Samsung Refrigerator Error Codes: Simple Explanations & Quick Tips

Your Samsung refrigerator is pretty smart! When something isn’t quite right, it often shows a code on its display panel. Think of these error codes as your fridge’s way of telling you what needs attention. Understanding them can help you figure out the problem faster.

Samsung Refrigerator Error Codes Explained!
Samsung Refrigerator Error Codes Explained!

This guide covers common error codes for Samsung RS, RH, and RF series refrigerators and offers simple steps to try.

Important Safety Tip: Always unplug your refrigerator before checking anything inside or behind it. If you’re not comfortable with a step, it’s best to call a professional technician.

Understanding Your Samsung Refrigerator’s Messages

Here are some common codes and what they generally mean:

Sensor Errors (Codes ending in C or E)

These codes often mean a temperature sensor isn’t working right. Sensors help your fridge know how cold it is inside different sections.

  • 1C, 1E, or 1: Problem with the freezer sensor.
  • 2C or 2E: Problem with the fridge sensor.
  • 4C or 4E: Problem with the freezer defrost sensor.
  • 5C or 5E: Problem with the fridge defrost sensor.
  • 6C or 6E: Problem with the outside temperature (ambient) sensor.
  • 7C, 7E, 9C or 9E: Problem with the pantry or Flex Zone sensor.
  • 8C or 8E: Problem with the ice maker sensor.
  • 11C or 11E: Problem with the Flex Zone defrost sensor.
  • 13C or 13E: Problem with the general humidity sensor.
  • 16C or 16E: Problem with the fridge humidity sensor.

What to Check (Sensor Errors):

  1. Check Connections: Sometimes, a wire is just loose. This usually requires accessing the main control board (often on the back or top), which can be tricky. If you’re not comfortable, skip this.
  2. Sensor Itself: The sensor might be faulty.
  3. Main Control Board: Less commonly, the main board that reads the sensor could be the issue.

For most sensor errors, if checking basic connections (if accessible) doesn’t help, the sensor or the main board likely needs to be replaced by a technician.

Fan Errors (Codes ending in C or E)

These codes point to issues with the fans that circulate cold air inside the fridge or cool parts like the condenser.

  • 21C or 21E: Problem with the freezer fan.
  • 22C or 22E: Problem with the fridge fan.
  • 23C or 23E: Problem with the condenser fan (usually located near the bottom back of the fridge).
  • 31C or 31E: Problem with the Flex Zone fan.
  • 62C or 62E: Problem with the pantry fan.

What to Check (Fan Errors):

  1. Look for Obstructions: Ice buildup or other items can block fan blades. Carefully check the area around the fan (in the freezer, fridge, or back of the unit) and clear any blockages after unplugging the fridge.
  2. Check Door Switch: Make sure the door switch is working correctly. Fans often turn off when the door is open. If the fridge thinks the door is open when it’s closed, it could cause fan issues.
  3. Fan Motor or Main Board: The fan motor itself might be bad, or there could be an issue with the main control board.

If clearing obstructions doesn’t fix the fan error, a technician will likely need to test the fan motor and the control board.

Defrost Errors (Codes ending in C or E)

Defrosting is when your fridge briefly warms up coils to melt away ice buildup. These errors mean this process isn’t happening correctly.

  • 24C or 24E: Problem with the freezer defrost system.
  • 25C or 25E: Problem with the fridge defrost system.
  • 29C or 29E: Problem with the Flex Zone defrost system.

What to Check (Defrost Errors):

  1. Look for Excessive Ice: Significant ice buildup on the back wall of the freezer or fridge compartments can be a sign the defrost system is failing.
  2. Components Involved: The defrost system includes a heater, a sensor, and a thermostat (bimetal)—any of these could be faulty. The main board also controls this process.

If you see a lot of ice buildup and the error code is present, it’s best to call a technician to diagnose which defrost component needs replacing.

Ice Maker Errors (Codes ending in C or E)

These relate specifically to the ice-making function.

  • 26C or 26E: General cubed ice maker function error.
  • 33C or 33E: Problem with the ice maker heater (helps release ice).
  • 116C, 116E, 117C or 117E: Problem with the ice bites maker function.
  • 118C or 118E: Problem with the ice pipe heater (prevents the water line from freezing).

What to Check (Ice Maker Errors):

  1. Check for Ice Jams: Look inside the ice maker assembly for any stuck ice cubes or obstructions. Clear them after unplugging the fridge.
  2. Check Water Supply: Make sure the fridge has water supplied to the ice maker.
  3. Test Button: Many Samsung ice makers have a test button (often located on the ice maker assembly itself). Pressing this can force a cycle and help diagnose if it’s working.
  4. Components: The ice maker assembly, heaters, or main board could be faulty.

Clear any visible ice jams. If the problem persists, testing the specific components, like the heaters or the assembly itself, usually requires a technician.

Communication & Board Errors (Codes ending in C or E)

These codes suggest there’s a problem with how different electronic parts of the fridge are talking to each other.

  • 41C or 44E: Problem with communication to the display panel.
  • 44C, 44E, 45C or 45E: Problem with communication between the main board and the inverter board (which controls the compressor).
  • 46C or 46E: Internal communication error on the main board.
  • 52C or 52E: Problem with the WiFi module communication.

What to Check (Communication & Board Errors):

  1. Power Cycle: Unplug the fridge for 10-15 minutes, then plug it back in. This can sometimes reset the electronics and clear temporary glitches.
  2. Check Connections: Like sensor errors, loose wires between the boards can cause this. This requires accessing internal components, so proceed with caution or call a technician.
  3. Faulty Boards: The main board, inverter board, or display board could be defective.

Power cycling is the main user step here. If the error returns, a technician will need to check connections and potentially replace electronic boards.

Compressor & Inverter Board Errors (Codes ending in C or E)

These are more serious errors related to the compressor (the heart of the cooling system) and the inverter board that controls it. Inverter board errors often have blinking lights on the board itself.

  • 81C or 81E: Compressor failed to start.
  • 82C or 82E: Problem detected with the inverter board (IPM fault).
  • 83C or 83E: Abnormal electrical current detected at the compressor.
  • 84C or 84E: Compressor motor is restricted or not running smoothly.
  • 85C or 85E: Low voltage detected at the compressor.
  • 86C or 86E: High voltage detected at the compressor.
  • 96C or 96E: Compressor inverter board (IPM) shut down.

What to Check (Compressor & Inverter Errors):

  1. Power Cycle: Unplug the fridge for 10-15 minutes to attempt a reset.
  2. Faulty Parts: These errors almost always indicate a problem with the inverter board or the compressor itself.

These issues require professional diagnosis and repair. A technician is needed to safely test and replace these components.

Temperature & Other Errors

  • 71C or 71E: Abnormally high freezer temperature.
  • 72C or 72E: Abnormally high fridge temperature.
  • 73C or 73E: Abnormally high Flex Zone temperature.

What to Check (High-Temperature Errors):

  1. Check the Doors: Make sure the doors are closing fully and aren’t blocked by food or other items. A door left open is a common cause!
  2. Hot Food: Avoid putting large amounts of hot food into the fridge or freezer.
  3. Clean Coils: Dirty condenser coils (usually on the back or underneath) can prevent the fridge from cooling efficiently. Clean them after unplugging the fridge.
  4. Cooling System Issues: If the problem persists, there might be an issue with the sealed cooling system (like a Freon leak) or other internal components, requiring a technician.
  • 76C or 76E: AutoFill infuser overflow detected (for models with this feature).
    • Check the infuser area for water. There might be an issue with the sensor or water valve.
  • 77C or 77E: Camera error (for models with internal cameras).
    • Check connections to the camera or the camera assembly itself. Might require service.
  • 79C or 79E: Showcase heater error (for models with a showcase door).
    • Problem with the heater that prevents condensation on the showcase door. Requires testing by a technician.
  • OF OF, O FF or OFF: Demo mode or Shop mode is active.
    • This isn’t an error! It means the cooling is turned off for display purposes. Check your user manual for how to turn off demo mode (it usually involves pressing a combination of buttons).

Samsung Refrigerator Error Codes: Professional Troubleshooting Guide

This guide summarizes common error codes for Samsung RS, RH, and RF series refrigerators and outlines technical steps for diagnosis and repair.

CRITICAL SAFETY WARNING: Performing electrical tests and component replacements requires technical expertise and carries a risk of electric shock or damage to the appliance. Always disconnect power to the refrigerator before attempting any checks or repairs. If you are not a qualified technician, it is highly recommended to consult a professional.

Error CodeMeaningCommon CausesProfessional Troubleshooting Steps
Sensor Errors
1C, 1E, 1Freezer Sensor ErrorOpen/Shorted sensor circuit, Temp out of range (-58°F/-50°C to +122°F/+50°C), Misplaced wires, Faulty sensor, Faulty main PCB1. Check sensor resistance at main PCB connector. Compare to temp chart (e.g., ~5K Ohm @ 25°C/77°F). 2. Check voltage at main PCB sensor connector (~1.6Vdc @ 25°C/77°F). If 0Vdc, replace main PCB. 3. Replace sensor if resistance/voltage is out of range.
2C, 2EFridge Sensor ErrorOpen/Shorted sensor circuit, Temp out of range (-58°F/-50°C to +122°F/+50°C), Misplaced wires, Faulty sensor, Faulty main PCB1. Check sensor resistance at main PCB connector. Compare to temp chart (e.g., ~6K Ohm @ 20°C/68°F). 2. Check voltage at main PCB sensor connector (~1.9Vdc @ 20°C/68°F). If 0Vdc, replace main PCB. 3. Replace sensor if resistance/voltage is out of range.
4C, 4EFreezer Defrost Sensor ErrorOpen/Shorted sensor circuit, Temp out of range (-58°F/-50°C to +122°F/+50°C), Faulty sensor, Faulty main PCB1. Check sensor resistance at main PCB connector. Compare to temp chart (e.g., ~13K Ohm @ 0°C/32°F). 2. Check voltage at main PCB sensor connector (~3Vdc @ 0°C/32°F). If 0Vdc, replace main PCB. 3. Replace sensor if resistance/voltage is out of range.
5C, 5EFridge Defrost Sensor ErrorOpen/Shorted sensor circuit, Temp out of range (-58°F/-50°C to +122°F/+50°C), Defective sensor, Defective main PCB1. Check sensor resistance at main PCB connector. Compare to temp chart (e.g., ~8.9K Ohm @ 10°C/50°F). 2. Check voltage at main PCB sensor connector (~2.4Vdc @ 10°C/50°F). If 0Vdc, replace main PCB. 3. Replace sensor if resistance/voltage is out of range.
6C, 6EAmbient Sensor ErrorOpen/Shorted sensor circuit, Damaged sensor, Defective main PCB1. Check sensor resistance at main PCB connector. Compare to temp chart (e.g., ~4.5K Ohm @ 28°C/82°F). 2. Check voltage at main PCB sensor connector (~1.5Vdc @ 28°C/82°F). If 0Vdc, replace main PCB. 3. Replace sensor if resistance/voltage is out of range.
7C, 7E, 9C, 9EPantry/Flex Zone Sensor ErrorOpen/Shorted sensor circuit, Temp out of range (-58°F/-50°C to +122°F/+50°C), Damaged sensor, Damaged main PCB1. Check sensor resistance at main PCB connector. Compare to temp chart (e.g., ~7K Ohm @ 16°C/60°F). 2. Check voltage at main PCB sensor connector (~2Vdc @ 16°C/60°F). If 0Vdc, replace main PCB. 3. Replace sensor if resistance/voltage is out of range.
8C, 8EIce Maker Sensor ErrorOpen/Shorted sensor circuit, Temp out of range (-58°F/-50°C to +122°F/+50°C), Defective sensor, Defective main PCB1. Check sensor resistance at main PCB connector. Compare to temp chart (e.g., ~20.5K Ohm @ -10°C/14°F). 2. Check voltage at main PCB sensor connector (~3.3Vdc @ -10°C/14°F). If 0Vdc, replace main PCB. 3. Replace sensor if resistance/voltage is out of range.
11C, 11EFlex Room Defrost Sensor ErrorOpen/Shorted sensor circuit, Temp out of range (-58°F/-50°C to +122°F/+50°C), Faulty sensor, Faulty main PCB1. Check for ice buildup in compartment. 2. Check sensor resistance at main PCB connector. Compare to temp chart (e.g., ~9.9K Ohm @ 7°C/45°F). 3. Check voltage at main PCB sensor connector (~2.5Vdc @ 7°C/45°F). If 0Vdc, replace main PCB. 4. Replace sensor if resistance/voltage is out of range.
13C, 13EHumidity Sensor ErrorOpen/Shorted sensor circuit, Temp out of range (-50°C to +50°C), Broken sensor, Defective main PCB1. Check sensor visually and check wire/housing connections. 2. Check sensor resistance. Compare to temp chart (e.g., ~2.6Vdc @ 23°C/73°F, 60% RH). 3. If 0 Ohm (short) or ∞Ω/OL (open), replace sensor. 4. Check voltage at main PCB connector. If 0Vdc, replace main PCB.
16C, 16EFridge Humidity Sensor ErrorOpen/Shorted sensor circuit, Temp out of range (-50°C to +50°C), Faulty sensor, Defective main PCB1. Check sensor visually and check wire/housing connections. 2. Check sensor resistance. Compare to temp chart (e.g., ~2.6Vdc @ 23°C/73°F, 60% RH). 3. If 0 Ohm (short) or ∞Ω/OL (open), replace sensor. 4. Check voltage at main PCB connector. If 0Vdc, replace main PCB.
Fan Errors
21C, 21EFreezer Fan ErrorCorrosion on connector pins, Faulty fan, Faulty main PCB, Fan motor blocked, Door switch issue1. Check fan wire harness. 2. Check door switch operation. 3. Check fan motor voltage at main PCB connector (~12Vdc nominal). If 0Vdc, replace main PCB. 4. Check fan feedback voltage at main PCB (~2.6Vdc nominal). If 0Vdc, check for blockage; if persistent, replace fan motor.
22C, 22EFridge Room Fan ErrorCorrosion on connector pins, Faulty fan, Faulty main PCB, Fan motor blocked, Door switch issue1. Check wire harness between fan and main PCB. 2. Check door switch operation. 3. Check fan motor voltage at main PCB connector (~12Vdc nominal). If 0Vdc, replace main PCB. 4. Check fan feedback voltage at main PCB (~2.6Vdc nominal). If 0Vdc, check for blockage; if persistent, replace fan motor.
23C, 23ECondenser Fan ErrorBroken wire harness, Faulty fan, Faulty main PCB, Fan motor blocked1. Check wire harness between fan and main PCB. 2. Check fan motor voltage at main PCB connector (~12Vdc nominal). If 0Vdc, replace main PCB. 4. Check fan feedback voltage at main PCB (~2.6Vdc nominal). If 0Vdc, check for blockage; if persistent, replace fan motor.
31C, 31EFlex Zone Fan Motor (CV-Fan) ErrorCorrosion on connector pins, Faulty door switch, Loss of fan feedback signal, Faulty fan motor, Faulty main PCB1. Check fan motor resistance (∞Ω/OL or 0 Ohm is fault). 2. Check door switch. 3. Check fan motor voltage at hinge connector (~12Vdc nominal). If 0Vdc, replace main PCB. 4. Check fan feedback voltage (~2.5Vdc nominal). If 0Vdc, check for blockage; if persistent, replace fan motor.
62C, 62EPantry Fan ErrorCorrosion on connector pins, Faulty fan motor, Faulty main PCB, Fan motor blocked1. Check wire harness between fan and main PCB. 2. Check fan motor voltage at main PCB connector (~12Vdc nominal). If 0Vdc, replace main PCB. 3. Check fan feedback voltage at main PCB (~2.6Vdc nominal). If 0Vdc, check for blockage; if persistent, replace fan motor.
Defrost Errors
24C, 24EFreezer Defrost ErrorDamaged wire harness, Heater circuit open/shorted, Faulty main PCB, Defrost components (heater, bimetal, fuse) faulty1. Check for 120Vac from main PCB connector to heater. Initiate forced defrost (FD); voltage should drop to 0Vac. If voltage is present but no defrost, replace main PCB. If 120Vac is not present, disconnect power. 2. At main PCB, check resistance of heater, bimetal, thermo-fuse circuit (~63 Ohm total nominal). 3. If resistance high/open, remove evaporator cover and check heater (~61 Ohm), bimetal (closed), thermo-fuse (closed) individually. 4. Replace defective component or main PCB.
25C, 25EFridge Defrost Heater ErrorDefrost sensor failed to terminate after 1 hour, Faulty wire harness, Faulty thermo-fuse/bimetal/heater, Faulty main PCB1. Check heater resistance (~120 Ohm nominal). 2. Check bimetal continuity (should be closed). 3. Check thermal fuse continuity (should be closed). 4. Replace defective component. 5. Check and replace main PCB if necessary.
29C, 29EFlex Zone Defrost Control ErrorFaulty Defrost Function, Faulty Heater, Misplaced wire/bimetal, Defective main PCB1. Run Forced Defrost (Fd). 2. Check heater voltage in case connector (~120Vac). If no voltage, replace main PCB. 3. Disconnect red connector at heater and check resistance (63-230 Ohm). 4. Measure bimetal continuity. 5. Measure heater terminal continuity (replace if open/shorted). 6. Check F-Def Heater Fuse PCB Box continuity (replace if open).
Ice Maker Errors
26C, 26ECubed Ice Maker Function ErrorFaulty Ice Maker functions detected >3 times, Ice maker assembly issue1. Check door switch. 2. Check ice maker assembly for buildup/obstruction. 3. Press ice maker test button to cycle. Replace assembly if test fails. 4. Check 12Vdc on IM motor clockwise pin after test button press. If no voltage, check wire harness and main PCB.
33C, 33EIce Maker Heater ErrorOpen heater circuit, Housing separation, Contact error, Disconnection, Short circuit, Faulty harness connector, Faulty heater, Faulty main PCB1. Disconnect case connector and check heater resistance (~135 Ohm nominal). If 0 Ohm (short) or ∞Ω/OL (open/wire issue), diagnose/replace.
116C, 116E, 117C, 117EIce Bites Maker Function ErrorFaulty Ice Bites Maker Assembly1. Check wiring. 2. Check ice maker conditions. 3. Press Ice Maker test switch. 4. Replace ice maker assembly. 5. Check/replace main board if error persists.
118C, 118EIce Pipe Heater ErrorOpen heater connection, Housing separation, Short circuit, Faulty heater1. Check for ice blockage in pipe. 2. Check DC voltage to water pipe heater at Main PCB CN90 (~7-12Vdc). 3. Check ice pipe heater resistance at main PCB (~62 Ohm nominal). 4. Press Ice Maker test switch (for function check).
Communication & Board Errors
41C, 44EDisplay Communication ErrorFaulty harness connector, Faulty Display Control Panel, Faulty main PCB1. Check display conditions. 2. Replace main PCB (as per original text’s sole solution).
44C, 44E, 45C, 45EMain PCB <=> Inverter PCB Communication ErrorLoose communication, Defective inverter board, Connection wires issue, Defective main PCB1. Check for disconnected or shorted wires between main PCB and inverter PCB. 2. Check inverter PCB fuse continuity. 3. Replace main PCB or inverter PCB. 4. After replacing Inverter PCB, wait 5 minutes for compressor restart.
46C, 46EMain PCB <=> I/O Expander Communication ErrorInternal main PCB communication error1. Replace the main PCB (as per original text’s sole solution).
52C, 52EMain WIFI Module Communication ErrorFaulty WiFi Module, Main PCB issue1. Check for disconnected or shorted wires between main PCB and WiFi PCB. 2. Check for 12Vdc at the WIFI module; if absent, replace main PCB. 3. Replace the WIFI module.
Compressor & Inverter Errors
81C, 81ECompressor Starting Failure (Inverter LED Blinks 1x)Faulty harness connector, Faulty inverter PCB, Faulty compressor1. Power cycle unit (unplug 10 min). 2. Check for short between compressor terminals. 3. Check for short between IPM legs. 4. Check inverter PCB soldering. 5. Check compressor & cycle (compressor stops immediately, waits 5 min). 6. Replace inverter board or compressor if needed.
82C, 82ECompressor IPM Fault (Inverter LED Blinks 2x)Compressor IPM failure detected, Faulty inverter board, Faulty compressor1. Check for short between compressor U/V/W and inverter PCB. 2. Check for short between IPM pins. 3. Check compressor & cycle (wait 5 min after replacing/resetting inverter). 4. Replace inverter board or compressor if needed.
83C, 83EAbnormal Current Pick-up at Compressor (LED Blinks 3x)Abnormal current detected, Faulty inverter board, Faulty compressor1. Disconnect inverter PCB connector; check resistance between U/V/W wires (~12 Ohm nominal). 2. Check AC voltage (96-140Vac nominal). 3. Check compressor & cycle (wait 5 min after replacing/resetting inverter). 4. Replace inverter board or compressor if needed.
84C, 84ECompressor Motor Restriction (Inverter LED Blinks 4x)Compressor restricted > 5 sec, Compressor runs < 1000 rpm > 5 sec, Faulty inverter board, Faulty compressor1. Check inverter PCB connector. 2. Check compressor & cycle (wait 5 min after replacing/resetting inverter). 3. Replace inverter board or compressor if needed.
85C, 85ELow Voltage Compressor (Inverter LED Blinks 5x)Low voltage detected at compressor, Faulty inverter board, Faulty compressor1. Check inverter connector. 2. Check compressor & cycle (wait 5 min after replacing/resetting inverter). 3. Replace inverter board or compressor if needed.
86C, 86EHigh Voltage Compressor (Inverter LED Blinks 6x)High voltage detected at compressor, Faulty inverter board, Faulty compressor1. Check power to compressor U, V, W connectors (should be < 150Vac). 2. Check compressor & cycle (wait 5 min after replacing/resetting inverter). 3. Replace inverter board or compressor if needed.
96C, 96ECompressor IPM Shut-down (Inverter LED Blinks 1x/2x)Compressor IPM failure detected1. Check IPM temperature status on inverter PCB. 2. Check heat-sink assembly status of IPM. 3. Check inverter PCB soldering. 4. Disconnect inverter PCB connector; check resistance between U/V/W wires (~12 Ohm nominal). 5. Check AC voltage (96-140Vac nominal). 6. Replace inverter board or compressor if needed.
Temperature & Other Errors
71C, 71EAbnormal High Freezer TemperatureDoor left open, Hot food stored, Dirty condenser coils, Faulty 3-way valve, Sealed system issue (leak, restriction)1. Ensure door is closed and seal is good. Remove hot food. 2. Check freezer sensor resistance vs chart. 3. Clean condenser coils. 4. Diagnose sealed system or 3-way valve (requires technician).
72C, 72EAbnormal High Fridge TemperatureDoor left open, Hot food stored, Dirty condenser coils, Faulty 3-way valve, Sealed system issue (leak, restriction)1. Ensure door is closed and seal is good. Remove hot food. 2. Check fridge sensor resistance vs chart. 3. Clean condenser coils. 4. Diagnose sealed system or 3-way valve (requires technician).
73C, 73EAbnormally High Flex Zone TemperatureDoor left open, Hot food stored, Dirty condenser coils, Faulty 3-way valve, Sealed system issue (leak, restriction)1. Ensure door is closed and seal is good. Remove hot food. 2. Clean condenser coils. 3. Diagnose sealed system or 3-way valve (requires technician).
76C, 76EAutoFill Infuser Overflow ErrorOverflow sensor detects water, Sensor housing separation, Contact error, Disconnection, Short circuit, Faulty harness, Faulty sensor1. Check voltage at main PCB (~5Vdc normal, 0-4.5Vdc indicates overflow). 2. Check sensor housing, connections, and harness. 3. Replace sensor if faulty.
77C, 77ECamera ErrorFaulty French assy, Camera hardware failure, Unstable USB terminal (power noise)1. Check wire harness connector. 2. Check for 5Vdc at French Assy connector. 3. Check/replace French Assy. 4. Address power noise issues.
79C, 79EShowcase Heater ErrorFaulty harness connector, Faulty showcase heater1. Check harness connector. 2. Check showcase heater resistance (~14 Ohm nominal).
OF OF, O FF, OFFDemo Mode NotificationCooling mode activated for retail display1. This is not an error. Cooling is disabled. 2. Refer to user manual to exit demo/shop mode (typically involves a button combination).

Conclusion

Seeing an error code on your Samsung refrigerator doesn’t always mean major trouble, but it’s a clear sign that something needs attention. By understanding these simple explanations, you can often quickly identify the general issue. For many codes, checking connections, looking for obstructions, or simply power cycling the unit can help. However, for more complex sensor, board, or sealed system issues, contacting a qualified appliance technician is the safest and most effective solution.

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