Samsung Refrigerators2010–present

Error Code

The freezer cooling fan isn't running

Critical

Stop using immediately - risk of damage or safety issue

Also displayed as: LED blinks in self-diagnostic checklist position 21

What This Means

Freezer fan motor (BLDC) not running; Fan motor connector disconnected or loose; Fan motor defective (coil winding open or shorted); Main PBA relay or driver circuit defective

What actually causes this:

The freezer fan motor has failed or the connection came loose

First Thing to Check

Listen for fan noise from the freezer — you should hear it running during cooling cycles

Parts Involved

Freezer Fan Motor BLDC DREP5020LCWire Harness CN20Main PBA

How to Fix

  1. 1

    1. Measure voltage at MAIN PCB CN20 between pins 16 and 18 during operation — should be 7V–12V

  2. 2

    2. Check fan connector security at motor

  3. 3

    3. Manually rotate fan blade — should spin freely (not seized)

  4. 4

    4. If voltage is correct but fan doesn't run, replace freezer fan motor

  5. 5

    5. If voltage is low, test Main PBA relay circuit

This Error Applies To

Samsung RF23R6 Series Refrigerators (2010) (2010–present)

Service manual exact match: RF23R6201AAService manual exact match: RF23R6201EDService manual exact match: RF23R6201AZService manual exact match: RF23R6301AAService manual exact match: RF23R6201BZ

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