Your refrigerator is arguably one of the most important appliances in your home – after all, it keeps your food from spoiling, saving you from many trips to the grocery store. However, refrigerators are not indestructible. They suffer from daily wear-and-tear just like other home appliances. While some problems are more serious than others, many can be solved by a quick fix without the help of a refrigerator repair technician. However, before you can fix the problem, it is important that you pinpoint its source.
Pay attention to the symptoms exhibited by your refrigerator in order to find the source of the problem. Then refer to our guide below on quick fixes that don’t require you to call a professional or purchase a new fridge entirely. It may just be a case of simply unplugging and re-plugging or purchasing some replacement parts.
Water Leaking on the Floor
Not only is this problem dangerous to people who are walking around your kitchen, but it is also a little bit tricky to solve as it can be caused by a couple of things. Luckily, the two most common causes have a quick and easy fix that usually don’t require the help of a professional.
One cause of water leaking onto the floor is a blocked de-frost drain. The defrost drain is typically located on the back wall of the freezer, right above the slope from the floor to the back. A buildup in food particles or debris can clog the drain hose, leading to ice buildup and water leaking out of the freezer and fridge. To fix this, try draining the hole from the inside using warm water. Use a long, slender instrument such as a pipe cleaner or turkey baster to remove the clog.
If this doesn’t get the job done, you might have to manually remove the buildup that is clogging the valve at the end of the drain hose. Locate the defrost drain hose in the back of the service panel by pulling your fridge away from the wall. This hose should have a rubber valve that helps catch debris and prevent clogging. Wash the valve with hot water and soap then reinstall.
A clogged or frozen water supply can also cause water to leak on the floor and puddle under your fridge. This can also prevent the icemaker and water dispense from working properly. In order to fix this, unplug the refrigerator and locate the shut-off valve. This could be located underneath your sink, behind the fridge, or below the fridge in a basement or crawl space. Once you locate it, make sure the shut-off valve is closed and check for any problems in the plastic supply line. If it is broken or torn, you need to replace the water supply line.
If your water line is damaged, you can still use your refrigerator to keep your food cold, you just won’t be able to use the ice or water dispenser.
Freezer Isn’t Cold Enough
Is your perishable food spoiling quickly or are you just noticing that your freezer isn’t as frosty as it should be? This is a common problem that is usually an easy fix. If you notice this problem in your freezer unit, check if the back wall of the freezer is cold.
If it is cold, check if you can hear the evaporator fan running or if you can feel air flowing from the freezer vents. If you can’t then it is most likely a problem concerning the freezer evaporator fan. If you can feel the air flowing and hear the fan running, you should check on the refrigerator’s compressor. Clean any dust that could be preventing air from moving across the coils. These are condenser coils that release heat from inside the fridge into the room. If your condenser coils are clean, it may be time to invest in that spiffy French door refrigerator you’ve had your eye on.
Unit is cycling too often
Nobody likes a noisy fridge. Not only is it inconvenient because of the constant noise, but it can also cause your energy bill to run high, taking quite the toll on your wallet. There are a few things that can cause your fridge unit to cycle too often – one being a buildup of debris or dust around the condenser coils.
To fix this, you want to begin by unplugging your fridge. The condenser coils are usually located on the very bottom of your fridge and can be accessed from the front or the back. To find the condenser coils, first locate the “grill” and remove it by popping out the snaps that hold it in place. After doing this, use a small vacuum to remove the buildup of dust or debris around the condenser coils. You may even need to use a cloth to remove any buildup in those hard-to-access places. Once all of the debris and dust is removed, put the grill back on and plug the refrigerator back in. Problem solved!
Another common cause of your refrigerator unit cycling too often is setting the temperature too low. Not only will this cause some of your food to spoil, but it also results in the refrigerator working overtime. A good rule of thumb is to set your fridge temperature at or below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Make sure that you are checking the thermostat on your refrigerator from time to time to ensure that it is running at the correct temperature. If this doesn’t resolve the problem, it may be time to call in a repair technician as it might be the case of a defective part such as a condenser fan motor or thermostat sensor.
Fresh Food Compartment Is Warming Up
Before we can discuss the solution to this problem, it is important to understand the connection between your refrigerator and your freezer unit. Typically, the cold air generated by refrigerators comes from the freezer unit, which then flows into the fresh food section of your fridge. Therefore, if your fresh food compartment is warming up, it is most likely because you have an airflow problem.
Your freezer contains an evaporator fan that is responsible for moving the cold air from the freezer into the fresh food compartment in the fridge. This air moves through a diffuser, which is located in the back of the fresh food section of your fridge. If you can hear the evaporator fan running or can feel air blowing from the freezer vents and are still facing an issue, your diffuser duct may be clogged with ice. This is preventing air from passing through and is oftentimes caused by the door being left open for a long period of time.
However, if you can’t hear the evaporator fan running or hear an uncommon humming noise, you most likely need to invest in a new motor for your evaporator fan.
Sheet of Ice on the Freezer Floor
If you notice that there is a sheet of ice on the floor of your freezer or any water dripping into the fridge every once in awhile, it is probably an issue of a blocked defrost drain. This is usually a quick and easy fix. Simply store your food somewhere else for the time being, unplug the fridge, and allow it to defrost. This should usually resolve the issue.
However, if you want to be extra thorough, carefully remove the back wall of the freezer compartment before you plug the unit back in. Check for and remove any food or particles that are clogging the small hole at the base of the evaporator coils. If the problem remains, consider adding a drain heater to help the defrost process.
Buildup of Frost in the Ice Dispenser
This is a very common problem and a relatively simple fix! In order for ice to fall from your ice dispenser, it needs to be able to open and close. This “door” that opens and closes allowing ice to fall is called a damper door. Your damper door is lined with a special material that seals against the ice shoot and create an airtight seal. If this material on the door gets malformed or dirty, it might not be able to seal tightly, allowing moist air to enter into the freezer compartment. When this air cools down, it turns into frost causing airflow issues and cooling problems. Therefore, if you encounter this problem, simply inspect the damper door for anything that may be causing air to leak through. It may be a case of simply cleaning up the dirt or you may need to buy a replacement part.
Ice Maker is overflowing
This is a relatively common problem with a variety of potential causes. The primary problem usually is the water inlet valve. If the water pressure in this valve is too low, it may not fully close when the power is shut off. This will result in the valve leaking water into the icemaker, causing the ice maker to overflow. To resolve this issue, ensure that the water pressure is at least 20 psi. If you check and the water pressure is appropriate, you may have a defective water inlet valve. It may not be shutting off completely or may be stuck open causing water to leak through the valve. Therefore, if the ice maker is still overflowing at a sufficient water pressure, consider replacing the water inlet valve.
Refrigerator is Freezing Food
If you notice that your refrigerator is freezing your food, it is most likely a problem with the temperature control thermostat. This thermostat controls the voltage to the compressor and evaporator fan motor; therefore, if it isn’t working correctly, it might cause the refrigerator system to run longer than necessary, causing the unit to be too cold.
Determine if the thermostat is faulty by rotating it from the lowest setting to the highest setting, listening for a click. If you hear a click, rest assured that it is likely not defective. However, if you don’t hear a click, use a multi-meter to test the thermostat for continuity. If it doesn’t have continuity at any setting, replace the thermostat.
Water Dispenser Not Working
There are three possible sources that may stop your water dispenser from working.
The first, and most common reason is that your water tube in the door is frozen. To determine if this is the source of the problem, disconnect the tube at the bottom of the door and blow air through it. If the air doesn’t pass through, it is a telltale sign that your water supply tube is frozen. To fix this, simply thaw it out. To prevent this from happening again, make sure to periodically check that your freezer is set at the proper temperature. It should be set somewhere between 0 to 10 degrees Fahrenheit. If it is any lower than this, the water line could freeze.
Another possible cause for this issue is a faulty water inlet valve. This valve opens the water supply to the dispenser; therefore, if the valve is defective or if the water pressure is too low, the water valve won’t open. Before jumping to conclusions and buying a replacement part, check if the water pressure to the valve is at least 20 psi.
If your home has insufficient water pressure, it may result in your water dispenser not working. Because the water inlet valve requires a minimum of 20 psi to function properly, this may be the cause of your problem. Check the water flow from your house supply to determine if the water pressure is at least 20 psi.
Your fridge is one of the most important appliances in your home. Knowing what symptoms to look out for and understanding how to fix them can be save you a lot of time and money. If you encounter any of these problems and are unable to fix them, call a repair technician for assistance. If they tell you that it might be time to invest in a new refrigerator, we hope you turn to Best Appliance Repairs. We carry a wide selection of side-by-side refrigerators, French door refrigerators, stainless steel refrigerators, and counter-depth refrigerators at affordable prices.
WHIRLPOOL FRIDGE ERROR CODES
E0 — Ice maker fault (if fitted)
Issue: The ice maker in my appliance is not working correctly.
E1 — Refrigerator sensor fault
E2 — Freezer sensor fault
Issue: The compartment temperature in my freezer is incorrect.
E3 — Defrost sensor fault
Issue: The compartment temperature in my fridge is incorrect.
E4 — Fridge defrost sensor fault
Issue: The compartment temperature in my fridge is incorrect.
E5 — Freezer defrost sensor fault
Issue: The compartment temperature in my freezer is incorrect.
E6 — Main control-board and display board fault
Issue: The display or controls on my appliance are not operating correctly.
E7 — Environmental temperature sensor fault
Issue: A number of things affecting the temperature in your appliance could be happening if you see this error code displayed.
E8 — Environmental temperature sensor fault
Issue: A number of things affecting the temperature in your appliance could be happening if you see this error code displayed.
E9 — Freezer high temperature alarm
Issue: The freezer door may have been left open which has resulted in the food in freezer defrosting.
Advice: Please check to see if your door is closed properly.
EE — EE — Ice maker circuit fault (if fitted)
Issue: The ice maker in my appliance is not working correctly.
SAMSUNG FRIDGE ERROR CODES
On the Family Hub panel, navigate to Apps, and then tap Fridge Manager. Tap Fridge Settings, and then tap Self Check. When you’re ready, tap Start. The list of error codes will display.
AP
Access Point
The refrigerator will display AP when it is acting as an access point. This is so that the fridge can be set up for Wi-Fi features such as SmartThings. You usually make this code appear by pressing and holding the button indicated during SmartThings setup.
This code will go away once setup is complete or after some time, if setup does not complete.
21E
Freezer Fan Error
This means the electronics are not sensing rotational feedback from the fan when it’s supposed to be turning.
This usually means the fan is frozen up, which can be caused by the door being left open or if there is a gap in the door gasket when it’s supposed to be closed. It could also be fan motor failure.
If you wish to defrost the unit, you can, otherwise visit our Support Center to request service.
In addition to defrosting, make sure the unit is not packed so full that it prevents the doors from closing completely. Check that the door gaskets make a full contact connection all the way around the door.
22E, 22C
Fridge Fan Error
This can potentially be caused by running the refrigerator with the door left open too long.
If this occurs, unplug the refrigerator and leave the doors open for a few hours, then plug the fridge back in and close the doors and resume normal operation. If the error returns, visit our Support Center to request service.
41 or 42 and interior blue lights flashing
Reboot the Family Hub using the power switch on the inside at the top of the right door. If the issue continues, visit our Support Center to request service.
41C
These steps only apply to 3-Door French Door Family Hub models.
Confirm the latest software update has been downloaded and installed.
The first time the error occurs after the update, tap OK.
If the error occurs more than once after the update, visit our Support Center to request service.
76C or blinking Autofill indicator
Water is detected in the Autofill compartment.
85C
This error code that appears on Family Hub is triggered by low voltage detected on the power source. This could be caused by a brief power outage. It is harmless, and can be cleared by pressing OK for 3 seconds.
88 88, 83E, 85E, or 86E
Voltage or Power Error
These errors can occur if there is a power surge or other electrical anomaly, such as a brown out, which could potentially cause a communication fault.
Unplug the refrigerator or turn off power at the circuit breaker for 60 seconds, and then turn it back on.
If the code returns, visit our Support Center to request service.
83E: Compressor Abnormal Current Detection Error
Abnormal current to the compressor is detected.
A power surge or other electrical anomaly may have occurred.
85E: Compressor Under Voltage Error
A brown out condition may have occurred.
86E: Compressor Over Voltage Error
A power surge may have occurred, such as during a thunderstorm.
88 88: Communication Fault
This error can occur if power is disrupted during bootup.
PC ER, PC CH
Communication Error
This is a communication error between components in the refrigerator, and can occur if there was a recent power surge or if the doors are not properly connected.
Unplug the refrigerator or turn off power at the circuit breaker, disconnect and reconnect the wire harness above the door, and then restore power to the fridge.
If the code returns, visit our Support Center to request service.
OF OF or O FF
Cooling Off Mode
If the display is showing OF OF, O FF, OFF OFF, or scrolling temperature bars, the refrigerator is in Cooling Off Mode, sometimes called Demo mode or Shop mode. Service is not required.
The steps to turn this mode off are specific to each model and can be found in your user manual, however the most common method is for control panels on the outside front of the refrigerator, on the left side.
Locate the top two buttons on the left side of the panel. On newer models, the top button on the right side of the panel is also necessary. However, we recommend trying it with only 2 buttons first as you’re less likely to be in Cooling Off Mode accidentally on models which require 3 buttons.
Simultaneously touch and hold these buttons for 5-8 seconds, until a chime sounds. This chime will sound different than when a single button is touched.
Wait a few moments to confirm that the display does not return to Cooling Off Mode status again. If it does, repeat these steps until you’re successful.
All icons are flashing after being plugged in or a power outage
This is normal. The fridge is running a self diagnostic.
Ice Off blinking
This means that the ice bucket is not inserted correctly or is not inserted at all.
Any other codes
If any other error code displays, visit our Support Center to request service.
Here are some of the more commonly received error codes and their meanings. This is not a complete list:
5E: Fridge Defrost Sensor Error
8E: Ice Maker (Freezer) Sensor Error
14E: Ice Maker Sensor Error
33E: Ice Pipe Heater Error
39E, 39C: Ice Maker Function Error
40E, 40C: Ice Room Fan Error
84C: Compressor Lock
LG Refrigerator Error Code meanings
There are many error codes, each of which corresponds to a specific item. While they may vary from one model to another, the main codes are the following:
Er FS: Freezer sensor error
Er rS: Refrigerator sensor error
F dS: Problem with the freezer defrost sensor
r dS: Problem with the refrigerator defrost sensor
Er HS: Problem with the humidity sensor
Er IS: Problem with the ice maker sensor
Er SS: Pantry sensor open or shorted
Er rt: Room temperature sensor error
Er It: System error in ice maker
Er gF: Flow sensor error
F dH: Sensor did not exceed 40° F while defrosting
r dH: Sensor did not exceed 40° F
Er IF: Ice maker fan problem
Er FF: Freezer fan problem
Er CF: Condenser fan error
Er CO: Communication error
PANASONIC REFRIGERATOR ERROR CODES
The below are the judgment and inspection of common failures.
Failure codes [ F3 ], [ F4 ], [ F5 ], [ F6 ], [ F7 ], [ F8 ]
Possible cause – Temperature sensor of the ceramic plate failure. Contact a qualified technician or service center for assistance.
Failure codes [ F9 ], [ FA ], [ Fb ], [ Fc ], [ Fd ], [ FE ]
Possible cause – Temperature sensor of the IGBT failure. Contact a qualified technician or service center for assistance.
Error codes [ E1 ], [ E2 ]
Possible cause – Abnormal supply voltage. – Inspect whether power supply is normal. Switch the power on if the power supply is normal.
Error codes [ E3 ], [ E4 ]
Possible cause – High Temperature of ceramic plate.
Wait for temperature to return to normal. Touch the OFF/ON controlnull to restart the unit.
Error codes [ E5 ], [ E6 ]
Possible cause – Bad Induction Cooktop heat radiation.
Wait for temperature to return to normal.
Touch the OFF/ON controlnull to restart the unit.
Contact a qualified technician or service center for assistance.