Samsung Refrigerator Defrost Errors: 24E, 25E Guide

Defrost errors on Samsung refrigerators indicate the automatic defrost cycle is failing to complete. Without proper defrost function, ice builds up on evaporator coils, blocking airflow and causing cooling problems, fan errors, and water leaks.

Defrost Error Code Reference

Code	Location	Trigger
24E/24C	Freezer	Defrost cycle exceeded 90 minutes
25E/25C	Refrigerator	Defrost cycle exceeded 80 minutes
5E/5C	Refrigerator	Defrost sensor error/failure

How Samsung Defrost Works

Samsung refrigerators run automatic defrost cycles (typically every 8-12 hours):

1. Compressor stops temporarily
2. Defrost heater activates to melt ice on evaporator coils
3. Defrost sensor monitors temperature
4. Bi-metal thermostat controls heater operation
5. Cycle completes when temperature reaches setpoint
6. Compressor restarts and normal operation resumes

When any component fails, ice accumulates and triggers error codes.

Symptoms of Defrost Failure

Before error codes appear, you may notice:

• Frost or ice buildup on back wall of freezer
• Clicking or grinding noise (fan hitting ice)
• Water pooling inside or under refrigerator
• Freezer or fridge warmer than set temperature
• Fan errors (21E, 22E, ER FF) appearing

Solution 1: Forced Defrost Mode

Try this first—it clears ice buildup and may reset the defrost system.

Forced Defrost Procedure

1. Press Power Freeze + Lighting simultaneously
   • (Some models: Energy Saver + Lighting)
2. Hold until display changes (you may hear a beep)
3. Press Lighting button repeatedly until “Fd” displays
4. Release buttons
5. Defrost cycle runs 30-60 minutes automatically

After forced defrost:

• Power cycle the refrigerator
• Monitor for 24-48 hours
• If error returns, defrost components need testing

Solution 2: Manual Defrost

If forced defrost mode isn’t accessible or doesn’t work:

1. Remove all food — Store in coolers with ice
2. Unplug the refrigerator
3. Open all doors
4. Place towels at base to catch water
5. Wait 6-8 hours for complete thaw
6. Optional: Use hair dryer on LOW to speed defrosting
7. Wipe interior dry
8. Plug back in and test

Solution 3: Test Defrost Components

If errors return after defrosting, components need testing.

Access Defrost Components

Freezer (for 24E):

1. Unplug refrigerator
2. Remove freezer contents and shelves
3. Remove back panel inside freezer (2-4 screws)
4. Defrost heater and sensor are behind this panel

Refrigerator (for 25E/5E):

1. Unplug refrigerator
2. Remove items from fridge section
3. Locate “Twin Cool” cover on back wall
4. Remove cover to access evaporator and components

Test Defrost Heater

The defrost heater melts ice from evaporator coils.

Test procedure:

1. Locate heater element (usually a glass tube or metal element near coils)
2. Disconnect wire harness
3. Set multimeter to resistance (Ω)
4. Measure across heater terminals

Expected readings:

• Freezer heater: ~63 ohms
• Fridge heater: ~120 ohms

Results:

• Correct resistance: Heater is good
• Infinite (OL): Heater is open—needs replacement
• 0 ohms: Heater is shorted—needs replacement

Common part numbers:

• Defrost heater: DA47-00318H (verify for your model)

Test Bi-Metal Thermostat

The bi-metal thermostat controls when the heater turns on/off based on temperature.

Test procedure:

1. Locate thermostat (usually mounted on or near evaporator)
2. Disconnect wire harness
3. Set multimeter to continuity
4. Test across thermostat terminals

Expected results:

• When cold (below cutoff): Should show continuity (beep)
• When warm (above cutoff): Should show no continuity

If no continuity when cold: Thermostat is failed—needs replacement

Common part number: DA47-00243K

Test/Inspect Defrost Sensor

The defrost sensor monitors evaporator temperature.

Inspection:

• Check for physical damage
• Verify wire connections are secure
• Look for corrosion on connectors

Test procedure (if you have specifications):

1. Disconnect sensor
2. Measure resistance
3. Compare to temperature/resistance chart for your model

Common part number: DA32-10104N

5E/5C — Fridge Defrost Sensor Error

The 5E error specifically indicates the refrigerator compartment defrost sensor has failed.

Common causes:

1. Sensor separated from housing
2. Wire connection failure
3. Short circuit in sensor
4. Temperature reading out of range

Wire identification (common on Samsung):

• White wire: CN30
• Gray wire: CN76

Fix: Check connections first, then test or replace sensor.

Part Replacement Summary

Component	Typical Part Number	Approximate Cost
Defrost heater	DA47-00318H	$50-100
Defrost sensor	DA32-10104N	$20-50
Bi-metal thermostat	DA47-00243K	$20-40

Note: Verify part numbers for your specific model before ordering.

Model Coverage

This guide applies to Samsung refrigerators displaying defrost errors:

• RF series (French Door)
• RS series (Side-by-Side)
• RT series (Top Freezer)
• RB series (Bottom Freezer)
• Bespoke models
• Family Hub models

When to Call a Tech

Contact Samsung (1-800-SAMSUNG) or a technician if:

• You’re not comfortable using a multimeter
• Multiple components test as failed
• You can’t access the evaporator area
• Errors return after replacing components
• There’s visible damage to wiring or control board

Typical repair costs (professional):

• Defrost heater replacement: $150-250
• Defrost sensor replacement: $100-150
• Defrost thermostat replacement: $100-150

Preventing Future Defrost Errors

1. Check door seals — Replace if cracked or not sealing properly
2. Don’t block vents — Allow airflow inside refrigerator
3. Limit door opening — Reduces humidity entering unit
4. Clean condenser coils — Maintains efficient operation
5. Address issues early — Don’t ignore frost buildup signs

Sources

For official Samsung support:

• Samsung Refrigerator Error Codes
• Samsung Refrigerator Error Codes (Canada)
• Samsung US Support

Related Guides

• Samsung Refrigerator Error Codes: Complete Guide
• Samsung Refrigerator Fan Error Codes: 21E, 22E, ER FF
• How to Reset a Samsung Refrigerator