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  1. Repair
  2. Samsung
  3. Samsung Refrigerator
  4. Refrigerator not working

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%

    42% of the time it's the
    Compressor

  • 23%

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

  • 14%

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

  • 21%

    21% of the time it's the
    Something else

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    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.


    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.

    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.

    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:

    1. 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.
    2. Leave power off for 5 minutes to reset the board.
    3. 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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    Repair Refrigerator Resources

    Title image for blog article "How Does a Refrigerator Compressor Work?"
    6 min readNov. 13

    Learn how a refrigerator compressor works and how to recognize and troubleshoot common problems.

    A stainless-steel refrigerator in a modern kitchen
    13 min readNov. 13

    Discover how a refrigerator works, from the cooling cycle to key components. Learn maintenance tips and know when to seek professional repair for efficient cooling.

    Why is there a D in the Fridge
    3 min readNov. 12

    Curious why there's a "d" in "fridge" but not in "refrigerator"? Discover the reason, plus key fridge care and disposal tips.

    ice maker troubleshooting and tips
    9 min readOct. 23

    Find out how to fix your refrigerator ice maker when it's not making ice.

    Glossary Terms

    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.

    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.

    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.

    A refrigerator thermostat is a device within a refrigerator that regulates its temperature by turning the cooling system on and off based on the interior temperature compared to the set desired temperature.

    Additional possible Samsung refrigerator symptoms you may experience