Samsung Refrigerator Error Codes: 39C, 33E, 40E and More

Quick Answer

Samsung's primary refrigerator weakness is defrost system failure leading to ice buildup, which is what drives the high volume of 39C searches - the freezer defrost sensor trips or the defrost heater fails, ice accumulates on the evaporator coils, and the freezer begins warming.

These codes show up before things get bad, which is actually the best case scenario. Usually it's the defrost system giving out, ice building up on the evaporator until air can't circulate. Ignore it and you're looking at spoiled food, water on your floor, and eventually a sealed system repair that costs more than some fridges are worth. Catch it early and it's usually a $45 heater swap.

SamsungRefrigerator

About These Samsung Refrigerator Error Codes

Here's the deal with Samsung error codes. They're actually useful. Most brands just blink at you, but Samsung built a real service mode that shows you exactly what every sensor is reading in real time. So instead of guessing, you pull up live data and see if it's a $10 thermistor or something way bigger. I've seen these codes save homeowners hundreds because they caught a failing defrost heater before the coils turned into a glacier.

Most Common Error Codes

Defrost heater assembly failure causing ice buildup (39C, 25E)40%

Freezer or fridge evaporator temperature sensor failure (22C, 25E, 2E)24%

Ice room fan motor failure (33E)14%

Freezer defrost sensor fuse tripped or shorted (39C)12%

Ice maker sensor fault (40E, 40C)10%

Symptoms You May Notice

The freezer is warmer than it should be, food is getting soft, and the compressor sounds like it's running constantly trying to catch up.
There's a solid wall of ice behind the back panel in the freezer. Like a full inch or more of frost. You can't even see the back wall anymore.
Ice maker stopped making ice completely, or it's cranking out tiny malformed cubes that jam in the dispenser chute.
The fan inside the freezer compartment is making a grinding or buzzing noise because it's hitting ice, or it's not running at all and the air feels stale and warm.
Water pooling under the crisper drawers in the fridge section because the defrost drain is blocked with ice and the meltwater has nowhere to go.

Tools Required for Diagnosis

Phillips #2 screwdriver1/4" nut driverMultimeter with ohms and continuity modeHair dryer (for manual defrost, keep it on low)Towels and a shallow pan for meltwaterWork gloves (evaporator fins are razor sharp)Flashlight or headlamp

How to Identify Your Error Code

ComponentComponent Under Test

Expected Range15–40 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
Samsung Freezer Defrost Heater AssemblyDA47-00244Q · $30–$70	DA47-00244Q	$30 – $70
Samsung Freezer Defrost SensorDA32-10104N · $10–$25	DA32-10104N	$10 – $25
Samsung Ice Room Fan MotorDA31-00146E · $20–$45	DA31-00146E	$20 – $45
Samsung Ice Room Door GasketDA97-12540A · $10–$20	DA97-12540A	$10 – $20

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most common Samsung refrigerator error code?

39C, no contest. In 15 years of calls I've replaced more Samsung defrost heaters than I can count. Heater fails, coils ice over, air can't move, freezer warms up. You'll usually see it after 5-7 years of use. Fix is a new heater assembly plus manual defrost, around $45 in parts and about an hour of work. Don't just clear the code, the ice will be back in 3 days if you don't replace the actual heater.

How do I enter Samsung refrigerator service mode?

On French door models it's usually Energy Saver and Fridge held together for 8 seconds. You'll hear a chime. If that combo doesn't do anything, try Power Freeze and Power Cool. Service mode shows actual sensor readings, not the target temp the door displays. That difference matters a lot when you're trying to figure out if a sensor is drifting or the defrost system has completely given up. Always start your diagnostics here, seriously.

Is the Samsung ice maker problem a recall issue?

Not an official recall, but there are service bulletins out there. The 33E code is the classic ice room of death situation. Moisture sneaks past a bad door gasket, freezes the fan solid, whole system shuts down. Samsung updated the gasket design and the Y-clip on newer production runs. When I fix these I always install the updated gasket and clip, not just swap the fan. Otherwise you're back in six months doing the exact same job.

Can I clear a Samsung error code myself without fixing it?

Yeah, you can hold Power Freeze and Power Cool for 5 seconds or flip the breaker. Code clears. But it'll come right back. The self-test runs every time the fridge cycles through defrost, usually every 8 hours or so. So if you've got a bad thermistor throwing a 22C, you've got maybe half a day before it's back. Clearing codes without fixing the root cause is just kicking the can down the road. Fix the actual problem.

How much does it cost to fix a Samsung 39C error code?

If it's just the heater assembly, you're looking at $35-50 in parts and about an hour of your time if you're handy. If only the thermal fuse is open, that's like $8. Call a tech and add $100-150 for labor. Where it gets expensive is if you ignored it so long that the compressor overworked itself. That's $400+ territory. Fix it at the first 39C and you'll be fine.

My Samsung fridge shows a code but seems to be cooling fine, should I worry?

Yes. These codes show up before things get noticeably bad, which is actually the best case scenario. A 39C might pop before you notice any warming because the fridge is still keeping up, barely. But the defrost system is already failing and ice is already building. Give it another week and you'll have warm food and a floor full of water. Samsung's sensors are pretty accurate. When a code fires, something's actually wrong. Don't wait for the food to thaw.

Related Samsung Refrigerator Error Codes

Code: 39CSamsung Refrigerator 39C: Freezer Defrost Sensor Fault Code: 33ESamsung Refrigerator 33E: Ice Maker Fan Motor Fault Code: 40ESamsung Refrigerator 40E: Ice Maker Sensor Fault Code: 22CSamsung Refrigerator 22C: Freezer Sensor Fault Code: 25ESamsung Refrigerator 25E: Fridge Defrost Sensor Fault Code: 2ESamsung Refrigerator 2E: Freezer Sensor Shorted Code: 40CSamsung Refrigerator 40C: Ice Maker Room Temp Sensor

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 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 Samsung washerSamsung Washer 8E Error Code: Motor Frequency Sensor Fault

Models Known to Experience HUB Errors

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

RF28R7351SR, RF23M8070SR, RF28HMEDBSR, RS22T5201SR, RF28K9070SR, RF27T5501SR, RF22R7551SR, RF28T5001SR

Written by

Mike Sullivan

Lead Appliance Repair Technician · 20 years experience

Last verified for technical accuracy on March 14, 2026