Samsung Refrigerators2013–present

Error Code 5E

Fridge compartment defrost sensor has failed or come loose

Critical

Stop using immediately - risk of damage or safety issue

Also displayed as: 5E

What This Means

Defrost sensor connector disconnected; Open or short circuit in wiring; Failed thermistor; Temperature out of range (above +50°C or below -50°C)

What actually causes this:

Defrost sensor behind fridge evaporator cover failed or connector came unplugged during service.

First Thing to Check

Remove the fridge evaporator cover and check whether the defrost sensor connector is fully seated.

Parts Involved

Fridge defrost thermistor (DTN-C502)Temperature fuseBimetal thermostat (BT-121-M)Main PCBCN30 connector

How to Fix

  1. 1

    Check voltage between Main PCB CN30 pins 1 and 6 — should be 4.5V to 1.0V

  2. 2

    Measure resistance between CN30 pins 6 and 7 for R-DEF sensor

  3. 3

    Perform forced defrost to confirm heater operation

  4. 4

    Verify bimetal and temperature fuse are not open

This Error Applies To

Samsung RF32FM Series Refrigerators (2013) (2013–present)

Service manual exact match: RF32FM**Service manual exact match: RF32FMQDBSR/AA

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