Display shows 24E; freezer temperature is too warm or fluctuates, and frost may build up on the back wall.

Safety first: Unplug the refrigerator before accessing the freezer evaporator area.

Step 1 – Visual inspection for frost:

• Open the freezer and inspect the rear interior panel.
• If you see thick frost or ice on the panel, the defrost system is likely not working.

Step 2 – Access the evaporator and defrost components:

• Remove drawers and shelves from the freezer.
• Remove screws and take off the rear interior panel.
• Locate the Freezer Defrost Heater, Defrost Sensor, and any thermal fuse/bi-metal attached to the evaporator.

Step 3 – Test the defrost heater and sensor (advanced):

• With the unit unplugged, disconnect the heater and sensor connectors.
• Use a multimeter to check continuity of the heater; it should not be open.
• Measure resistance of the defrost sensor and compare to Samsung specs.
• Replace any open heater or out-of-range sensor.

Step 4 – Manual defrost as a temporary fix:

• If you cannot replace parts immediately, fully defrost the freezer by unplugging the unit and leaving doors open for 24 hours (protect floors from water).
• This will restore airflow temporarily but the error will return if the underlying issue is not fixed.

When to call a technician: If heater and sensor test good, the Main PCB may not be initiating defrost cycles and should be professionally diagnosed.