You opened the refrigerator Samsung, and instead of the usual cold there is room temperature, but the freezer works as if nothing had happened? This problem is more common than it seems. In 80% of cases, it is not critical breakdowns that are to blame, but failures in the refrigerant circulation system or electronics. But you can’t ignore it: without refrigeration, food will spoil in 6–12 hours, and the unit itself may fail completely.
In this article we will look exact reasonswhy the refrigerator Samsung stopped cooling while the freezer was running, how to independently diagnose the problem (even without tools) and what to do to restore it. We rely on data from service centers and typical malfunctions of models Samsung RL-, RB-, RS-series of the last 10 years. If your model is older, check the compatibility of parts before repair.
Spoiler: in half the cases clean the drainage or reset the control boardis enough. But there are also serious breakdowns that require replacing the compressor or freon. In order not to waste time, start by checking the simplest reasons - we have highlighted them in checklist at the end of the section.
Why the Samsung refrigerator does not cool, but the freezer works: 7 main reasons
When the freezer is functioning, but the refrigerator compartment is not, the problem lies in one of three nodes: air circulation system, electronics or mechanical damage. Below is a complete list of reasons, sorted by frequency of occurrence (data from service centers for 2023–2026).
- 🔌 Malfunction of the blower fan - the blades froze or the motor burned out. Typical for models with No Frost (Samsung RL38, RL44).
- ❄️ Clogged drainage hole —the water does not drain away, ice forms, blocking the air ducts. It is more common in high humidity.
- 📱 Failure of the control board —the “brain” of the refrigerator does not send a signal to cool the refrigeration chamber. May occur after a power surge.
- 🔄 Failure of the damper - the valve regulating the flow of cold air is stuck in the closed position.
- ⚙️ Freon leak in the circuit of the fridge compartment (while the freezer is working because it has separate evaporator).
- 🔋 Thermostat malfunction —the sensor incorrectly reads the temperature and does not turn on the cooling.
- 🚫 Factory defect or compressor wear —rare, but occurs in models older than 7 years (Samsung RB29, RB31).
The first four reasons can be eliminated yourself, for the rest you will need a specialist. To avoid guessing, start with diagnosis by symptoms - this will save time and money.
⚠️ Attention: If the refrigerator Samsung s system No Frost and the freezer is working, but the refrigerator compartment is warm, do not defrost it. forced this can aggravate the breakdown of the fan or damper. First, check their functionality (instructions below).
How to diagnose a breakdown: step-by-step instructions
Before disassembling the refrigerator or calling a technician, follow these 5 steps. They will help narrow down the range of possible causes and save on diagnostics.
1. Checking the blower fan
B. models Samsung No Frost (RL-series) the fan is responsible for air circulation. If it does not work, the cold does not enter the refrigerator compartment. How to check:
- Open the refrigerator door and listen - you should hear a faint fan noise (reminiscent of a computer cooler).
- If there is no noise, unplug the refrigerator and inspect the back wall of the refrigerator compartment. The fan blades should rotate freely.
- If ice or frost is detected, defrost the refrigerator for 12-24 hours (do not use a hair dryer!).
2. Damper (damper) test
The damper regulates the flow of cold air from the freezer to the refrigerator compartment. If it jams, the cold does not go away. It's easy to check:
- Open the refrigerator door and look at the top of the back wall - there should be a plastic flap there.
- When the compressor is running, it should open/close with a characteristic click. If not, the damper is broken.
3. Diagnosis of the drain hole
Clogged drainage leads to the accumulation of water and the formation of ice, which blocks the air ducts. Signs:
- Water under the vegetable drawers.
- Ice on the back wall of the refrigerator compartment.
Clean the hole with a cotton swab or wire (carefully so as not to damage the plastic!). After cleaning, rinse the drainage with warm water using a syringe.
4. Electronics check
A failure of the control board or thermostat can lead to failure of the refrigerator compartment. How to check:
- Unplug the refrigerator for 10 minutes, then turn it on again. Sometimes this resets board errors.
- If the problem remains after a reboot, check the temperature settings - the parameters may have gone wrong.
- In models with a display (Samsung RS62R5001, RB37J5*), an error code may be displayed (for example,
5E- fan malfunction).
5. Inspection of the compressor and circuit
If all previous checks have failed, the problem may be:
- Freon leakage (refill required).
- Compressor malfunction (repair or replacement required).
Do it yourself It is difficult to diagnose these breakdowns - you will need a pressure gauge and experience. Contact the service.
☑️ Quick diagnostics of a Samsung refrigerator
What to do if the Samsung refrigerator does not cool: step-by-step repair
If the diagnostics revealed problem that you can fix yourself, follow the instructions below. For complex breakdowns (freon leakage, compressor replacement), it is better to call a specialist - incorrect repairs can lead to complete failure of the equipment.
1. Defrosting and cleaning the fan (for No Frost)
If the fan is frozen:
- Unplug the refrigerator.
- Remove all food and shelves.
- Leave the doors open for 12–24 hours (do not use hairdryer or hot water!).
- After defrosting, check the rotation of the fan blades - they should spin freely.
- If the fan does not work after defrosting, the motor needs to be replaced.
For models Samsung RL38M7120SA, RL44M7120SA: the fan is located behind the rear panel of the refrigerator compartment. To get to it, remove the panel by unscrewing 4 screws (a Phillips screwdriver is required).
2. Repairing or replacing the damper
If the damper is stuck:
- Try to open it manually (carefully, without effort).
- If the damper is broken, replace it. The part can be ordered by the model number of the refrigerator (for example, for Samsung RB31FERNCSS a damper is suitable
DA61-01253A).
The cost of a new damper is from 1,200 to 2,500 rubles. Replacement takes 15–20 minutes.
3. Cleaning the drainage hole
Instructions:
- Unplug the refrigerator.
- Find the drainage hole at the bottom of the rear wall of the refrigerator compartment.
- Clean it with a cotton swab or soft wire.
- Rinse with warm water using a syringe or syringe.
- Check whether the water goes into the pan (under the refrigerator).
If the drainage is clogged severely, use a special pipe cleaner (for example, Topperr 3104).
4. Resetting the control board
If the electronics fail:
- Unplug the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes.
- Plug it back in and set the temperature of the refrigerator compartment to
+4°C. - If the problem persists, check the error codes (for models with a display).
In models Samsung RS552NRUA1 i RS62R5001M9 the board often fails after a power surge. Use a stabilizer (recommended voltage: 220V ±5%).
5. Replacing the thermostat or temperature sensor
If the thermostat is faulty, the refrigerator does not receive a signal about the need for cooling. Signs:
- The compressor does not turn on at all.
- The display shows an incorrect temperature (for example,
-18°Cin the refrigerator compartment).
For replacement:
- Disconnect the refrigerator from the network.
- Remove the thermostat cover (usually located inside the refrigerator compartment).
- Disconnect the wires and replace the sensor with a new one (for example,
DA97-10489Afor Samsung RB37J5***).
⚠️ Attention: When replacing thermostat do not touch the circuit tubes - this can lead to a freon leak. If you are not confident in your abilities, entrust the work to a specialist.
Repair features for popular Samsung models
The design of refrigerators Samsung depends on the series and year of manufacture. Below are typical problems and repair nuances for the most common models.
| Model | Typical problem | How to fix | Repair cost (independent/service) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Samsung RL38M7120SA | Fan icing No Frost | Defrost for 24 hours + drainage cleaning | 0 / 2 500–3 500 ₽ |
| Samsung RB37J5230SA | Damper jammed | Replacement of damper (DA61-01253A) |
1 200–1 500 / 3 000–4 500 ₽ |
| Samsung RS62R5001M9 | Control board failure | Reboot or replace the board | 0 / 5 000–8 000 ₽ |
| Samsung RB29FERNCSS | Freon leak in the refrigeration chamber circuit | Refilling freon + leak test | — / 6 000–10 000 ₽ |
For models Samsung Side-by-Side (RS-series) are characterized by problems with double compressorIf the freezer is working but the refrigerator is not, check the separate compressor of the refrigerator compartment - it may fail due to overheating.
⚠️ Attention: In refrigerators Samsung 2018–2020 (for example, RB30J3***) sometimes occurs defect in the factory soldering of the control board. If after replacing the board the problem repeats, the contacts need to be resoldered (contact an authorized service).
How to prevent breakdown: 5 operating rules
To ensure that the refrigerator Samsung works without failures, follow these recommendations:
- ❄️ Defreeze the refrigerator 1-2 times a year (even if the model is with No Frost). This will prevent ice from accumulating on the fan.
- 🔌 Use a stabilizer voltage - power surges destroy the control board.
- 🚪 Do not keep the door open for more than 30 seconds —this leads to icing of the air ducts.
- 🧊 Do not put hot foods in the refrigerator —steam condenses and freezes, blocking the damper.
- 🔧 Check the rubber seals every six months. If they are worn out, replace them (
DA97-10544Afor most models).
For models with No Frost (RL-series) it is especially important to keep the ventilation holes clean. A fan clogged with dust or ice is the main reason for the failure of the refrigerator compartment.
When to call a professional: signs of serious damage
Not all faults can be fixed on your own. Contact the service center if:
- 🔧 After defrosting and cleaning the fan does not start (the motor will need to be replaced).
- ❄️ The refrigerator compartment does not cool at all, but the freezer is working - there may be a freon leak.
- 📛 An error appears on the display
8E,9Eor11E—problems with the compressor or board. - 🔥 The refrigerator heats on the sides or makes a strong hum - the compressor is faulty.
- 💧 Under the refrigerator water constantly collects, even after cleaning the drainage.
The average cost of repairs in the service:
- Fan replacement - 2,500–4,000 ₽.
- Refilling freon - 5,000–9,000 ₽.
- Repair of the control board — 4,000–7,000 ₽.
- Replacement of the compressor — 8,000–15,000 ₽.
For warranty repairs, contact authorized Samsung service centers. The list can be found on the official website by model number. If the warranty has expired, choose a service with reviews and a warranty on work (at least 6 months).
Frequently asked questions about malfunctions of Samsung refrigerators
The freezer works, but the refrigerator does not - is it a compressor failure?
Not necessarily. In 90% of cases, the problem is fan, damper or drainage. The compressor fails less often, and this is usually accompanied by a complete cooling failure (including the freezer). from diagnostic section.
Is it possible to use the refrigerator if only the refrigerator compartment does not work?
Technically yes, but not recommended. Firstly, the food in the refrigerator compartment will spoil in 6-12 hours. Secondly, ignoring the problem can lead to compressor breakdown or freon leakage, which will be more expensive. If you cannot fix the problem immediately, at least disconnect the refrigerator from the refrigerator. network to avoid overheating.
How much does it cost to repair the damper in a Samsung refrigerator?
The cost depends on the model and region:
- Independent replacement - 1,200-2,500 ₽ (part price).
- Service repairs - 3,000-5,000 ₽ (including work).
For models Samsung RL-series the damper is cheaper (about 1,500 ₽), for RS-series (Side-by-Side) - more expensive (up to 3,500 ₽).
How often do you need to defrost a Samsung No Frost refrigerator?
The manufacturer claims that No Frost does not require defrosting.
- Defrost 1-2 times a year to prevent icing of the fan.
- If the refrigerator is often opened or liquids are stored without lids - defrost every 3-4 months.
Use the mode Vacation (if any), if you are leaving for a long time - this will reduce load on the system.
What to do if the Samsung refrigerator does not turn on after defrosting?
Possible causes and solutions:
- 🔌 Compressor protection has tripped —wait 1-2 hours and turn it on again.
- ⚡ Control board failure —disconnect from the network for 15 minutes, then turn it on.
- 🔧 Thermostat malfunction —replacement required.
If the refrigerator does not turn on after these steps, call masters.