Samsung Refrigerator Error Code 22c – Troubleshooting Guide

The last thing you want to learn when you arrive home with your groceries is that your refrigerator has error code 22c and has ceased chilling. Understandably, you must address this matter before all of your groceries go to waste. A refrigerator that refuses to cool can cost you food, money, and peace of mind. But what precisely is the problem, and is it fixable?

Generally, when a Samsung refrigerator fails to cool and the temperature reaches 36 degrees Fahrenheit, the 22c code appears. The fan may be noisy as well. However, the noise may disappear when the fridge is turned off and then back on.

If you’re looking for help fixing your Samsung refrigerator, look no further! Our comprehensive troubleshooting guide will explain error code 22c, provide tips, and show you what to do about it.

Error Code 22c: What Does It Mean?

This is a fridge fan failure, or more specifically, an evaporator fan error. It indicates that the machine has a problem or is underperforming. When turning on or restarting the control unit, this error shows during the fridge’s self-diagnostics. If a problem is identified, the 22c error code is shown on the screen.

The evaporator fan of the refrigerator is located beneath the freezer wall. It circulates air through the freezer and refrigerator compartments by drawing air over the evaporator coil. The evaporator fan turns on when the refrigerator compressor turns on. 

In the event that the fan fails, the compressor will continue to work in an attempt to cool the compartments. If your refrigerator or freezer is running hot or the motor starts rattling behind the freezer wall, you may need to repair the evaporator fan to keep it working correctly.

Read: All Known Samsung Refrigerator Problems

What Caused the 22c Error Code?

Typically, a 22c error code is caused by running the refrigerator with the door left open too long. However, there are several other causes that you should be aware of. 

• Blade lock: This can be caused by ice or debris build-up on the blades. Inspect the fan and use a hot air flow to clean the surrounding area. Then remove any deposits or dirt from the blades. Turn on the machine and wait 10 minutes for it to completely restart.
• Clogged drainage: When the drainage is obstructed, the 22c error shows as well. This occurs when moisture accumulates and is progressively absorbed by the fan, resulting in blade freezing. When the engine is idling, you will often hear a strong murmur or hum.
• Wiring: Examine the wires connecting the fridge evaporator to the CN74 circuit board. Inspect their connection at the connector and, if necessary, repair it. If the connections are secure, the issue is with the fan motor.
• Motor problems: If you turn the blades, you will notice that they are freely moving but the motor is not working, resulting in the 22c error number. Voltage fluctuations might cause the motor to blow. Dried-out lubrication might also cause this. Regardless, you’ll need to replace the motor to resolve this issue.

If a 22c error occurs, unplug the refrigerator, and leave the doors open for a few hours. Then plug the fridge back in and close the doors and resume normal operation. If the error returns, you may have to take more steps to fix the problem. 

Read: Samsung Refrigerator Error Code 21 V – Troubleshooting Guide

What To Do About Error Code 22c?

The 22c code is generated when the refrigerator fan fails or underperforms. While there are a few reasons this could happen, to repair the issue, you must first get access to the surrounding components, which are placed on the freezer’s internal rear wall. Below we’ve listed a few of the most common solutions for handling a 22c error code. 

Defrost and Access the Evaporator Fan

First, it’s important un-plug the refrigerator from the electrical outlet. Failing to do so could result in whoever is working the fridge being electrocuted.  You’ll also want to remove the contents of the freezer and fridge and place them in an insulated cooler so that don’t go bad. Defrosting can take anywhere from eight hours to a full day. 

To access the evaporator fan, take out all of the freezer and fridge shelves as well as any storage bins. Using a screwdriver, remove any shelf clips or basket slides from the refrigerator walls that may be preventing the removal of the rear freezer wall.

Remove the screws that hold the back wall of the freezer together and release the fridge panel to reveal the evaporator fan and shroud. Be careful when pulling the panel free, as there may still be ice in the compartment. 

You will also want to be mindful of any wires that attach the panel to the back of the fridge. In refrigerators where the fan motor is mounted to the panel rather than the rear of the freezer, just lay the panel down inside the fridge to access the fan wire. If it isn’t, you’ll be able to disconnect the wires after completely removing the back panel.

The entire panel should come out in one piece. It appears stuck, look around to check if you missed any screws that are still keeping the panel in place.

Read: Samsung Refrigerator Error Code 14 C – Troubleshooting Guide

Eliminate Other Possible Problems

Take a look at the coils first. If you remove the freezer’s back panel to access the evaporator fan motor and discover that the coils underneath the fan are totally iced over, the fan motor may be fine and your problem might be something else. If you notice frost on all of the coils, disconnect the refrigerator for 24 to 48 hours to defrost before plugging it back in. If it works, your issue isn’t with the fan.

You should also check for blocked drains, electrical connection concerns, and thermal control failure.  However, those issues may require the services of a qualified technician.

Read: Samsung Refrigerator Error Code 25e – Troubleshooting Guide

How to Replace the Evaporator Fan on a Samsung Refrigerator?

To replace the fan, pull the wire connectors from the fan motor to release the fan and shroud from the freezer. Pull the evaporator fan blade off the shaft, then turn the shroud over and remove the evaporator fan motor.

Next, insert the replacement motor into the shroud. Flip the shroud over and slide the new evaporator fan onto the motor shaft. Reattach the freezer connections to the motor, matching the wire colors on the sets of wires from the evaporator motor to the refrigerator.

Place the crimp connection that is included with the new evaporator motor over the wire sets’ ends. Using a wire crimper, crimp the connections onto the wires.

Place the shroud and the evaporator fan in the refrigerator. Replace the back panel and fasten it with the screws you removed before. Replace any basket glides and any shelf clips that were removed, along with the shelf and storage baskets. Reconnect the refrigerator to the wall outlet and make sure it runs. 

Final Thoughts

The 22c error code is a rather common issue in refrigerators. While changing the fan isn’t always the quickest or easiest option, it’s far superior to replacing the entire refrigerator. These troubleshooting techniques should have helped you eliminate the 22c code from your Samsung refrigerator. As usual, if you’re unsure about tackling repairs on your own, don’t be afraid to call in a service specialist for assistance.

Read: Samsung Refrigerator Error Code 88 8a – Troubleshooting Guide