Samsung Refrigerator: not defrosting
What is this symptom?
Is your Samsung refrigerator not defrosting? This issue often leads to frost accumulation on the evaporator coils or walls, impacting cooling performance. If you notice ice buildup around the vents, it may be time to investigate the defrost system, including the heater and thermostat.
Important Tips for Samsung Models
- Some Samsung models are known for recurring defrost system issues and may benefit from using the built-in Force Defrost feature before deeper diagnostics
- Weather stripping issues and open ice flaps can worsen frost problems in Samsung refrigerators
Possible Causes
Faulty defrost heater
How to Identify: Excess frost remains on evaporator coils even after defrost cycles; heater does not heat during manual defrost test
Part: Defrost heater assembly
Defrost thermostat failure
How to Identify: Thermostat does not show continuity at low temps, preventing power to defrost heater
Part: Defrost thermostat
Defrost control or timer failure
How to Identify: Automatic defrost cycle does not initiate; timer stuck and doesn’t advance into defrost mode
Part: Defrost control board / Defrost timer
Warm air intrusion and airflow issues
How to Identify: Ice buildup near vents; frequent door openings; poor seal on door gasket
Part: Door gasket / internal airflow
Drain tube blockage or moisture leak
How to Identify: Water accumulates under freezer or around drain area; ice may form outside coils
Part: Drain tube / drain pan area
DIY Solutions
Force defrost and remove existing ice
- Unplug refrigerator and empty contents
- Place bowls of hot water inside and close doors or leave doors open to speed melting
- Use towels to absorb water as ice melts
- After ice clears, wipe interior dry and restart refrigerator
Check and improve door seal and reduce warm air intrusion
- Inspect door gasket for cracks or gaps
- Clean gasket and sealing surface
- Close door on a piece of paper; if paper easily pulls out, gasket may be faulty and need replacement
Professional Repairs
Replace defrost heater assembly
Replace defrost thermostat
Defrost control board or timer replacement
Drain tube cleaning and repair
When to Call a Professional
Preventive Maintenance
-
Regularly inspect and clean door gaskets: Warm air intrusion that increases frost buildup
Frequency: monthly -
Ensure proper airflow inside freezer (avoid overpacking): Moisture accumulation and ice buildup around evaporator
Frequency: ongoing -
Run force defrost periodically if allowed: Excess ice accumulation before it overwhelms automatic system
Frequency: as needed
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my Samsung Refrigerator not defrosting?
How do I fix Samsung Refrigerator not defrosting myself?
How much does it cost to fix not defrosting?
When should I call a technician for not defrosting?
Community Analytical Insights
Analysis based on real user discussions from appliance repair communities
Can I Fix This Myself?
Common Issues Reported by Users
- Faulty defrost timer or heater (1 mentions)
- Need to access engineer mode for defrosting (1 mentions)
User Suggested Solutions
-
Access engineer mode to defrost ice maker
-
Replace bi-metal, defrost sensor, and install water leakage kit
Analysis based on 2 community discussions
View
Sources
Data compiled from real discussions on r/appliancerepair and r/Appliances:
Community Discussions
Need to get into engineer mode to defrost ice maker
The password for engineer mode is reported as tizenreflcd1! or 1122.
faulty defrost timer or heater
Replace bi-metal, defrost sensor, and install water leakage kit.
Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair
User Comments (0)
Share your experience or solution below.
Please login to post a comment.
Be the first to comment!