Samsung refrigerator not working

Common reasons your Samsung refrigerator is not working

The most common reasons your Samsung refrigerator is not working are a locked compressor, faulty ice maker assembly or a defective electronic control board.

42% of the time it's the
Compressor

23% of the time it's the
Ice Maker Assembly

14% of the time it's the
Electronic Control Board

21% of the time it's the
Something else

Most common repairs needed to fix a Samsung 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

Ice Maker Assembly Replacement

A faulty refrigerator ice maker can have diverse effects, impacting various aspects of the refrigerator's operation, including its ability to make ice. Increased noise during the ice-making process could indicate a problem in the ice maker's components. A malfunctioning ice maker may lead to water leaks around the ice maker assembly, potentially causing water puddles in and around the refrigerator. If the bail arm fails to shut off ice production, it could result in the ice maker drawer jamming due to an overproduction of ice, potentially leading to damage to the drawer or adjacent shelf. The failure of other components in a refrigerator that stops cooling will affect ice production, so a thorough inspection of the refrigerator by a Sears Home Services professional is recommended for an accurate diagnosis.

How to replace an ice maker assembly

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

What to expect when you experience a Samsung refrigerator not working issue

How is the not working problem fixed?

Correcting most not working problems usually involves replacing the compressor, ice maker assembly or electronic control board. 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 working

When the refrigerator is not working 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. We provide Samsung refrigerator repair near you, and our technicians are experienced at diagnosing all types of refrigerator failures.

What to look out for with a refrigerator not working 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 Refrigerator Not Working but Freezer Is

When your Samsung refrigerator is not working but the freezer is working, check for large or tall items blocking cooling air supply or return vents in the refrigerator or freezer section. Refer to the owner’s manual to see where those air vents are in your fridge if you can’t readily find them on your own. Move any items blocking the air vents so the refrigerator will cool properly.

If you find no items blocking the air vents, or you move items away from the vents and the refrigerator still doesn’t cool, reset the electronic control board in the fridge using this procedure:

Unplug the refrigerator power cord or shut off the house circuit breaker for the refrigerator outlet to completely disconnect electrical power going to the fridge.
Leave power off for 5 minutes to reset the board.
Restore power by plugging the power cord back in or resetting the circuit breaker.

When the control board reboots, the refrigerator may begin cooling properly. If not, schedule repair service to fix your Samsung refrigerator that is not working even though the freezer works.

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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.