Samsung RL3928B has power, but not working – any advice

Having trawled previous threads on this forum I haven’t seen the problem discussed that my F/F has so I’m posting in the optimistic hope that someone will be able to diagnose / give some advice. Unlike others I’m not a qualified electrical engineer, but I do have (i think) a modicum of common sense and fixing ability!!!

The F/F is about 4 yrs old (I got it a few months ago from a relative) – ser no 4244 41AT600144T.

The basic problem is there is power to the F/F as the display lights up (flashing -19), all the buttons do something, the alarm works, but it is not cooling – definitely no compressor working, no cold air, but the internal circ fans are working.

I suspect that when the fault on the F/F occured it tripped out the circuit at the distribution board – I say this as I discovered the trip on Fri 22nd when I had no heating as the F/F is on the same circuit, but I’ve never had this one trip out. On restoring power the lights on the F/F flashed indicating there was power, but compartments at the wrong temp. I was then away for a while and I didn’t discover there was anything wrong until I found the Freezer had completely defrosted 48 hrs later on Xmas eve – Humbug indeed. Luckily I was able to put most of the previously frozen food in my trusty beer fridge which was unseasonably empty!!!!

I’ve tried leaving it off for 48 hrs to see if that works, and I’ve also had a look at most of the components to see if there’s any tell tale scorching of a defunct component – nothing obvious. The door switch appears to be working as there are relay noises when opening and shutting the door, but the light hasn’t been working for a few weeks so can’t use this for reliability.

The F/F had only been in my kitchen for about 6 weeks, having stood idle, but upright for about 4-6 weeks prior to that. Before that it had worked without a hitch for 3+ years elsewhere.

One other thing I did note was the occasional ‘farting’ type of noise described elsewhere on the forum, especially just after the door was shut, but the temps I’ve used were the std ones of +4oc and -19oc

I know that in any event I’m likely to need an engineer, unless it’s relatively straightforward for me to do, but I may have to question if it gets towards the £200 mark that I’ve seen quoted for a new compressor etc elsewhere.

Any advice or guidance greatly appreciated.

PS I have sent a form in on the repairs@ facility

Dennis