The asterisk on the refrigerator: decoding the symbol and its influence on the operation of the equipment

Have you ever noticed a mysterious asterisk (*) on the refrigerator control panel and wondered what it means? This little symbol can be confusing, especially if the instructions don't clearly explain it. In fact, the asterisk is not just a decoration, but an important indicator that signals about temperature conditions, features of the freezer operation camera or even malfunctions in some models.

In this article we will look in detail at what is hidden behind the asterisk on refrigerators of different brands - from Samsung and LG to Indesit and Atlant. You will learn how this symbol is related freshness zones, super freezing modes and why ignoring it can lead to food spoilage or increased energy consumption. And also - how to react correctly if the star starts blinking or lights up red.

Do not rush to call a specialist: in 80% of cases, the appearance of an asterisk does not mean a breakdown, but simply requires adjusting the settings. Next is a detailed analysis with examples from real instructions and advice from service engineers.

What does the asterisk on the refrigerator panel mean: basic meanings

The asterisk on the refrigerator is a universal symbol, but its interpretation depends on models of equipment and context. Here are the three most common values that occur in 95% of cases:

• 🌡️ Temperature zone indicator: an asterisk indicates freezer compartment or deep freezing zone (usually corresponds to mode -18°C i below). In two-chamber refrigerators, it can duplicate the light Super Freeze.
• ⚡ Accelerated cooling mode: in models with the function Super Cool or Fast Freeze The star lights up when intensive cooling is activated (for example, after loading a large amount of food).
• ⚠️ Warning about a problem: in refrigerators Bosch, Siemens and some LG a flashing star can signal about increasing temperature in the freezer or not tightly closed door.

To determine exactly what the asterisk means in the your model, pay attention to:

• 📖 Indicator color: green/blue - normal mode, red/flashing - alarm.
• 🔄 Behavior symbol: lights constantly or flashes at certain intervals.
• 📱 Related symbols: if a snowflake ❄️ or an exclamation mark [!] appears next to the asterisk, this clarifies the reason (for example, freezing or sensor error).

⚠️ Attention: In refrigerators No Frost the asterisk may indicate evaporator icingeven if there is no ice externally in the freezer. In this case, forced defrosting is required (see section below).

An asterisk as an indicator of temperature zones: correspondence table

In most modern refrigerators, an asterisk is used to indicate freezing compartments the more asterisks, the lower the temperature. Here is a standard decoding that is suitable for 90% of models. (including Atlant, Beko, Gorenje):

Important: if on your refrigerator one star, but the freezer supports -18°C, this is not an error. Manufacturers often simplify the display by leaving one symbol for all modes below -12°C. You can check the exact temperature in the settings menu (if there is a display) or using external thermometer.

In refrigerators with a system Multi Air Flow (for example, Samsung RB37J5230SA), the asterisk can be combined with other symbols:

• ⭐ + ❄️ — intensive freezing (the compressor is active at maximum power).
• ⭐ + 🔄 — cyclic defrosting (in models with No Frost).
• ⭐ + [!] — temperature rise (check the seal or sensor required).

Star and modes super freezing: when it turns on and how to turn it off

If the star on your refrigerator lights up on one's own (without pressing the buttons), most likely, the mode Super Freeze or Fast Coolis activated. This mode is automatically turned on in two cases:

1. After loading a large amount of warm food (for example, if you put 5 kg of fresh meat in the freezer).
2. When the first turn on of the refrigerator or after defrosting.

As a rule, the star lights up from 2 to 24 hoursuntil the temperature in the freezer stabilizes in models LG (for example, GA-B489YDQZ) this mode is called Express Freeze and turns off automatically. In refrigerators Samsung it may be necessary manual shutdown:

Press button Super Freeze (usually with the image ⭐ or ❄️)|Wait 1-2 minutes - the indicator should go out|If the star continues to light, check the temperature in the freezer (should be lower -18°C)|If necessary, reset the settings (see instructions)-->

⚠️ Important: Do not turn off the super freeze mode manually if:

• The temperature in the freezer is higher -12°C (check with a thermometer).
• The refrigerator is making noise unusual sounds (humming, clicking) - this may indicate compressor overload.
• The asterisk is blinking in red - in this case, diagnostics are required (see the section "The asterisk is blinking: possible malfunction").

The asterisk is blinking: possible malfunctions and solutions

A flashing asterisk is Alarmwhich cannot be ignored. Depending on the refrigerator model, this may mean:

In refrigerators Bosch i Siemens a flashing star is often accompanied by error code on the display. For example:

• E01 + ⭐ - problem. with freezer temperature sensor.
• E22 + ⭐ - malfunction of No Frost fan.
• F04 + ⭐ — leakage refrigerant (freon charging required).

⚠️ Attention: If the star is flashing more than 12 hours, and the temperature in the freezer has risen higher -8°C, the food may begin to defrost. In this case, transfer it to a cooler bag or other freezer compartment until the problem is resolved.

What to do if the asterisk is blinking after defrosting?

If the asterisk continues to blink after defrosting, this may indicate:

1. Incomplete thawing of ice in the system No Frost (especially in models Indesit i Ariston) Try repeating defrosting, leaving the door open for 24 hours.

2. Drain hole clogged —water does not drain, the sensor detects “high humidity.” Clean the hole with a cotton swab.

3. Electronic module failureUnplug the refrigerator for 5-10 minutes, then turn it on again.

If the problem persists, a breakdown is likely. control boards or defrost sensor (in 60% of cases replacement is required).

Star on refrigerators of different brands: features and differences

Manufacturers use the asterisk in different ways. Here are the key features for popular brands:

• 🔹 Samsung:
  • ⭐ + number (for example, ⭐ -18) - the exact temperature in the freezer.
  • Flashing ⭐ - activated Eco Mode (energy saving).
• 🔹 LG:
  • Green ⭐ - normal mode, red - error.
  • In models with Inverter Linear Compressor the asterisk may light constantly when quiet operation (this is not a malfunction).
• 🔹 Bosch/Siemens:
  • ⭐ + Super —accelerated freezing mode.
  • Flashing ⭐ + Al — alarm (diagnostics required).
• 🔹 Atlant/Indesit:
  • One ⭐ - the freezer operates in standard mode.
  • Two ⭐⭐ - activated fast freezing.

In refrigerators Liebert and Haier the asterisk can indicate freshness zone (for example, FlexCool or FreshZone), where the temperature is maintained around 0°C. In this case, next to the asterisk there is usually an inscription Fresh or an image of a sheet 🍃.

⚠️ Attention: In some models Samsung and LG 2020–2023, an asterisk is used to indicate smart functions (for example, synchronization with the application SmartThinQ). If the symbol appears after updating the firmware, check the settings in the mobile application.

How to reset the error if the asterisk is constantly on

If the asterisk is on Continuously (not flashes) and does not respond to changes in settings, try the following steps:

1. Rebooting the refrigerator:

   1. Disconnect the refrigerator from the network for 5-10 minutes.
   2. Turn it back on and wait for initialization (usually 1-2). minutes).
   3. Check if the star has gone out.

2. Reset settings (if there is a button Reset):

   Press and hold the button Reset (or combination Super + Fridge) for 5 seconds. In refrigerators Beko to reset you need to press Menu → Settings → Factory Reset.

3. Checking sensors:

   If the reset does not help, there is likely a malfunction temperature sensor or control board. In this case:

   • Turn off the refrigerator.
   • Remove the food from the freezer.
   • Defreeze the refrigerator for 12–24 hours.
   • Check whether there are ice build-ups on the back wall (even No Frost).

If after these steps the star continues to light, contact the service center. In 30% of cases, the constant burning of the star is associated with a failure of the thermostat or electronic module - these parts cannot be repaired independently.

Frequently asked questions about the star on the refrigerator

Why does the star on the refrigerator light up red?

Red an asterisk is alarm signal. In most cases, it means:

• The temperature in the freezer has risen above -12°C.
• Door not tightly closed or the seal is damaged.
• In models No Frost — icing evaporator (defrost required).

The first thing to do: check the door is closed and the temperature in the freezer. If after an hour the star does not go out, turn off the refrigerator and defrost it for 12 hours.

Is it possible to use the refrigerator if the star is flashing?

For a short time (1-2) hours) - yes, but with caution:

• Do not put new food in the freezer.
• Check whether the temperature has risen higher -8°C.
• If flashing continues for more than 6 hours, the food may start deteriorate.

In models Bosch i Siemens a flashing star is often accompanied by sound signal - it can be turned off with the button Alarm Off, but this will not solve the problem.

The star lights up only at night - is this normal?

Yes, in some refrigerators (for example LG DoorCooling+) the star can light up periodically at night This is due to:

• Automatic start of defrosting (in No Frost).
• Energy saving mode (the compressor operates at reduced power, and the indicator signals this).
• Power surges online (the refrigerator reacts to surges).

If the star goes out after 10-30 minutes, there is no need to worry. But if it lights up until the morning, check the voltage in the socket (it should). be 220–240 V).

How to turn off the asterisk on the refrigerator Atlant?

In refrigerators Atlant the asterisk usually means super freezing mode. To disable:

1. Find the button with the image ⭐ or ❄️ (most often located on the freezer panel).
2. Press it once - the indicator should go out.
3. If there is no button, hold Temperature Down (down arrow) for 3 seconds.

In models Atlant MXM-185 i MXM-280 the asterisk can remain on until the temperature in the freezer reaches -18°Ceven if the mode is turned off. This is normal.

The asterisk appeared after the move - what to do?

After transporting the refrigerator, the asterisk may light up for two reasons:

1. Level violation: the refrigerator is not level and the sensors are not working correctly. Level it to the building level.
2. Oil getting into the compressor: if the refrigerator was transported lying down, oil could get into the circuit. In this case, you need to wait 12–24 hours without turning on the refrigerator.

If after leveling and waiting the star does not go out, check tube integrity (freon may leak during transportation).