The upper chamber in the Samsung No Frost refrigerator does not cool: reasons and what to do

If the upper chamber of your refrigerator Samsung No Frost stops cooling, and the freezer compartment is working normally, the problem lies in the cold distribution system or electronic control. This malfunction is typical for two-chamber models with technology Full No Frostwhere cooling of both chambers is provided by one compressor through an air duct system.

Unlike drip refrigerators, where breakdowns are often associated with the evaporator, in No Frost the culprits are usually a fan, a clogged drainage system or a failure sensors. Do not rush to call a technician —some problems can be diagnosed and fixed yourself, saving on repairs.

In this article we will analyze 7 main reasonswhy the upper chamber does not cool, and also give step-by-step instructions for each of them. From simple checks (for example, temperature setting) to complex ones (diagnostics control board). At the end - a FAQ with answers to frequently asked questions from owners of Samsung RB, RT and RS*** series.

1. Incorrect temperature settings

The first thing you need to check is whether the cooling parameters have gone wrong. In refrigerators Samsung No Frost the upper chamber is regulated separately from the freezer, and sometimes the settings are reset after a power surge or firmware update.

Optimal values for the upper chamber:

• 🥛 Fresh food storage: +4…+5°C
• 🧀 Cheeses, sausages: +2…+3°C
• 🥬 Greens, vegetables: +5...+7°C (in the “freshness zone”, if any)

How to check the current settings:

1. Press the button Fridge (or Upper Chamber) on the panel controls.
2. Hold for 3 seconds to see the current temperature (on some models you need to press Temp. Control).
3. If the value is above +8°C, set +4°C using the buttons +/–.

If, after adjusting the settings, the upper chamber does not start to cool within 6-12 hours, the problem is deeper.

2. Clogged drainage hole or air duct

Technology No Frost implies forced circulation of cold air from the evaporator (located in the freezer) into the upper chamber through air ductsIf they are clogged with ice or debris, the cold stops flowing.

Symptoms blockage:

• ❄️ Ice or frost is growing on the back wall of the upper chamber.
• 💨 The fan hums louder than usual or stops periodically.
• 🌡️ The temperature in the freezer is normal, but in the refrigerator it is higher +10°C.

How to clean the air duct:

1. Unplug the refrigerator.
2. Remove all food from the upper chamber.
3. Remove the back panel (usually secured with latches or screws).
4. Check the air duct opening (plastic tube with a diameter of 3–5 cm) for the presence of ice or debris.
5. Clean it with a cotton swab or soft wire. Do not use sharp objects!
6. Rinse the drainage hole with warm water (you can add soda).

Unplug the refrigerator from the outlet|

Remove food and shelves|

Remove the back panel of the upper chamber|

Check the air duct for ice/debris|

Clean the drain hole|

Wipe the internal surfaces with a dry cloth-->

If ice forms in the air duct regularly, the problem may be faulty defrost heater (see point 5).

3. Failure of the blower fan

The fan in the system No Frost is responsible for uniform distribution of cold air between the chambers. If it breaks, the freezer will work, and the refrigerator will stop cooling.

Signs of a malfunction. fan:

• 🔇 The refrigerator has become quieter than usual (no characteristic air noise).
• 🥶 The freezer freezes food, and the upper chamber is warm.
• 🔄 After defrosting, the problem temporarily disappears, but returns after 1-2 day.

How to check the fan:

1. Turn off the refrigerator and take out all the food.
2. Remove the back panel of the freezer (the fan is located there).
3. Manually turn the blades - they should rotate freely, without jamming.
4. Connect the refrigerator to the network and listen: if the fan does not start after 5-10 minutes, it is faulty.

What to do if the fan does not spin?

If the blades do not rotate even manually, the problem is in the bearings or motor. If they rotate, but do not start when. when turned on - check the power (there may be a broken wire or a malfunction of the control board).

Replacing the fan at a service center will cost (depending on the model). If you decide to change it yourself, buy only an original part (the article number can be found in the instructions or on the refrigerator nameplate). 2 500–4 000 ₽ (depending on model). If you decide to change it yourself, buy only the original part (the part number can be found in the instructions or on the refrigerator nameplate).

4. Malfunction of the temperature sensor

In refrigerators Samsung No Frost sensors are responsible for temperature regulation:

• Evaporator sensor — controls the temperature in the freezer.
• Refrigeration chamber sensor —monitors the climate in the upper compartment.
• Environmental sensor (in some models) - adjusts the operation of the compressor depending on the temperature in the kitchen.

If the fridge compartment sensor fails, the control board “thinks” that the temperature is normal, and does not turn on the cooling. At the same time, the freezer is working properly.

Signs of sensor failure:

• 📉 The temperature in the upper chamber jumps from +2°C to +15°C.
• 🔄 The compressor turns on less often than usual.
• 🚨 An error appears on the display 22E, 25E or 33E (depending on the model).

How to check the sensor with a multimeter:

1. Unplug the refrigerator and remove the back panel of the upper chamber.
2. Find the sensor (usually a small plastic cylinder with two wires).
3. Disconnect the connector and measure the resistance:
   • At +20°C - ~5–7 kOhm.
   • At +5°C - ~10–12 kOhm.

If the resistance does not change or is equal to 0/∞, the sensor is faulty.

If you are not confident in your skills, it is better call a technician. Incorrect connection of the sensor can lead to a failure of the control board.

5. Problems with the defrost system (heater, timer, fuse)

In refrigerators No Frost frost regularly forms on the evaporator, which must be removed by the defrost system. the evaporator freezes, blocking air circulation. As a result, the upper chamber stops cooling, and the freezer freezes the food.

Components of the defrosting system:

The most common breakdown is heater burnout. It can be checked without disassembling the refrigerator:

1. Turn off the refrigerator for 12–24 hours (complete defrosting).
2. Turn it on again and listen: if after 30–60 minutes you do not hear the relay click (start of defrosting), the heater is not works.

Yes, 1-2 times|

Yes, regularly (once every few months)|

No, it always worked stably|

Difficult to answer -->

If the defrost system is faulty, it repairs will cost 3 000–6 000 ₽ (depending on the burnt element). Self-replacement is possible, but requires caution: incorrect connection of the heater can lead to a short circuit.

6. Malfunction of the control board

The control board (or the “brain” of the refrigerator) controls the operation of the compressor, fan and defrost system. If it fails, the refrigerator may behave unpredictably:

• 🔄 The upper chamber either cools or stops.
• 🚨 Random errors appear on the display (88 88, Er IF).
• 🔌 The refrigerator does not respond to button presses.

Causes of board failure:

• ⚡ Power surges in the network.
• 💧 Moisture ingress (for example, during defrosting).
• 🕰️ Natural wear (board service life is 7–10 years).

How to diagnose the problem:

1. Turn off the refrigerator for 5 minutes, then turn it on again. If the error disappears, it was a temporary failure.
2. Check the voltage in the outlet (should be 220-230 V).
3. Inspect the board for burnt elements or swollen capacitors.

Repairing the board will cost c 5 000–10 000 ₽, replacement - before 15 000 ₽. In some cases, it is cheaper to buy a used refrigerator than to repair an old circuit board.

7. Freon leak or clogged capillary tube

If all previous reasons are excluded, but the upper chamber is still not working. it’s getting cold - the problem may be in refrigerant (freon) or capillary system. These are the most serious breakdowns that are almost never fixed on their own.

Symptoms freon leaks:

• 🧊 The freezer does not freeze well (temperature above -12°C).
• 🔊 The compressor runs non-stop, but does not cool.
• 🛠️ Oil stains are visible on the back wall of the refrigerator (freon is mixed with oil).

Causes of leakage:

• 🔧 Mechanical damage to tubes (for example, when moving a refrigerator).
• 🕳️ Corrosion of aluminum tubes (in older models).
• 🔥 Overheating of the compressor (leads to depressurization of the system).

What to do:

1. Turn off the refrigerator and defrost it.
2. Call a technician for diagnostics (it is impossible to fix the leak on your own).
3. If a leak is confirmed, it will be required refilling freon (3,000–5,000 RUR) or replacing the compressor (8,000–12,000 RUR).

Attention: if the refrigerator Samsung No Frost was manufactured before 2015 and has a freon leak, repairs may not be worthwhile. The cost of refilling may be comparable to the price of a used model.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about Samsung No Frost refrigerators

❓ Why is the top compartment not cooling, but the freezer is working normally?

This is a typical sign of a problem with fan, air duct or temperature sensor the refrigerator compartment. Start by checking the temperature settings and. cleaning the drainage hole. If this does not help, diagnose the fan (see point 3).

❓ Is it possible to defrost a Samsung No Frost refrigerator forcibly?

Yes, but not more than once every 3 months. To do this:

1. Unplug the refrigerator.
2. Take out all the food.
3. Leave the doors open for 12-24 hours.
4. Wipe the inside surface with a dry cloth.

Do not use a hair dryer or hot water! A sudden change in temperature can damage the plastic.

❓ Error 22E on the display - what to do?

Error 22E indicates a problem with fridge compartment temperature sensor. Try:

1. Turn off the refrigerator for 5 minutes, then turn it on again.
2. If the error persists, check the sensor with a multimeter (the resistance should change when changing temperature).
3. If the sensor is faulty, replace it.

❓ How much does it cost to repair a Samsung No Frost refrigerator?

The cost depends on the breakdown:

Failure	Repair price (₽)
Fan replacement	2 500–4 000
Temperature sensor replacement	800–1,500 (part) + 1,500 (work)
Repair of defrost system	3 000–6 000
Refilling freon	3 000–5 000
Replacing the control board	8 000–15 000

Prices are valid for Moscow and the regions for 2026. In service centers Samsung repairs may cost 20–30% more.

❓ How to extend the life of a Samsung No Frost refrigerator?

Follow these recommendations:

• 🧹 Defrost the refrigerator once every 6 months (even if No Frost).
• 🔌 Use a voltage stabilizer (especially in rural areas).
• 🚪 Do not keep the door open for more than 30 seconds.
• 🧊 Do not put hot foods in the refrigerator.
• 🔧 Check the rubber seals once a year (they should fit snugly).