Owners of modern household appliances are often faced with a situation where Samsung two-chamber No Frost refrigerator the temperature in the upper compartment ceases to be maintained. This causes panic, because food begins to spoil and the ice in the freezer melts. However, in most cases, the problem lies not in the breakdown of the compressor, but in the disruption of cold air circulation due to the No Frost system.
Unlike older models with a drip system, here the evaporator is hidden in the back wall of the freezer compartment, and the cold is pumped by a fan. If upper chamber stops cooling, it means that the air channels are blocked or the operation of one of the automatic defrosting elements is disrupted. Understanding the principle of operation No Frost system will help you diagnose the malfunction yourself.
It should be immediately noted that ignoring the problem can lead to more serious consequences for the compressor. If you notice that Samsung refrigerator it is working without interruptions, but the temperature in the refrigerator compartment is rising, you must immediately carry out initial diagnostics. In this article we will look at the main causes and methods for eliminating them.
Primary diagnostics: checking temperature conditions
Before disassembling the unit, make sure that the problem is not caused by incorrect settings or external factors. Sometimes users accidentally change the settings by switching the appliance to fast freezing mode or eco mode, which limits the supply of cold to the upper compartment. Check the display or controls on the front panel.
Pay attention to operation fan. In Samsung models with the No Frost system, it should work periodically, expelling air. If you do not hear the characteristic noise of the fan when the freezer door is open (with the door sensor clamped), it may be jammed with ice or out of order.
It is also worth checking the tightness of sealing rubber on the door of the refrigerator compartment. If the rubber is worn out or the door is warped, warm air constantly flows inside, and the system cannot cope with cooling, even when working at its maximum capacity.
Clogged drainage system and ice plug
One of the most common reasons why Samsung refrigerator stopped freezing from above is a banal blockage of the drainage hole. During operation of the No Frost system, condensation forms on the evaporator, which must drain into the drainage tray. If the hole is clogged with crumbs or mold, the water freezes, forming an ice plug.
This plug blocks the normal operation of the evaporator. Ice begins to build up on the walls and eventually blocks the air channels leading into the refrigerator compartment. As a result cold air it simply cannot get into the upper compartment while remaining in the freezer.
⚠️ Attention: Do not try to break through the ice plug with sharp objects such as a knife or screwdriver. You risk damaging the evaporator tubes or piercing the plastic, which will lead to freon leakage and expensive repairs.
To eliminate this problem, a complete defrost of the unit is required. Unplug the appliance, remove all food and leave the doors open for at least 24 hours. Only during this time will the ice in hard-to-reach places (inside the case) have time to completely melt.
☑️ Correct defrosting
Malfunction of the evaporator defrosting heating element
If complete defrosting helped temporarily, but a week later the situation repeated itself, the problem lies in the automatic defrosting system. The key element here is Defrost heating element (heating element). Its task is to heat the evaporator at specified intervals in order to melt the frozen frost.
In models Samsung No Frost The heating element is located behind the rear wall of the freezer. If it burns out, the ice stops melting and gradually “strangles” the evaporator. The fan continues to circulate air, but it does not pass through the ice shell, and it becomes warm in the refrigerator compartment.
To check the heating element, you will need a multimeter. You need to get to the evaporator, remove the heating element and “ring” it. If the resistance tends to infinity, the element is faulty and requires replacement with an original or high-quality analogue.
How to replace the heating element?
To replace the heating element, you need to remove the back panel in the freezer, unscrew the evaporator fasteners, carefully bend it to gain access to the heater, and replace the burnt element. Don't forget to check the terminals for oxidation.
Problems with the defrost timer or sensors
In modern Samsung refrigerators, not only the heating element, but also the control electronics are responsible for the defrosting process. The timer (or electronic control module) also plays an important role. The sensor monitors the temperature of the evaporator and gives a command to turn the heating element on or off. defrost sensors and a timer (or electronic control module). The sensor monitors the temperature of the evaporator and gives a command to turn the heating element on or off.
If the sensor “lies” and shows that the evaporator is warm, although it is covered with ice, the heating element will not turn on. As a result, refrigerator works in normal cooling mode, but does not go into defrosting mode. This is a classic situation when the upper chamber is warm, and there is a coat of ice in the freezer.
It is also worth checking the integrity of the wiring. Compressor vibration and temperature changes over time can lead to chafing of wires or oxidation of contacts in sensor connectors. Visual inspection often helps to identify obvious insulation defects.
| System element | Fault symptom | Check method |
|---|---|---|
| Defrosting heating element | Ice does not melt, plug in drainage | Test with a multimeter (there must be resistance) |
| Defrost sensor | Defrost does not turn on or off | Resistance measurement at different temperatures |
| Timer/Module | Chaotic operation of cycles | Checking the voltage supply to the heating element in defrost mode |
| Fan | Noise, lack of cold from above | Visual check of rotation of the blades |
Malfunction of the blower fan
Another reason why upper chamber remains warm when the freezer is running is the fan stops. In the No Frost system, it is this that ensures the circulation of cold air. If the fan is stopped, cold air remains below, in the freezer compartment.
Often the fan stops due to freezing of the bushing or the entry of a foreign object (a piece of ice, a label). In this case, you can hear the hum of the motor, but there will be no rotation. Sometimes lubrication of the bearing helps, but more often the unit needs to be replaced.
It is important to check whether ice has frozen on the fan blades. This happens if the seal of the freezer compartment is broken or the defrost sensor is faulty. Ice blocks rotation and the motor burns out or jams.
Freon leakage and problems with the compressor
The most serious and expensive reason — refrigerant leak (freon). If there is little gas in the system, the compressor works constantly, trying to increase the temperature, but there is not enough cold even for the freezer, not to mention the upper compartment. In such cases, the freezer may freeze weakly or only at the back wall.
Signs of a leak are: a hot condenser (grid at the back), continuous operation of the compressor, lack of cold in both chambers or uneven cooling. It is impossible to fix the leak and refill the refrigerator on your own without special equipment.
⚠️ Attention: If you hear hissing or see oily stains on the floor under the refrigerator, immediately turn off the appliance and call a technician. Further operation of the compressor without freon will lead to its wedge.
Also the cause may be failure of the compressor itself or the start relay. If the engine hums, clicks, but does not start, or is too quiet, professional diagnostics are required. Replacing a compressor is a complex procedure that requires evacuation of the system.
Frequently asked questions and answers
Why, after defrosting, did the Samsung refrigerator stop freezing again after 3 days?
This is a sure sign of a malfunction of the defrosting system. Most likely, the heating element of the heater burned out or the defrost sensor failed. Ice has accumulated again and blocked the channels.
Is it possible to operate the refrigerator if the top does not freeze, but the bottom does?
For a short time - yes, to finish the food. Continuous operation in this mode is harmful for the compressor, which works with overload, trying to compensate for the lack of cold.
How much does it cost to repair the No Frost system in the service?
The cost depends on the region and the specific breakdown. Replacing a heating element or sensor usually costs less than repairing a compressor or finding a freon leak. The technician will tell you the exact price after diagnosis.
How to extend the life of the No Frost system?
Do not put hot foods inside, keep the drainage hole clean and do not fill the refrigerator with food too tightly so that air can circulate.