Refrigerators

Not cooling, frost build-up, ice makers, dispensers and defrost faults.

22 field manuals · 127 error codes · 41 diagnostic guides · 11 brands

Field service manuals

Field manual · Refrigerator

Fisher & Paykel ActiveSmart refrigerator: field service manual

ActiveSmart bottom-freezer and French-door refrigerators (e.g. E442/E522 bottom-mount families and later US French-door models). Fault reporting by alarm beeps or binary LED pattern on older units.

4 components3 common failuresFisher & Paykel

Field manual · Refrigerator

Compact & budget mini-fridges: field service manual

Compact and mini refrigerators, beverage centres and kegerators about 1.7-4.5 cu ft, both compressor and thermoelectric (Peltier) types.

4 components3 common failuresDanby, Magic Chef, Insignia, Galanz, Other compact brands

Field manual · Refrigerator

Compact & budget chest freezers: field service manual

Small and mid-size manual-defrost chest freezers with a mechanical thermostat.

4 components4 common failuresDanby, Magic Chef, Insignia, Galanz, Other chest-freezer brands

Field manual · Refrigerator

Sub-Zero built-in refrigerator (Classic/BI and earlier 600 series): field service manual

Full-size built-in Sub-Zero refrigeration: the Legacy Classic series (model prefix BI, e.g. BI-36U/BI-36UFD/BI-36S/BI-42S/BI-48SD) and the earlier 600 series (650/680/690 family). Also notes for the 700 series where Sub-Zero's answers group it with the 600 series. Integrated (IT/IC) and newer Classic generations share the dual-system idea but differ in controls; confirm on the model's tech sheet.

6 components5 common failuresSub-Zero

Field manual · Refrigerator

GE Monogram & Café: what differs from standard GE (built-in refrigerators, ranges)

GE Monogram built-in side-by-side/bottom-freezer refrigerators (ZIS/ZIC/ZISB/ZISS/ZISW families) and Café/Monogram ranges. Café dishwashers are covered in the GE dishwasher manual (slug ge-dishwasher).

4 components3 common failuresMonogram, Café

Field manual · Refrigerator

Haier compact refrigerators and wine coolers: field service manual

Haier compact (dorm/office) refrigerators and wine coolers sold in the US. Only general checks are covered; model-specific values must come from the tech sheet or owner's manual.

5 components3 common failuresHaier

Field manual · Refrigerator

Samsung French-door and 4-door refrigerator: field service manual

RF-series French-door (3-door) and 4-door FlexZone units with Twin Cooling (separate fridge and freezer evaporators) and an ice maker in the left fresh-food door ice room, roughly 2010-2024. Family Hub units share the same refrigeration platform.

13 components6 common failuresSamsung

Field manual · Refrigerator

Samsung side-by-side refrigerator: field service manual

RS-series and RH (Food Showcase) side-by-side models with a through-the-door dispenser and an ice maker in the freezer or an upper-freezer-door ice compartment, roughly 2008-2024

8 components4 common failuresSamsung

Field manual · Refrigerator

LG French-door and side-by-side refrigerator: field service manual

LG French-door (LFX/LMX/LRMV and similar, including Door-in-Door / InstaView) and side-by-side (LSXS/LSC and similar) with a linear or inverter compressor and an in-door ice maker (Slim SpacePlus or similar), roughly 2010-2024. Series names only.

10 components6 common failuresLG

Field manual · Refrigerator

Whirlpool / Maytag / KitchenAid / Amana French-door and side-by-side refrigerator: field service manual

Whirlpool-built French-door bottom-mount and side-by-side refrigerators: older units with dial controls and an adaptive-defrost board, and newer units with electronic controls showing flashing F-codes (F/E pairs), roughly 2005-2024

10 components5 common failuresWhirlpool, Maytag, KitchenAid, Amana

Field manual · Refrigerator

GE / GE Profile / Café side-by-side and French-door refrigerator: field service manual

GE-built side-by-side (GSS/GSH/PSS-type electronic units and older mechanical-timer units) and French-door bottom-freezer models (GFE/PFE/CFE-type), roughly 2000-2024. Series prefixes only.

10 components5 common failuresGE, GE Profile, Café

Field manual · Refrigerator

Frigidaire / Electrolux refrigerators (including top-mount conventional): field service manual

Frigidaire top-mount conventional refrigerators (cold control, air damper control, mechanical defrost timer or ADC board) and electronic side-by-side and French-door models (Gallery, Professional, Electrolux) with adaptive defrost control, roughly 2000-2024

11 components6 common failuresFrigidaire, Frigidaire Gallery, Frigidaire Professional, Electrolux

Field manual · Refrigerator

Samsung RF28R7201 / RF28R7351 4-Door Flex French-door refrigerator: quick sheet

Samsung 28 cu ft 36-inch 4-Door Flex bottom-freezer units built around RF28R7201** (ENERGY STAR listing shows RF28R7201** on market from Feb 2019). RF28R7351** is treated as a close sibling on the same 28 cu ft body; one forced-defrost write-up is for RF28R7351SG. Years approx. 2019-2023 (start date from ENERGY STAR; end date inferred from retailers listing it as discontinued).

8 components4 common failuresSamsung

Field manual · Refrigerator

Samsung RF23A9671 / RF23A9071 counter-depth 4-Door Flex refrigerator: quick sheet

Samsung 23 cu ft counter-depth 4-Door Flex units RF23A9671** and the RF23A9071** sibling (Samsung manual files for this model are filed under the RF9000A platform name). Years approx. 2021-2024: the Samsung quick guide for RF23A9671SR is dated February 2021 and Samsung's US page now lists it as sold out.

8 components4 common failuresSamsung

Field manual · Refrigerator

Samsung RS27T5200 / RS27T5201 side-by-side refrigerator: quick sheet

Samsung 27 cu ft 36-inch side-by-side RS27T5200**, RS27T5201** and RS27T5202** (Samsung files the user manual under the RS5300T platform name). Years approx. 2020-2025: the US user manual and quick guide for RS27T5200SR are dated February 2020; ENERGY STAR lists RS27T5201** from January 2021 and RS27T5202** from December 2023.

8 components4 common failuresSamsung

Field manual · Refrigerator

LG LRMVS3006 4-door French-door refrigerator with Craft Ice: quick sheet

LG LRMVS3006* 30 cu ft 36-inch 4-door French-door units with Craft Ice. ENERGY STAR lists LRMVS3006* as on the market from March 2020; sibling LRMDS3006S (2021) shares the Craft Ice design. Years approx. 2020-2024 (end date inferred from retailer availability).

8 components4 common failuresLG

Field manual · Refrigerator

LG LFXS26973 3-door French-door refrigerator: quick sheet

LG LFXS26973S (PrintProof stainless) and LFXS26973D (black stainless) 26 cu ft 36-inch 3-door French-door units. Note: LG's builder spec sheet lists this model as NOT door-in-door. Years approx. mid-2010s to early 2020s (LG builder spec sheet revision dated January 2022; a retailer reports it has since been replaced).

8 components4 common failuresLG

Field manual · Refrigerator

Whirlpool WRF555SDF 36-inch French-door refrigerator: quick sheet

Whirlpool WRF555SDF** (WRF555SDFZ stainless, plus other finish letters) 25 cu ft 36-inch French-door bottom-freezer units with exterior ice and water. ENERGY STAR lists WRF555SDF*** on the market from May 2016; parts catalogs show many revision suffixes (-01 through at least -16). Years approx. 2016-2023.

8 components4 common failuresWhirlpool

Field manual · Refrigerator

Whirlpool WRS325SDH 36-inch side-by-side refrigerator: quick sheet

Whirlpool WRS325SDH** (WRS325SDHZ stainless and other finishes) 24.5-25 cu ft 36-inch side-by-side with exterior ice and water; the WRS321SDH** sibling shares the body. Years approx. late 2010s-2020s: inferred from the long run of parts-catalog revision suffixes (at least -08 to -11); no official launch date found.

8 components4 common failuresWhirlpool

Field manual · Refrigerator

GE GNE27JYM 27 cu ft French-door refrigerator: quick sheet

GE GNE27JYM** (GNE27JYMFS fingerprint-resistant stainless and suffix variants such as GNE27JYMKFFS / GNE27JYMNFFS) 27 cu ft 36-inch French door. ENERGY STAR lists GNE27JYM**** on the market from April 2020; the earlier GNE27JSM / GNE27JGM bodies are close relatives. Years approx. 2020-2025.

8 components4 common failuresGE

Field manual · Refrigerator

GE GSS25GYP 25.3 cu ft side-by-side refrigerator: quick sheet

GE GSS25GYP** (GSS25GYPFS fingerprint-resistant stainless and finish variants) 25.3 cu ft 36-inch side-by-side with exterior ice and water. It belongs to GE's long-running GSS25 side-by-side line; years approx. mid-2010s to 2020s (inferred from listings; no official launch date found).

8 components4 common failuresGE

Field manual · Refrigerator

Frigidaire FFHS2622M 26 cu ft side-by-side refrigerator: quick sheet

Frigidaire FFHS2622M* (MS stainless, MW white, MB black, MQ/MM finishes) 26 cu ft 36-inch side-by-side with exterior ice and water. Parts catalogs show many production revisions (for example MS0-MS3, MSA, MSC, MSF, MSG). Years approx. 2010s (inferred from revision suffixes and retailer listings; no official launch date found).

7 components4 common failuresFrigidaire

Diagnostic guides

Component test · Refrigerator

How to test a refrigerator bi-metal defrost thermostat

The bi-metal (defrost termination thermostat) is wired in series with the defrost heater. It is closed only when the evaporator is cold and opens once the coil warms during defrost. Testing it at room temperature gives a false "bad" result: it must be cold.

5 steps ~45 minmoderate

Component test · Refrigerator

How to test a refrigerator defrost heater

The defrost heater (glass tube, metal sheath or foil type) melts frost off the evaporator a few times a day. A good heater reads in the low tens of ohms; use the wattage math to check the exact value.

5 steps ~45 minmoderate

Component test · Refrigerator

How to check an ECM / brushless DC fan motor (what you can test safely)

Many modern refrigerator fans are brushless DC motors with their electronics inside the motor. An ohmmeter cannot judge them reliably. The safe test is to confirm the supply voltage and control/feedback signals at the connector, then swap the motor if the signals are right.

5 steps ~30 minmoderate

Component test · Refrigerator

How to test a refrigerator air damper (damper motor or damper control)

The damper opens and closes the cold-air path from the freezer to the fresh-food section. Older ones are mechanical (bellows), newer ones use a small motor driven by the board. Ice in the duct is a frequent cause.

6 steps ~30 minmoderate

Component test · Refrigerator

How to test an ice dispenser auger motor

The auger motor turns the auger in the ice bucket to push ice to the chute. A clump of frozen ice is the most common cause; test the motor only after the bucket is clear.

5 steps ~20 mineasy

Component test · Refrigerator

How to test a refrigerator mechanical defrost timer

Older refrigerators use a motor-driven timer that switches between cooling and defrost. Turning the advance screw lets you force defrost and test the contacts; terminal numbering varies, so use the diagram on the timer or tech sheet.

7 steps ~30 minmoderate

Component test · Refrigerator

How to test a refrigerator compressor start relay (PTC) and overload (electrical only)

The start device (PTC or current relay) and the overload plug onto the compressor terminals. Test them off the compressor. Electrical tests only: any compressor replacement, refrigerant work or brazing is a sealed-system job for an EPA 608-certified technician.

7 steps ~30 minmoderate

Component test · Refrigerator

Refrigerator inverter compressor board: what is safe to check

Inverter boards make variable-frequency 3-phase power for the compressor. Electrical checks of the board and compressor terminals are allowed; anything that opens the sealed refrigerant system is EPA 608 work and blocked. Boards fail more often than compressors.

5 steps ~45 minadvanced

Guide · Refrigerator

Refrigerator ice maker overflowing (ice block in the bin)

Overflow usually means water entering when it should not: an inlet valve that seeps closed because of low pressure or debris, a fill tube that froze and diverts water, or a cracked fill tube. A tray that is not level or a misreading ice maker can also overfill.

4 steps ~45 minmoderate

Guide · Refrigerator

Refrigerator water dispenser keeps dripping after use

A few drops right after dispensing is normal. Longer dripping is usually trapped air in the lines after a filter change or door removal, which pushes water out as it expands. If purging does not help, check filter seating, levelling and the inlet valve.

4 steps ~30 mineasy

Install · Refrigerator

Refrigerator water line and ice maker hookup

Run a 1/4 in supply (copper or a PEX kit made for refrigerators) from an accessible shutoff to the fridge inlet, leave a service loop so the fridge can be pulled out, flush the line before connecting and flush the new filter afterward. Avoid self-piercing saddle valves where code or the manufacturer discourages them.

6 steps ~60 mineasy

Install · Refrigerator

Reversing refrigerator doors (general method)

Many top-freezer and compact refrigerators allow door reversal by moving hinges, the door stop and handles to the other side. Some models (including some stainless models) are not reversible, and French-door or side-by-side models generally are not. Check the instructions first.

6 steps ~60 minmoderate

Install · Refrigerator

Refrigerator leveling and door alignment

Most refrigerators should be level side to side and tilted slightly back so the doors swing closed. French doors have a separate height adjustment for door alignment. Level after any door reversal, panel install or water connection.

5 steps ~30 mineasy

Guide · Refrigerator

Compact / mini-fridge not cooling

First decide whether it is a compressor or thermoelectric unit. Thermoelectric units are limited by room temperature. On compressor units, the start relay/overload is the cheap fix and sealed-system faults usually mean replacement.

5 steps ~30 mineasy

Guide · Refrigerator

Premium built-in refrigerator: one section warm (Sub-Zero vs. Monogram logic)

Start by knowing the architecture. Sub-Zero built-ins have two separate sealed systems, so a warm section means a fault in that section's own fan, defrost, sensor or system. Monogram built-ins share one freezer evaporator and feed fresh food through a damper, so a warm fresh-food side with a cold freezer points at the damper, airflow or an iced return passage.

6 steps ~60 minmoderate

Guide · Refrigerator

Top-mount refrigerator: defrost timer and cold control check

On conventional top-mounts, a mechanical defrost timer and a cold control decide when the unit cools or defrosts. Advancing the timer by hand tells you in minutes whether the timer, the defrost parts or the cold control is at fault.

5 steps ~45 minmoderate

Guide · Refrigerator

Refrigerator condenser fan not running

The condenser fan pulls room air over the condenser and compressor. A dirty coil or a seized or failed fan makes the compressor run hot and long and can trip its overload. Clean first, then check the fan and the supply to it.

4 steps ~30 mineasy

Guide · Refrigerator

Refrigerator dead: no lights, no display, nothing running

Work from the outlet inward: supply, cord, door/display harness, then the boards. Many 'dead display' calls on French-door and side-by-side units are harness faults at the door hinge, not failed boards.

5 steps ~45 minmoderate

Guide · Refrigerator

Refrigerator sweating: condensation outside or inside the cabinet

Warm, humid air meeting a cold surface causes condensation. Look at door seals, door alignment, room humidity and settings first. Then check the anti-condensation heaters where fitted, such as the French-door center flipper (mullion) heater or the cabinet face heaters.

5 steps ~30 mineasy

Guide · Refrigerator

LG Craft Ice not making round ice

Craft Ice is slow by design and needs a cold freezer, water and the right mode. Rule out start-up time, mode setting and bin position before blaming the Craft Ice module.

5 steps ~30 mineasy

Guide · Refrigerator

Samsung Family Hub screen frozen or blank

The Family Hub screen has its own power switch inside the right door. A switch reset fixes most freezes; if not, a full power cycle, software update or service on the screen/board is next.

5 steps ~20 mineasy

Guide · Refrigerator

Water filter light won't reset / filter bypass

Most filter lights never reset on their own. The reset key combination depends on the model. On RFID-filter models (e.g. GE), a non-genuine or badly seated filter can disable ice and water.

4 steps ~15 mineasy

Guide · Refrigerator

Refrigerator door alarm keeps beeping

The alarm follows the door switch, not the door itself. A door that doesn't fully close, a blocked shelf, a misaligned door or a failed switch keeps it sounding. Some beeps are power-outage alerts instead.

5 steps ~30 mineasy

Guide · Refrigerator

Fridge or freezer door not sealing

A bad seal lets moist air in, causing frost, sweating and long run times. Most cases are leveling, a folded gasket or a blocking item; the gasket itself is the last step.

4 steps ~40 mineasy

Guide · Refrigerator

Refrigerator clicking, compressor won't start (start relay)

The classic pattern is a failed start relay: the compressor can't start, overheats in seconds and the overload clicks off, then retries. Replace the relay first; if it keeps clicking with a good relay, the compressor is suspect (sealed-system work, refer out).

5 steps ~45 minmoderate

Guide · Refrigerator

Fresh-food light out (LED or bulb)

On LED models the cause is usually a failed LED module, the door switch, or the board that powers the LEDs. A light failure alone does not affect cooling.

5 steps ~30 mineasy

Guide · Refrigerator

Refrigerator water tastes or smells bad

Bad taste is almost always an old or wrong filter, water sitting in the lines, or new-install tubing. Fix the filter and flush before suspecting the supply itself.

5 steps ~30 mineasy

Guide · Refrigerator

Water dispenser slow or weak flow

Work from the filter outward: filter, supply flow at the fridge, then the fridge's inlet valve and lines. Freezing in the door line is another cause.

5 steps ~40 mineasy

Guide · Refrigerator

Sabbath mode: lights, dispenser or alarms not working

Sabbath mode disables lights, alarms, dispenser and the panel response while cooling continues. It can be turned on by accident. Exit it with the model's key combination; it may also time out (LG 96 h, Samsung 85 h).

3 steps ~10 mineasy

Guide · Refrigerator

Refrigerator temperature fluctuates (warm, then cold)

Swings usually come from a frosted evaporator (defrost failing), a sticking damper, or a sensor problem. Check frost first, then damper and thermistor.

5 steps ~60 minmoderate

Guide · Refrigerator

Demo / showroom mode stuck (OFF, OF OF, 'cooling off')

Demo (showroom) mode runs lights and display with cooling off. It's a key combination, not a repair. If it returns after exit, the panel may be faulty.

5 steps ~10 mineasy

Guide · Refrigerator

Refrigerator not cooling (both sections warm)

Rule out settings, demo/cooling-off mode and airflow first, then confirm whether the compressor and condenser fan run. If the compressor is running but nothing gets cold, or it won't start even though the start components and power check out, it's a sealed-system problem and goes to an EPA 608-certified tech.

7 steps ~60 minmoderate

Guide · Refrigerator

Fresh-food section warm, freezer cold

On single-evaporator units, cold air comes from the freezer through a damper or duct. A frosted evaporator, a stopped evaporator fan or a stuck damper will starve the fridge side. On dual-evaporator units (many Samsung models), the fridge evaporator, its fan and its defrost circuit are the usual suspects.

5 steps ~60 minmoderate

Guide · Refrigerator

Defrost system failure (frosted evaporator)

The defrost system (heater, defrost thermostat/thermal fuse or sensor, and the timer or control board) must melt the coil frost every few hours. If any of them fails, the coil turns into a block of ice and airflow stops. Test the heater and the limit with the coil still cold.

5 steps ~90 minmoderate

Guide · Refrigerator

Ice maker not making ice

Confirm the freezer or ice room is cold enough, the ice maker is on and the bucket isn't fooling the full sensor, then run the ice maker test. If the test runs but no water arrives, look at water pressure, the filter, a frozen fill tube or the inlet valve.

5 steps ~45 mineasy

Guide · Refrigerator

Water dispenser not working (ice maker may still work)

If ice is still being made, the water supply reaches the valve, so the fault is usually a frozen door line, the dispenser-side valve coil, the dispenser switch or a lock mode. Isolate the problem by section.

5 steps ~40 mineasy

Guide · Refrigerator

Refrigerator leaking water (inside or on the floor)

Water inside the cabinet usually means a clogged or frozen defrost drain. Water on the floor usually comes from the supply line, inlet valve, filter housing, or an overflowing or mis-seated drain pan. Level and tilt also matter.

6 steps ~45 mineasy

Guide · Refrigerator

Refrigerator noisy (fans, compressor, clicking)

Find where the noise is and when it happens. Scraping in the freezer that stops when the door opens is the evaporator fan, often hitting ice. A squeal from the bottom rear is the condenser fan. Clicking every few minutes with no cooling is a start problem.

5 steps ~40 mineasy

Guide · Refrigerator

Fresh-food section too cold (freezing food)

Check settings, vent placement, room temperature and the ice-maker-without-water condition first. If those are fine, suspect a damper stuck open or a sensor reading warm.

5 steps ~30 mineasy

Guide · Refrigerator

Samsung in-door ice maker / ice room icing up

Moist air leaking into the in-door ice room freezes on the fan, ice maker and bucket. Thawing it only fixes it for a while. A lasting fix means finding and sealing the air leak and correcting airflow, often with Samsung's updated parts and procedures.

5 steps ~90 minmoderate

Guide · Refrigerator

LG linear/inverter compressor fridge not cooling

Rule out demo mode, airflow, fans and defrost first, then use LG's forced-run diagnostic to see whether the compressor runs. If the compressor runs but doesn't cool, or won't start with a good board, it's a sealed-system failure: refer it to LG service or an EPA 608-certified technician and check the compressor warranty.

5 steps ~60 minadvanced

Bosch · 3 codes

Bosch · Refrigerator

E01

Fresh-food compartment sensor fault

Two repair sources describe E01 as the refrigerator-compartment temperature sensor reading out of range (open, shorted or loose connector). Bosch's US page does not define it.

Single source

Bosch · Refrigerator

E02

Ice maker / ice-water control fault (per Bosch US)

Bosch's US page groups E02 with ice-maker or ice/water control communication problems; some repair sites instead call it a freezer sensor fault.

Single source

Bosch · Refrigerator

E03

Dispenser user-interface fault

Bosch's US guidance associates E03 with a dispenser user-interface fault.

Single source

Fisher & Paykel · 6 codes

Fisher & Paykel · Refrigerator

2

Defrost fault

The control has detected a problem with the defrost system.

Cross-checked

Fisher & Paykel · Refrigerator

13

Ambient heater open circuit

F&P's example decodes LED positions 1 + 4 + 8 = 13, meaning the ambient heater circuit is open.

Single source

Fisher & Paykel · Refrigerator

Beep count / LED fault code

How to read a fault code

ActiveSmart units signal a fault number by alarm beeps (5 beeps = code 5) or by flashing LEDs on the panel, where lit positions are added using the binary chart in F&P's article.

Single source

Fisher & Paykel · Refrigerator

F1

Module failure

F&P lists F1 as a module (control) failure that needs a service technician.

Single source

Fisher & Paykel · Refrigerator

F2

Defrost issue

F&P lists F2 as a defrost problem.

Single source

Fisher & Paykel · Refrigerator

F3

Temperature sensor issue

F&P lists F3 as a temperature sensor problem.

Single source

Frigidaire · 9 codes

Frigidaire · Refrigerator

4

Air damper not detected

The control board does not detect the air damper connection.

Cross-checked

Frigidaire · Refrigerator

dF

Defrost circuit error

The control does not detect the defrost circuit, so the evaporator is not being defrosted.

Cross-checked

Frigidaire · Refrigerator

H1 / HI

High temperature alarm

A compartment (usually the freezer) is warmer than its alarm limit. It is a symptom, not a specific part failure.

Cross-checked

Frigidaire · Refrigerator

OP

Temperature sensor open

A thermistor reads open circuit. One source notes it can show while a door is open; if it stays with doors closed, suspect the sensor.

Cross-checked

Frigidaire · Refrigerator

Sb / 5b

Sabbath mode indicator

Not a fault. Sabbath mode is on. Exit with the key combination in the owner's manual (one source says hold the two temperature keys about 5 seconds).

Cross-checked

Frigidaire · Refrigerator

SH

Temperature sensor shorted

The freezer or fresh-food thermistor (depending on which display shows it) reads as a short.

Cross-checked

Frigidaire · Refrigerator

SY CE

Communication error (board to user interface)

The main board and the user interface did not communicate, typically at power-up. One source lists it as a compressor-circuit error instead.

Cross-checked

Frigidaire · Refrigerator

SY CF

Communication failure (board to user interface)

Communication between the main board and the door user interface failed.

Cross-checked

Frigidaire · Refrigerator

SY EF (or EF)

Evaporator fan circuit failure

The control board does not detect the evaporator fan running.

Cross-checked

GE · 30 codes

GE · Refrigerator

0001 / 0002

Fresh-food / freezer thermistor out of range

The fresh-food (0001) or freezer (0002) thermistor reading is out of range.

Single source

GE · Refrigerator

07-07 / 07-08 / 0733

Dispenser / feature board communication error

The dispenser or feature board lost communication with the main control.

Single source High-voltage / caution

GE · Refrigerator

0011–0014

Hot-water tank thermistor fault

The hot-water tank thermistor is out of range or mismatched.

Single source High-voltage / caution

GE · Refrigerator

88 / 89

Possible power surge / control electrical issue

Reported as a control-board electrical disturbance, often after a surge.

Single source High-voltage / caution

GE · Refrigerator

0100–0117

Fan feedback fault

A fan (freezer, condenser, fresh-food, ice box, etc.) shows no feedback, feedback while off, or cannot reach target speed.

Single source

GE · Refrigerator

0200–0203

Defrost heater ran too long / repeated abnormal defrosts

Defrost took too long or failed several times in a row.

Cross-checked

GE · Refrigerator

0300–0304

Compressor timing / temperature fault

Compressor run or idle times out of range, or a compartment too warm or below freezing.

Cross-checked High-voltage / caution

GE · Refrigerator

0307 / 0308

Damper / 3-way valve / convertible drawer fault

A damper, refrigerant 3-way valve or convertible drawer control did not respond.

Single source High-voltage / caution

GE · Refrigerator

0525–0527

Brew module / pod flow fault

The built-in brew module reports a flow problem.

Single source High-voltage / caution

GE · Refrigerator

0600–0655

Ice maker fault group

Ice maker faults such as long harvest, stuck in harvest, no water, or mold heater not heating.

Single source

GE · Refrigerator

0700–0704

Stuck key / key press with door closed

A touch key is stuck or reports presses while the door is closed.

Cross-checked

GE · Refrigerator

0705 / 0706

AutoFill sensor fault

The AutoFill pitcher sensor failed to initialize or read.

Single source

GE · Refrigerator

0713 / 0717–0719

Door/drawer open too long or too many openings

A door or drawer stayed open too long (15 or 60 minutes) or was opened too many times in 24 hours.

Cross-checked

GE · Refrigerator

bP

Bypass plug installed

Informational: an RFID bypass plug is installed instead of a filter; water and ice are unfiltered.

Single source

GE · Refrigerator

CC

Freezer too warm / check temperature controls

The freezer stayed warmer than normal for an extended time. One repair blog describes CC as a compressor-control fault on some platforms, so confirm with the tech sheet.

Cross-checked

GE · Refrigerator

CI

Ice maker problem

The ice maker is not operating correctly (no or very low ice, or the board can't talk to the ice maker).

Cross-checked

GE · Refrigerator

dE

Defrost system error

The defrost system has not worked correctly for a long period (sources cite 24-48 hours), so the evaporator may be frosted.

Cross-checked

GE · Refrigerator

DF

Defrost circuit fault

The control has seen no defrost heater activity for about two days (48 hours), so defrost is not completing and the evaporator can ice over.

Cross-checked

GE · Refrigerator

E0 / Pc Er / Lc Er

Board communication loss

Communication lost between the control panel, main board or load boards.

Single source High-voltage / caution

GE · Refrigerator

E2

Main control board error

Reported as a main control board fault.

Single source

GE · Refrigerator

EE

Control sensor fault or long compressor run

Listed as control sensor open/shorted, or compressor ran too long.

Single source

GE · Refrigerator

ERR

Water filter / bypass plug not detected

The control cannot read a valid RFID filter or bypass plug, so ice and water are disabled.

Cross-checked

GE · Refrigerator

FF

Frozen food may have thawed

The freezer was above normal temperature for about 2 hours or more. One repair blog instead calls GE FF a freezer fan fault; treat the fan as a likely cause, not the code meaning.

Cross-checked

GE · Refrigerator

HH / LL

Sensor reading abnormally high / low

The control reads a temperature sensor far above (HH) or below (LL) the expected range.

Single source

GE · Refrigerator

JPS

Power board jumper left in

Shown when a service jumper is still installed after a power board replacement.

Single source

GE · Refrigerator

LEAK

Leak condition detected

The RFID system flagged a leak condition and shut off ice and water. A badly seated, failed or missing filter can trigger it with no visible water.

Single source

GE · Refrigerator

OF / 888

Showroom / demo mode

Showroom mode with the compressor disabled; not a fault.

Single source

GE · Refrigerator

PF

Power failure notice

Informational: power was lost and has been restored.

Cross-checked

GE · Refrigerator

SA / Sb / SAB

Sabbath mode active

Not a fault. Sabbath mode is on: lights, alarms and dispenser are disabled; cooling continues.

Cross-checked

GE · Refrigerator

tC / tF

TurboCool / TurboFreeze active (not an error)

Not an error. GE says tC shows when TurboCool is on and tF when TurboFreeze is on; on some displays they can look like "EC" or "EF".

Cross-checked

Haier · 6 codes

Haier · Refrigerator

E0

Communication error

Haier lists E0 as a communication error.

Cross-checked

Haier · Refrigerator

E1 / E2 / E6 / E9

Fan error

Haier lists these as fan errors.

Single source

Haier · Refrigerator

Ec / Ed / Fd / Rd / Hd

Defrost error

Haier lists these as defrost errors.

Single source

Haier · Refrigerator

Er

Ice maker error

Haier lists Er as an ice maker error.

Cross-checked

Haier · Refrigerator

F1–F9 / Fr / Eh

Sensor error

Haier's support table groups these as sensor errors that the user cannot fix.

Cross-checked

Haier · Refrigerator

P0–P4

Door open / switch error

Listed in some regional tables as door-open or door switch error.

Single source

Hisense · 4 codes

Hisense · Refrigerator

E1–E7 (sensor/fan/communication group)

Component fault: meaning differs by model

Sources disagree on which number is which sensor (E1 and E2 are swapped between sources). Treat any E-code as a sensor, fan, defrost or board fault and confirm the exact meaning in the model's manual before buying parts.

Single source

Hisense · Refrigerator

F1

Compressor start failure

Reported as the compressor not starting.

Single source High-voltage / caution

Hisense · Refrigerator

F3

Abnormal power supply

Reported as an abnormal supply voltage condition.

Single source High-voltage / caution

Hisense · Refrigerator

F5

Door open alarm

Reported as a door-open alarm, not a component fault.

Single source

LG · 29 codes

LG · Refrigerator

88 (display test)

Display test, not an error

LG says 88 shows when Ice Plus and Freezer are held for about 2 seconds; it confirms the display segments work.

Cross-checked

LG · Refrigerator

Ad / dr

Door motor did not reach position

The door/drawer motor did not reach its target position within about 5 seconds.

Cross-checked

LG · Refrigerator

AS / L AS / r AS

Auto-door reed switch open during operation

The reed switch that tracks the auto-door mechanism opened while it was running (L = left, r = right door).

Cross-checked

LG · Refrigerator

C1

Display-to-dispenser communication error

The LCD display and the dispenser control are not talking to each other.

Cross-checked High-voltage / caution

LG · Refrigerator

CH E / E CH and CL E / E CL

Refrigerant leak detected (high side / low side)

LG lists these as a high-side (CH) or low-side (CL) refrigerant leak.

Cross-checked Licensed pro only

LG · Refrigerator

Cycle Error (LED pattern)

Possible poor cooling

LG shows this only as an LED pattern; it points to a cooling performance problem.

Single source High-voltage / caution

LG · Refrigerator

EID

Freezer ice maker sensor failure

LG lists EID as a freezer ice maker sensor failure.

Cross-checked

LG · Refrigerator

EIU

Freezer ice maker assembly failure

LG lists EIU as a failure of the freezer ice maker assembly.

Cross-checked

LG · Refrigerator

Er 22

Compressor relay problem

LG ties this code to the compressor relay circuit; the unit may click and fail to cool.

Cross-checked High-voltage / caution

LG · Refrigerator

Er 33

Compressor relay problem (LG only)

LG lists 33 as a compressor relay problem, like 22.

Cross-checked High-voltage / caution

LG · Refrigerator

Er 67

Door not closing fully

A door gap or an item inside is keeping a door from closing properly.

Cross-checked

LG · Refrigerator

Er CF

Condenser fan error

The condenser fan feedback signal is wrong during operation, meaning the fan is not running properly.

Cross-checked

LG · Refrigerator

Er CO

Main board / display communication error

The control board and the display are not communicating.

Cross-checked

LG · Refrigerator

Er dH (F dH / r dH)

Defrost took too long

The unit spent over an hour in defrost without the evaporator warming enough, pointing to a defrost circuit problem.

Cross-checked

LG · Refrigerator

Er dS (F dS / r dS)

Defrost sensor error

The freezer (F) or refrigerator (r) defrost sensor is shorted or disconnected.

Cross-checked

LG · Refrigerator

Er FF

Freezer fan error

The freezer evaporator fan is not running correctly, often because frost has built up around it.

Cross-checked

LG · Refrigerator

Er FS

Freezer sensor error

Freezer temperature sensor is shorted or disconnected.

Cross-checked

LG · Refrigerator

Er gF

Flow sensor (flow meter) error

Water flow sensor fault or low water pressure detected.

Cross-checked

LG · Refrigerator

Er HS

Humidity sensor error

Humidity sensor is shorted or disconnected.

Cross-checked

LG · Refrigerator

Er IF / 1F / F1

Ice maker fan error

The fan that feeds cold air to the door ice compartment has a problem, often from frost or ice.

Cross-checked

LG · Refrigerator

Er IS / 1S

Ice maker sensor error

Ice maker sensor disconnected (LG also links it to the ice maker fan motor on some models).

Cross-checked

LG · Refrigerator

Er It / iT

Ice maker defect

The ice maker system reports an internal failure.

Cross-checked

LG · Refrigerator

Er rF

Refrigerator fan error

The fresh-food fan motor is not running normally, possibly due to frost.

Cross-checked

LG · Refrigerator

Er rS

Refrigerator sensor error

Fresh-food temperature sensor is shorted or disconnected.

Cross-checked

LG · Refrigerator

Er rt

Room temperature sensor error

The external (room) temperature sensor is shorted or open.

Cross-checked

LG · Refrigerator

Er SS

Pantry sensor error

Pantry drawer sensor is shorted or open.

Cross-checked

LG · Refrigerator

Od

Wi-Fi modem / communication error

LG lists Od as a Wi-Fi module or communication fault.

Cross-checked

LG · Refrigerator

OFF / OF F

Demo/display mode (cooling off)

Not a fault. Display mode is on and cooling is disabled.

Cross-checked

LG · Refrigerator

Sb (may read S6, 5b, 56)

Sabbath mode active

Not a fault. Sabbath mode is on; LG says it turns itself off after 96 hours.

Cross-checked

Samsung · 27 codes

Samsung · Refrigerator

1E

Freezer temperature sensor error

The freezer compartment thermistor is reading out of range or is disconnected.

Cross-checked

Samsung · Refrigerator

2E

Fresh-food (fridge) sensor error

The fresh-food (fridge) compartment temperature sensor reads out of range: open, shorted, loose connector or sensor pulled out of its housing (2C is the same sensor on some boards).

Cross-checked

Samsung · Refrigerator

5E / 5C

Fridge defrost sensor error

The defrost sensor on the fresh-food evaporator reads abnormally, so defrost may not end correctly and the fridge evaporator can ice up.

Cross-checked

Samsung · Refrigerator

6E / 6C

Ambient (outside-air) sensor error

The ambient (room / outside-air) temperature sensor reads out of range, usually from a loose connector, broken wire or failed sensor.

Cross-checked

Samsung · Refrigerator

8E / 8C

Ice maker sensor error

A sensor in the ice maker (freezer-side ice maker on some models) is reading abnormally.

Cross-checked

Samsung · Refrigerator

14E / 14C

Ice maker temperature sensor error

The temperature sensor in the ice maker or ice room reads out of range.

Cross-checked

Samsung · Refrigerator

21E / 21C

Freezer fan error

The freezer evaporator fan is not turning as expected, often because it is frozen in ice or the motor has failed.

Cross-checked

Samsung · Refrigerator

22E / 22C

Fridge fan error

The fresh-food evaporator fan is not running or not reaching speed, often because ice has built up after a door was left open.

Cross-checked

Samsung · Refrigerator

23E / 23C

Condenser fan error

The condenser (machine-compartment) fan is not giving the expected speed feedback while it should be running.

Cross-checked

Samsung · Refrigerator

33E

Ice pipe (fill tube) heater error

The heater that keeps the ice maker's water fill tube from freezing is reporting a fault.

Cross-checked

Samsung · Refrigerator

39E / 39C

Ice maker function error

The ice maker assembly failed to operate correctly (harvest/eject problem or lost communication).

Cross-checked

Samsung · Refrigerator

40E / 40C

Ice room fan error

The fan that pushes cold air into the door ice room is not running as expected, often because it is frozen.

Cross-checked

Samsung · Refrigerator

41 / 42 (blue lights flashing)

Family Hub display/system error

A Family Hub screen software or communication problem, not a cooling fault.

Cross-checked

Samsung · Refrigerator

41C

Family Hub software update error

A software-related Family Hub error tied to updates.

Cross-checked

Samsung · Refrigerator

76C

Water detected in AutoFill compartment

Moisture or water was detected in the AutoFill pitcher area.

Cross-checked

Samsung · Refrigerator

83E

Compressor abnormal current

The control saw abnormal compressor current, often after a power surge.

Cross-checked High-voltage / caution

Samsung · Refrigerator

84C / 84E

Compressor lock

The compressor failed to start or is mechanically/electrically locked.

Cross-checked Licensed pro only

Samsung · Refrigerator

85C

Low voltage warning

Harmless notice of a brief voltage dip or outage.

Cross-checked

Samsung · Refrigerator

85E

Compressor undervoltage

Supply voltage to the compressor drive dropped too low, e.g. during a brownout.

Cross-checked High-voltage / caution

Samsung · Refrigerator

86E

Compressor overvoltage

Supply voltage to the compressor drive went too high, e.g. a surge during a storm.

Cross-checked High-voltage / caution

Samsung · Refrigerator

88 88

Communication fault at startup

Boards did not communicate correctly, usually because power was interrupted during startup.

Cross-checked

Samsung · Refrigerator

All icons flashing

Start-up self-check

Normal self-diagnostic right after the unit is plugged in or power returns after an outage.

Single source

Samsung · Refrigerator

AP

Wi-Fi access-point (setup) mode

Not a fault. The fridge is broadcasting its own access point while it is being paired with the SmartThings app.

Cross-checked

Samsung · Refrigerator

Fd / rd

Manual (forced) defrost mode indicator

Status display, not a failure: Fd marks a forced defrost (freezer, or all compartments on some models) and rd a forced fresh-food defrost. Usually left on after a technician test; the unit may beep while it runs.

Cross-checked

Samsung · Refrigerator

Ice Off (blinking)

Ice bucket missing or not seated

The ice bucket is out or not fully inserted.

Cross-checked

Samsung · Refrigerator

OF OF / O FF / OFF OFF

Cooling Off (demo/showroom) mode

Not a fault. The unit is in showroom mode: lights and display work but the compressor and cooling are disabled.

Cross-checked

Samsung · Refrigerator

PC ER / PC CH

Display-to-main board communication error

The door display and the main board are not communicating.

Cross-checked

Sub-Zero · 5 codes

Sub-Zero · Refrigerator

15 1 01 / 15 2 01

Compressor relay reported stuck closed

The control believes a compressor relay is welded shut so the compressor has power all the time. After CDP software 2.0.51 the code is hidden from the display but still readable in service mode and CDP.

Cross-checked High-voltage / caution

Sub-Zero · Refrigerator

20 2 07

Freezer defrost under-heat

At the end of defrost the evaporator sensor did not reach the expected temperature, pointing at the defrost heater, its bi-metal or the evaporator thermistor.

Cross-checked

Sub-Zero · Refrigerator

EE

Compartment thermistor fault

A compartment temperature sensor is faulty: EE on the left display = freezer sensor, on the right display = refrigerator sensor. Usually shown with the wrench flashing.

Cross-checked

Sub-Zero · Refrigerator

Service (steady)

Codes logged but not cleared

A steady (non-flashing) Service message means fault codes were viewed in diagnostic mode but not cleared from memory. Flashing Service is a different condition.

Cross-checked

Sub-Zero · Refrigerator

Vacuum Condenser

Excessive compressor run time

The compressor has been running longer than expected, usually from a dirty condenser or a door not sealing; the unit is running less efficiently.

Cross-checked High-voltage / caution

Whirlpool / Maytag / KitchenAid · 7 codes

Whirlpool / Maytag / KitchenAid · Refrigerator

Air Filter light (blue/yellow/red/flashing red)

Air filter status, not an error

Shows the age of the air filter: blue good, yellow replace soon, red replace, flashing red expired.

Cross-checked

Whirlpool / Maytag / KitchenAid · Refrigerator

COOLING OFF

Cooling turned off

Cooling has been switched off; lights may work but nothing cools. Not a fault.

Cross-checked

Whirlpool / Maytag / KitchenAid · Refrigerator

Door Alarm

Door or drawer left open

A door or freezer drawer has been open for about 2-5 minutes (model dependent) with cooling on.

Cross-checked

Whirlpool / Maytag / KitchenAid · Refrigerator

Flashing F (F3 E1, F3 E2, F3 E4, F4 E1, F6 E1, F8 E1, etc.)

Control-detected fault (meaning by F/E pair on the tech sheet)

A flashing F with an E number is a fault logged by the control. Whirlpool's public pages do not define each pair; the meaning is on the model's tech sheet.

Cross-checked

Whirlpool / Maytag / KitchenAid · Refrigerator

H2O light (red)

Water filter due

The H2O light turns red when the water filter is due.

Cross-checked

Whirlpool / Maytag / KitchenAid · Refrigerator

PO

Power outage alert

Power was lost and the freezer warmed to about 18°F or higher. The display shows PO and the alert sounds.

Cross-checked

Whirlpool / Maytag / KitchenAid · Refrigerator

Temperature Alarm

Compartment over temperature

The fridge went above 48°F or the freezer above 15°F for more than about 1.5 hours.

Cross-checked

Whirlpool / Maytag / KitchenAid / JennAir · 1 codes

Whirlpool / Maytag / KitchenAid / JennAir · Refrigerator

Water filter status light won't reset

Filter indicator stays on after a new filter

The status light never resets on its own; it needs a manual reset after every filter change.

Cross-checked

Official manufacturer support

We link to official documentation and never host it.

Sub-Zero / WolfSub-Zero Group answers & owner supportThermadorThermador US support (troubleshooting & error codes)JennAirJennAir product helpMieleMiele USA customer assistanceSamsungSamsung US refrigerator error codesSamsungSamsung US: Family Hub screen blank / resetLGLG US refrigerator error code listWhirlpoolWhirlpool Product Help: error codes & blinking lightsBoschBosch US refrigeration error codesFisher & PaykelFisher & Paykel ActiveSmart fault codes (support article)HaierHaier global support: refrigerator/freezer error codesSamsungSamsung US refrigerator support (manuals, troubleshooting, service request)SamsungSamsung US official refrigerator error code listLGLG USA support home (manuals & documents by model)LGLG US official refrigerator error code listWhirlpoolWhirlpool manuals & literature lookup (by model number)WhirlpoolWhirlpool Product Help: French-door refrigerator error codes & blinking lightsGEGE Appliances owner's manuals & installation instructions (by model number)FrigidaireFrigidaire owner support (Owner Center; search manuals by model number)