Samsung Refrigerator 33E Error Code: Ice Maker Fan Motor Fault Fix

Quick Answer

Samsung 33E with ice not dispensing on a French door model is the signature of the Samsung 'Ice Maker of Death' pattern - a well-documented failure on RF28 and RF32 series where the ice room door gasket fails, allowing warm air into the ice maker compartment. The warm air causes the entire ice room to freeze over, which both kills the ice room fan (generating 33E) and prevents ice from dispensing. The critical Samsung-specific insight: in a large percentage of 33E cases, the $15 ice room door gasket replacement prevents recurrence after the fan is replaced. Replacing only the fan motor without addressing the gasket means the ice room will freeze over again within months and 33E will return. The ice room fan motor itself is a small, inexpensive part ($20-45) and is different from the evaporator fan motor. Samsung has issued service bulletins for this issue on certain RF28 models, and some units may be eligible for a free gasket kit.

SamsungRefrigeratorSeverity: mediumDifficulty: intermediate80% DIY Success

Time to Fix

45–90 min

Difficulty

intermediate

Parts Cost

$10 – $160

Tools Needed

Phillips screwdriver, Nut driver (1/4")

What Does the 33E Code Mean?

The ice room fan inside the ice maker compartment has failed. On Samsung French door models, the ice room frequently freezes over due to a faulty gasket - replace both the fan and the gasket to prevent recurrence.

Most Likely Causes

Based on aggregated repair data, here is the probability breakdown for this error code:

Ice room fan motor bearing seized from ice buildup in the compartment40%

Ice room door gasket failure allowing warm air in (primary root cause)24%

Ice maker compartment frozen solid blocking fan blade rotation22%

Fan motor winding failure (less common)14%

Symptoms You May Notice

33E displayed on Samsung refrigerator panel
Ice not dispensing or ice cubes clumped together
Ice maker compartment frozen solid when opened
Ice dispenser making grinding noise before stopping
Code appeared gradually as ice production slowed then stopped

Can you reset a Samsung refrigerator to clear the 33E code?

Press any display button to dismiss 33E. The code will clear once the ice room fan is replaced and running. Enter service mode (Energy Saver + Fridge for 8 seconds) to confirm no stored errors remain after repair.

Tools Required for Diagnosis

Phillips screwdriverNut driver (1/4")Hair dryer (ice room thaw)TowelsFlashlightMultimeter (continuity mode)

Diagnostic Checklist

Follow these steps in order. We start with the easiest external fixes before opening up the machine.

Open the refrigerator freezer and locate the ice maker

Open the refrigerator freezer and locate the ice maker compartment in the upper left area of the French door models. Open the ice room door and inspect the interior - check for heavy ice buildup and whether the small fan blade (visible at the back of the compartment) is visible or buried in ice.

With the ice room thawed, unplug the refrigerator

Inspect the ice room door gasket

Install the new fan motor and gasket (if needed)

Replacement Parts

If your diagnostic testing proves the component has failed, you will need a replacement. We recommend OEM parts over aftermarket for water-handling components.

Part Name	OEM Number	Estimated Price
Samsung Ice Room Fan MotorDA31-00146E · $20–$45	DA31-00146E	$20 – $45
Samsung Ice Room Door GasketDA97-12540A · $10–$20	DA97-12540A	$10 – $20
Samsung Ice Maker AssemblyDA97-15217D · $80–$160	DA97-15217D	$80 – $160

Verify part fitment for your Samsung model

Repair vs. Replace Calculator

Appliance Age (Years)7 Yrs

Labor Approach

Our Verdict

REPAIR

Estimated Cost: $85 (Parts) vs $2850 (New Machine)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Samsung 'Ice Maker of Death' and how does 33E relate to it?

The 'Ice Maker of Death' is a widespread Samsung French door refrigerator issue where the ice maker compartment freezes completely solid over time, stopping ice production entirely. The freezing is caused by a faulty ice room door gasket allowing warm, moist kitchen air to enter the compartment. The moisture freezes, encasing the ice room fan (causing 33E) and blocking the ice dispenser. The fix is replacing the fan motor and the door gasket - the gasket alone prevents recurrence.

Is Samsung 33E covered under any warranty or recall?

Samsung has issued service bulletins (not formal recalls) for ice maker issues on certain RF28 and RF32 models. Some models manufactured before 2017 may be eligible for a free ice room gasket kit through Samsung's service program. Contact Samsung support with your model and serial number to check eligibility before paying for the repair out of pocket.

Can I fix Samsung 33E by just defrosting the ice room?

Defrosting the ice room manually will temporarily clear the 33E code if the fan blade was seized by ice rather than mechanically failed. However, if the ice room door gasket is failing, the compartment will refreeze within days to weeks and 33E will return. Permanent fix requires replacing both the fan motor (if failed) and the ice room door gasket.

Related Samsung Refrigerator Error Codes

Code: HUBSamsung Refrigerator Error Codes: 39C, 33E, 40E and More Code: 40ESamsung Refrigerator 40E: Ice Maker Sensor Fault Code: 40CSamsung Refrigerator 40C: Ice Maker Room Temp Sensor Code: 39CSamsung Refrigerator 39C: Freezer Defrost Sensor Fault

Same Fix Works on These Brands

Samsung shares the same hardware platform with these brands. The diagnosis and repair steps are identical.

Samsung washerSamsung Washer 3C2 Error Code: Motor Stall Samsung washerSamsung Washer 3E Error Code: Motor Fault Samsung washerSamsung Washer 4C Error Code: No Water Supply Samsung washerSamsung Washer 4E Error Code: Water Supply Fault (Top Load)Samsung washerSamsung Washer 5C Error Code: Drain Error (Older Display)Samsung washerSamsung Washer 8C Error Code: Vibration Sensor Fault

Models Known to Experience 33E Errors

This repair applies to most Samsung refrigerators with this error code. Common model numbers include:

RF28HMEDBSR, RF28R7351SR, RF28K9070SR, RF23M8070SR, RF32FMQDBSR

Last verified for technical accuracy on March 14, 2026