The situation when refrigerator compartment stops cooling food, while the freezer compartment continues to operate normally, is a classic symptom for brand appliances Samsung. This is especially often encountered by owners of models with a system No Frost and an inverter compressor. Users notice that the ice in the freezer is solid, but the milk in the upper compartment turns sour, and drops of moisture or, conversely, dry foods appear on the walls.
The reason for this imbalance lies in the design features of the dual-circuit or pseudo-double-circuit cooling system. In most cases compressor it is working properly, since it is able to build up pressure for freezing, but the cold circulation in the upper compartment is impaired. This may be caused by ice filling the channels, failure of temperature sensors, or a malfunction in the electronic control module that incorrectly distributes operating cycles.
It is important to understand that ignoring the problem at an early stage can lead to failure of expensive components, such as the compressor itself or the condensate drainage system. In Samsung refrigerators with the Twin Cooling Plus system, a malfunction of one damper mechanism can completely block the supply of cold air to the refrigeration compartment. Below we will analyze in detail the main causes of the malfunction and methods for eliminating them.
The principle of operation of the cooling system and the distribution of cold
To understand why an imbalance occurs temperatures, it is necessary to understand the physics of the process. In modern models Samsung cooling occurs due to forced air circulation. Fanlocated in the freezer compartment, it forces cold air through special channels into the refrigeration compartment. If this flow is interrupted, the upper chamber stops cooling, although the refrigerant continues to circulate in the freezer evaporator.
The key element here is the damper system. The electronic control unit (main PCB) reads the sensor readings and opens or closes the air supply damper. If the damper is stuck in the closed position or the damper drive is burned out, the cold simply does not reach the top of the unit. At the same time, the freezer operates autonomously and maintains a temperature of -18°C and lower.
⚠️ Attention: An attempt to forcibly open a jammed damper can lead to breakage of the plastic drive gears. If you hear a crackling or buzzing sound from the area of the partition between the chambers, it is better to stop operation until the technician arrives.
It is also worth considering that models without a system Twin Cooling use one common evaporator. In such cases, the problem often lies in freezing of the evaporator itself. The ice coat grows so strong that it blocks the air duct channels, and the fan simply moves the air inside the freezer without letting it go up.
Malfunctions of the defrost system and freezing of the evaporator
One of the most common reasons why Samsung refrigerator does not maintain the temperature in the upper compartment is a failure in the defrost system (Defrost System). In units No Frost moisture from the products settles on the evaporator and must be thawed periodically. If this process is disrupted, the evaporator becomes overgrown with ice, which blocks the ventilation holes.
Three main components are responsible for the defrosting process: Defrost heating element, defrost sensor (defroster) and a fuse. If the heating element burns out, the ice does not melt. If the sensor “lies” and does not give a command to turn on the heating, the result is the same. As a result, the ice plug grows, and cold air physically cannot enter the fridge compartment.
You can diagnose this problem visually if you get to the back wall of the freezer. Often, when there is severe frosting, you will notice that the fan begins to hum or crackle, trying to break through the icy mess. In such cases, the refrigerator can work cyclically: it freezes normally for several days, and then stops cooling in the upper compartment for a day, until the ice partially melts on its own.
☑️ Signs of problems with defrosting
It is important to note that the defrosting system is controlled electronically. If it burns defrost relay on the main board, the heating command is simply not received. In this case, replacing the heating element will not help; repair of the control module or replacement of the relay is required.
Problems with the fan and air circulation
The movement of air masses in refrigerators Samsung provides evaporator fan. If this unit fails, cold air remains in the freezer compartment, and the refrigerator compartment becomes warm. The fan can stop for several reasons: wear of the bearings, breakage of the motor winding or freezing of the blades.
Often users notice that when the door of the refrigerator compartment is opened, the fan starts working, and when closed, it stops. This is normal, as many models have a door sensor that stops the fan to save energy. But if when the freezer door is open (where the fan is located) it is silent, then there is a problem. Sometimes defrosting helps if the blades are frozen to the ice.
Also exists refrigerator fan (in models with two fans). Its task is to distribute air inside the upper compartment. If it is faulty, the temperature in different corners of the chamber will be very different: it may be colder near the back wall, and warmer near the door. You can check its operation by listening to a quiet hum inside the upper chamber or through the air duct openings.
| Symptom | Probable cause | Action |
|---|---|---|
| The fan hums, but does not spin | Freezing or bearing wedge | Defrost 24 hours or replace |
| Complete silence, no hum | Open circuit or burnt out winding | Replacing the fan |
| The fan operates jerkily | Failure of the control board | Electronics diagnostics |
| Noise during fan operation | Wear of bushings or ingress of ice | Cleaning or replacing the unit |
⚠️ Attention: When replacing the fan, be sure to unplug the refrigerator. An error in connecting the wires (they are often similar in color) can lead to a short circuit on the control board.
Faults in temperature sensors and thermostats
Modern refrigerators Samsung are stuffed with electronics. The temperature in each compartment is controlled by its own sensors (thermistors). If the refrigerator compartment sensor gives incorrect readings (for example, it “reports” to the board that it is already -5°C, although in fact it is +15°C), the compressor stops working or switches only to the freezer.
Most often, the evaporator sensor or the air sensor in the refrigerator compartment fails. Over time, their resistance changes, and they begin to “lie.” The electronics, receiving a false signal, considers the task completed and stops the cooling cycle for the upper compartment. Diagnostics is carried out with a multimeter: the resistance is measured at a certain temperature and compared with a table of values.
In older models, mechanical ones can be used thermostats. If you have this particular model, the problem may be in the thermostat capillary tube, which has lost its seal, or in sticking contacts. In this case, the refrigerator either does not turn on at all or works without stopping, but does not cool in the desired zone.
How to check the sensor with a multimeter?
To check the temperature sensor, it must be removed and placed in water with a known temperature (for example, melt water 0°C). The resistance should be within the nominal value (usually about 5-10 kOhm at room temperature, but the exact values depend on the model). If the device shows an open circuit or short circuit, the sensor is faulty.
It is worth mentioning defrost sensorwhich was mentioned earlier. Its malfunction is often disguised as a problem with the temperature sensor, since the symptoms are similar: lack of cold in the upper compartment. Therefore, comprehensive diagnostics is mandatory.
Freon leakage and problems with the compressor
Although the phrase “the freezer is working” indicates that the compressor is spinning, the situation with the leak refrigerant (freon) may be cunning. In dual-circuit systems, a leak in the second circuit (going to the refrigerator compartment) will lead to exactly this picture: the freezer is freezing, but the top is warm. The freon pressure is not enough to go through the full cycle, and it is only enough for the first circuit.
Inverter compressors Samsung, which are famous for their silence and efficiency, are sensitive to the quality of the voltage and the cleanliness of the system. If air or moisture remains in the system after poor repairs, an ice plug may form in the capillary tube. This phenomenon is called hydraulic blockage. The compressor hums, trying to push freon, but there is no circulation, and the cold does not reach the consumers.
Signs of a leak or blockage:
- 🔥 The condenser (rear grille or side walls) is only partially warm or cold.
- 🔇 The compressor works with short pauses or, on the contrary, does not turn off at all.
- ❄️ In the freezer the temperature is below normal (-25°C and below), and in the refrigerator - above +10°C.
- 💧 Presence of oily spots in location of the leak (rarely, but it happens).
Repair in the event of a leak requires calling a technician with equipment: you need to find the location of the leak (often these are foamed areas or rolling areas), solder, vacuum the system and fill with new freon in a strictly defined amount.
Failures in the electronic control module
The "brain" of the refrigerator is electronic module (control board). It is he who receives signals from all sensors and controls the compressor, fans, heating elements and dampers. In refrigerators Samsung sometimes there is a problem with “glitches” of the board, especially after power surges in the network.
Symptoms of electronics failure can be strange: indicators on the panel flash, the refrigerator makes beeps, temperatures in the chambers “jump” chaotically, or one from cameras is completely ignored by the system. Often the power supply on the board itself or the relay that controls a specific unit (for example, a fan relay) burns out.
In some cases, a simple reboot (“reboot”) of the system helps. To do this you need:
- Unplug the refrigerator from the outlet.
- Wait at least 10-15 minutes (so that the capacitors are discharged).
- Turn it on again and check the operation.
If after reboot the problem persists, and diagnostics of sensors and fans did not reveal any mechanical failures, a board defect is likely. Repairing a board is cheaper than replacing it, but requires the qualifications of a radio engineer.
⚠️ Attention: Voltage surges are the main enemy of Samsung electronics. If the lights in your house often “flicker”, be sure to use a voltage stabilizer or a high-power surge protector, otherwise repairing the module will become a regular expense.
Frequently asked questions and answers (FAQ)
How long does it take to defrost a Samsung refrigerator if it is frozen?
To completely defrost the system No Frost and thaw the ice in covert channels require a minimum of 24 hours. If you defrost for less time (for example, 5-8 hours), ice may remain in the depths of the channels, and the problem with cooling the upper compartment will return in a couple of days.
Why did the refrigerator work after defrosting, but after a week it stopped cooling at the top again?
This is a classic sign of a malfunction of the defrost system (the heating element, sensor or timer burned out). Defrosting removed the ice plug temporarily, but since the mechanism for draining water and melting does not work, the ice builds up again and blocks the channels.
Is it possible to operate the refrigerator if the upper chamber is not cold?
For a short time, it is possible, the food in the freezer will not be damaged. However, prolonged use will lead to spoilage of food in the refrigerator compartment and possible failure of the compressor due to operation in the wrong thermal conditions. In addition, in the heat, bacteria will begin to multiply in the chamber.
How to check if the air supply damper is working?
You need to remove the plastic air duct cover (usually located at the top of the back wall of the refrigerator). When the cooling mode is turned on, the damper should open (a quiet click is heard or the mechanism is visible). If it stands still or jerks, the problem is in the drive or the board.
What does error code 22E or 24E mean on the Samsung display?
These codes often indicate an error in the freezer or refrigerator temperature sensor, respectively (open or short circuit). The presence of a code greatly simplifies diagnostics, pointing directly to the faulty element.