Error Code R-1-6
Refrigerator defrost heater is open or defrost did not complete in 80 minutes
Critical
Stop using immediately - risk of damage or safety issue
Also displayed as: R-1-6 (LED blink pattern on panel)
What This Means
Defrost heater wire or connector open; Bimetal thermoprotector tripped or failed open; Defrost heater burned out; Main PCB relay failure (RY75 area)
What actually causes this:
The defrost heater burned out or the bimetal safety switch failed, stopping the defrost cycle and allowing ice to build up on the evaporator.
First Thing to Check
Unplug the fridge and check for visible ice buildup on the refrigerator evaporator panel at the back wall inside the fridge compartment.
Parts Involved
How to Fix
- 1
Run manual defrost: press Energy Saver + Fridge for 8 seconds, then press any key three more times until 'Fd' displays
- 2
After separating MAIN PCB CN70 and CN71, measure resistance between CN70 White and CN71 Orange — should be 102 ohm (at 441V) ±7%
- 3
Check 0 ohm = heater short; infinite = wire or bimetal open
- 4
Verify R-DEF sensor temperature is below 53.6°F (12°C) before defrost initiates
- 5
Confirm defrost sensor reading via self-diagnostic function
This Error Applies To
Samsung RF267AERS Series Refrigerators (2009) (2009–present)
Related Error Codes
Ice maker temperature sensor is open, shorted, or disconnected
Refrigerator defrost temperature sensor is open, shorted, or out of range
Ice maker failed to produce ice after three complete harvest cycles
Freezer compartment temperature sensor is faulty 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