Decision tree
Refrigerator cooling or defrost troubleshooting.
Food-safety-first checks for refrigerator cooling, fan, defrost, freezer temperature, and cooling warnings.
Safe first
- Move perishable food to safe cold storage if temperatures are unsafe.
- Do not remove internal fan or defrost covers while powered.
- Avoid chipping ice from internal fan or evaporator areas with sharp tools.
Stop and call service when
- Refrigerator or freezer temperature is unsafe.
- The same fan or defrost code returns after a safe reset.
- Internal covers, wiring, or sealed-system access would be required.
Decision sequence
Check food-safety risk
Temperature and power warnings should start with whether food has warmed or thawed beyond safe limits.
Check visible airflow and doors
Confirm doors close fully and interior vents are not blocked before assuming a sealed-system or fan failure.
Use service boundaries early
Fan, defrost sensor, compressor, and sealed-system concerns should move to service when the code returns.
Related code records
rF error code
Usually indicates an abnormality with the refrigerator compartment fan motor.
FF error code
Usually indicates an abnormality with the freezer compartment fan motor.
dH error code
Usually indicates that the refrigerator spent too long trying to complete defrost.
dS error code
Usually indicates a short or disconnection in a refrigerator defrost sensor.
5E error code
Usually indicates a fridge defrost sensor error on Samsung refrigerators.
40E error code
Usually indicates an ice room fan error on Samsung refrigerators.
FF error code
Usually indicates that frozen food should be checked because freezer temperature is rising too high.
PF error code
Usually indicates that power to the refrigerator has been interrupted.
CI error code
Usually indicates that the refrigerator ice maker should be checked for proper operation.