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Samsung Refrigerator Not Cooling: Causes and Fixes

Quick Answer

Samsung French door refrigerators have a known ice buildup issue behind the rear panel of the fridge section. Ice forms on the evaporator and blocks airflow to the fridge compartment while the freezer stays cold. This is the #1 Samsung fridge 'not cooling' cause.

Samsung French door refrigerators have a known ice buildup issue behind the rear panel of the fridge section. Ice forms on the evaporator and blocks airflow to the fridge compartment while the freezer stays cold. This is the #1 Samsung fridge 'not cooling' cause. A manual defrost (unplug 24 hours) temporarily fixes it, but the root cause is usually a failed defrost heater or a cracked drain tube that lets water refreeze. Samsung released service bulletins for this issue on RF28 and RF263 models.

SamsungRefrigeratorSeverity: mediumDifficulty: intermediate75% DIY Success
Time to Fix
15–90 min
Difficulty
intermediate
Parts Cost
—
Tools Needed
Multimeter, Screwdriver set

What Does the NOT-COOLING Code Mean?

Samsung refrigerator not cooling - see the detailed diagnosis steps below for Samsung-specific causes and fixes.

Most Likely Causes

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

Component failure in the Samsung refrigerator40%
Sensor or thermostat out of operating range24%
Control board fault14%
Power or electrical supply issue12%
Mechanical wear requiring inspection10%

Symptoms You May Notice

  • Not Cooling on Samsung refrigerator
  • Performance degradation
  • Unusual sounds or behavior
  • Error code may appear

Can you reset a Samsung refrigerator to clear the NOT-COOLING code?

Unplug for 60 seconds. Some Samsung models have specific reset sequences - check the diagnostic mode entry above.

Tools Required for Diagnosis

MultimeterScrewdriver setFlashlight

Diagnostic Checklist

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

1

Check the most common Samsung-specific cause for not cooling on

Check the most common Samsung-specific cause for not cooling on Samsung refrigerators. See the detailed guide above.

2

Check secondary causes common across all refrigerator brands but

3

If basic checks do not reveal the cause, run the brand

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to fix a Samsung refrigerator not cooling?
Most Samsung refrigerator not cooling repairs cost $100-400 depending on the cause. Simple fixes (cleaning, resetting) are free. Part replacements range from $10-200 plus $100-200 labor.
Is it worth repairing a Samsung refrigerator not cooling?
If the refrigerator is under 8 years old and the repair is under 50% of replacement cost, repair is worthwhile. Samsung has a standard 1-year warranty.
Can I fix Samsung refrigerator not cooling myself?
Many Samsung refrigerator issues are DIY-fixable with basic tools. Sealed refrigerant system repairs require a certified technician.

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 StallSamsung washerSamsung Washer 3E Error Code: Motor FaultSamsung washerSamsung Washer 4C Error Code: No Water SupplySamsung 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 NOT-COOLING Errors

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

RF28R7351SR, RF23J9011SR, RS25J500DSR

Last verified for technical accuracy on March 15, 2026