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Many Samsung refrigerators perform flawlessly for years. Unfortunately, there are occasional problems. Sometimes these are mechanical failures, and sometimes they are caused by human error. The Samsung refrigerator error code 22E indicates a situation that may result from such a human error or a mechanical failure.
An error code 22E showing on your Samsung refrigerator happens when the refrigerator isn’t cooling properly. An evaporator fan problem or a failed evaporator fan can initiate this error code. You can also see this error code if you leave the refrigerator door open for too long.
Fortunately, many of the causes of an error code 22E on your Samsung refrigerator are quickly and easily diagnosed. Many Samsung refrigerator owners who experience this error code repair these problems on their own quite successfully. We have found the most common causes of an error code 22E with Samsung refrigerators and the suggested fixes.
The Most Common Problem – Ice Build-up
The most common cause of an error code 22E on Samsung refrigerators is an ice build-up or obstruction that prevents air from circulating in and around the refrigerator‘s interior.
Several problems can cause this kind of ice build-up. The challenge is to find the cause of the ice accumulation and make a fix.
These are the most common causes of ice build-up, causing an error code 22E:
Ice Around the Evaporator Fan
An accumulation of ice or frost on the evaporator fan prevents air from moving over the coils. Without this air movement, the refrigerator cannot cool down to the proper temperature.
You should inspect the evaporator fan for ice or other debris that may be blocking the fan. In most Samsung refrigerators, the fan is located behind the internal back wall of the freezer.
With the freezer compartment empty, you should remove the back wall and examine the fan. Check for any broken or bent blades.
If there is an ice build-up, carefully melt the ice using a hand-held hairdryer. Take care not to get things too hot, or you risk damaging the plastic components.
Once the fan blades are clear of any ice or obstructions, the fan should work normally. Once you are sure that the fan is operating, replace the internal back wall of the freezer, replace the contents, and shut the door securely.
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Read: 5 Reasons Why Samsung Fridge Not Cooling + Service Manual
Make Sure the Drain is Clear and Operating
Some Samsung refrigerators will display an error code 22E if the defrost drain is clogged. When your Samsung refrigerator goes through a defrost cycle, the water must have a place to go. Debris, lint, or ice can block the defrost drain and cause an error code 22E.
Clearing a plugged or blocked defrost drain can be a challenge. In many instances, the drains are behind interior panels that are not easily removed and require the attention of a Samsung refrigerator technician.
Occasionally, manually defrosting your refrigerator can solve the problem. Consult the user’s manual for your refrigerator for instructions on performing a manual defrost.
Check the Vent Hole for Obstructions
The vent hole between the freezer and refrigerator section of your appliance is critical to maintaining proper airflow. If an ice build-up or other material plugs or clogs the vent hole, the refrigerator side may not cool properly even if the freezer continues to work.
Locate the vent hole and damper between the freezer and refrigerator. This opening should be free of ice or other debris to allow continuous circulation of cold air into the refrigerator side. Remove any ice or debris and clean the opening carefully.
What If These Simple Fixes Don’t Work?
If the cause of the error code 22E on your Samsun refrigerator is not one of the problems above, you have more serious issues. More than likely, a sensor or control on your Samsung refrigerator has failed or needs to be adjusted.
Some of the more common failures seen on Samsung refrigerators are listed below with our recommendation for addressing these issues.
Defrost Terminator Fault
When the defrost terminator is broken, it can lead to an ice build-up in your refrigerator and freezer that can cause airflow disruptions. This will eventually lead to an error code 22E.
Unfortunately, testing the defrost terminator requires removing the device from the refrigerator. The defrost terminator must be chilled to its operating temperature before testing with a multimeter for continuity.
This process is beyond the scope of most homeowners and requires the services of a trained Samsung service technician.
A Bad Defrost Timer
Another control in the defrost system on your Samsung refrigerator is the defrost timer. This gadget controls the schedule for the defrost cycle, and if it fails, your refrigerator may not start a defrost cycle. Without a defrost cycle, your refrigerator will eventually build up ice and stop the flow of air.
The defrost timer is another internal control part of your refrigerator that is hard for a homeowner to check and repair. The defrost time is in different places on different models of Samsung refrigerators.
Testing the defrost time requires an understanding of capacitors and the proper test equipment. For most homeowners, this is a diagnosis and repair best left to a trained technician.
A Defective Defrost Heating Element
Every Samsung refrigerator has an electric heating coil to assist in the automatic defrost system. These coils can fail in a variety of ways. Without the warmth from this defrost heating coil, your Samsung refrigerator may not remove all the built-up ice accumulated from everyday use.
Testing the defrost heating coil can be done easily with a multimeter. The easiest way is to unplug the refrigerator before testing. The heater coil uses 120 volts, and you don’t want to mess with this while power is available.
Using a multimeter, check the heating coil element for continuity. When testing the coil, if you get a reading of zero ohms, there is a problem, and the coils should be removed, examined, and replaced.
Most homeowners find it much easier and safer to have a trained Samsung service technician perform this testing and repair.
An Error Code 22E Isn’t the End of your Refrigerator
An error code 22E shouldn’t be ignored. It warns you of a serious problem with the temperature of your refrigerator. However, the cause of the problem may be easier to remedy than you think.
Hopefully, these tips will help you get your Samsung refrigerator back to its normal operating state without too much trouble.
