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Samsung Refrigerator Error Codes: Fan, Sensor and Power Codes

What Samsung refrigerator codes such as 22E, 21E, 5E, 33E, 84C and OF OF mean, the few you can clear yourself, and why Samsung says not to unplug for most.

By Appliance Error Codes editorial teamUpdated 3 min readHow we research

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A woman holding a glass pitcher at an open refrigerator

Samsung refrigerator22E

Samsung refrigerator codes point at a fan, a sensor, the ice maker or the power supply. A few have a home fix: 22E (a frozen fridge fan, cleared by a defrost), the power codes 83E, 85E and 86E (a 60-second power reset), and OF OF, which is Cooling Off mode. For the rest, Samsung says to request service without unplugging.

That last point is Samsung’s own rule, and it matters: unless the instructions for a code say to, do not unplug the refrigerator or press panel buttons to make a code disappear. The code is what the technician reads.

Samsung refrigerator codes

From Samsung’s US refrigerator code page. Samsung notes the list is not complete; if your code is not here, check the manual for your model.

Code What Samsung says What to do
21E Freezer fan, usually frozen up Check the door closes and the gasket seals; defrost or request service
22E, 22C Fridge fan Unplug, leave the doors open a few hours, plug back in; service if it returns
5E Fridge defrost sensor Request service
8E, 14E Ice maker sensor Request service
33E Ice pipe heater Request service
39E, 39C Ice maker function Request service
40E, 40C Ice room fan Request service
84C Compressor lock Request service
83E, 85E, 86E Compressor current, low voltage or voltage surge Power off 60 seconds at the plug or breaker; service if it returns
88 88 Communication fault after a power cut Power off 60 seconds; service if it returns
85C Low voltage after a brief outage Press OK for 3 seconds to clear
PC ER, PC CH Parts not communicating (surge or a loose door connection) Samsung’s harness reset; service if it returns
OF OF Cooling Off (Demo) mode, not a fault Exit the mode (below)

22E: the fridge fan

Samsung says 22E or 22C usually means the fridge fan has frozen. Its fix is a defrost: unplug the refrigerator, leave the doors open for a few hours, then plug it back in. Move food to a cooler first. If the code comes back, the fan or the defrost system needs a technician, and Samsung says to request service.

21E is the same idea for the freezer fan. Samsung lists a door left open, a gap in the door gasket, or a failed fan motor as causes.

OF OF: Cooling Off mode

If the display shows OF OF (or O FF, OFF OFF, or scrolling bars) and the fridge is warm, it is in Cooling Off mode, which Samsung also calls Demo or Shop mode and describes as a way to save energy during a long absence. Samsung says this mode switches off cooling in the fridge, freezer and ice maker, and that food left inside will spoil.

To exit on most models, hold the top two buttons on the left of the control panel together for 5 to 8 seconds until it chimes; some newer models also need a button on the right. Family Hub models switch it off in the Fridge Manager settings. Samsung’s Cooling Off page lists the steps for each style.

Samsung refrigerator power codes

83E, 85E, 86E and 88 88 relate to the power supply or a power cut. Samsung’s step is to switch the refrigerator off at the plug or breaker for 60 seconds, then back on. If the code returns, request service. Frequent power codes are worth mentioning to an electrician as well.

Safety

Refrigerator repairs that involve the compressor, the sealed cooling system or the defrost heater are technician jobs. Never puncture, cut or open refrigerant lines, and do not chip ice off a frozen fan or coil with a tool.

The water filter

Samsung recommends replacing the water filter every six months. To get the right one, read the model number on the filter you are replacing: Samsung names HAF-CIN, HAF-QIN and HAFCU1. Samsung’s advice is to avoid third-party filters, which it says may leak or damage the refrigerator, and to dispense several gallons of water after fitting a new one.

Samsung HAF-CIN refrigerator filters

Shop samsung HAF-CIN refrigerator filters

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For Samsung washer and dishwasher codes, see the Samsung hub.

Frequently asked questions

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

Not unless the code's instructions say so. Samsung asks owners not to unplug the refrigerator or press buttons to make a code go away, because that makes it harder for a technician to diagnose. The exceptions are the codes where Samsung's own step is a power reset, such as 22E and the power codes.

Why does my Samsung fridge say OF OF and it is not cold?

OF OF (or O FF, OFF OFF) is Cooling Off mode, also called Demo or Shop mode. Samsung says it switches off cooling in the fridge, freezer and ice maker, and food will spoil if it stays on. On most models, hold the top two buttons on the left of the panel for 5 to 8 seconds until it chimes.

How often should I change a Samsung refrigerator water filter?

Samsung recommends replacing it every six months. Check the model number on your existing filter (for example HAF-CIN, HAF-QIN or HAFCU1) and use a Samsung filter: Samsung says third-party filters may leak or damage the refrigerator.

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