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My Samsung refrigerator is not cooling but my freezer is OK

If your freezer is cold but the refrigerator compartment is warm, the most likely culprit is a defrost problem that has frosted over the evaporator coils, blocking airflow and leaving the fridge warm while the freezer stays cold. Next check the evaporator fan motor; if the fan is stuck, noisy, or not running it will not circulate cold air into the fridge. A door that does not close fully from misaligned bins or an overloaded shelf can also let warm air in, followed by faults in the temperature control thermostat that fail to send power to the cooling components. Worn or torn door gaskets and a stuck or broken damper control assembly that will not open are other common causes of a fridge not cooling even though the freezer works. Have a multimeter handy to test motors and thermostats, and use our step-by-step guides and videos if you need them. Enter your model number on RepairClinic.com to find the exact replacement part for your refrigerator and get the right part shipped to you.

01 - The Evaporator Coils are Frosted Over

The defrost heater assembly turns on a few times throughout the day to melt away any frost that may have accumulated on the evaporator coils. If the defrost heater assembly is defective, frost will continue to accumulate on the evaporator coils, and the coils will become plugged with frost. If the evaporator coils are frosted over, the airflow through the coils will be restricted, causing the refrigerator not to cool. Check the evaporator coils to determine if they are frosted over. If the evaporator coils are frosted over, test each component of the defrost system.
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02 - Samsung Refrigerator Evaporator Fan Motor

The evaporator fan motor draws cold air over the evaporator coils and circulates it throughout the freezer. If the evaporator fan is not working, the freezer or refrigerator will not cool adequately. To determine if the evaporator fan motor is defective, try turning the fan blade by hand. If the fan blade does not turn freely, replace the fan motor. Additionally, if the motor is unusually noisy, replace it. Finally, if the motor does not run at all, use a multimeter to test the motor windings for continuity. If the windings do not have continuity, replace the evaporator fan motor..
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03 - Door not closing all the way

Misaligned door bins and shelving, or an excess of food items, may be keeping the door slightly open and prevent the refrigerator from cooling properly. Make sure the shelves and door bins are in the proper locations and avoid overloading the bins and shelves with food items.
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04 - Samsung Refrigerator Temperature Control Thermostat

The temperature control thermostat directs voltage to the compressor, evaporator fan motor, and condenser fan motor (if applicable). If the temperature control thermostat is not working properly, it may prevent the refrigerant system from running properly, resulting in the refrigerator compartment not cooling as expected. To determine if the thermostat is defective, rotate the thermostat from the lowest setting to the highest setting and listen for a click. If the thermostat clicks, it is not likely defective. If the thermostat does not click, use a multimeter to test the thermostat for continuity. If the temperature contr...ol thermostat does not have continuity at any setting, replace it.
Highly Likely

05 - Samsung Refrigerator Door Gasket

A refrigerator door gasket should form an airtight seal around the appliance's frame to keep the cold air in and the warm air out. If the door gasket is twisted or torn, gaps can form that will allow warm air in, resulting in the refrigerator compartment being warm even though the freezer compartment is cold. Inspect the door gasket for any damage and replace with a new one if necessary.
Highly Likely

06 - Samsung Refrigerator Damper Control Assembly

The air damper control opens and closes to let the proper amount of cold air into the refrigerator compartment. If the damper does not open properly, it won’t let enough cold air into the refrigerator. Check the damper control to determine if it is broken or stuck closed.
Highly Likely

Frequently Asked Questions

Refrigerator not cooling but freezer is cold — what should I check first?
Freezer cold but refrigerator warm — could the evaporator coils being frosted over cause this?
How can I tell if the evaporator fan motor is bad?
Fridge not cooling — could a bad damper control or door gasket be the cause?
How do I enter my model number or part number on RepairClinic.com to find the right replacement part?

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