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. This is fundamentally different from LG's well-documented compressor issue: Samsung fridges typically have working compressors but failing defrost heaters and sensors. Samsung French door models (RF28, RF32, RS22) have a hidden diagnostic mode: hold both the Energy Saver and Fridge buttons simultaneously for 8 seconds to enter service mode, which displays live sensor readings and a stored error log. The 33E 'Ice Maker of Death' pattern is a Samsung-specific failure where the ice room on French door models freezes completely solid due to a faulty ice room door gasket - the fix is a $15 gasket replacement, not the $200 ice maker assembly. Samsung 4-door Flex models (RF23/RF28M series) have a flex zone drawer with its own sensor circuit, and 40x range codes usually point to the flex zone rather than the main fridge.

SamsungRefrigerator

About These Samsung Refrigerator Error Codes

Samsung refrigerator error codes cover freezer defrost faults (39C, 22C), ice maker issues (33E, 40E, 40C), fridge defrost faults (25E), and sensor shorts (2E). The defrost system is Samsung's most common failure point.

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

Error code displayed on Samsung refrigerator door panel
Freezer not cold enough or warming up
Ice maker not producing ice
Excessive frost or ice buildup in freezer
Ice dispenser not working

Tools Required for Diagnosis

Multimeter (ohm and continuity mode)Phillips screwdriverNut driver (1/4")Hair dryer (for manual defrost)Towels (for meltwater)

How to Identify Your Error Code

Hold Energy Saver and Fridge buttons simultaneously for 8

Hold Energy Saver and Fridge buttons simultaneously for 8 seconds to enter service mode. Read the live sensor values and error log displayed on the temperature panel.

Cross-reference the active code with this guide

For 39C with ice buildup visible in the freezer: manually

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

Verify part fitment for your Samsung model

Repair vs. Replace Calculator

Appliance Age (Years)7 Yrs

Labor Approach

Our Verdict

REPAIR

Estimated Cost: $40 (Parts) vs $2850 (New Machine)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most common Samsung refrigerator error code?

39C is the most searched Samsung refrigerator error code and for good reason - defrost heater failure is Samsung's single most common refrigerator fault. The defrost heater runs a cycle every 8-12 hours to melt ice off the evaporator coils. When it fails, ice builds up until the freezer warms and the defrost sensor triggers 39C. Manual defrost followed by defrost heater assembly replacement (about $40) is the standard fix.

How do I enter Samsung refrigerator service mode?

On Samsung French door models (RF28, RF32, RS22 series), hold the Energy Saver button and the Fridge button simultaneously for 8 seconds. The temperature display enters service mode showing live sensor readings and stored fault history. Not all Samsung refrigerator models use this exact button combination - check your model's tech sheet for the correct service mode entry.

Is the Samsung ice maker problem a recall issue?

Samsung has issued service bulletins for ice maker failures on specific French door models, but it has not been a formal recall. The ice maker freezing-over issue (33E) is widespread on RF28 and RF32 series models built before 2017. The fix is a redesigned ice room door gasket that prevents warm air from entering the ice compartment. Some models are eligible for free gasket kits through Samsung's service program.

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 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 HUB Errors

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

RF28R7351SR, RF23M8070SR, RF28HMEDBSR, RS22T5201SR, RF28K9070SR

Last verified for technical accuracy on March 14, 2026