Samsung American Fridge Freezer Not Cooling: Diagnosis

SAMSUNG · freestanding fridge freezer american · based on 168 similar repairs

Diagnosed by Sean McCauley · SMC Services · Last verified 10 May 2026

Need this fixed? Get the part — £135.69 →

2 parts matched to this fault · UK-wide delivery · prices include VAT

Likely causes (Samsung freestanding fridge freezer american):

Compressor — 16.9% of cases
Pcb — 14.9% of cases
Fan — 14.3% of cases

Problem summary

Your Samsung American fridge freezer is running but not cooling the fridge or freezer compartments (or both). The unit may still be getting power and making noise, but temperatures are rising or staying warm.

Likely causes

Based on 141 similar reports from our engineers, the most common causes are:

Compressor failure (19.4% of cases) The compressor is the pump that circulates refrigerant through the sealed cooling circuit. If it fails, the whole system stops cooling. This is a sealed component requiring specialised equipment to diagnose and replace.

Control board (PCB) fault (16.4% of cases) The inverter or main PCB controls power delivery to the compressor and fans. A faulty board can stop the compressor from running, even if other parts are working. Diagnosis requires electrical testing.

Fan motor failure (15.7% of cases) The evaporator or condenser fan may have stopped working. This prevents cold air circulation or heat rejection, causing cooling loss. The fault is usually mechanical wear or electrical failure.

Why this needs an engineer

None of these faults can be safely fixed at home:

Compressor and refrigeration work involves a sealed system. Opening it risks releasing refrigerant (harmful to the environment and illegal to release) and introducing moisture. Recharging requires certified equipment and qualifications.
PCB replacement requires safe disconnection from mains voltage and testing with specialised tools to confirm the fault.
Fan motors may look simple, but access often requires partial disassembly and safe handling of electrical connections.

Attempting these repairs yourself risks electric shock, refrigerant exposure, or creating further damage.

When to call SMC Services

Call a qualified engineer as soon as possible if your fridge freezer is not cooling. The longer you leave it running without cooling, the more food risk you have, and some faults worsen if the machine continues to operate.

Do not attempt to restart the unit repeatedly hoping it will recover—this wastes energy and can damage components further.

If you're in Northern Ireland, SMC Services can usually book a repair within 2–3 working days.

Step by step

Check for obvious signs before calling. Confirm the fridge is plugged in, switched on at the wall, and powered on at the unit control panel. Ensure the back vents are not blocked by dust or debris. Verify the door seals close fully and feel cool inside. If none of these apply or the unit still will not cool, an engineer diagnosis is needed.
Do not attempt compressor, PCB, or refrigeration repair. These are sealed-system and high-voltage components. Repairing them requires EPA/F-Gas certification (UK), specialised tools, and safe mains isolation. DIY work here is illegal and dangerous.
Secure your food and call an engineer. Move perishables to alternative storage. Contact SMC Services or another qualified repair service to arrange an urgent visit. Have your model information and fault date ready when you call.

Frequently asked questions

Will my food spoil while I wait for an engineer?

Perishable food can spoil within a few hours of loss of cooling. Move high-risk items (meat, dairy, leftovers) to a neighbour's fridge or a cool box with ice packs immediately. Packaged and shelf-stable items are safer. Contact us urgently for a fast appointment if food safety is a concern.

Could this be just a thermostat problem?

Thermostat faults are less common in Samsung American models in our experience (not in the top causes list), but they're possible. Only an engineer can test the thermostat safely alongside other electrical components.

Is this covered under warranty?

We cannot advise on warranty. Check your purchase receipt and Samsung's terms. Your engineer can discuss repair costs and any cover you may have.

Should I unplug it?

If the fridge is not cooling and you have no immediate use for it, switching off and unplugging it will preserve food slightly longer by stopping the warm compressor from running. Leave it off until an engineer can inspect it.

Why is my fridge noisy but still not cooling?

Noise (buzzing, clicking, or humming) often means the compressor is trying to run but failing to pump refrigerant, or a fan is struggling. This is still a fault requiring professional diagnosis.

Get this fixed

The parts most often needed for this repair — order direct:

Samsung Compressor (NF34H9151AMASH) £135.69 SMC17441 View part → Samsung Main Pcb Assembly (DA92-00355F) £78.44 SMC02139 View part →

Browse all spares

Prefer a pro? A local appliance engineer can carry out this repair. SMC's own repair service covers Northern Ireland only. The parts above ship UK-wide.

Related diagnoses

About the data on this page

This page draws on 168 similar repairs from across 29 years of SMC Services records — over 116,000+ appliance repairs in total since 1997. The likely-cause percentages above are computed directly from the engineer reports we filed for this brand and fault, and we update them as new repairs come in.

SMC Services Ltd · Registered in Northern Ireland, Co. NI628091 · Domestic & Commercial Appliance Repairs.