The situation when your Samsung two-chamber refrigerator stops turning off and works without interruption, this is a serious signal of a problem in the cooling system. Instead of the usual cyclic mode, when the compressor turns on to collect cold and rests, the unit goes into constant operation mode, trying to reach the set temperature. This not only leads to a significant increase in electricity bills, but also creates the risk of complete failure of an expensive compressor due to overheating.
Owners often notice that the appliance hums for an unusually long time or the motor does not stops talking for a minute. Continuous operation can be caused by both banal reasons, such as a loosely closed door, and complex technical malfunctions that require the intervention of a technician. It is important to understand that ignoring the problem in the early stages may lead to the need to completely replace the compressor or even buy a new refrigerator.
In this article we will examine in detail the main reasons why the refrigerator Samsung does not go into standby mode. We will look at mechanical, electrical and software failures, as well as methods for diagnosing them. Understanding the principles of operation No Frost systems and the cooling circuit will help you make the right decision about repairing yourself or calling a specialist.
Malfunctions of the thermostat and temperature sensors
One of the most common reasons why a Samsung refrigerator does not turn off is the failure of building thermostat (thermostat) or temperature sensors in models with electronic control. It is this element that is responsible for sending a signal to the compressor that the desired temperature inside the chambers has been reached. If the thermostat is “stuck” in the “on” position or the sensor transmits incorrect data about too high a temperature, the motor will run endlessly.
In modern models Samsung with a system No Frost and electronic control, air sensors located in the refrigeration and freezer compartments. If one of them is faulty, the control unit receives false information that the chamber is warm and does not give a command to stop the compressor. Replacing such a sensor is a relatively simple procedure, but requires accurate diagnostics with a multimeter.
⚠️ Attention: Before replacing the thermostat or sensors, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply. Working with live electrical components is deadly and can result in a short circuit.
Mechanical thermostats, which are found in older models, are prone to wear on the bellows tube or contacts. If the tube has lost its seal and the freon inside it has evaporated, it will stop reacting!
How to check the thermostat yourself?
To check the mechanical thermostat, you can try closing its contacts (after turning off the power). If the compressor starts when it is closed, but stops when it opens, the problem is most likely not in it, but in the cooling system. However, only a technician with professional equipment can make an accurate diagnosis.
Below is a table that helps differentiate symptoms of malfunction of sensors and thermostats:
| Type of control | Symptom | Probable cause | Solution method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mechanical | The refrigerator does not turn off, the chamber is very cold | Sticking thermostat contacts | Replacing the thermostat |
| Electronic | On the display there is an error or blinking indicators | Temperature sensor malfunction | Diagnostics of error codes, sensor replacement |
| Any | The compressor is running, there is no cold | Freon leak (the sensor “thinks” it’s warm) | Looking for leaks, filling with refrigerant |
Refrigerant leak and problems with the compressor
If the Samsung refrigerator works non-stop, but does not freeze well or the temperature in the chambers does not drop at all, there is a high probability freon leaks. In this case, the compressor tries to compensate for the lack of refrigerant by constantly operating, but cannot achieve the set parameters. This is a critical situation, since long-term operation “dry” or with low oil pressure can lead to jamming of the piston group.
A leak can occur anywhere in the circuit: in the evaporator, condenser or in places where pipes are soldered. Often, owners notice swelling of the back wall inside the freezer or the appearance of oily spots under the refrigerator. Compressor under such conditions it experiences enormous overloads, its windings heat up, which can lead to thermal breakdown of the insulation and combustion of the motor.
Another reason for continuous operation may be loss performance of the compressor itself. Over time, the valves inside the motor wear out, and it ceases to create the necessary pressure for freon circulation. As a result refrigerant circulates too slowly or does not circulate at all, the sensors detect the lack of cold and keep the motor on. In this case, it is necessary to replace the compressor with a new one.
Problems with the defrosting system (No Frost)
In two-chamber Samsung refrigerators with the system No Frost continuous operation of the compressor is often associated with a malfunction of the automatic defrosting system. If the evaporator in the freezer is overgrown with a “coat” of ice, the airflow (air flow) is blocked. Cold does not enter the refrigeration compartment, the temperature sensor detects an increase in degrees and forces the compressor to work continuously, trying to cool the volume.
The main elements that can fail in the defrosting system:
- ❄️ Heating element defrost —a heating element that could burn out and stop melting the ice.
- 🕰️ Defrost timer (or control board) - does not send a signal to turn on the defrost mode.
- 🌡️ Defrost sensor - incorrectly reads the evaporator temperature, blocking the start of defrosting.
- 💧 Drainage hole - clogged, the water does not drain and freezes, forming an ice lump.
Diagnostics of the No Frost system requires partial disassembly of the freezer chamber for a visual inspection of the evaporator. If you see a thick layer of ice, and the compressor hums without interruption, this is where the problem lies. Forced defrosting of the refrigerator for 10-12 hours can temporarily solve the problem, but if the cause is a burnt heating element, the ice will build up again in a couple of days.
☑️ Diagnostics of the No Frost system
Violation of tightness and thermal insulation
Sometimes the reason lies not in the electrics, but in the physics of heat transfer. If heat is constantly entering the chamber from the outside, the Samsung refrigerator will work non-stop, trying to compensate for the heat inflow. First of all, check sealing rubber bands on the doors. If they dry out, become dirty or damaged, the cold will escape and warm air will flow in.
It is also worth paying attention to the correct installation of the unit. If the refrigerator is too close to the wall or heat source (battery, stove), heat exchange is disrupted. The condenser (grid at the back) does not have time to cool down, operating efficiency drops, and the motor is forced to work in increased mode. The gap between the back of the refrigerator and the wall should be at least 5-7 cm.
⚠️ Attention: Do not install the refrigerator next to heating appliances or in direct sunlight. This disrupts the thermal balance and causes the compressor to wear out, which shortens the service life of the equipment.
Check whether the chamber is loaded with warm products. If you put a pot of hot soup inside, the refrigerator will run until the entire volume has cooled down. This is a normal reaction, but it should not last for days. Also, frequent opening of doors in a hot room creates a “thermal shock” effect for the cooling system.
Failures in the electronic control module
Modern Samsung refrigerators are controlled by complex electronics. A malfunction of main control module (boards) can lead to incorrect operation of the compressor. The board can “freeze” and send a continuous signal to start the motor, ignoring the readings of the temperature sensors. This often happens after power surges.
Symptoms of a board malfunction can be:
- 🔌 Flashing indicators on the control panel.
- 📉 Display temperature mismatch real.
- 🔇 Failure of other functions (ice maker, super freezing).
- ⚡ Spontaneous switching on and off.
If the problem persists after a reboot, the module may need to be reflashed or replaced. Self-repair of the control board is possible only if you have deep knowledge of radio electronics and circuit design. In most cases, it is easier and more reliable to replace the entire module with an original or high-quality analogue.
The influence of external temperature and operating conditions
Do not forget that the climate class of the refrigerator determines the range of ambient temperatures at which it can operate normally. If you use your Samsung refrigerator in an unheated room in winter or in a kitchen where the temperature exceeds +30°C in summer, this may cause the compressor to run continuously. At high ambient temperatures, heat exchange is difficult and the motor runs longer.
In addition, the presence of a large amount of food in the chamber or, conversely, an almost empty refrigerator can affect the cyclical operation. An empty chamber is more difficult to “keep” cold when doors are opened frequently, since there is less thermal mass to stabilize the temperature. However, this should not lead to work without interruption if the equipment is working properly.
When you need to call a technician
There are a number of situations when self-repair is not only ineffective, but also dangerous. If you have checked the seals, defrosted the unit, made sure the wiring is intact, but the Samsung refrigerator continues to work without stopping, you need to call a specialist. Especially if you hear extraneous knocks, metallic clanging or smell burning.
The technician will conduct professional diagnostics using a manometric manifold to check freon pressure, a tester to check electrical circuits and a thermal imager. This will allow you to accurately determine the unit that requires replacement. Remember that intervention in the refrigerant circulation system requires a license and special equipment for evacuation and charging.
What will happen if you ignore the continuous operation of the refrigerator?
Ignoring the problem will lead to overheating of the compressor windings, burnout of the start relay, melting of the wiring and, ultimately, complete failure of the unit. It is also possible for food to defrost and property to be damaged due to water leakage.
Is it possible to operate a refrigerator if it does not turn off, but freezes?
Short-term - yes, but this is emergency mode. The life of the compressor in this mode is exhausted in a few days or weeks instead of the required 10 years. You risk being left without equipment and products at the most inopportune moment.
How often should a Samsung refrigerator turn off normally?
Under normal conditions, the operating cycle is approximately: 10-15 minutes of work and 20-30 minutes of rest. The ratio may vary depending on the load and temperature in the room, but pauses in operation must be required.
Why did the refrigerator stop turning off again after defrosting?
This indicates that the reason is not ice freezing, but a malfunction of system components (heating element, sensor, thermostat) or freon leakage. Ice was only a consequence, and not the cause of the problem.