Samsung American Fridge/Freezer (RSH1DBRS) Freezer Cooling Issue

[emohawk11]

Hello,

Looking for some help please. The freezer temperature is -6 but the display is -23. Things I’ve tried so far are:

1) Powering off for a few minutes then switching on again. The freezer temperature display then shows the correct temperature. The display temperature then reaches -23 after some hours but it’s still only -6 inside (measured using an internal thermometer)
2) Cleaning the vents and condensing coils of dust build up, checking the fan between the coils and compressor comes on, and the compresser is warm and buzzing.
3) Moving food away from any of the inside vents

I’m not sure what to check next or what might be the issue ? We had the repair technician out when the ice maker stopped dropping ice into the ice bucket. He said it was the ice maker machine. I wasn’t sure if that was the case because it’s making ice and the test button drops the ice successfully each time. I think it’s becuase the inside isn’t cold enough to drop.

[emohawk11]

Please can anyone help ? Do I need to replace a temperature sensor inside the freezer compartment perhaps ? I’ve not yet replaced because no fault codes are showing on the front display.

[electrofix]

could be a sensor
the software in the unit is designed to give fault codes if the sensors are showing extreme information but if its within a range it will just assume they are correct
the problem with the complete lack of tech on Samsung products is we cant measure the sensor to see if its within spec

As far as i am aware (and i dont fix fridges) there are only 2 possible faults that spring to mind 1) a faulty sensor 2) a faulty board

its one of those times where you have to try change the sensor and see if it changes things

or call a professional

Dave

[emohawk11]

Thank you Dave, I’ll take a look for the sensor in the freezer compartment. Any clues as to where it’s located ?

The preffessional already visited and said a new ice maker was needed and had not spotted the freezer was running warm. Neither had we till the ice cream was soft.

[SAMURI]

It’s a good chance it has built up ice and not fully defrosted.
Try and get someone to look after your food and turn it off at the mains and leave both doors open for 48hours.
When you turn it back on it should get back to normal after a couple of hours.
If the problem returns after a few weeks then a problem with the defrost system or the insulation behind the rear cover in the freezer compartment.

[emohawk11]

That’s very helpful thank you! I’ll give that a go when we’re on holiday and write back with how things went.

[SAMURI]

There was a modification kit made to fit the rear panel it included a new sensor and plastic adapters to alter air flow but made little difference.
it was a common fault on this model that ice could build up.
The insulation on the bottom rear panel in the freezer generally last about five years, The polystyrene insulation fails and retains a lot of moisture so it does not defrost fully and ice builds up.
The ice build up can also stop the fan in the panel working.
Once it has been defrosted it should return to normal for quite awhile.

[emohawk11]

I should have said there’s no issue cooling the fridge compartment . The sensor, evaporator cover, heating element were all replaced within the last year within the fridge. The issue is with the freezer compartment.

[SAMURI]

It could still be a problem with ice in the freezer compartment.
Check the freezer fan is working and if you can see any signs of ice in the vents in the freezer.
you can also check to see if the compressor is running hot as it could be a refrigerant problem if the compressor is hot.

[emohawk11]

Thanks for the reply. We’ll be trying out all of these suggestions and I’ll let you know how it goes.

[emohawk11]

An update; Switched off the fridge/freezer for a few days to let everything defrost and found the freezer remains warm after it was powered back on for a day. I checked the freezer fan which is spinning fine, and also went to have a second go at thoroughly cleaning the condensing coils near the compressor.

What should I check next ? or is it a case of replacing for new ?

The freezer after a few hours running displays -22, but an internal thermometer shows +2 inside. The fridge continues to cool OK and is at +4.

[electrofix]

you either replace the sensor and see what happens or call a professional

Dave

[emohawk11]

Hi Dave, I’m happy to replace the sensor before calling out a professional again. Presumably you do not mean the defrost sensor located behind the evaporator cover, so where is the temperature sensor located in the freezer compartment ?

[electrofix]

now thats where my knowlege ends and samsung info is hard to get.

maybe one of the refrigeration boys may know

Dave

[emohawk11]

No worries Dave, appreciate your help so far. Hoping someone comes to my rescue 🙂

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