Samsung refrigerator fan not working

Common reasons your Samsung refrigerator fan is not working

The most common reasons your Samsung refrigerator fan is not working are a defective electronic control board, damaged evaporator or a locked compressor.

67% of the time it's the
Electronic Control Board

12% of the time it's the
Evaporator

11% of the time it's the
Compressor

10% of the time it's the
Something else

Most common repairs needed to fix a Samsung refrigerator

Electronic Control Board Replacement

A defective electronic control board can lead to various failures in a refrigerator, including a lack of power or cooling and water leaking. This is because the board serves as the brain of the refrigerator, controlling crucial operations such as regulating internal temperatures, running fans, managing defrost cycles, overseeing the ice maker, and controlling dispenser functions. If the electronic control board malfunctions, it can disrupt communication between many different components, including automatic doors if equipped. A failing board may cause a chattering or clicking noise from the refrigerator and may emit a burning odor. Due to the potential impact on multiple components, it is advisable to have a Sears Home Services professional conduct diagnostic tests on the board to confirm if replacement is necessary.

How to replace the electronic control board in a refrigerator

Evaporator Replacement

A damaged refrigerator evaporator causes a decrease in overall cooling performance, leading to elevated temperatures in both the refrigerator and freezer compartments. These higher temperatures can result in food spoilage and less effective preservation of frozen items. Frost or ice buildup on the evaporator coils may hinder their ability to absorb heat efficiently. Excessive condensation inside the refrigerator can lead to leaks. Additionally, a damaged evaporator may cause unusual noises, such as hissing or gurgling sounds, during the refrigeration cycle.

Troubleshooting a refrigerator not cooling

Compressor Replacement

A locked refrigerator compressor can exhibit several symptoms indicative of a malfunction. The most noticeable sign is a lack of cooling in the refrigerator compartment, leading to elevated temperatures and the potential for food spoilage. The freezer may also fail to maintain the desired freezing temperatures, resulting in no ice production from the ice maker or dispenser. Additionally, you'll observe that the compressor is unusually silent or fails to produce its typical humming sound during operation. In some cases, the compressor may attempt to start but fail, resulting in repeated clicking noises. The inability of the compressor to circulate refrigerant properly can affect the defrosting process, leading to ice buildup in the freezer. Furthermore, a faulty compressor could send a sudden influx of melting frost to the drain line, causing it to back up, preventing adequate draining, and potentially causing water leaks.

Troubleshooting compressor problems in refrigerators

What to expect when you experience a Samsung refrigerator fan not working issue

How is the fan not working problem fixed?

Correcting most fan not working problems usually involves replacing the electronic control board, evaporator or compressor. However, there are many potential causes, so a thorough diagnosis is key to fixing the problem. An accurate diagnosis is essential to understanding how much the repair will be.

Sears Home Services recommendations for a refrigerator fan that is not working

When the refrigerator fan is not working it can be for many reasons. To avoid replacing unneeded parts we recommend having a Sears Home Services professional perform diagnostic tests to identify the root cause of the problem. Our technicians are experienced at diagnosing all types of refrigerator failures.

What to look out for with a refrigerator fan not working diagnosis

Diagnosing modern appliances without proper knowledge and training can be difficult. Without using proper diagnostic techniques, fixing your refrigerator problem will only be achieved through changing parts on a hunch. Appliances, especially in the last 10 years, have become extremely advanced, and many models have electronic parts that are difficult to test. DIY repairs on the latest appliance models are becoming increasingly difficult.

Samsung Refrigerator Fan Not Running

If the condenser fan in your Samsung refrigerator is not running, unplug the refrigerator and remove the machine compartment cover at the back of the refrigerator. Check the wire harness connection for the condenser fan. Plug the wire harness back in if it’s loose or disconnected. This may fix the fan problem.

If the evaporator fan in your Samsung refrigerator is not running, excessive frost at the bottom of the evaporator could be blocking the fan blades. Check for excessive frost in the freezer, especially on the back wall of the freezer which is also the evaporator cover. If you see excessive frost in the freezer, you may be able to free up blocked evaporator fan blades by manually defrosting the freezer. Follow these steps to melt excessive frost off the evaporator fins:

Safely store food from the fridge and the freezer in an ice chest or second refrigerator.
Empty the ice cube bin. You can save the ice cubes in a freezer or second refrigerator.
Turn off cooling in the refrigerator or disconnect electrical power by unplugging the power cord or shutting off the house circuit breaker for the fridge.
Open the freezer and refrigerator doors to let warm air flow through the cabinet and melt frost and ice off the evaporator fins.
Restore power to the refrigerator or turn on cooling after 4 hours. By then frost and ice should have melted from the evaporator.

Check to see if the evaporator fan runs after manually defrosting the evaporator. If it does, then the fan may continue working. Check for air leaks into the fridge. Check the door gaskets and the ice dispenser for air leaks and fix those leaks to prevent excessive frost from returning. If the frost returns and stops the evaporator fan again, schedule refrigerator repair service to have a repair technician examine and repair the problem.

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Glossary Terms

What is Refrigerant?

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.

What is R-12 Refrigerant?

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.

What is CFC Certification?

CFC certification refers to the credentialing process that qualifies HVAC technicians to handle chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and other refrigerants in a manner that complies with environmental regulations. It is essential for professionals who install, maintain, or repair HVAC systems and refrigeration equipment.

What is a Refrigerator Thermostat?

A refrigerator thermostat is a device within a refrigerator that regulates its temperature by turning the cooling system on and off based on the interior temperature compared to the set desired temperature.