Samsung Frost Buildup / Defrost Failure

Excessive frost or ice buildup on the back wall or around the evaporator.

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Safety Warning

This repair may involve working with high voltage components or water connections. Always unplug the appliance before removing any panels.

If you are not confident in your ability to perform this repair safely, we strongly recommend contacting a professional technician.

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Possible Causes

Defective defrost heater, Failed defrost thermostat or sensor, Door gasket leaking warm air, Frequent door openings

How to Fix / Troubleshooting

Safety first: Unplug the wine cooler before defrosting or accessing internal components.

  • 1. Manual defrost: Remove all bottles, unplug the unit, and leave the door open until all ice has melted. Use towels to absorb water.
  • 2. Inspect door gasket: Check for gaps or tears that allow moist air in. Replace the gasket if it does not seal properly.
  • 3. Access evaporator: Remove the inner rear panel and inspect the evaporator, defrost heater, and defrost thermostat/thermistor.
  • 4. Test defrost heater and thermostat: Use a multimeter to check continuity of the heater and thermostat as described in the E5 scenario. Replace any failed components.
  • 5. Verify defrost sensor: Test the defrost thermistor for correct resistance. Replace if out of spec.
  • 6. Control board check: If all defrost components are good but frost returns quickly, the main PCB may not be initiating defrost cycles correctly and may need replacement.

Warning: Do not use knives or sharp tools to remove ice; you can puncture refrigerant lines.

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Repair Difficulty

Hard 4/5

Required Part

Defrost Heater Assembly
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