One of the worst things that can happen when you’ve just stacked your refrigerator with food and drinks for the entire week is for it to stop cooling.
While a Samsung refrigerator is generally considered to be high-quality, just like any other fridge, it is prone to different issues that could cause it to stop cooling all of a sudden.
In this guide, we will discuss the issue of the Samsung fridge not cooling, and especially the main factors that could cause this problem.
Finally, we will offer the best long-term solutions for this issue, so keep on reading!
Why is your Samsung fridge not cooling?
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What could be causing your Samsung fridge to stop cooling?
Depending on the severity of the issue, you may have to hire a professional to help you with repair, but there are also quick fixes that don’t require any expertise in this area.
That being said, let’s go over the most prominent Samsung fridge issues so you can troubleshoot your fridge.
1. Blocked condenser coils
One of the main issues that could affect your Samsung fridge and cause a cooling issue are dirty condenser coils.
Condenser coils, located right below the fridge, represent one of the main elements in the cooling system, affecting both the freezer and the fridge.
These coils are essentially pathways for the refrigerant. If the refrigerant is unable to pass through the condenser coils, the heat will not be properly managed, which will seriously affect the temperature in the refrigerator.
The condenser coil could be filled with gunk, dirt, or any kind of physical blockage that will not let the refrigerant pass freely and dissipate the heat.
This is a very serious issue that could also lead to overheating of the appliance since the cool air will not reach all the components.
2. Frosted evaporator coils
Yet another possibility to take into consideration are frosted evaporator coils, which can disrupt the entire cooling system and disrupt the evaporator fan.
The evaporator coil is basically responsible for storing the refrigerant, so we could say that this is the starting point of the refrigerant transferring process in your Samsung fridge.
Since the refrigerant is kept in the evaporator coil, the temperature in this setting has to be quite low.
However, the contrast between this temperature and the external temperature when you open the refrigerator could cause the evaporator coils to frost. Frosted evaporator coils will disrupt the cold air distribution, especially since the evaporator fan will not be able to distribute enough air for the coils.
Another potential concern is the evaporator fan motor, which may even overheat in this situation, leading to Samsung fridge system failure.
3. Frosted evaporator fan
Yet another potential issue concerning the evaporator fan is frost. The sole purpose of the evaporator fan is to distribute the cold air from the coils to the fridge and freezer.
However, if the evaporator fan is frosted or not functioning properly, the freezer will not be cold enough, and this drop in temperature will cause it to defrost.
A bad habit people have with their fridge that might cause this issue is not closing the refrigerator door or freezer door properly, introducing warm air into the system.
4. Faulty temperature sensor
Without a temperature sensor (thermistor), your Samsung refrigerator would not be able to determine the necessary temperature, especially the cooling point.
If you notice that your Samsung fridge isn’t cooling, this could be due to a malfunctioning temperature sensor, which is a very urgent matter.
A temperature sensor is essentially a highly sensitive sensor that gathers information about the temperature in your Samsung refrigerator or freezer and sends it to the control board.
Depending on the signals sent by the temperature sensor, the control board will then trigger the compressor and the compressor fan if necessary, in order to maintain the cooling temperature.
5. Faulty compressor
Finally, a malfunctioning compressor could be the core issue in this cooling problem.
A compressor represents a vital element in your Samsung fridge, and it is necessary to contact a refrigerator repair service to check if this is the reason why your Samsung freezer or fridge isn’t getting cool air.
How to fix Samsung fridge not cooling
If you notice that the refrigerator compartment or freezer compartment of your Samsung appliance isn’t cooling properly, you should remove all food items and defrost the unit before trying any of the following solutions.
1. Clean the condenser coils
Once you’ve removed all the food items and defrosted the fridge, it will be easier to move the unit as needed and access all the necessary points. Also, don’t forget to unplug your Samsung fridge before moving on with any of the fixing methods.
To access the condenser coils, you want to look underneath the fridge. Depending on how much gunk has accumulated inside the coils, you may need different tools to clean them thoroughly, including a skinny brush, as well as a handheld vacuum.
Ensure that all the accumulated dirt and blockages are removed from the coils, allowing the refrigerant to pass through them freely.
2. Repair the frosted evaporator coils
As we’ve mentioned, frosted evaporator coils can affect the functioning of the entire system, especially the evaporator fan responsible for drawing cold air to the coils.
In this case, one of the best methods would be replacing the defrost temperature sensor, which would basically stop the frost from forming on evaporator coils.
Make sure to also check the defrost heater and test it for continuity using a multimeter. In case it is defective, you should also replace it to prevent the evaporator coils from frosting in the future.
3. Check the evaporator fan
How will you know if the evaporator fan is functioning properly? You can simply open the freezer door and check if the evaporator fan is still working.
In normal conditions, the evaporator fan should stop working the minute you open the freezer door. In case it doesn’t, you can rest assured that a faulty evaporator fan has compromised the cooling system and caused the freezer to defrost.
In case you notice anything blocking the evaporator fan (such as ice), allow for the fridge to defrost completely, and then inspect the evaporator fan closely to remove any blockages.
That being said, if the fan is still not functioning properly once you’ve defrosted the fridge and removed any blockages, you should consult with an expert to have it repaired or replaced as soon as possible.
4. Replace the temperature sensor
Your fridge and freezer will never be able to achieve the standard cooling temperature if the temperature sensor isn’t working properly.
If the temperature sensor is compromised, it will send incorrect signals to the control panel, causing temperature fluctuations.
But how do you know if your temperature sensor is damaged or simply not working properly? This is yet another fridge component you can test for continuity using a multimeter.
In case the resistance of the temperature sensor is altered by the multimeter, it is not the problem. On the other hand, if it isn’t changing, you should have the temperature sensor replaced.
5. Repair or replace the compressor
Finally, a multimeter test will also show if you’re dealing with a faulty compressor. In case no continuity is detected during this test, this is a clear sign that something is wrong with the compressor.
If you sense a burning smell coming from the compressor, this could point to a faulty starter relay that should be replaced.
Adrian is an ISCET licensed professional that has completed the National Appliance Service Technician Certification Exam and has the expertise to diagnose and repair any appliance. He is well-versed in the latest technologies and techniques and is always up-to-date on the latest industry standards.
