[cornhusker]

Came back from a trip the other day and the food in the fridge didn't seem as cool as normal. Checked the freezer and it was fine. The digital display on the front now says 0 for the freezer and 58 for the fridge. Unit is three years old. I read something on another site about the possibility of it being stuck in defrost mode. The compressor and fan are running from what I can tell. Does anyone have any advice or heard about Samsung having similar problems with newer fridges? Thanks for any input in advance!

[twinkiedooter]

The other site that advised about the defroster being stuck is probably correct. The defrost timer switch is probably the culprit and needs changed out. If you have a multitester you can test this part yourself to see if it's bad or not.

A quick fix until you can get a repairperson to come and change out this part is to totally turn off the unit, let the coils defrost totally, then turn back on. This fix should hold your fridge for at least a week. And be sure to store your perishable foods in coolers or another fridge or freezer in the meantime. This fix usually takes a few hours to totally defrost the coils of built up ice.

It doesn't matter how old or new a unit is. The defrost timer switch is usually the first thing to go in any refrigerator, and especially a side by side model.

I always keep a fridge thermometer in my fridge side to monitor the refrigerator side.

[letmetellu]

Lots of combination fridge and freezers have only one cold surface that cools both compartments, A fan forces the cool oir into the fridge section, if this fan is not working properly the temps will not be where they are suppose to be.

About the defrost timer, it is probably located in the toe kick section at the bottom of the unit. It should have a screwdriver slot, use a screwdriver and turn the stem about a half of a turn and then watch to see if the fridge acts differently.

[cornhusker]

Thanks for the help. Defrosted the fridge on top 6 days ago. Was fine and the temp is now going back up as it probably has iced up again. I am having trouble finding the defrost timer. I can't find an online service manual or schematics breakdown anywhere for a Samsung. Does anyone know where the defrost timer is located? Thanks again

[letmetellu]

On lots of fridge's they are down under the toe kick of the fridge. I should have a screw driver slot in it so you can set the time. But if it is bad you will need a new one.

[ballengerb1]

I like letmetellu's answer. The build up of frost can block the air flow completely and a normal defrost cycle isn't enough to melt the entire block of ice. This may also mean the heater that creates a quick burst of warm air is shot.