I’ve spent years researching and experiencing Samsung refrigerator error codes firsthand.
These cryptic messages can be frustrating, but I’m here to demystify them.
Have you ever stared at your fridge’s display, wondering what those blinking lights mean?
You’re not alone. I’ll briefly summarise the most common codes and their solutions.
No more panic when your Samsung fridge starts acting up. Let’s dive in and turn you into a refrigerator error code expert in no time.
Key Takeaways
- Samsung refrigerator error codes indicate specific issues such as cooling problems, fan malfunctions, or communication errors.
- Solutions vary from simple resets to professional repairs.
- Understanding common error codes helps prevent food spoilage and ensures efficient appliance operation.
Common Samsung Refrigerator Error Codes
AP
Cause
Access point issue. It could be an access point issue. If your Samsung model shows error codes, note the model number and see if the refrigerator is not working due to the AP error code.
Solution
If your fridge is doubling as a Wi-Fi access point, just hold down the specific button while setting it up to fix any flashing error codes. The code will vanish once you’re done with the setup too.
0F / OF OF
Cause
Heads up – if you see “0F” or “OF OF” on your Samsung fridge, it’s stuck in demo mode. The cooling’s off, so your food might spoil. This is usually for showrooms, letting people play with the fridge’s bells and whistles without it actually running. Not great if you want, you know, a cold fridge.
Solution
To get out of this mode, just press and keep holding the top two buttons on the left side of the control panel for around 10 seconds until you hear a chime.
21E

Cause
21E error code means the freezer fan is not spinning or frozen. The fridge’s brain can’t tell if the fan’s spinning like it should. This can happen if:
- The fan’s frozen solid (too much door-opening action)
- The motor’s given up the ghost
- There’s a wiring mess between the fan and control board
Solution
Just pull the plug on the fridge and let it thaw out. Make sure you don’t leave the door open for too long and double-check that it shuts tight.
22E / 22C
Cause
Another fan issue is often related to prolonged door openings. They’re telling you your fridge fan’s throwing a fit.
Usually happens when someone leaves the door open too long – messes with the airflow and can freeze up the fan. Or it could be that the fan motor itself has gone wonky, affecting the refrigeration process.
Solution
Just like with 21E, try unplugging the fridge for a bit, then plug it back in once you’ve made sure all the doors are shut tight.
25E
Cause
Defrost function error. After 80 minutes of trying to melt ice, it’s throwing in the towel.
The likely culprits? Either your defrost heater’s given up the ghost (it’s the part that brings the heat to melt ice) or the temperature sensor’s gone wonky (it tells the system when to defrost).
Solution
This problem usually means you’ll need to swap out a part like the motherboard or defrost sensor. If resetting doesn’t do the trick, calling in a pro is best.
33E
Cause
Ice pipe heater failure. Is your Samsung fridge’s throwing a 33E code? That’s your ice pipe heater giving up the ghost. Little heater that’s supposed to keep ice from clogging up the works isn’t doing its job.
Could be a wonky electrical connection, the heater wearing out, or just too much ice buildup from neglect.
Solution
Hold down the buttons in the top right and left corners at the same time for five seconds to restart the diagnostics. If the issue keeps happening, you’ll need to swap out the fill tube heater.
39E
Cause
Ice maker sensor error. Your Samsung fridge is throwing a fit with that 39E error code – it’s saying the ice maker’s on the fritz. It could be a few things: maybe it’s jammed up, some parts have given up the ghost, or there’s a wiring hiccup between the ice maker and the brains of the operation.
Either way, your fridge’s trying to tell you it needs a bit of TLC in the ice-making department.
Solution
Double-check the wiring and water lines to see if they’re hooked up right. If you’re still having trouble, give Samsung a shout for some extra help.
40E
Cause
Freezer defrost malfunction due to frost buildup. 40E error on your Samsung fridge? It’s all about the ice maker fan acting up. This little guy is super important for keeping things cool. Usually, it means the fan motor’s on the fritz and not spinning like it should.
Solution
Find and melt any ice buildup with a hairdryer or just let it defrost on its own.
5E / 5 / 6E
Cause
Defrost sensor failure or ambient sensor error (often after a power outage).
Is Samsung fridge throwing a 5E or 5C code? Don’t panic, but your defrost sensor’s acting up. Could be a wonky temp sensor, a fried control board, or some wires that aren’t playing nice.
It’s your fridge’s way of saying “Hey, I’m having trouble figuring out when to defrost!” Not the end of the world, but something you’ll want to sort out soon.
Solution
Try fixing it by unplugging the fridge for a few minutes and then plugging it back in. If that doesn’t do the trick, you might have to get a new one.
84C / 84E
Cause
Rotor lock in compressor. Samsung fridge’s throwing 84C or 84E errors? That’s bad news – your compressor’s locked up.
Motor that keeps things cool can’t do its job. Could be a few things: the compressor itself might be toast, the inverter board could be acting up, or there might be wonky wiring between the main controls and the defrost heater.
Solution
It would help if you usually had a pro for this job since getting to the compressor can be pretty tricky.
88 88 / 83E / 85E / 86E
Cause
Voltage or communication errors due to power surges or electrical anomalies.
They’re basically your fridge’s way of saying “Hey, something’s not right with the electricity!”
Here’s the deal:
- 88 88 means your fridge’s brain (the inverter compressor) gets mixed signals. It’s like when your Wi-Fi acts up during a storm.
- 83E? Your compressor’s throwing a fit about the current. It might be working too hard or not getting enough juice.
- 85E is when your compressor’s starving for power, which could lead to a flashing error code.
- 86E? That’s an electrical feast – too much power that could fry your fridge’s circuits.
Solution
Turn off the power at the circuit breaker for about a minute, then turn it back on. If you’re still having issues, call a tech.
PC ER / PC CH
Cause
Communication issues between refrigerator components. Is your fridge’s throwing PC ER and PC CH codes? Sounds like its parts aren’t talking to each other. Could be from a power surge zapping things, or maybe some wires got loose – especially around the door.
Solution
Pull the plug on the fridge, fix any loose wires over the door, and then plug it back in.
76C
Cause
Water detected in autofill compartment. That’s your autofill compartment crying for help. It’s drowning in water it can’t get rid of. Usually, this means the autofill feature’s gone haywire.
You know, that nifty thing that’s supposed to top up your water pitcher? Yeah, it’s not playing nice. Could be a clog or just a straight-up failing. Either way, your water dispenser’s not happy about it.
Solution
Check and unclog the autofill section; make sure there aren’t any water leaks.
2E
Cause
Short circuit in fresh food sensor. It’s your fresh food sensor acting up – could be loose, shorted, or just plain busted.
This little guy’s job is crucial – it keeps your food at the right temp. Without it, you might end up with a fridge full of spoiled grub.
Solution
Unplug it for 10 minutes. This resets the control board – sometimes that’s all it needs to fix the common error. While it’s unplugged, take a peek at the temp sensor wires.
Make sure they’re snug and not frayed. Plug it back in. If the error’s still there, you might need a new sensor to resolve the flashing error code.
Still no luck? Time to call in a pro. They’ve got the tools to dig deeper.
How do you read Samsung fridge error codes?
When your Samsung refrigerator starts flashing an error code, it might feel like a mystery novel with no ending.
Whether you have a side by side refrigerator or a slick french door model, figuring out what those codes mean is crucial.
Samsung refrigerator troubleshooting can be a bit of a maze, but we’ve got some tips to help you navigate.
First off, check if the icemaker, dispenser, or power freeze and power cool settings are acting up.
Sometimes, the error is related to the defrost heater—you might find the fridge back frosty. That’s your cue to run a forced defrost mode.
If your refrigerator not cooling properly, it could be a sign that the coil needs a good cleaning, or it might even indicate you may need to replace a part.
To fix your Samsung refrigerator, it helps to know the codes and what they mean. Sometimes, these codes will disappear after you clear the error, but not always.
For those stubborn issues, finding expert solutions may be necessary. Who knows, you might have to contact Samsung for more help or even an appliance repair visit.
If your kitchen appliances are all acting up, including the fridge and perhaps even the dishwasher with its own dishwasher error codes, having a go-to service for all your needs becomes even more handy.
FAQs
What should I do if my samsung refrigerator displays an error code?
You may need to unplug the fridge for a few minutes and then plug it back in. If the issue persists, it might be time to contact a professional for further appliance repair.
How can I fix the 88 88 error code on my samsung fridge?
The 88 88 error code usually indicates a problem with the control board. You can try to reset your refrigerator by turning off the power for about 10 minutes. If the error code persists, you may need to replace the control board or seek professional help to fix your samsung refrigerator.
What does the 83e error code mean on a samsung refrigerator?
The 83e error code generally indicates a communication error within the refrigerator. This could be due to issues with the wire connections or the control board. Make sure that all connections are secure. If this doesn’t resolve the issue, you might need to contact samsung for further advice.
Why is my samsung refrigerator showing the 85e error code?
The 85e error code often points to a problem with the inverter of your samsung fridge. Check to ensure that the circuit breaker hasn’t tripped. If everything seems fine and the code is still there, you may need to replace it.