Samsung refrigerator not turning on

Common reasons your Samsung refrigerator is not turning on

The most common reasons your Samsung refrigerator is not turning on are a defective electronic control board, locked compressor or an inoperative user interface.

56% of the time it's the
Electronic Control Board

20% of the time it's the
Compressor

10% of the time it's the
User Interface Control

14% of the time it's the
Something else

Most common repairs needed to fix a Samsung refrigerator

Electronic Control Board Replacement

A defective electronic control board can lead to various failures in a refrigerator, including a lack of power or cooling and water leaking. This is because the board serves as the brain of the refrigerator, controlling crucial operations such as regulating internal temperatures, running fans, managing defrost cycles, overseeing the ice maker, and controlling dispenser functions. If the electronic control board malfunctions, it can disrupt communication between many different components, including automatic doors if equipped. A failing board may cause a chattering or clicking noise from the refrigerator and may emit a burning odor. Due to the potential impact on multiple components, it is advisable to have a Sears Home Services professional conduct diagnostic tests on the board to confirm if replacement is necessary.

How to replace the electronic control board in a refrigerator

Compressor Replacement

A locked refrigerator compressor can exhibit several symptoms indicative of a malfunction. The most noticeable sign is a lack of cooling in the refrigerator compartment, leading to elevated temperatures and the potential for food spoilage. The freezer may also fail to maintain the desired freezing temperatures, resulting in no ice production from the ice maker or dispenser. Additionally, you'll observe that the compressor is unusually silent or fails to produce its typical humming sound during operation. In some cases, the compressor may attempt to start but fail, resulting in repeated clicking noises. The inability of the compressor to circulate refrigerant properly can affect the defrosting process, leading to ice buildup in the freezer. Furthermore, a faulty compressor could send a sudden influx of melting frost to the drain line, causing it to back up, preventing adequate draining, and potentially causing water leaks.

Troubleshooting compressor problems in refrigerators

User Interface Control Replacement

When a refrigerator user interface control becomes inoperative, it loses the ability to communicate with the main control board, affecting settings like temperature or ice maker status. The interface will cease to display, creating the appearance of a powerless refrigerator. In some instances, it may only show an error code. If the user interface solely controls drawer temperature settings, a crack in the shelf housing the interface can prevent it from responding to the selected settings.

How to replace the user interface control on a refrigerator

What to expect when you experience a Samsung refrigerator not turning on issue

How is the not turning on problem fixed?

Correcting most not turning on problems usually involves replacing the electronic control board, compressor or user interface control. However, there are many potential causes, so a thorough diagnosis is key to fixing the problem. An accurate diagnosis is essential to understanding how much the repair will be.

Sears Home Services recommendations for a refrigerator that is not turning on

When the refrigerator is not turning on it can be for many reasons. To avoid replacing unneeded parts we recommend having a Sears Home Services professional perform diagnostic tests to identify the root cause of the problem. Our technicians are experienced at diagnosing all types of refrigerator failures.

What to look out for with a refrigerator not turning on diagnosis

Diagnosing modern appliances without proper knowledge and training can be difficult. Without using proper diagnostic techniques, fixing your refrigerator problem will only be achieved through changing parts on a hunch. Appliances, especially in the last 10 years, have become extremely advanced, and many models have electronic parts that are difficult to test. DIY repairs on the latest appliance models are becoming increasingly difficult.

Samsung Fridge Not Turning On After Power Outage

When your Samsung fridge is not turning on after a power outage, check the house circuit breaker for the refrigerator electrical outlet to see if it has tripped. It’s often difficult to tell whether a house circuit breaker has tripped, so shut the breaker off and then turn it back on to reset it. This may restore power to your fridge.

If resetting the house circuit breaker doesn’t do the trick, reset the electronic control board by following these steps:

Unplug the refrigerator power cord or shut off the house circuit breaker to completely disconnect electrical power.
Leave power off for 5 minutes.
Plug the power cord or reset the house circuit breaker to restore electrical power to the fridge.

The electronic control board may reboot and reset after you restore power to the refrigerator and the control may power up. If not, schedule refrigerator repair service to have a Sears Home Services technician visit your home and fix the fridge.

Samsung Fridge Won’t Turn On

When your Samsung fridge won’t turn on, follow these troubleshooting steps to fix the problem.

Check the power cord. Make sure the power cord is plugged fully into the electrical outlet. Plug the cord back in if it’s loose or unplugged.
Reset the house circuit breaker for the refrigerator’s electrical outlet. Resetting a tripped house circuit breaker may restore electrical power to your Samsung fridge that won’t turn on.
Test the refrigerator outlet for power. Unplug the fridge and plug a small appliance or night light into the electrical outlet. If the item doesn’t work, the electrical outlet is dead and preventing your Samsung fridge from turning on. Have an electrician fix the electrical outlet.

If these basic troubleshooting steps don’t help you restore power to your Samsung fridge that won’t turn on, schedule refrigerator repair service and we’ll send an experienced technician to your home to fix the problem.

Troubleshooting a Samsung Refrigerator That Won’t Turn On After a Power Outage

When your Samsung refrigerator won’t turn on after a power outage, the electronic control boards in the fridge may have been affected by a power surge through the electrical lines before the outage or during power restoration.

Resetting the circuit boards in the refrigerator may allow the fridge to turn on. Follow these steps to reset the control boards in your Samsung refrigerator:

Completely disconnect electrical power from the refrigerator by unplugging the power cord or shutting off the circuit breaker.
Leave electrical power off for 5 minutes.
Restore power to the fridge to reboot the circuit boards.

The refrigerator may power up again after resetting the electronic control board in this manner. If not, schedule refrigerator repair service and we’ll send a technician to fix your Samsung refrigerator.

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Glossary Terms

What is a French-Door Refrigerator?

A French-door refrigerator features two doors that open side-by-side on the top section for the refrigerator compartment, with a bottom freezer drawer, combining style, efficiency, and easy access to both refrigerated and frozen goods.

What is Refrigerant?

Refrigerant is a chemical compound used in HVAC systems and refrigerators to absorb heat from the environment by cycling through states of evaporation and condensation, enabling the cooling process through its cycle of evaporation and condensation.

What is R-12 Refrigerant?

R-12 refrigerant, also known as Freon-12, is a chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) compound that was once widely used in air conditioning systems, refrigerators, and aerosol propellants before its phase-out due to environmental concerns.

What is CFC Certification?

CFC certification refers to the credentialing process that qualifies HVAC technicians to handle chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and other refrigerants in a manner that complies with environmental regulations. It is essential for professionals who install, maintain, or repair HVAC systems and refrigeration equipment.