number of LED blinks | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 81C or 81E | 1 time | The compressor is starting to fail |
| 82C or 82E | 2 times | IPM failure error |
| 83C or 83E | 3 times | Abnormal Current |
| 84C or 84E | 4 times | Compressor motor restriction error |
| 85C or 85E | 5 times | Low-voltage compressor error |
| 86C or 86E | 6 times | High-voltage compressor error |
| 44C, 44E, 45C or 45E | 7 times | Communic ation error between Main PCB and Inverter PCB |
| 96C or 96E | 1, 2 or 8 times | IPM shut-down error |
Samsung Inverter Refrigerator LED Blinking Error Codes: Troubleshooting and Fixes
WARNING: Electricity is extremely hazardous. Prioritize safety! Your compressor has a 10-year warranty, but if you try to fix it yourself, you might lose the warranty. For help, contact Samsung Customer Service.
Instead of jumping to repairs, start with this easy troubleshooting step.
- Turn off the power. Unplug the refrigerator or switch off the circuit breaker that controls it.
- Wait for 10 to 15 minutes. This allows ample time for the electrical components to fully discharge.
- Restore power: Plug the refrigerator back in or flip the circuit breaker to the “on” position.
- Monitor operation: Observe if the refrigerator resumes normal cooling and function.
LED blinks once: compressor starting failure error
If the LED on your Samsung inverter refrigerator blinks once, it’s a sign that there’s a potential problem with the inverter compressor’s operation. This could be due to an issue with the Intelligent Power Module (IPM), a crucial component that manages the compressor’s power. Here are some steps you can take to troubleshoot and address this issue:
Solutions:
- Check for the IPM short-circuit. To inspect the IPM, you’ll need to disconnect the wiring harness. Ensure that the DC capacitors on the inverter board are discharged. This can be done using a capacitor discharging tool or by checking the capacitor voltage with a multimeter set to 700 Vdc and measuring the voltage between capacitor terminals. If the reading initially shows 300, 150, or 90 Vdc, wait for 10 minutes and check again. Repeat this process until the reading drops to 0 Vdc.
- Then, switch your multimeter to continuity mode and measure the resistance between pins U, V, and W. The reading should display “OL,” or infinite resistance. If it shows a shorted circuit, it indicates a faulty IPM, and you’ll need to replace the inverter board.
- Inspect for a short circuit between the compressor terminals. If there is a short, it may be necessary to replace the compressor.
- Examine the soldering connections on the inverter board for any visible issues or loose connections. Correct any soldering problems you find.
- If the LED continues to blink even after performing the above troubleshooting steps, it may be time to replace the inverter board itself.
- If the LED persists in flashing after all the aforementioned troubleshooting, you may need to replace the compressor itself.
LED blinks twice: IPM failure error
If the LED on your Samsung inverter refrigerator model X blinks twice, it means the microcontroller on the inverter board has detected a short circuit in the power supply circuit of the intelligent power module or the IPM itself. This could be due to a faulty component or a damaged connection.
Solutions:
- Building on our previous inspection, check for a short circuit between the IPM legs. To verify safe conditions, disconnect the wiring harness and discharge the DC capacitors on the inverter board using a 700 Vdc multimeter. After discharging, switch your multimeter to continuity mode and measure the resistance between pins U, V, and W. Any reading besides ‘OL’ indicates a shorted circuit and a faulty IPM, requiring inverter board replacement.
- Examine the compressor terminals for any signs of a short circuit. If you find evidence of a short, it may be advisable to replace the compressor.
- If the LED continues to blink even after carrying out the troubleshooting steps mentioned above, it might be time to replace the inverter board itself. The Micom’s detection of a shorted circuit in the IPM is a strong indicator of a board issue.
- In cases where the LED persists in flashing despite all the previous troubleshooting efforts, you may have to replace the compressor itself. A shorted IPM can sometimes lead to compressor damage.
LED blinks three times: abnormal current
When the LED on your Samsung inverter refrigerator blinks three times, it’s signaling an abnormal current detection issue in the inverter compressor.
Solutions:
- Check the wire harness between the inverter board and the compressor.
- Inspect the compressor’s winding coils by measuring their resistance. The ohmic value between the terminals W, U, and V should typically fall within the range of 10 to 15 ohms. If you measure an open circuit or a shorted circuit, this indicates a faulty compressor.
- Verify the resistance of the overload protection. Normally, it should read around 0.1 to 1 ohm. If it shows an open circuit, it suggests that the overload protection component is defective and should be replaced.
- If the LED continues to blink even after performing the previous troubleshooting steps, it’s possible that the inverter board itself is the culprit. Approximately 20 percent of the time, the inverter board could be malfunctioning and causing an abnormal current detection. Consider replacing the inverter board if needed.
- If the LED keeps flashing despite all the troubleshooting efforts, there’s an 80 percent chance that the compressor itself is defective and causing abnormal current. In such cases, replacing the compressor becomes a likely solution to resolve the issue.
LED blinks four times: compressor motor restriction error
When the LED on your Samsung inverter refrigerator blinks four times, it means the compressor motor is jammed. This can prevent the refrigerator from cooling effectively.
Solutions:
- Ensure that the condenser fan, responsible for cooling the refrigerator’s condenser coils and compressor, is running smoothly. A malfunctioning condenser fan can lead to overheating and compressor motor restrictions.
- Clean the condenser coils. Dust and debris accumulation on the coils can impede heat dissipation, causing the compressor to work harder and potentially leading to motor restrictions.
- Examine the harness connected to the compressor for loose connections, damage, or signs of wear. Ensure it is securely connected without any visible faults.
- Inspect the compressor’s winding coils by measuring their resistance. The ohmic value between the terminals U, W, and V should typically fall within the range of 10 to 15 ohms. An open circuit or a shorted circuit indicates a faulty compressor, and replacement may be necessary.
- Verify the resistance of the overload protection. Normally, it should read around 0.1 to 1 ohm. An open circuit suggests a defective overload protection component that should be replaced.
- If the LED continues to blink despite performing the above troubleshooting steps, there’s a possibility that the inverter board itself may be malfunctioning. Consider replacing the inverter board if needed (around a 20 percent probability).
- Examine the sealed system for potential issues, such as refrigerant leaks or restrictions. Any impediments or irregularities in the sealed system can affect the compressor’s performance.
- Look for any signs of oil stains or refrigerant leaks around the compressor or other components of the sealed system.
- Inspect the 3-way valve, as it can sometimes cause compressor restrictions. Any issues with this valve can impact the refrigerant flow and compressor operation.
- If the LED persists in flashing despite all troubleshooting efforts, there’s an 80 percent chance that the compressor itself is defective. Replacing the compressor becomes a likely solution to resolve the issue.
LED blinks five times: low-voltage compressor error
A blinking LED five times on your Samsung inverter refrigerator points to a potential compressor issue related to insufficient voltage. This indicates the compressor might not be receiving enough power to function correctly.
Solutions:
- Ensure the voltage supplied to your refrigerator is within the specified range. If it consistently exceeds this range, it may trigger the low-voltage compressor error. In such cases, it’s advisable to consult an electrician.
- If the LED continues to blink even after performing the above troubleshooting steps, it’s possible that the inverter board itself may be malfunctioning, causing abnormal voltage detection. Consider replacing the inverter board if needed.
- If the LED persists in flashing despite all the troubleshooting efforts, it’s likely that the compressor itself is defective. In such cases, replacing the compressor is the recommended solution to resolve the low-voltage compressor error.
LED blinks six times: high-voltage compressor error
If your Samsung inverter refrigerator’s LED blinks six times, it signals a compressor-related issue. While this could involve high voltage, it’s essential to follow precise troubleshooting steps to determine the exact cause.
Solutions:
- Verify that the voltage supplied to your refrigerator falls within the manufacturer’s specified range. Inconsistent voltage levels, whether too high or too low, can potentially trigger a high-voltage compressor error.
- Consider replacing the inverter board if needed.
- If the LED persists in flashing despite all troubleshooting efforts, replacing the compressor is the recommended solution to resolve the high-voltage compressor error.
LED blinks seven times: Communication error between Main PCB and Inverter PCB
When your Samsung refrigerator blinks seven times, it means there’s a communication failure between its main and inverter boards. These boards are on the same unit and need to send and receive signals smoothly, managed by the Micom. The seven blinks indicate a glitch in this communication process.
Solutions:
- Examine the compressor and overload protector (OLP) resistance, as previously mentioned. Anomalies in these components can contribute to communication breakdowns.
- If the LED indicator persists in flashing seven times after the reset and component checks, consider replacing the inverter and/or main board.
- Ensure that the replacement board is compatible with your refrigerator model.
LED blinks one, two, or eight times: IPM shut-down error (96C or 96E error code)
Conclusion:
Understanding and responding to the LED error codes on your Samsung inverter refrigerator can help you diagnose and resolve issues efficiently. Whether it’s low voltage, high voltage, or other compressor-related errors, following the provided troubleshooting steps can often restore your refrigerator’s performance.
Thanks.