Why is Your Samsung Fridge Not Cooling? Troubleshooting Guide for Common Problems

Many people face the issue that the Samsung fridge is not cooling, but the freezer is working properly. This problem is frustrating, where the refrigerator compartment fails to maintain cold temperatures, putting food at risk of spoiling and causing needless worry for many households. Fortunately, you may avoid spending time, money, or possibly calling a repair technician by being aware of the various causes and knowing how to troubleshoot them.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through why your Samsung refrigerator is not cooling or freezing, how to troubleshoot the problem step by step, and what solutions might work depending on your specific model and symptoms.

Common Scenarios: Why Your Samsung Fridge Is Not Cooling

Before diving into the solutions, it’s important to identify the specific symptoms. Here are some common situations:

• Samsung fridge not cooling, but freezer works
• Samsung fridge not cooling, but light is on
• Samsung double door fridge not cooling the lower part
• Fridge not cooling after a power outage or reset

Each situation may have different root causes, and this guide addresses them all.

1. Check the Temperature Settings

Incorrect temperature settings are one of the common causes.

✅ Solution:

• The fridge should be set to 37°F (3°C) and the freezer to 0°F (-18°C) for optimal performance.
• Press the Fridge and Freezer buttons on the control panel to check or change the settings.
• If temperatures are correct but the cooling isn’t effective, move on to the next steps.

2. Reset the Samsung Fridge Temperature

Sometimes, due to a software glitch in the panel, a quick reset can fix a cooling problem

✅ How to Reset Samsung Fridge Temperature:

1. Wait 5–10 minutes by unplugging the refrigerator or switching off the circuit breaker.
2. Plug it back in or turn the power back on.
3. Set the correct temperature and wait several hours to see if cooling resumes.

If the fridge starts cooling again, the issue may have been a minor electronic hiccup.

3. Inspect the Evaporator Coils for Frost Buildup

In many cases, frosted-over evaporator coils are the cause of a refrigerator that doesn’t cool but still functions. The refrigerator compartment’s air circulation may be blocked by this frost.

✅ Fix it yourself:

• Unplug and empty the freezer and refrigerator.
• To fully defrost, leave the doors open for 24 to 48 hours.
• Check to see whether the refrigerator begins cooling again after re-plugging it.

This is a short-term solution. The defrost system (defrost heater, timer, or thermostat) may need to be inspected or replaced if the frost reappears.

4. Test the Evaporator Fan Motor

The evaporator fan helps cold air move from the freezer into the refrigerator. If your refrigerator is not chilling, yet the light is on and the freezer remains cold, if the fan is broken.

✅ How to Verify:

• Keep an ear out for any fan or humming sounds coming from the freezer.
• Not a sound? Perhaps the fan isn’t operating.
• Press the door switch, open the freezer door, and see if the fan turns on.

The fan probably has to be changed if it isn’t working.

5. Clean the Condenser Coils

Dirty condenser coils can cause poor cooling performance. These coils are usually located at the back or underneath the fridge and help release heat.

✅ How to Clean:

• Unplug the fridge.
• Use a vacuum or coil cleaning brush to remove dust and debris.
• Clean every 6–12 months to maintain efficiency.

6. Inspect the Air Vents

The proper circulation of cold air can be prevented by blocked vents between the freezer and refrigerator compartments.

✅ What to Do:

• Ensure vents are not blocked by food containers or ice buildup.
• Rearrange contents to allow proper airflow.

7. Reset the Samsung Refrigerator Control Panel

A frozen or unresponsive control panel may prevent the fridge from regulating temperature correctly.

✅ Samsung Refrigerator Reset Control Panel:

• Press and hold the Power Freeze and Power Cool buttons simultaneously for about 10 seconds until you hear a chime or see lights blink.
• This will reset the main control board.

8. Check for Faulty Door Seals

If the double door fridge is not cooling the lower part, a worn-out door seal may be allowing warm air in, preventing proper cooling.

✅ Check & Fix:

• Close the door on a thin piece of paper. If it slides out easily, the seal may be faulty.
• Clean the seals with warm soapy water.
• If damaged, replace the gasket to restore the airtight seal.

9. Test the Thermistor (Temperature Sensor)

The control board receives temperature data from the thermistor. The refrigerator may not cool down properly if it doesn’t work.

Advanced DIY or Professional Help Required:

• Use a multimeter to test resistance levels.
• If faulty, replace the thermistor. Consider calling a professional if unsure.

If the thermistor is defective, replace it. If not sure, contact a professional appliance repair expert.

10. When to Call a Professional

If none of the above steps work, or if you notice any of the following:

• Strange clicking or buzzing sounds
• Error codes on the display
• Compressor not running at all

It’s time to call a certified appliance technician. Especially when the Samsung refrigerator is not cooling or freezing, the issue could be compressor failure or a control board malfunction, which require professional diagnosis and repair.

If basic troubleshooting hasn’t fixed your Samsung refrigerator, it’s time to call a certified appliance technician. If your Samsung refrigerator isn’t cooling or freezing, it could be a compressor failure, a sealed system leak, or a control board malfunction. These problems are complicated and often require specialized tools and training to diagnose accurately; trying to fix them without the right expertise can lead to further damage or even safety hazards.

If basic troubleshooting hasn’t resolved the problem, don’t hesitate to schedule a Samsung refrigerator repair service with a qualified professional.

Safety Precautions When Troubleshooting

• Always unplug the refrigerator before inspecting or repairing.
• Wear gloves when handling internal components.
• Avoid poking or defrosting coils with sharp objects.
• If uncertain, err on the side of caution and call a professional.