Samsung Refrigerator: not heating

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

Is your Samsung refrigerator not heating? This issue often stems from a malfunctioning defrost heater, which prevents the evaporator coils from warming during defrost cycles, leading to frost buildup and reduced airflow. This can cause warmer temperatures and strange fan noises. Ice maker fill tubes can also freeze if the fill tube heater fails, stopping ice production altogether.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Samsung Models

  • Samsung’s official troubleshooting for cooling problems includes inspection of the defrost heater as a potential cause of high temperatures and recommends technician assistance when heater-related issues are suspected.
  • Some Samsung 4-door Flex / Ice Bites configurations use a heater-wrapped fill tube; community users report replacing the heated fill tube assembly resolves repeated fill-tube freezing and restores ice production.

Possible Causes

Failed defrost heater (open circuit / burned-out heating element)

How to Identify: Heavy frost/ice accumulation on evaporator cover or coils; fridge section warming while freezer may still feel cold; evaporator fan noise (clicking/grinding from hitting ice; unit temporarily works better after manual defrost. A multimeter continuity test on the heater (with power disconnected often shows an open circuit if failed.

Part: Defrost heater (examples: Samsung DA47-00244W, DA47-00526B depending on model)

Defrost temperature sensor / thermistor failure causing heater to shut off too early or never energize

How to Identify: Frost/ice buildup persists even after a defrost cycle; diagnostic/forced defrost may end quickly; temperature readings fluctuate or do not match actual compartment temperatures. Some Samsung community explanations describe the thermistor controlling when the heater turns off based on sensed temperature.

Part: Defrost sensor / thermistor (defrost temperature sensor)

Defrost control board / main PCB not sending power to heater (defrost circuit failure)

How to Identify: Defrost heater and sensor test good with a multimeter but defrost still does not occur; forced defrost mode will not energize heater; repeated icing returns quickly after manual defrost; other electronic symptoms may appear (display glitches, erratic cooling.

Part: Main control board / defrost control circuitry

Ice-maker fill tube heater / heated fill tube assembly not warming, causing frozen fill tube (ice maker stops)

How to Identify: Ice maker stops producing ice; fill tube repeatedly freezes; temporarily works after thawing; visible ice blockage at fill tube; water may not flow into the ice tray even though water supply is OK.

Part: Ice-maker fill tube heater / fill tube with heater wrap (varies by model; often sold as a fill tube/heater assembly)

Air leak / door gasket or door alignment allowing excess moisture and icing that overwhelms defrost system

How to Identify: Frost forms near door edges or specific corners; condensation around gaskets; gasket not sealing (paper test fails; door appears slightly misaligned; icing returns faster in humid conditions.

Part: Door gasket / door alignment / sealing surfaces

DIY Solutions

Manually defrost the evaporator area to restore airflow (temporary recovery) + inspect for heavy frost

Moderate 1-3 hours (plus time to fully melt ice)
Tools Needed: Towels, Hair dryer (optional, low heat), Phillips screwdriver, Plastic scraper (non-metal)
  1. Unplug the refrigerator (or switch off breaker). Remove food from affected section and place it in a cooler.
  2. Remove the interior rear panel/evaporator cover in the fridge or freezer section (model dependent).
  3. Melt frost/ice using time (door open) or a hair dryer on low heat, keeping it moving and away from plastics and wiring.
  4. Dry the compartment completely, reinstall panels, restore power, and monitor cooling performance for 24-48 hours.
  5. If the issue returns within days to weeks, proceed to diagnosing the defrost heater/sensor system (this indicates an underlying defrost fault).
⚠️ Safety First: Always unplug before removing panels or working near wiring.

Force a defrost cycle (diagnostic) to confirm whether the heater energizes

Moderate 10-20 minutes
Tools Needed: Model manual/service mode instructions (varies by model)
  1. Locate the model-specific procedure for entering Samsung diagnostic/service mode and initiating forced defrost (commonly described in repair guides for Samsung defrost problems).
  2. Initiate forced defrost and listen/feel for signs of warming near the evaporator area after several minutes (some units may also display defrost codes).
  3. If forced defrost does not produce heat and icing is present, suspect heater circuit, sensor/thermistor, or control board.
  4. Exit diagnostic mode and restore normal operation.
⚠️ Safety First: Use the correct procedure for your exact model to avoid unintended settings changes.

Replace the defrost heater (DIY for experienced homeowners) when confirmed open/failed

Advanced 1-2 hours
Tools Needed: Phillips screwdriver, Nut driver, Multimeter, Needle-nose pliers, Work gloves
  1. Unplug the refrigerator and remove shelves/drawers to access the evaporator cover (usually rear interior panel).
  2. Remove the evaporator cover to expose the evaporator coil and heater wiring.
  3. Disconnect the heater harness and test heater continuity with a multimeter; if open (no continuity), replacement is indicated.
  4. Install the correct OEM heater for your model (commonly referenced parts include Samsung DA47-00244W or DA47-00526B, but confirm by model lookup).
  5. Reassemble panels, restore power, and monitor for proper defrost operation and stable temperatures.
⚠️ Safety First: Unplug before testing/removing parts.

Replace ice-maker fill tube heater / heated fill tube assembly (for recurring frozen fill tube)

Moderate 30-90 minutes
Tools Needed: Phillips screwdriver, Hair dryer (to thaw tube first), Towels
  1. Confirm symptom: fill tube is frozen and ice maker stops filling with water.
  2. Thaw the fill tube completely (unplug unit or use low heat hair dryer carefully).
  3. Replace the fill tube/heated fill tube assembly designed for your exact model (some Samsung 4-door Flex and Ice Bites systems use a heater-wrapped fill tube).
  4. Verify water flow resumes and monitor for refreezing over the next 1-2 weeks.
⚠️ Safety First: Avoid overheating plastic parts and nearby wiring.

Professional Repairs

Diagnose and repair defrost system failure (heater, thermistor/defrost sensor, wiring, control board)

Estimated Cost: $200 - $600

Repair or replace evaporator fan motor damaged by ice or worn bearings (secondary damage from defrost failure)

Estimated Cost: $200 - $500

Ice maker system diagnosis for fill tube freezing (heater assembly, inlet valve, ice maker module)

Estimated Cost: $250 - $700

When to Call a Professional

Frost/ice buildup returns quickly after a full manual defrost (within days to a couple weeks), indicating an underlying defrost circuit failure.
Forced defrost mode does not produce any heat and you are not comfortable performing electrical continuity checks.
Visible burned connectors, damaged wiring, or signs of overheating near the evaporator/heater harness.
The refrigerator is under warranty (defrost system repairs often involve covered parts/labor depending on region and plan).
Ice maker fill tube freezing is accompanied by leaks, water pooling, or repeated valve problems.

Preventive Maintenance

  • Inspect and clean door gaskets; ensure doors close fully and seals are not torn or deformed: Excess moisture intrusion that can worsen frost buildup and overload the defrost system
    Frequency: monthly
  • Avoid blocking air vents inside compartments; keep items from pressing against the rear panel: Reduced airflow that can mimic cooling/defrost problems and increase frosting risk
    Frequency: ongoing
  • If you notice early signs of frosting, perform a controlled manual defrost before ice becomes severe and damages the fan: Evaporator fan damage and sudden loss of cooling from ice blockage
    Frequency: as-needed

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Samsung Refrigerator not heating?
Common causes include a failed defrost heater, sensor failure, or control board issues.
How do I fix Samsung Refrigerator not heating myself?
You can manually defrost, force a defrost cycle, or replace the defrost heater if needed.
How much does it cost to fix not heating?
Professional repairs range from $200 to $600 depending on the issue.
When should I call a technician for not heating?
If DIY methods fail or if you're uncomfortable with advanced repairs, it's best to call a pro.

References & Sources

Community Analytical Insights

Analysis based on real user discussions from appliance repair communities

Can I Fix This Myself?

50%
DIY Success Rate Difficulty: DIY

Common Issues Reported by Users

  • Defrost heater failure (1 mentions)
  • Ice buildup around evaporator fan (1 mentions)

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Press the top left button and the second on the right until you hear a ding, then press the second on the right until FD appears on display.

    Success rate: 25.0%
Analysis based on 3 community discussions
View Sources

Data compiled from real discussions on r/appliancerepair and r/Appliances:

  1. Samsung Bottom Freezer Refrigerator Defrost Heater Replaceme...
  2. Samsung refrigerator forced defroster mode - model - rs265td...
  3. rf28hmedbww Fridge Loud noise and freezing

Community Discussions

forced defroster mode

Press the top left button and the second on the right until you hear a ding, then press the second on the right until FD appears on display.

DIY View on Reddit →

loud noise and freezing

Ice buildup around the evaporator fan causing noise and freezing temperatures.

DIY View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

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