Refrigerator cooling issues can worsen over time or sneak up on you in a matter of hours. Why is my Samsung refrigerator not cooling? Dirty condenser coils are a common cause. Cleaning them with an appliance brush and a narrow hose vacuum attachment could solve the problem. Determine the 5 most likely reasons your Samsung refrigerator won’t cool and the right solutions.
Samsung Refrigerator Won’t Cool? Here’s How to Troubleshoot the Problem
There are usually several common reasons when your Samsung refrigerator won’t cool. We’ll review how each results in cooling issues and how to solve the problem, whether it’s a DIY fix or a professional repair.
1. Evaporator Coils Are Frosted Over
Evaporator coils contain refrigerant that cools the refrigerator. When warm refrigerator air blows over the coils, the refrigerant absorbs its heat and blows it back into the refrigerator as cool air again. A small amount of frost often develops on the evaporator coils during this process. However, if the coils become frosted over, the airflow inside will be restricted and the refrigerant won’t cool properly, creating warmer refrigerator temperatures.
When the evaporator coils are frosted over it usually indicates a Samsung refrigerator fan not running, particularly the evaporator fan. Frosted coils can also be due to defrosting system failures. Given these reasons, it’s best that a professional service assess the evaporator fan and defrost system.
2. Dirty Door Seals
Refrigerator door seals maintain an airtight closure when the doors are closed, keeping cold air in and preventing warm air from entering. If the seals are even slightly dirty, it could compromise this airtight closure, letting warm air enter and cool air escape.
A simple test can determine if the door seal is the reason your Samsung refrigerator won’t cool. Place a dollar bill halfway in the closed door and attempt to remove it. If the bill slides out easily, clean the seals with a damp cloth and mild detergent. If a dollar bill still slides out easily after the seals are clean or the seals appear damaged, they should be replaced.
3. Condenser Coils Are Dirty
Dirty condenser coils are one of the most common reasons for a Samsung refrigerator not cooling. These coils cool and condense refrigerant, enabling it to release heat and cool the refrigerator. However, if the coils become coated in dust and dirt, they may not be able to release heat. This results in warmer refrigerator temperatures and can overwork the refrigerator’s compressor, risking malfunction.
Cleaning the condenser coils with an appliance brush and narrow hose vacuum attachment can restore your refrigerator’s temperature. Consult your user manual to determine how to access the coils on your model refrigerator.
4. Defective Temperature Sensor
A refrigerator’s temperature sensor, or thermistor, monitors the internal temperature. If the temperature rises, it signals the refrigerator control board to provide power to the evaporator or compressor and produce more cool air.
A defective temperature sensor either won’t provide accurate temperature readings or will stop functioning altogether. In either case, the refrigerator won’t cool properly. Multimeter testing can confirm a sensor malfunction via a lack of continuity. In this case the sensor requires replacement.
5. Defrost Thermostat Error
The defrost thermostat monitors the evaporator coils’ temperature, signaling the defrost system if they get too cold. The defrost system then dissolves any frost on the coils so they can function appropriately. If the defrost thermostat isn’t functioning, it won’t signal the defrost system. The evaporator coils will then frost over, increasing the refrigerator’s temperature. When this happens you may also notice that error code 5E flashes on the control panel, indicating a defrost sensor error.
How do you reset a Samsung refrigerator error code? In this case, only a professional service can reset the code by assessing and/or replacing the defrost thermostat.
The repair experts at Apex Appliance Service can help when your Samsung refrigerator won’t cool. Call us to schedule a professional assessment or repair.
