Samsung Refrigerator Error Codes

Quick answer: On many Samsung refrigerators, 21E and 22E are fan errors (usually frozen fans), 88 88 and 83E to 86E are power or voltage errors, and 5E, 33E and 39E point to defrost or ice maker faults. If the display reads OF OF and nothing is cooling, the fridge is in Cooling Off (demo) mode, which is a setting, not a breakdown.

Codes appear on the front control panel, and Family Hub models can show current and past codes under Apps, Fridge Manager, Fridge Settings, Self Check. One Samsung tip is different from other appliances: unless a technician or Samsung support asks you to, do not unplug the fridge or press panel buttons just to clear a code, because the stored code helps with diagnosis. Write the code down and take a photo first. Codes and their meanings vary by model.

Samsung Refrigerator Error Codes list

OF OF / O FF / OFF OFF

Cooling Off mode (demo or shop mode)

Common causes: The mode was turned on in the store or by an accidental button press

What you can try: Exit demo mode using the steps below. The fridge does not need service.

Call a technician if: The mode will not turn off, or the fridge still does not cool once it is off.

21E

Freezer fan error

Common causes: A fan frozen in ice, usually from a door left open or a gasket gap, or a failed fan motor

What you can try: Make sure doors are not blocked by overpacked shelves and that the gaskets seal all the way around.

Call a technician if: The problem persists. Repeated fan icing often points to a defrost problem.

22E / 22C

Fridge fan error

Common causes: Often a door left open too long, letting ice form around the fan

What you can try: Samsung suggests unplugging the fridge and leaving the doors open for a few hours, then plugging it back in. Move food to a cooler first.

Call a technician if: The code returns after the defrost.

88 88

Communication fault after power was disrupted during startup

Common causes: A power interruption

What you can try: Unplug the fridge or turn off its breaker for 60 seconds, then restore power.

Call a technician if: The code comes back.

83E / 85E / 86E

Compressor current or voltage errors (abnormal current, under voltage, over voltage)

Common causes: Power surges, brownouts or electrical problems

What you can try: Power off for 60 seconds at the plug or breaker, then restore power.

Call a technician if: The code returns. Compressor problems are sealed-system work for a technician.

85C (Family Hub)

Low voltage detected

Common causes: Often a brief outage

What you can try: Press and hold OK for three seconds to clear it. Samsung calls it harmless.

Call a technician if: It keeps appearing.

PC ER / PC CH

Communication error between components

Common causes: A power surge, or door wiring not properly connected

What you can try: Samsung lists a power-off and reconnecting the harness above the door. If you are not comfortable with that, leave it for a technician.

Call a technician if: The code returns after power is restored.

Fridge defrost sensor error

Common causes: A failed sensor or defrost circuit problem

What you can try: No homeowner fix listed. Watch for frost on the back wall.

Call a technician if: Right away, especially if cooling is dropping.

8E / 14E

Ice maker sensor error

Common causes: A failed ice maker sensor

What you can try: Check that the ice bucket is seated properly.

Call a technician if: Ice production stops or the code persists.

33E

Ice pipe heater error

Common causes: A heater fault in the ice maker fill area

What you can try: No homeowner fix listed.

Call a technician if: When it appears, before the fill tube freezes solid.

39E / 39C

Ice maker function error

Common causes: An ice maker fault or jam

What you can try: Remove and reseat the ice bucket and clear any ice clumps.

Call a technician if: The ice maker stays stopped.

40E / 40C

Ice room fan error

Common causes: A frozen or failed ice compartment fan

What you can try: Check the ice compartment door closes fully.

Call a technician if: The code continues.

84C

Compressor lock

Common causes: A compressor that cannot start

What you can try: No homeowner fix. Keep the doors shut to hold temperature.

Call a technician if: Right away. This is sealed-system work.

Ice Off blinking

Ice bucket missing or not inserted correctly

Common causes: Bucket out of position

What you can try: Push the ice bucket fully into place.

Call a technician if: The bucket is seated and the light still blinks.

How to clear the code

How to exit Cooling Off (demo) mode on many Samsung models:

Find the control panel on the outside front of the fridge, usually on the left.
Press and hold the top two buttons on the left side together for five to eight seconds, until a chime sounds.
On some newer models, the top button on the right side is also part of the combination. Try the two-button method first.
Wait a moment and confirm the display does not go back to OF OF. Repeat if it does.

For other codes, Samsung prefers that you leave the code in place for diagnosis. The exceptions are the power codes (88 88, 83E, 85E, 86E), where Samsung's own step is a 60-second power-off.

Codes that need a technician soon

Fan codes that keep returning, the 5E defrost sensor code and the 84C compressor lock all affect how cold the fridge stays. Keep the doors closed, move high-risk food such as dairy and meat to a cooler, and check the temperature with a thermometer if you have one.

Compressor, refrigerant and sealed-system repairs are never DIY jobs. Our compressor and sealed system repair page explains that work. If the fridge is warm with no code at all, see our guide on a Samsung refrigerator not cooling.

Samsung refrigerator repair in Metro Atlanta

Mr. Fixer repairs Samsung French door, side-by-side, Family Hub and bottom-freezer refrigerators across Metro Atlanta, including built-in ice makers. See our refrigerator repair and Samsung appliance repair pages. Call (678) 866-3669 or book online.

Code still showing?

Our technicians repair Samsung refrigerators across Metro Atlanta, usually the same day. Diagnostic from $80, credited toward your repair.

Call (678) 866-3669

FAQs

Why does my Samsung fridge say OF OF?

OF OF means Cooling Off mode, also called demo or shop mode, is on. The lights and display work but the fridge does not cool. On many models, holding the top two left-side buttons for five to eight seconds turns it off.

Should I unplug my Samsung refrigerator to clear an error code?

Samsung advises against it unless a technician or support agent asks, because clearing the code can make diagnosis harder. Power codes such as 88 88 are the exception: Samsung recommends a 60-second power-off for those.

What causes 22E on a Samsung refrigerator?

22E is a fridge fan error, often caused by ice forming around the fan after a door was left open. A few hours of defrosting can clear it. If it keeps returning, the defrost system needs to be checked.

Codes and meanings vary by model and model year. Check your owner's manual for your exact model.

Samsung Refrigerator Error Codes: What They Mean and How to Fix Them