Help with Samsung Refrigerator....compressor not running

7 years ago

last modified: 7 years ago

Hi. A family member contacted me last week stating that their second refrigerator (a garage unit) had stopped working and all the food had spoiled. The fridge was a "hand me down" and has only been used in the garage to store extra supplies. I suggested cleaning the condenser coils (having just gone through a similar scenario in my own home). They did that but the fridge still would not work. I went over to their house to check it out myself. It is a Samsung dual door fridge/freezer below version. The exact model number is RFG297HDRS/XAA. I had a quick look and both the fridge AND freezer were warm. There was an error code flashing on the display. The error was "5 E". I managed to find a list of Samsung error codes (for this model....as well as few diagnostic tips) and "5 E" means the refrigerator defrost sensor is faulty. I managed to track down the part online and replaced it. When plugging the unit back in the error code was no longer there...but the fridge (and freezer) would not cool down. I pressed a few buttons on the front (as described by the guide) to run a diagnostic check and no error codes came up. There was another test to FORCE the compressor to run and I tried it...and nothing happened. I pulled the back panel off and looked at the coils...not really dirty at all. The compressor fan was running...but the compressor ITSELF was dead silent and felt (to the touch) like room (or in this case garage) temperature. The compressor is evidently not starting. Leaving the unit unplugged for awhile (and then plugging back in) has no effect. I am not sure (if after replacing the sensor) the unit needs some sort of "reboot" or not. Any tips on how to proceed appreciated. If it is a relay or "start capicitor" (or something) let me know how to check that. I have a multimeter (and have repaired a few appliances myself) but have not tried to diagnose unit of this size before. Thanks in advance. Cheers.

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Comments (7)

PRO
Anglophilia
7 years ago
Is the refrigerator under warranty? Even if it's not, call a repairman who works on Samsung refrigerators and be prepared for a wait - Samsung is notorious about poor customer service where parts are concerned. This is not a DIY fix unless you're an appliance repairman!
shedrach
Original Author
7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago
Hi. I doubt it is under warranty and calling a repair tech is off the table. I would imagine a repairman diagnosis (and fix) would ramp up to several hundred dollars (or more). As I mentioned this fridge was "gifted" to this family member. He can probably even live without it. BUT..if I can find a fix for a "few bucks" I am willing to try. Here is some additional info I found about model: Samsung Fast Track Help . I ran self diagnostics (after replacing the sensor) and got no error codes. Nevertheless..the compressor is quiet. So...I gather I have to check CN75 on the inverter board first for 2.5 volts, correct? Thanks. Also...I just want to reiterate that this is a "secondary" fridge. It will be sold for parts in lieu of any really expensive repairs that are to be done. Cheers.
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dadoes
7 years ago
Follow the service details closely. The inverter board is a strong suspect. Could also be the compressor is gone bad (may be resistance values in the service doc for checking it). Those that run via an inverter board can't be connected directly to 120v current for testing, they require the variable current from the board. Or maybe a chewed wire if they have "rodents" in the garage (happened to my neighbor in his kitchen).
shedrach
Original Author
7 years ago
Thanks. I will investigate the inverter board further (I kinda suspected the problem was there....either a single component or the entire board itself). More delving into the service docs needed. No rodents that I know of. Will update later if I can. Cheers.
MiniSplit Heat
7 years ago
Troubleshooting Steps that are Used by the Professionals.

It’s useful to know if an air conditioning problem originates with the compressor. Compressors have many components, and any one of them can fail and cause a problem.

Capacitors – In many cases, compressor problems are caused by faulty or broken capacitors. If the tech determines that the capacitor is to blame, he may swap it out for a hard-start capacitor, which may resolve the issue once and for all. The only way to troubleshoot a capacitor is by replacing it and testing the unit, so this is commonly done when an AC compressor won’t turn on.

Start Relays – As with the capacitor, the HVAC technician may try replacing the start relay, which is the only surefire way to determine whether it’s working right or not. If the compressors works after a new start relay is installed, the problem will be resolved and you should be all set.

Valves – A broken valve can create major problems in a compressor. The most common issue is that the refrigerant is liquid instead of gas when it gets to the compressor inlet. Under these circumstances, the compressor may still run, but the air conditioner won’t cool the air. Fortunately, replacing the broken valve or valves usually resolves the problem.

Terminal Connections – The tech will also check the terminal connections to ensure that everything is tight and in place. A loose connection can cause some pretty significant problems. If your compressor works sporadically, it could be something as simple as this. There is also a chance that the terminal connections are just really dirty. A good cleaning may do the trick.
weedmeister
7 years ago
If its been in a garage, check the wires for chewage by rodents. Don't know if Samsung does this, but cars at least have gone to wires that have a vegetable-based insulation. Mice love them. In fact, some car manufacturers are providing hot pepper strips to surround the wire harnesses to keep mice from eating them.
Róbert Rácz
52 minutes ago
One thing worth separating here is the 5E code from the remaining no-cooling problem. If replacing the defrost sensor cleared the code but both compartments are still warm, the remaining cooling problem probably needs to be diagnosed separately rather than assuming the original code explains everything.

I have a short 5E reference here:
https://www.errasift.com/samsung-refrigerator-5e-error-code/

Disclosure: Errasift is my own website.