Error Code F-1-7
Freezer defrost heater is open or defrost did not finish in 70 minutes
Critical
Stop using immediately - risk of damage or safety issue
Also displayed as: F-1-7 (LED blink pattern on panel)
What This Means
Defrost heater open circuit or burned out; Bimetal thermoprotector failed open; Connector or wiring disconnected; Main PCB relay failure
What actually causes this:
Freezer defrost heater burned out or the bimetal safety switch failed open — the freezer will slowly ice over.
First Thing to Check
Remove the freezer evaporator cover and look for excessive ice buildup — if the evaporator looks like a solid block of ice, the defrost heater has failed.
Parts Involved
How to Fix
- 1
Initiate manual defrost via test mode (Energy Saver + Fridge 8 seconds, then select 'Fd')
- 2
After separating MAIN PCB CN70 and CN71, measure resistance between CN70 #7 (Brown) and CN71 #9 (Orange) — should be 55 ohm (at 115V) ±7%
- 3
Check 0 ohm = heater short; infinite = wire or bimetal open
- 4
Verify F-DEF sensor temperature is below 53.6°F (12°C) before defrost initiates
This Error Applies To
Samsung RF267AERS Series Refrigerators (2009) (2009–present)
Related Error Codes
Ice maker failed to produce ice after three complete harvest cycles
Freezer compartment temperature sensor is faulty or out of range
Ice maker temperature sensor is open, shorted, or disconnected
Refrigerator defrost temperature sensor is open, shorted, or out of range
Refrigerator compartment fan motor is not running or not reporting feedback
Freezer defrost temperature sensor is open, shorted, or out of range
Refrigerator compartment temperature sensor is out of range or faulty
Ambient room temperature sensor is open, shorted, or out of range