Samsung refrigerator does not freeze well: reasons and what to do

Did your refrigerator Samsung suddenly stop working with the freezer? Does the freezer thaw, food spoils, and ice appears on the walls - or, conversely, is the temperature too high? The problem occurs both in new models (Samsung RB37J5230SA, Samsung RL38T6711SA) and in refrigerators 5-10 years old. In 80% of cases, it is not breakdowns that are to blame, but improper operation or failures in the settings.

In this article - analysis of all possible causes, from trivial (clogged fan) to serious (freon leak), with step-by-step instructions for self-diagnosis. You will also learn when you can get by with adjusting the temperature, and when it’s time to call a professional. For convenience, we have collected the symptoms in a table and added a checklist for a quick check.

If the refrigerator Samsung No Frost does not freeze well, but the light inside is on and the motor is humming, the problem is most likely in the system cooling. If the unit is completely silent, the compressor or electronics are to blame. Next, we will analyze each case separately.

1. Incorrect temperature settings

The first thing to check is refrigerator operating mode. In models Samsung with electronic control (for example, Samsung RF23J9011), the temperature of the freezer compartment is regulated separately from the main compartment. If you accidentally reset the settings or activated the mode Vacation (for a long absence), the freezer may stop working at full capacity.

How to check:

• 🔹 Press the button Fridge (or Freezer) on the control panel and make sure the freezer temperature is set to −18°C or lower.
• 🔹 On models with a display (Samsung Family Hub) go to Settings → Temperature → Freezer.
• 🔹 Check if the mode Eco or Power Cool is activated - they may temporarily change the operation of the compressor.

In mechanical models (with an adjustment wheel), the optimal position is between 3 and 4. If your freezer stops freezing after a power outage, the factory settings may have been lost. In this case, a full reset will help. full reset:

1. Disconnect the refrigerator from the mains for 15 minutes.
2. Plug it back in and set the temperature again.
3. Wait 6-8 hours - the compressor needs time to reach operating mode.

2. Clogged No Frost system: why ice builds up

If your Samsung equipped with a system No Frostbut ice still forms in the freezer and the temperature rises, the problem is clogged drainage system or a fan malfunction. Unlike drip refrigerators, here cooling occurs due to the circulation of cold air, which is provided by a fan.

Signs of clogging:

• 🧊 There is a thick layer of ice on the back wall of the freezer.
• 🔊 The refrigerator hums loudly, but does not freeze.
• ❄️ It is too cold in the main chamber (cold air does not enter the freezer).

How to clean the system No Frost on your own:

1. Unplug the refrigerator and defrost it for 12-24 hours.
2. Remove the back panel of the freezer (usually secured with latches or screws).
3. Check fan —it should rotate freely. If the blades are covered with ice, carefully remove it with a hairdryer (do not use sharp objects!).
4. Clean drainage hole (located under the evaporator) using a cotton swab or syringe with warm water.

What will happen if you don’t clean No Frost?

If you ignore the blockage, ice will block the fan, and the compressor will wear out, which will lead to its breakdown. In the worst case, you will need to replace the evaporator (cost - from 8,000 ₽).

⚠️ Attention: In models Samsung c Twin Cooling Plus (two separate cooling systems), a blockage can occur in any of the chambers. If the freezer is working but the refrigerator compartment is not, check the fan at the top of the unit.

3. Freon leak: how to recognize and what to do

If the refrigerator Samsung has completely stopped freezing, but the light inside is on and the compressor works without stopping, it most likely has occurred refrigerant (freon) leak. This is one of the most serious breakdowns that requires the intervention of a specialist.

Signs of a freon leak:

• 🔧 The compressor heats up, but does not produce cold.
• 🕒 The refrigerator does not turn off (works 24/7).
• 🧊 The condenser (grid at the back) remains cold.
• 💨 There is warm air in the freezer, although the fan is working.

Reasons leaks:

• 🛠️ Mechanical damage to tubes (for example, when moving a refrigerator).
• 🕳️ Corrosion of aluminum tubes (in older models).
• 🔥 Overheating of the compressor due to poor quality repairs.

What to do:

1. Disconnect the refrigerator from the network.
2. Do not turn it on until the technician arrives - this may aggravate the breakdown.
3. Contact the service center Samsung or a trusted foreman. You cannot refill freon yourself —special equipment and certificate are required.

4. Compressor malfunction: how to check

The compressor is the “heart” of the refrigerator. If it fails, the unit either does not freeze at all or works intermittently. In models Samsung compressors Digital Inverter are considered reliable, but they can also break due to power surges or overheating.

Signs of a compressor malfunction:

• 🔌 The refrigerator does not turn on (no sound motor).
• 🔄 The compressor starts for 1-2 seconds and turns off.
• 🔥 The compressor housing is too hot (above 90°C).
• 💡 The light inside is on, but there is no cooling.

How to check the compressor:

1. Unplug the refrigerator.
2. Remove the back cover (in most models Samsung it is secured with screws).
3. Check start relay (black box on the compressor). If it is cracked or smells like burning, it needs to be replaced.
4. Ring the compressor windings with a multimeter:
   • Resistance between contacts C-S i C-R should be within 20-50 Ohms.
   • If the device shows 0 (short circuit) or ∞ (open) - the compressor is faulty.

⚠️ Attention: In refrigerators Samsung s Linear Compressor (linear compressor), diagnostics are more complicated - they do not have a start relay. If such a unit does not freeze, immediately contact service.

5. Problems with temperature sensors

Modern refrigerators Samsung are equipped with several sensors: evaporator sensor, ambient sensor and freezer sensor. If at least one of them fails, the control unit receives incorrect data and incorrectly regulates the temperature.

Symptoms of sensor failure:

• 🌡️ The display shows the wrong temperature (for example, −25°C, although the freezer is +5°C).
• 🔄 The refrigerator constantly turns on and off.
• ❄️ The freezer freezes, but the refrigerator compartment does not cools.

How to check the sensors:

1. Unplug the refrigerator.
2. Remove the lid inside the freezer (usually the evaporator sensor is located next to the fan).
3. Test the sensor with a multimeter:

   Normal resistance at +20°C:
   - Freezer sensor: 5-7 kOhm
   - fridge compartment sensor: 10-15 kOhm

4. If resistance 0 or ∞ —the sensor is faulty and requires replacement.

In models with the system Twin Cooling there are more sensors, and their replacement is more expensive (from 2,500 ₽ per one). If you are not confident in your skills, it is better to call a specialist - incorrect installation of the sensor can lead to damage to the control board.

6. Wear of the sealing rubber

If the sealing rubber on the freezer door has lost elasticity or is damaged, warm air penetrates inside and the temperature rises. As a result, the compressor works hard, trying to compensate for the heat influx, but cannot cope.

How to check the seal:

• 🔍 Close the door and shine a flashlight along the seal. If light is visible, the seal is broken.
• 📏 Measure the gap between the door and the body. It should not exceed 2 mm.
• 🧼 Check the elastic for cracks, mold or deformation.

How to restore the seal:

1. Wash the elastic with warm water and soap, then dry.
2. Apply silicone grease (for example, WD-40 Specialist) to restore elasticity.
3. If the seal is torn or lost shape, replace it. For models Samsung original rubber bands cost from 2,000 ₽.

7. Failures in the control board

The control board (electronic unit) is the “brain” of the refrigerator. If it fails, the unit may behave unpredictably: the freezer turns off, the display shows errors (E1, E5), or the compressor operates jerkily.

Causes of board failures:

• ⚡ Power surges in the network.
• 💧 Ingress of moisture (for example, during defrosting).
• 🕳️ Short circuit in the sensor circuit.

Signs of a board malfunction:

• 📛 Errors flash on the display (dH, rH, E1).
• 🔄 Refrigerator reboots spontaneously.
• 🔌 Does not respond to button presses.

What to do:

1. Disconnect the refrigerator from the network for 15 minutes (sometimes resetting helps).
2. Check the fuse on the board (if it is burnt out - replace it).
3. If the board is burnt or traces of corrosion are visible on it, replacement is required (cost - from 5,000 ₽).

⚠️ Attention: In refrigerators Samsung with the function SmartThings board failures may occur due to errors firmware. Before replacing the board, try updating the software through the official application.

8. External factors: what prevents the freezer from working

Sometimes the problem lies not in the refrigerator itself, but in external conditions:

• 🔥 High room temperature (above 30°C). The compressor cannot cope with the load.
• ☀️ Direct sunlight on the case. Place the refrigerator in the shade or use curtains.
• 🔌 Low voltage (less 200V). The compressor cannot start at full power.
• 🚪 Frequent opening of the door. Every time you open the freezer, the temperature rises by 3-5°C.

How fix:

• Install a voltage stabilizer (for example, Resanta ASN-2000).
• Do not place the refrigerator next to the stove or battery.
• Check whether the freezer is overloaded with food (there should be a gap for air circulation).

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

The freezer works, but the refrigerator compartment does not cool. What is the problem?

In models with one compressor (Samsung RB30J3000WW) this may be:

• Clogged capillary tube (needs cleaning).
• Malfunction switch valve between the chambers.
• Failure of the refrigeration chamber sensor.

In refrigerators with Twin Cooling (Samsung RF24FSEDBSR), the problem may be in a separate cooling circuit of the refrigeration compartment.

The Samsung No Frost refrigerator began to operate loudly and freeze poorly. What should I do?

Most likely, the system is clogged. No Frost:

1. Defrost the refrigerator for 24 hours.
2. Clean the fan and drainage hole.
3. Check whether the evaporator is iced up.

If the noise remains after cleaning, the problem may be fan bearings —they need lubricate or replace.

The display shows an error E1What does this mean?

Error E1 in refrigerators Samsung indicates:

• Malfunction freezer temperature sensor.
• Problems with control board.
• Open circuit between the sensor and board.

Try to reset the error by turning off the refrigerator for 10 minutes. If E1 appears again, call a technician.

How much does it cost to repair a Samsung refrigerator if it does not freeze?

The cost depends on breakdowns:

Breakage	Repair price (₽)
Replacing the start relay	1 500–3 000
Cleaning the No Frost system	2 500–4 000
Refilling freon	4 000–7 000
Replacement of the compressor	8 000–15 000
Repair of the control board	3 000–10 000

Prices are relevant for Moscow and the Moscow region. In the regions, the cost may differ by 20-30%.

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

❌ No! Refilling freon requires:

• Special equipment (vacuum pump, pressure gauges).
• Knowledge about the types of refrigerants (in Samsung used R-600a or R-134a).
• Certificate for working with freon (according to the law of the Russian Federation).

Incorrect filling can lead to explosion (freon is flammable!) or compressor breakdown.