A Samsung fridge shows an error code when it detects a fault with a fan, sensor, the ice maker or its power supply. Common ones are 21E (freezer fan), 22E (fridge fan), 5E (defrost sensor), 39E (ice maker) and 88 88 (power or communication fault), while OF OF isn’t a fault at all. Sydney Appliance Service repairs Samsung fridges across Sydney and stocks genuine Samsung fridge parts.
Below is what each code means, what you can safely do yourself, and when it’s time to book a technician.
Should I unplug my Samsung fridge when it shows an error code?
Not for most codes. Samsung advises leaving the fridge plugged in and not pressing buttons to make the code go away, because that makes it harder for a technician to find the fault.
The exception is the power codes (83E, 85E, 86E and 88 88). For those, turn the fridge off at the wall or circuit breaker for 60 seconds, then turn it back on. If the code returns, book a repair.
Keep the doors closed as much as you can while you wait. A full freezer will usually hold its temperature for several hours if the doors stay shut.
Samsung fridge error codes and what they mean
Samsung uses E and C versions of many codes (for example 22E and 22C). They point to the same part. Codes can vary by model, so if yours isn’t listed, call us on (02) 9546 4444 with your model number.
| Code | What it means | What you can do | Call a technician if |
|---|---|---|---|
| OF OF, O FF | Not a fault. The fridge is in Cooling Off (demo) mode and isn’t cooling | Turn Cooling Off mode off using the button combination in your user manual | It won’t come out of demo mode |
| 1E, 2E | Temperature sensor fault (model dependent) | Nothing safe to check at home | Always |
| 5E, 5C | Defrost sensor fault | Check for heavy ice on the back wall of the fridge or freezer | Always. Ice build up behind the panel needs a technician |
| 8E, 8C, 14E, 14C | Ice maker sensor fault | Check the ice bucket is pushed in properly | The code stays |
| 21E, 21C | Freezer fan fault. Usually the fan has frozen up | Check the freezer door closes fully and the seal isn’t gapped or blocked by food | The code returns after the doors have been closed properly |
| 22E, 22C | Fridge fan fault, often after a door was left open | Make sure the doors close fully | The code returns |
| 23E, 23C | Condenser fan fault (at the back, near the compressor) | Check the back of the fridge isn’t pushed hard against the wall and the vents are clear | Always |
| 24E | Freezer defrost fault | Check for ice build up in the freezer | Always |
| 25E, 25C | Fridge defrost fault | Check for ice build up in the fridge, often behind the crisper drawers | Always |
| 26E, 39E, 39C | Ice maker fault | Check the water supply tap to the fridge is on | The ice maker still isn’t working |
| 40E, 40C | Ice room fan fault | Check the ice compartment door closes fully | The code returns |
| 41, 42, 41C | Communication or display fault, usually on Family Hub models | Restart the Family Hub screen using the switch inside the top of the right door | The code returns |
| 83E, 85E, 86E | Compressor power fault: abnormal current, low voltage or high voltage, often after a storm or power surge | Turn off at the wall or breaker for 60 seconds, then back on | The code returns |
| 88 88 | Communication fault, often because power dropped while the fridge was starting up | Turn off at the wall or breaker for 60 seconds, then back on | The code returns |
| PC ER, PC CH | Communication fault between the fridge’s control boards | Turn off at the wall or breaker for 60 seconds, then back on | The code returns. A door wiring connection may need checking |
What we see most on Samsung fridges in Sydney
We went through 60 recent Samsung fridge repair requests from our own job records. More than half were 4 door models (32), then French door (16), side by side (8) and top mount (4). Most customers didn’t have a code on the display, they had a symptom.
The problems that came up most often:
- Water pooling under the crisper drawers or leaking onto the floor. Often the defrost drain at the back of the fridge has frozen or blocked, so melt water overflows into the drawer area instead of draining away.
- Water dispenser or auto fill jug not working, often right after a water filter change. A filter that isn’t fully seated, or a frozen water line, are common causes.
- Freezer not freezing, sometimes with ice building up on the back wall or around the ice maker.
- Fridge not cooling while the freezer is fine. On many Samsung models the fridge and freezer have separate cooling, so one can fail on its own. Common causes are an iced up evaporator or a fan that has stopped.
- Ice maker not making ice, humming without dropping ice, or freezing into a block.
Other things we’re called out for: fan noise or clicking from inside the fridge, the fridge tripping the power, and Family Hub screens that won’t respond.
No code on the display doesn’t mean nothing is wrong. If your fridge is doing any of the above, a technician can usually find the cause in one visit.
Why is my Samsung fridge not cooling but the freezer works?
Usually ice has built up on the fridge’s evaporator or around the fan, so cold air can’t get through. On models with separate fridge and freezer cooling, the freezer keeps working normally.
Check the doors close fully and the seals aren’t torn or blocked by food. If the fridge is still warm after a day, book a repair. A technician can clear the ice and find out why it formed, which is usually a defrost fault.
Why is my Samsung fridge leaking water under the crisper drawer?
Melt water from the automatic defrost normally drains out through a small channel at the back. When that channel freezes or blocks, the water collects under the crisper drawers instead.
Pulling out the drawers and drying the area helps for a while, but it comes back until the drain is cleared and the cause is fixed. If a drawer has cracked, we stock crisper drawers and shelves for many Samsung models.
Why has my Samsung water dispenser stopped working after a filter change?
Most often the new filter isn’t locked fully into place, or air is trapped in the line. Take the filter out and refit it until it clicks, then run the dispenser for a minute or two to push the air out.
If there’s still no water, the line may be frozen or the water valve may have failed. We stock fridge water filters and can repair the dispenser.
When should I call a technician?
Book a repair if a code keeps coming back, if the fridge or freezer is warming up, if you can smell gas or burning, or if the fridge keeps tripping the power. Turn it off at the wall straight away for a burning smell or power trips.
We repair Samsung fridges across Sydney and use genuine Samsung parts. Call (02) 9546 4444 or book a service online. Our service charges are listed upfront.
Need the part instead? See genuine Samsung spare parts, browse ice maker and water parts and fridge fan motors, or send your model number through the parts enquiry form and we’ll find the right one.
Related guides
- All appliance error code guides
- Fridge leaking water inside?
- Why your fridge is making noise and how to fix it
- Samsung washing machine error codes
- How to find your model and serial number
Frequently asked questions
How do I clear an error code on my Samsung fridge?
For power codes (83E, 85E, 86E, 88 88), turn the fridge off at the wall for 60 seconds and back on. For other codes, leave it plugged in and book a repair, because the code helps the technician find the fault.
What does OF OF mean on a Samsung fridge?
The fridge is in Cooling Off mode, also called demo or shop mode. It isn’t broken, it just isn’t cooling. Your user manual shows the button combination to turn it off.
Is it safe to keep using my Samsung fridge with an error code?
Usually yes, as long as it’s still holding temperature. Keep the doors shut and check the temperature display. If food starts warming up, move it to another fridge or an esky and book a repair.
How long does a Samsung fridge repair take?
Many faults, like a fan, sensor or defrost problem, can often be fixed in one visit when the part is in stock. If a part needs ordering, we’ll tell you the timeframe before we start.
Is it worth repairing a Samsung fridge?
Often yes. Fans, sensors, ice makers and water valves cost far less to replace than a new fridge, especially on 4 door and French door models.