Samsung refrigerator does not turn off: reasons for continuous operation and what to do

Is your refrigerator buzzing around the clock, never stopping for a minute? This is not just an annoying noise - it is a signal of a serious malfunction that can lead to compressor failure, overheating of equipment or spoilage of food. Normally, the unit should turn off for 10–20 minutes every hour, but if it works Samsung buzzes around the clock, without stopping for a minute? This is not just an annoying noise - it is a signal of a serious malfunction that can lead to compressor failure, overheating of equipment or spoilage of food. Normally, the unit should turn off for 10–20 minutes every hour, but if it is running continuously for 6+ hours, it’s time to sound the alarm.

In this article we will look 10 main reasonswhy the refrigerator Samsung does not turn off - from trivial (incorrect temperature in the chamber) to critical (freon leakage or failure of the control board). You will learn how to diagnose the problem by indirect signs (for example, ice on the back wall or a hot case), what measures you can take on your own, and when you urgently need to call a specialist. At the end of the article there is a table of error codes for models Samsung with a display and FAQ on typical user questions.

1. Incorrect temperature settings

The first thing to check is cooling mode. In 30% of cases, continuous operation of the refrigerator is due to the fact that the user accidentally activated (super freezing) or (intensive cooling). These functions are designed to quickly cool a large volume of food, but if they are not turned off, the compressor will work without interruption. Super Freeze (super freeze) or Power Cool (intensive cooling). These functions are designed to quickly cool large volumes of food, but if they are not disabled, the compressor will run continuously.

How to check:

• 🔍 Look at the display to see if the indicator is on Super Freeze or Power Cool? In models without a screen, these modes are activated by buttons on the control panel.
• ❄️ Check the temperature in the chambers: if the freezer is −24°C or lower, and the refrigerator compartment is +2°C, most likely the enhanced mode is turned on.
• ⚙️ In the settings menu (Settings → Cooling Mode) select standard mode Normal.

If after resetting the settings the refrigerator still does not turn off, the problem is deeper. Perhaps the factory settings have gone wrong - in this case it will help hard reset (instructions in section 5).

2. Contamination of the condenser or fan

The condenser (grid on the back wall) and the fan (in models No Frost) are responsible for heat removal. If they are clogged with dust, animal hair or grease, heat exchange is disrupted and the compressor is forced to work non-stop, trying to compensate for the lack of cooling.

Signs of a problem:

• 🔥 The refrigerator body is hot (especially at the back or sides).
• 🌀 The fan in the freezer does not rotate or makes extraneous sounds.
• 📉 An error may appear on the display 22E or 25E (overheating).

How to clean:

1. Unplug the refrigerator and move it away from the wall.
2. Remove the bottom panel (if equipped) and vacuum the condenser with a soft brush.
3. On models No Frost remove the freezer shelves and wipe the fan blades with a damp cloth.
4. Check if the vents are blocked by ice or products.

3. Freon leak or clogged capillary tube

Freon is a refrigerant that circulates through the system and provides cooling. If it leaks through microcracks or the capillary tube becomes clogged, the compressor runs idle without creating the required pressure. The refrigerator Samsung tries to compensate for the lack of cold by continuous operation, but the temperature in the chambers still rises.

Signs of a freon leak:

• ❄️ Little ice forms in the freezer or it melts too quickly.
• 🌡️ The temperature in the refrigerator compartment is above +6°C, despite the maximum settings.
• 🔊 The compressor hums louder than usual, but there is no cooling.
• 💧 Oily spots may appear on the floor under the refrigerator (freon mixes with oil).

What to do:

⚠️ Attention: It is impossible to eliminate a freon leak on your own - special equipment is required to evacuate the system and charge the refrigerant. If you suspect this malfunction turn off the refrigerator immediately call a technician. Long-term operation with a leak can lead to failure of the compressor.

What is dangerous about a freon leak?

Freon is non-toxic, but if leaked in a closed room it can cause oxygen starvation (especially dangerous for people with diseases of the respiratory system). In addition, oil from the cooling system can damage seals and wire insulation, creating the risk of a short circuit.

4. Malfunction of the thermostat or temperature sensor

The thermostat (or thermistor in modern models) is the “brain” of the refrigerator, which signals the compressor when to turn on or off. If the sensor is broken, it can constantly send an "overheat" signal, causing the compressor to run without stopping.

How to check the thermostat:

• 🔧 On mechanical models (with an adjustment wheel), try turning the thermostat knob to the minimum setting. If the refrigerator does not turn off, the sensor is faulty.
• 📊 In electronic refrigerators (Samsung RB, RS, RF**), a sensor error may appear on the display as 1E, 5E or 8E.
• 🧊 Check whether the sensor is frozen with ice (relevant for models No Frost with faulty defrosting).

Temporary solution: if the thermostat is mechanical, you can manually turn off the refrigerator for 1-2 hours every 6 hours to prevent the compressor from overheating. But this not a repairis only a way to extend the life of the equipment until the visit of the master.

5. Resetting the settings to factory settings

If the refrigerator Samsung started working without stopping after a power surge or firmware update, it will help hard reset (hard reset). This procedure will return all settings to factory settings and often solves problems with electronic modules.

How to reset:

Unplug the refrigerator for 5 minutes|Hold the buttons Power Cool + Fridge (or Freezer + Lighting for models without a display) 10–15 seconds|Connect the power without releasing the button|Wait for the sound signal or blinking of the indicators|Release the buttons - the refrigerator will reboot-->

After reset:

• Adjust the temperature again: +4°C for the refrigerator, −18°C for the freezer.
• Check that it is not have additional modes turned on (Vacation, Eco).
• If the problem persists, write down the error code (if any) and contact service.

6. Failure of the compressor or start relay

The compressor is the “heart” of the refrigerator, and the start relay is responsible for starting it. If these parts are worn out or burned out, the compressor can:

• 🔄 Turn on and off immediately (relay clicks).
• 🔥 Work without stopping, but do not cool (wear of the piston group).
• 💥 Be completely silent (the winding is burned out).

Signs of a compressor malfunction:

Symptom	Probable cause	What to do
The compressor hums, but does not start	Faulty start relay	Replace the relay (the part costs ~1500–2500 ₽)
The compressor works, but does not cool	Wear of pistons or freon leakage	Master diagnostics (compressor replacement possible)
The compressor turns off after 1-2 seconds	Interturn short circuit in the winding	Replacement of the compressor (from 8000 ₽)
The compressor housing is very hot	Overload due to freon leak	Turn off the refrigerator, call a technician

If the compressor burns out, replacing it will cost 50–70% of the cost of a new refrigerator. In this case, it is more advisable to consider purchasing new equipment, especially if your model Samsung is more than 7-10 years old.

7. Problems with the control board

In modern refrigerators Samsung (series Family Hub, Bespoke), an electronic board is responsible for the operation of the compressor. If it fails due to a power surge, moisture or a manufacturing defect, the refrigerator may:

• 📛 Show errors 11E, 21E, 33E (board malfunction).
• 🔄 Cyclically turn on/off the compressor.
• 🖥️ Do not respond to button presses.

What to do:

1. Try resetting the settings (section 5).
2. Check whether the contacts on the board have oxidized (relevant after leaks or high humidity).
3. If the board is burnt out, it can be repaired (resolder the elements) or replaced (from 5000 ₽).

⚠️ Attention: Do not try to “reanimate” the board with a hairdryer or soldering iron without experience - this can lead to a short circuit. Service centers Samsung often offer free diagnostics of the board subject to further repairs.

8. Loss of door seal

If the rubber seal on the door is torn, deformed or dirty, warm air enters the chamber, forcing the compressor to work without interruption. Check:

• 🧲 Place a sheet of paper on the seal and close the door. If the sheet falls out or is easily pulled out, the seal is broken.
• 🕳️ Shine a flashlight inside the closed refrigerator - if the light is visible, the seal does not fit.
• 🧊 Ice forms on the back wall of the refrigerator compartment (due to the constant flow of warm air).

How to restore the tightness:

1. Wipe the seal with warm water and soap - sometimes it sticks due to fat or crumbs.
2. If the elastic is deformed, try restoring the shape with a hairdryer (heat to 60–70°C and shape with your hands).
3. In case of serious damage, replace the seal (cost - from 2000 ₽, can be ordered according to the refrigerator model).

In models with No Frost a violation of the tightness leads to freezing of the evaporator and an error 28E (problem with defrosting).

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the continuous operation of the Samsung refrigerator

Is it possible to leave the refrigerator on if it does not turn off?

No. Long-term operation without stopping (more than 12 hours) will lead to overheating of the compressor and its breakdown. If the refrigerator does not turn off despite resetting the settings, unplug it and call a technician. As a temporary measure, you can turn off the power for 30 minutes every 2-3 hours to allow the compressor to cool down.

Why does the new Samsung refrigerator work without stopping for the first 24 hours?

This is normal! When you turn it on for the first time, the refrigerator forces cold into the empty chambers. If after 24 hours the operation has not returned to normal, check:

• If the mode is turned on Super Freeze.
• Is the temperature set correctly (+4°C / −18°C).
• If the ventilation holes are blocked by packaging or products.

How to check if it is working compressor, if the refrigerator does not cool?

Put your hand on the compressor (black cylinder at the back of the refrigerator):

• If it vibrates and is warm - it works, but there may be a freon leak.
• If it cold and silent is faulty (the winding or relay is burnt out).
• If it is buzzes, but does not start there is a problem with the starting relay.

How much does it cost to repair a Samsung refrigerator that does not turn off?

The cost depends on the reason:

Malfunction	Repair cost (₽)
Replacing the thermostat/sensor	2500–4000
Cleaning the system from freon + refilling	5000–8000
Replacing the start relay	1500–2500
Repairing the control board	3000–6000
Replacing the compressor	8000–15000

If the refrigerator is more than 10 years old, repairs may not be profitable - compare the cost with the price of new equipment.

Is it possible to fill freon into a Samsung refrigerator yourself?

No. To refill freon you need:

• Special equipment (vacuum pump, pressure gauges).
• Experience in working with refrigerants (freon is toxic when heated).
• Knowledge of the exact dosage for your model.

Self-refueling can lead to compressor overload or leakage of freon into the room.