Having an issue with your Samsung refrigerator not cooling can be extremely frustrating. A non-functioning fridge means no access to cold drinks, no fresh produce storage, and possible food spoilage. Thankfully, there are several troubleshooting tips you can try yourself to diagnose and fix a Samsung refrigerator cooling problem before calling for professional repair.
Background on Samsung Refrigerator Cooling Issues
Samsung makes high-quality, technologically advanced refrigerators. However, like all appliances, they can experience technical issues from time to time. There are a few main reasons why a Samsung refrigerator may stop cooling properly:
- Power supply problems – If the fridge is not properly plugged in, if there is an electrical outlet failure, or if the house circuit breaker trips, the refrigerator will not receive power. This is one of the most common reasons for a cooling failure.
- Thermostat and temperature control issues – The thermostat regulates the internal temperature settings. If it malfunctions, the fridge may not cool even though the power supply is on. Faulty temperature controls can also lead to cooling problems.
- Failed compressor – The compressor is responsible for pumping refrigerant through the sealed system to remove heat from the fridge interior. If the compressor stops working, the refrigerator will not have any cooling capabilities.
- Refrigerant leaks – Refrigerant is the substance that allows heat transfer to occur. If there is a leak in the sealed system, refrigerant levels drop, preventing proper cooling.
- Condenser coil issues – Dust, dirt and debris can coat the condenser coils located at the back of the fridge, restricting airflow. This can lead to inefficient cooling and freezer burn.
- Clogged defrost drain – During automatic defrost cycles, ice melts into the drain pan. If the drain tube/pipe gets blocked, water can’t exit and icy buildup occurs.
- Failed evaporator fan – The evaporator fan circulates cold air in the fridge and freezer compartments. If it stops working, air circulation suffers and uneven cooling results.
- Faulty door seals/gaskets – Damaged or ill-fitting seals around the doors allow warm external air to seep into the fridge, leading to interior warming.
Understanding the inner workings of your Samsung refrigerator will help you pinpoint what needs fixing when troubleshooting cooling problems.
Initial Troubleshooting Steps
Before taking more advanced repair measures, there are some basic troubleshooting steps you can take when your Samsung refrigerator is not cooling:
Ensure the fridge has power
Make sure the fridge is properly plugged into a functioning electrical outlet, and that the outlet is switched on. Check for tripped circuit breakers or blown fuses in your home’s electrical box as well. Press the door alarm button to see if it beeps – no power = no beep.
Check the temperature controls
Verify the external temperature controls are set properly, generally around 37°F for the fridge and 0°F for the freezer. Make sure the controls are not accidentally turned off or set to warm.
Inspect the condenser coils
Condenser coils are located along the back of the fridge or underneath along the bottom. Use a vacuum wand and brush to clear away any accumulated dust and debris which can cause the refrigerator to overheat.
Verify door seals are intact
Open each door and place a slip of paper between the seal and cabinet. Close the door gently over the paper. There should be resistance when you try to pull the paper out – if it slides out easily, the seal is not tight. Faulty seals allow warm air infiltration.
Reset the refrigerator
Unplug the Samsung fridge from power for one full minute. Then plug back in and observe if normal cooling resumes. This resets the electronic control board which may resolve certain functionality problems.
Checking Components and Parts
If preliminary troubleshooting does not uncover the issue, you will need to thoroughly inspect the internal components and electrical parts involved in the cooling system. Safety precaution – only check areas you are comfortable accessing. Never remove protective cover panels yourself.
Compressor operation
The compressor is the heart of the cooling system. Located at the lower rear of the fridge, it pumps refrigerant through the system. Feel the side or back of the compressor. If it is not vibrating/humming, the compressor is likely faulty. No compressor function means no cooling capabilities.
Evaporator fan function
The evaporator fan is a small blade inside the freezer that circulates cold air. If faulty, you may notice uneven cooling or interior sections that are warmer. Open the freezer and listen for normal fan sounds. If inaudible, the fan could be stuck or malfunctioning.
Condenser fan operation
Separate from the evaporator fan, the condenser fan is located underneath or behind the fridge. It draws hot air away from the heated condenser coils. Listen for normal fan activity. Lack of running indicates it needs replacement.
Refrigerant level
With the fridge unplugged, feel the refrigerant line running from the back of the unit. If you detect any cold or frozen spots, that indicates refrigerant leaks and depletion. Low refrigerant levels hinder heat transfer and cooling efficiency.
Thermistor performance
Thermistors measure refrigerator and freezer air temperatures, signaling the compressor when to run. If faulty, the fridge will not maintain proper stable temperatures. Have a technician test thermistor electrical resistance to check if they are functioning accurately.
Defrost system issues
Samsung refrigerators have an automatic defrost cycle to melt away frost accumulation. If the defrost heater, thermostat, or control board are malfunctioning, ice can build up and impede airflow. Have a technician evaluate the defrost components.
DIY Troubleshooting Repairs
If you are comfortable doing minor repairs yourself, here are a few fixes to common cooling issues:
- Clean accumulated dust and debris from the condenser coils using a vacuum brush attachment.
- Wipe away any ice buildup inside the freezer compartment which can obstruct airflow.
- Ensure the condenser fan blades spin freely and are not jammed by obstructions.
- Check that the evaporator fan cover in the freezer is securely installed. Remove any blockages.
- Examine the interior lighting and replace any burned-out LED bulbs to maintain visibility inside the fridge.
- Confirm the door gaskets seal tightly all the way around and are not torn, cracked or folded over.
Resetting the Samsung Refrigerator
If you have double checked everything and cooling performance remains poor, performing a reset of the refrigerator may resolve electronic control board problems:
- Unplug the refrigerator from the electrical outlet.
- Leave unplugged for at least one full minute to allow control panel reset.
- Plug the electrical cord back into the outlet and switch power on.
- Give the refrigerator 2-3 hours to return to set temperatures and observe cooling operation.
- If it fails to cool normally, the reset procedure did not work and more complex repairs are needed.
Calling Samsung Support for Service
If you have worked through all the above troubleshooting tips and your Samsung refrigerator still fails to cool properly, then it’s time to request professional service help:
- Call the Samsung support hotline at 1-800-SAMSUNG and explain the issue with an agent. They can diagnose over the phone and provide further steps.
- Schedule a service appointment with Samsung’s dispatch team. A certified Samsung tech will come to your home and properly evaluate the cooling system.
- Use the online service request form at Samsung.com to arrange an in-home appliance repair.
- Samsung offers live chat support if you would prefer to start there and get directed to service resources.
With the right information provided, Samsung can send the proper replacement parts and technician to get your refrigerator functioning optimally again. Their service department is available 7 days a week to help restore your appliance to working order.
Preventing Future Cooling Problems
To help avoid Samsung refrigerator cooling failure in the future:
- Clean the condenser coils every 6 months to prevent dust/dirt buildup which strains operation.
- Use a refrigerator thermometer to monitor interior temps and detect problems early.
- Keep the doors closed as much as possible and don’t overload the refrigerator to reduce strain.
- Ensure nothing is blocking the freezer vents as good air circulation is vital.
- When installing the fridge, leave adequate space for airflow around the sides and back per manufacturer guidelines.
- Verify door seals are in good condition and replace warped, brittle or ill-fitting gaskets.
With proper preventative maintenance and care, your Samsung refrigerator should provide many years of effective cooling performance. But despite your best efforts, problems can arise. Use this troubleshooting guide to get your Samsung fridge running cold again!
Inspecting the Evaporator Coils
The evaporator coils are responsible for absorbing heat from inside the refrigerator. Faulty or clogged evaporator coils can lead to cooling issues. To inspect the evaporator coils:
- Remove the back panel inside the freezer to access the coils. Use care not to damage any wiring.
- Check that the coils are free of ice buildup and debris. Use a coil cleaning brush or vacuum with brush attachment to remove any dirt or frost.
- Examine the coils for signs of damage or corrosion. Damaged coils may need replacement by a technician.
- Ensure the evaporator fan can spin freely without obstruction. Clear any ice or debris so air flows over the coils properly.
- Replace the back panel, being careful not to pinch any wires. Observe refrigerator operation for improved cooling. If temps remain high, the issue may lie elsewhere.
Checking the Condenser Fan Motor
The condenser fan motor is responsible for pulling air across the hot condenser coils to dissipate heat. A failed condenser fan motor can lead to refrigerant pressure buildup and inadequate cooling:
- Locate the condenser fan motor housing at the base or rear of the refrigerator.
- Listen and feel for the normal hum of the fan motor. Lack of sound/vibration indicates it is not running.
- If not operating, turn the condenser fan blade gently with your hand to check for mechanical issues. Stuck or seized blades indicate a bad fan motor.
- Use a multimeter to test for power to the motor terminals. No power could signify a tripped fuse or wiring problem.
- If the motor is non-functional, replacement by a technician will be required. Refrigerant recovery is needed with this repair.
Diagnosing Thermistor Difficulties
Thermistors measure air temperature and relay data to the control board. Faulty thermistors provide inaccurate temps leading to cooling irregularities:
- Thermistors are located along the rear wall of the fridge and freezer compartments.
- Unplug the refrigerator and use a multimeter to check thermistor resistance. Compare to spec values in the service manual.
- Resistance outside of the acceptable range signifies a defective thermistor that needs replacement.
- Ensure thermistor connections are not damaged or corroded. Fix any loose wire connections.
- Replace inoperative thermistors with new parts matching Samsung specifications.
Ruling Out a Control Board Failure
The main control board oversees temperature regulation and compressor operation. If it malfunctions, normal cooling can fail:
- Inspect the control board for any signs of physical damage, burnt components or melted wiring/terminals.
- Check for loose wire connections at the control board. Tighten any loose connector pins.
- Verify proper voltage is supplied to the control board. Use a multimeter to check.
- If the board looks undamaged, power may be present, and other components test functional, the board still may need replacement.
- Have an authorized Samsung technician install a new main control board and reconfigure the refrigerator settings.