Why is my Samsung Fridge not Cooling but the Freezer Works?
Many Samsung refrigerators have a twin cooling system that uses a separate evaporator and temperature sensor for the refrigerator and freezer sections. Although they share the same compressor, each section uses a separate evaporator fan and automatic defrost system.
Failures in the cooling system of the refrigerator often don’t cause cooling problems in the freezer section of twin cooling system Samsung fridges.
Learn about the common problems that can plague a Samsung refrigerator when the fridge isn’t cooling and freezer is okay.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Dual Cooling System: Samsung refrigerators with twin cooling systems use separate evaporators and temperature sensors for the fridge and freezer. A failure in the fridge’s cooling system may not affect the freezer.
- Common Causes of Cooling Issues: Common issues affecting the fridge’s cooling include a faulty door seal, temperature sensor, defrost system, evaporator fan, and wiring or control board problems.
- Make Repairs Quickly: Many cooling issues, such as frost buildup, malfunctioning fans, or control board failures, require professional diagnosis and repair. Schedule repair service quickly when you’re unable to find and fix the cause of the cooling problem yourself.
Common problems that can cooling issues in the fridge section include refrigerator door seal damage, temperature sensor problems, automatic defrost system failures and wiring or control problems.
Door Seal Problems
A loose or damaged refrigerator door seal will allow warm, moist air to enter the refrigerator section and inhibit cooling.
Carefully inspect the refrigerator door gasket (or gaskets on a French door model). Fix any loose spots and replace a door gasket if it’s damaged.
Here’s a video that shows how to replace the door seal on a French door refrigerator:
If you need to have a service technician replace the door gasket for you, schedule refrigerator repair and we’ll send a Sears Home Services tech to your home to install a new refrigerator door seal.
Faulty Refrigerator Temperature Sensor
The temperature sensor in the refrigerator section (also called a thermistor) senses the temperature and sends a signal to the electronic control board. The control board regulates refrigerator section temperature based on that temperature signal.
A faulty temperature sensor can prevent the fridge section from cooling properly.
You can test the thermistor using a multimeter to determine whether it’s working properly as shown in this video:
Replace the thermistor or have a service technician replace the thermistor if it’s faulty.
Refrigerator Section Defrost System Problems
Here’s a list of refrigerator section defrost system failures that can cause excessive frost to accumulate on the refrigerator evaporator:
- Bad defrost heater.
- Defective defrost thermistor.
- Failed defrost thermostat.
- Wiring failure.
- Electronic control board defect.
You’ll typically need to have a service technician diagnose and repair the automatic defrost system in the refrigerator when you see excessive frost buildup that’s inhibiting cooling.
Refrigerator Evaporator Fan Failure
The refrigerator section won’t cool properly if the evaporator fan stops working.
Ice can block the fan. A fan motor failure, wiring problem or defective electronic control board can also prevent the evaporator fan from running.
Check the evaporator fan and have a technician diagnose and repair the problem if the fan doesn’t run.
Wiring and Electronic Control Board Problems
Loose or damaged wires can prevent the refrigerator section from cooling. A damaged or defective electronic control board can also cause fridge cooling problems.
Unplug the refrigerator and remove the control board cover. Examine wire harness connections on the electronic control board and reattach any loose wires. Repair any pinched, damaged or broken wires.
Examine the electronic control board for burnt spots or melted components. Replace the electronic control board if you find visible damage.
Here’s a video that shows how to access and replace a refrigerator control board:
If you’re uncertain whether the control board is bad or you need to have a technician replace the control board for you, schedule appliance repair service.
Take action quickly when you notice refrigerator cooling problems to keep your appliance working safely and efficiently.
Frequently Asked Questions
Schedule your refrigerator repair now!
Backed by years of experience, our technicians possess the skills necessary to fix your refrigerator. And because our techs our local, they can fix it for you fast.
Was this information helpful?
Repair Refrigerator Resources
Find out why the fridge is not cool but the freezer is and learn how to troubleshoot the common problems that cause this failure.
Find out what to do when the freezer is not freezing but the fridge works fine. Fix the problem fast with our expert DIY troubleshooting tips.
Find out why Whirlpool fridge is not cooling but the freezer works and learn how to troubleshoot the common problems that cause this failure.
Find out how much it costs to repair a refrigerator and how you can manage repair costs with Sears Home Services.
Glossary Terms
A dual ice maker is a feature in some refrigerators that includes two separate ice makers: one in the fridge compartment and another in the freezer section. This setup doubles the appliance's ice-making capacity.
A French-door refrigerator features two doors that open side-by-side on the top section for the refrigerator compartment, with a bottom freezer drawer, combining style, efficiency, and easy access to both refrigerated and frozen goods.
Refrigerant is a chemical compound used in HVAC systems and refrigerators to absorb heat from the environment by cycling through states of evaporation and condensation, enabling the cooling process through its cycle of evaporation and condensation.
R-12 refrigerant, also known as Freon-12, is a chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) compound that was once widely used in air conditioning systems, refrigerators, and aerosol propellants before its phase-out due to environmental concerns.
Common Repair Refrigerator Symptoms
The most common reasons your Kenmore Elite refrigerator stopped working are a locked compressor, damaged evaporator or a defective electronic control board.
The most common reasons your Maytag refrigerator stopped working are a locked compressor, damaged evaporator or a defective electronic control board.
The most common reasons your Kenmore refrigerator is noisy are a faulty ice maker assembly, defective electronic control board or a locked compressor.
The most common reasons your Kenmore refrigerator fan is not working are a defective electronic control board, damaged evaporator or a locked compressor.
The most common reasons your Whirlpool refrigerator fan is not working are a defective electronic control board, damaged evaporator or a locked compressor.
The most common reasons your Whirlpool refrigerator is not making ice but the water works are a faulty icemaker assembly, a defective water valve, or a malfunctioning PCB.