The situation when a two-chamber refrigerator Samsung works without interruption is familiar to many owners of this equipment. You may notice that the unit is humming around the clock, trying to reach the set temperature parameters, but never goes into standby mode. This not only increases electricity bills, but also creates constant background noise that interferes with comfortable rest.
This behavior of equipment cannot be ignored, since constant operation at the limit of capabilities quickly breaks down. compressor. At best, you will get away with replacing the seals or making adjustments; at worst, you will need expensive engine repairs. Understanding the root cause of the malfunction will help you quickly navigate the actions: call a technician or try to fix the problem yourself.
Often owners get scared, thinking that the breakdown is fatal, but in many cases the matter lies in trivial things. This could be a loose door, a malfunction in the electronic module, or a banal blockage of the control buttons. Let's figure out why your Samsung stopped turning off and what to do first.
Checking tightness and operating rules
Before climbing inside the case with tools, it is necessary to exclude external factors. The most common reason why the compressor does not receive a command to stop is violation of the thermal circuit. If warm air from the room constantly enters the chamber, sensors detect an increase in temperature and force the cooling system to work without interruption.
Carefully inspect the rubber seals round the perimeter of the door. Over time, the rubber dries out, cracks, or simply becomes dirty, causing the door to not fit tightly. Even a microscopic gap causes the cold to escape and heat to penetrate inside. Wipe the seal with a soft cloth and check its integrity along its entire length.
It is also worth checking whether nothing is preventing the door from closing tightly. This could be the edge of a tablecloth, a bag of groceries, or even an incorrectly installed shelf that prevents the door from closing until it clicks. In two-chamber models Samsung with a system No Frost tightness also leads to rapid fouling of the evaporator with ice.
Pay attention to how you load the camera. If you have just placed a large amount of warm food or a pot of soup inside, the refrigerator will run for a long time until it has cooled the entire volume. This is normal operation and not a breakdown. However, if the unit hums for days empty or with a minimum amount of food, the problem is clearly different.
Malfunctions of the thermostat and temperature sensors
One of the most common technical reasons for endless operation is failure of thermostat (thermostat). In older models Samsung with mechanical control, this element is a simple switch that opens the circuit when the desired cold is reached. If its contacts are “stuck” in the “on” position, the compressor will work forever.
In modern two-chamber refrigerators with electronic control, the thermostat function is performed temperature sensors (thermistors). There may be several of them: one in the refrigerator compartment, another in the freezer, the third can control the evaporator. If one of them transmits incorrect data to the control module (for example, that inside is +10°C instead of -18°C), the system will drive the cold to the bitter end.
Diagnostics of sensors requires a multimeter. It is necessary to “ring” their resistance at different temperatures. If the device shows a break or resistance that does not correspond to the technical data sheet, the part must be replaced. Often sensors fail due to power surges or natural aging of materials.
How to check a mechanical thermostat?
To check a mechanical thermostat, you can carefully remove it from the body (after disconnecting the refrigerator from the network) and immerse the sensor element in a container with cold water. If, when the water cools, there is no click and the circuit does not open (checked by continuity), then the thermostat is faulty and requires replacement.
It is worth noting that in some models Samsung a failure in the readings of the sensors may be caused not by their breakdown, but by oxidation of the contacts in the connectors. A humid environment inside the chamber promotes corrosion. Sometimes it is enough to clean the contacts and treat them with a special lubricant for the system to work correctly.
Problems with the refrigerant and defrost system
If you hear that the refrigerator is working, but the cold is not gaining (or is gaining very little), and the compressor is hot and does not turn off, there is a high probability freon leaks. The refrigerant circulates through the system, picking up heat. When its quantity drops below a critical level, the pressure in the system drops, and the compressor tries to compensate for this by working hard, but cannot reach the desired temperature.
The second common problem characteristic of the system No Frost is a malfunction of the defrost system. If the evaporator heating element, defrost timer or defrost sensor fails, a “coat” of ice builds up on the evaporator. This ice blocks the air circulation channels. The fan moves the air, but it does not cool, the sensors see heat and do not allow the compressor to stop.
If there is a freon leak, you may notice swelling of the side walls of the refrigerator (the circuit tubes are laid there) or, conversely, a complete lack of heating of the condenser grilles at the back. It is difficult to fix a leak and refill the system on your own: it requires evacuation of the circuit and special equipment. Here you can’t do without a technician.
Wear of the compressor and start relay
The “motor” of the refrigerator itself can also cause the problem. If compressor has exhausted its resource, its mechanical power drops. It can create insufficient pressure in the system, due to which the desired temperature in the chambers is not achieved. As a result, the refrigerator works continuously, trying to compensate for inefficiency.
Often, together with the compressor, it fails start-protection relay. This small element is responsible for starting the motor and protecting against overloads. If the relay contacts burn out or stick, the compressor power circuit may not be interrupted even when the thermostat has already commanded to stop. Replacing the relay is an inexpensive and quick procedure.
You can determine compressor wear by the characteristic sound and temperature. If the motor hums strainedly, vibrates strongly, or its body heats up to temperatures dangerous to touch, this is an alarming signal. In such cases, operation of the equipment must be stopped to avoid a fire or complete failure of the unit.
Failures in the electronic control module
Modern two-chamber refrigerators Samsung are controlled by complex electronics. Control module (board) receives signals from all sensors and receives decision to turn the compressor on or off. If a malfunction occurs in the operation of the board (for example, a firmware glitch or a failure of the control transistor), the shutdown command may simply not be received.
Sometimes the problem is solved by simply rebooting the system. Electronics, like any computer, can freeze. Try unplugging the refrigerator for 15–20 minutes. This will clear errors in the module memory. If after switching on the operating mode returns to normal, you are lucky, it was a one-time failure.
However, if after a reboot the situation repeats and the refrigerator goes into continuous operation again, then the problem is deeper. This may be damage to the tracks on the board, oxidation of the contacts, or the need to reflash the module. Diagnostics of the board requires professional skills and circuits.
☑️ Diagnostics before calling a technician
The influence of external factors and the environment
Do not forget that the operation of the refrigerator is also influenced the environment in which he is located. If Samsung is installed close to the wall, in a niche or next to the radiator/stove, heat transfer is disrupted. The condenser (grid at the back) does not have time to give off heat, efficiency drops, and the compressor is forced to work longer.
The ambient temperature in the room is also critical. If the room where the refrigerator is located is too hot (above +30°C) or, conversely, too cold (below +10°C, if the model is not adapted), the thermostat may not behave correctly. In hot weather, the refrigerator simply cannot cope with the heat flow.
⚠️ Attention: Never install the refrigerator in close proximity to heat sources or in direct sunlight. The minimum distance to the wall should be 5–7 cm for free air circulation.
Another factor is the voltage level in the network. If the voltage in your house constantly “jumps” or is chronically low, the compressor may not work correctly, hum and not turn off. In such cases, it is recommended to use a voltage stabilizer.
Table of main symptoms and probable causes
To simplify diagnosis, we suggest that you familiarize yourself with the summary table. It will help you compare the symptoms you observe with the most likely breakdowns.
| Symptom | Probable cause | Difficulty of repair |
|---|---|---|
| Compressor is hot, no cold | Freon leak or capillary blockage | High (requires a technician) |
| The refrigerator hums, but does not turn off | Thermostat or sensor is faulty | Medium (can yourself) |
| Ice is frozen in the freezer, warm in the refrigerator | Failure of the defrost system (No Frost) | Medium/High |
| The door does not fit tightly | Wear of the seal or misalignment | Low (replace the rubber band) |
| Intermittent humming, clicking | Faulty starting relay | Low (replacement relay) |
When you need to call a specialist
If simple methods such as defrosting, checking the tightness of the door closing and rebooting the electronics did not help, most likely, the intervention of a specialist will be required. Especially if you hear strange sounds, smell burnt wiring or see oil under the refrigerator.
A professional technician has the necessary equipment: leak detectors, gauge manifolds, vacuum pumps. Only with their help can you accurately diagnose a leak, replace the filter-drier and correctly fill the system with freon of the required brand.
⚠️ Attention: An independent attempt to solder pipes or refill with freon without experience often leads to damage to the compressor. The motor burns out due to moisture or air getting into the circuit, which turns a simple repair into replacing an expensive unit.
The technician will also be able to diagnose the control module for burnt-out elements. Sometimes it is cheaper and faster to replace the entire board than to search for and solder individual microcircuits, especially if original spare parts are available.
Prevention of continuous operation
To ensure that your Samsung serves for a long time and does not cause problems with continuous operation, follow simple operating rules. Regularly, at least once every six months, defrost the refrigerator (even the No Frost system) to remove micro-ice plugs.
Keep the condenser grill at the back clean. Dust, animal hair and cobwebs act as a heat insulator, interfering with heat transfer. Vacuuming the back of the refrigerator is a great habit that will prolong the life of the compressor.
How often should you wash the refrigerator?
It is recommended to do general cleaning with defrosting every 6-12 months. However, you need to wipe down shelves and check food for freshness weekly. Rotting food releases heat and gases, causing the refrigerator to work harder.
Do not overload the chambers with food. Cold air should circulate freely inside. If you fill the refrigerator to capacity, the sensors will not be able to correctly read the temperature, and the fan (in No Frost models) will work with overload.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Can a Samsung refrigerator not turn off due to the heat outside?
Yes, if in the room where it is located refrigerator, the air temperature exceeds +30-32 degrees, it becomes very difficult for the cooling system to remove heat. The compressor will work almost non-stop. In such conditions, operating efficiency decreases and wear increases.
What to do if after defrosting the refrigerator still does not turn off?
If complete defrosting (within 24 hours with the doors open) did not help, the problem is technical. Most likely, the thermostat, temperature sensor has failed, or a freon leak has occurred. Diagnostics by a technician is required.
Is it dangerous to leave the refrigerator running continuously overnight?
For a short period of time (one night) this will not lead to a disaster, but it is impossible to leave the equipment in this mode on a permanent basis. The compressor will overheat, the oil in it will lose its properties, and the motor will burn out. It is better to turn off the device before the technician arrives.
Why does the new Samsung refrigerator take a long time to turn off when you first turn it on?
When you first start it up or after a long defrost, the refrigerator needs time to cool the entire internal volume and chamber walls to the set temperature. This may take from 2 to 8 hours. If after reaching the temperature it does not turn off, this is a malfunction.
Is it possible to replace the thermostat yourself?
In mechanical models - yes, if you have skills in working with electricians and tools. In electronic models with sensors, replacement requires disassembling the case and often setting parameters, so it is better to entrust this to a professional.