How do I fix error code FREEZER_DEFROST_ERROR on a Samsung refrigerators?

1. undefined: Enter test mode and select Fd (forced defrost) 2. undefined: Disconnect CN31 from PCB and measure resistance between CN31-3 and CN31-4 3. undefined: Expected heater resistance: 63 ohm ±7% (115V model) or 230 ohm ±7% (230V model) 4. undefined: 0Ω = heater short; ∞Ω = open heater, open bimetal, or open fuse 5. undefined: Check bimetal protector continuity separately 6. undefined: Check thermal fuse continuity (109~110°C rated) 7. undefined: Verify defrost sensor temperature is below 53.6°F (12°C) before defrost will run 8. undefined: Verify relay on Main PCB closes during defrost by measuring AC voltage at CN70-5 to CN71_1-5

Samsung Refrigerators2017–present

Error Code FREEZER_DEFROST_ERROR

Freezer defrost heater circuit is broken and frost cannot be melted

Critical

Stop using immediately - risk of damage or safety issue

Also displayed as: F LED blinks (Freezer indicator)

What This Means

Defrost heater open circuit (burned out); Bimetal thermo-protector tripped open (permanent trip if overheated); Thermal fuse blown (AC 250V, 10A, 109~110°C); Wiring harness open or disconnected at CN70-5 / CN71_1-5; Main PCB relay failure

What actually causes this:

The heater that melts frost off the freezer evaporator coil has burned out, which will eventually cause the coil to ice over completely and the freezer to stop cooling.

First Thing to Check

Without tools, check if there is heavy frost or ice on the back wall of the freezer — if the freezer is working but very frosty, the defrost heater is likely the cause.

Parts Involved

Freezer defrost heaterBimetal thermo-protector (F Bimetal)Thermal fuse (F Fuse-thermo, 109~110°C)MAIN PCB connector CN31Relay on Main PCB

How to Fix

1
Enter test mode and select Fd (forced defrost)
2
Disconnect CN31 from PCB and measure resistance between CN31-3 and CN31-4
3
Expected heater resistance: 63 ohm ±7% (115V model) or 230 ohm ±7% (230V model)
4
0Ω = heater short; ∞Ω = open heater, open bimetal, or open fuse
5
Check bimetal protector continuity separately
6
Check thermal fuse continuity (109~110°C rated)
7
Verify defrost sensor temperature is below 53.6°F (12°C) before defrost will run
8
Verify relay on Main PCB closes during defrost by measuring AC voltage at CN70-5 to CN71_1-5

This Error Applies To

Samsung RF23M80 Series Refrigerators (2017) (2017–present)

Service manual exact match: RF23M80*0**Service manual exact match: RF23M8090SR/AAService manual exact match: RF23M8070SR/AAService manual exact match: RF23M8070SG/AAService manual exact match: RF23M8090SG/SAService manual exact match: RF23M8080SR/EE