The Samsung 40E error code means the freezer evaporator fan motor has stopped running or is running too slowly for the control board to detect. In most cases, ice buildup around the fan blade is the culprit. Force-defrost the unit first before replacing any parts.
Samsung's 40E error points to the freezer compartment evaporator fan circuit. The control board monitors fan RPM through a feedback signal, and when that signal drops out, it throws the 40E code and shuts down cooling. Nine times out of ten this is either a frozen-over fan blade or a failed DA31-00146E fan motor. A forced defrost cycle clears the ice blockage in about 30 minutes and costs nothing.
Phillips head screwdriver (#2), Flathead screwdriver
What Does the undefined Code Mean?
Your Samsung refrigerator's control board continuously checks that the freezer fan is spinning at the correct speed. When the fan stalls, the board loses the tachometer feedback signal and triggers error code 40E to protect the compressor from overheating. This can happen from ice accumulation during a door seal leak, a burned-out fan motor winding, or a broken wiring harness connector behind the evaporator cover.
Most Likely Causes
Based on aggregated repair data, here is the probability breakdown for this error code:
Ice buildup locking the fan blade40%
Failed evaporator fan motor (DA31-00146E)30%
Broken or corroded wiring harness connector15%
Defective main control board10%
Cracked or loose fan blade on motor shaft5%
Symptoms You May Notice
40E error code displayed on the control panel or temperature readout
Freezer and refrigerator sections warming up despite compressor running
No audible fan noise from inside the freezer compartment
Frost or ice buildup visible on food stored in the freezer
Refrigerator running continuously without reaching the set temperature
Can you reset a Samsung refrigerator to clear the undefined code?
After completing the repair, plug the refrigerator back in and allow the unit to run for 10 minutes. If the 40E code reappears, perform a full control board reset by unplugging the unit for 5 minutes, then plugging back in. Allow 24 hours for the refrigerator to reach stable operating temperatures before checking food safety.
Tools Required for Diagnosis
Phillips head screwdriver (#2)Flathead screwdriverDigital multimeterHair dryer (low heat setting only)Needle-nose pliersTurkey baster or small funnel for warm water defrostFlashlight or headlamp
Service / Diagnostic Mode
Press and hold Energy Saver and Freezer simultaneously for 8 seconds until display goes blank. Press Freezer once to enter Fd (forced defrost) mode.
Diagnostic Checklist
Follow these steps in order. We start with the easiest external fixes before opening up the machine.
ComponentComponent Under Test
Expected Range5–30 ohms
ConditionIf Open (OL) or infinite, replace component.
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
Freezer Evaporator Fan MotorDA31-00146E · $25–$55
DA31-00146E
$25 – $55
Freezer Evaporator Fan Motor (Older Models)DA31-00020E · $20–$40
DA31-00020E
$20 – $40
Freezer Door GasketDA97-12540B · $30–$65
DA97-12540B
$30 – $65
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I enter forced defrost mode on my Samsung refrigerator to fix the 40E error?
The forced defrost sequence varies slightly by model, but most Samsung French door and side-by-side units from 2010 onward use the same combination. With the doors closed, press and hold the Energy Saver and Freezer temperature buttons simultaneously for about eight seconds until the display goes blank or shows test segments. Then tap the Freezer button once to cycle to Fd mode. The unit will begin defrosting immediately. Let it run for at least 20 minutes, then unplug and replug the refrigerator to restart normally. Some models use the Fridge and Energy Saver buttons instead, so check your service manual if this combination doesn't respond.
Can I still use my refrigerator while it shows the 40E error code?
You can leave the refrigerator running in the short term, but don't rely on it to keep food safely cold. Without the evaporator fan circulating air, the freezer and fresh food sections will gradually warm up even if the compressor is still running. Food safety guidelines call for discarding refrigerator food held above 40 degrees Fahrenheit for more than two hours. Move anything you want to save into a cooler with ice and address the 40E error as soon as possible. Leaving the unit running without a functioning fan can also cause the compressor to overheat and shorten its lifespan significantly.
What is the part number for the Samsung freezer evaporator fan motor?
The most common Samsung freezer fan motor is part number DA31-00146E, which fits the majority of French door and side-by-side models produced from 2012 through 2021. Older models built before 2012 often use DA31-00020E or DA31-00020J. Some newer models with dual evaporators may use DA31-00233A for the freezer section specifically. Always cross-reference your model number on the Samsung parts site or a reputable parts supplier before ordering, because using the wrong motor can result in a poor fit or a mismatched voltage rating. Prices typically run $25 to $55 for genuine OEM parts.
Why does my Samsung refrigerator keep getting the 40E error after I replace the fan motor?
A recurring 40E after motor replacement almost always points to an underlying root cause that wasn't fixed. The most common reason is a leaking door gasket that continues to push warm humid air into the freezer, causing the new motor to ice over again within weeks. Inspect all door seals by closing the door on a dollar bill; if you can pull it out without resistance, the gasket needs replacement. Other recurring causes include a defrost heater or thermostat that isn't fully clearing the evaporator coils during automatic defrost cycles, a partial main control board failure, or a misrouted wiring harness that pinches under the cover panel during reassembly.
How long does it take to replace the freezer fan motor on a Samsung refrigerator?
For someone doing this the first time, plan on 45 to 90 minutes from start to finish. The bulk of that time goes into emptying the freezer, removing the shelving and ice maker assembly if equipped, and carefully unclipping the rear evaporator panel without cracking the plastic tabs. The motor itself typically mounts with two or three Phillips screws and unplugs from the wiring harness in seconds. If you encounter heavy ice buildup on the evaporator, add 20 to 30 minutes for defrosting before you can even reach the motor. An experienced technician usually completes the job in under 30 minutes on a familiar model.
Models Known to Experience Errors
This repair applies to most Samsung refrigerators with this error code. Common model numbers include: