Common Defrost Issues in Samsung Refrigerators: Causes, Diagnosis, and Repair

Samsung refrigerators use an automatic defrost system to prevent ice buildup. However, if any component fails, you may experience issues such as:

Ice Buildup in the Evaporator Coils
This occurs when the defrost heater stops working, preventing the ice from melting.
Symptoms: The fridge section gets warm while the freezer stays cold.

Water Leaking Inside the Fridge
A clogged defrost drain can cause melted ice to overflow into the refrigerator compartment.
Symptoms: Water pooling under the crisper drawers or on the fridge floor.

Refrigerator Not Cooling Properly
If the defrost thermostat or defrost sensor fails, the fridge won’t regulate temperature correctly.
Symptoms: Food is not staying cold, and frost accumulates in the back panel.

Loud Fan Noise or Grinding Sound
A frozen evaporator fan due to defrost failure can cause unusual noises.
Symptoms: The fan makes loud buzzing or clicking sounds, or airflow is blocked.

How to Diagnose a Samsung Refrigerator Defrost Issue

If your Samsung refrigerator is experiencing any of the above problems, here’s how to troubleshoot the issue:

-Check for Ice Buildup – Remove the back panel inside the freezer. If the coils are completely covered in ice, the defrost system is failing.
-Test the Defrost Heater – Use a multimeter to check if the heater has continuity. If not, it may need replacement.
-Inspect the Defrost Thermostat & Sensor – A faulty sensor will prevent defrost cycles from activating.
-Unclog the Defrost Drain – Pour hot water down the drain to clear ice blockages and prevent leaks.
-Manually Activate the Defrost Mode – Samsung refrigerators have a manual defrost mode that can temporarily resolve the issue.

How to Fix a Defrost Problem in a Samsung Refrigerator

Depending on the issue, the following repairs may be needed:

-Replace the Defrost Heater – If the heater is burned out, it needs to be replaced to restore proper defrost function.
-Change the Defrost Thermostat or Sensor – A faulty thermostat prevents the refrigerator from entering defrost mode.
-Unclog the Drain Tube – Use hot water or a small wire to remove blockages in the defrost drain.
-Update the Control Board (PCB) – In some models, a software glitch or faulty PCB may cause defrost failures.