Why is my Samsung Fridge not Cooling but the Freezer Works?

Many Samsung refrigerators have a twin cooling system that uses a separate evaporator and temperature sensor for the refrigerator and freezer sections. Although they share the same compressor, each section uses a separate evaporator fan and automatic defrost system.

Failures in the cooling system of the refrigerator often don’t cause cooling problems in the freezer section of twin cooling system Samsung fridges.

Learn about the common problems that can plague a Samsung refrigerator when the fridge isn’t cooling and freezer is okay.

Common problems that can cooling issues in the fridge section include refrigerator door seal damage, temperature sensor problems, automatic defrost system failures and wiring or control problems.

Door Seal Problems

A loose or damaged refrigerator door seal will allow warm, moist air to enter the refrigerator section and inhibit cooling.

Carefully inspect the refrigerator door gasket (or gaskets on a French door model). Fix any loose spots and replace a door gasket if it’s damaged.

Here’s a video that shows how to replace the door seal on a French door refrigerator:

If you need to have a service technician replace the door gasket for you, schedule refrigerator repair and we’ll send a Sears Home Services tech to your home to install a new refrigerator door seal.

Faulty Refrigerator Temperature Sensor

The temperature sensor in the refrigerator section (also called a thermistor) senses the temperature and sends a signal to the electronic control board. The control board regulates refrigerator section temperature based on that temperature signal.

A faulty temperature sensor can prevent the fridge section from cooling properly.

You can test the thermistor using a multimeter to determine whether it’s working properly as shown in this video:

Replace the thermistor or have a service technician replace the thermistor if it’s faulty.

Refrigerator Section Defrost System Problems

Here’s a list of refrigerator section defrost system failures that can cause excessive frost to accumulate on the refrigerator evaporator:

• Bad defrost heater.
• Defective defrost thermistor.
• Failed defrost thermostat.
• Wiring failure.
• Electronic control board defect.

You’ll typically need to have a service technician diagnose and repair the automatic defrost system in the refrigerator when you see excessive frost buildup that’s inhibiting cooling.

Refrigerator Evaporator Fan Failure

The refrigerator section won’t cool properly if the evaporator fan stops working.

Ice can block the fan. A fan motor failure, wiring problem or defective electronic control board can also prevent the evaporator fan from running.

Check the evaporator fan and have a technician diagnose and repair the problem if the fan doesn’t run.

Wiring and Electronic Control Board Problems

Loose or damaged wires can prevent the refrigerator section from cooling. A damaged or defective electronic control board can also cause fridge cooling problems.

Unplug the refrigerator and remove the control board cover. Examine wire harness connections on the electronic control board and reattach any loose wires. Repair any pinched, damaged or broken wires.

Examine the electronic control board for burnt spots or melted components. Replace the electronic control board if you find visible damage.

Here’s a video that shows how to access and replace a refrigerator control board:

If you’re uncertain whether the control board is bad or you need to have a technician replace the control board for you, schedule appliance repair service.

Take action quickly when you notice refrigerator cooling problems to keep your appliance working safely and efficiently.