Problem summary
Your Samsung French door fridge freezer is not cooling the fridge or freezer compartments, and you may be hearing unusual noises from the appliance. This is a fault that requires prompt attention, as food safety is at risk once the temperature rises above 5°C in the fridge section.
Likely causes
Based on 43 similar reports from our engineers, the most common causes are:
Control board (PCB) failure — The main printed circuit board controls the cooling cycle. If the PCB fails, the compressor may not start, or cooling may stop altogether. This accounts for nearly 24% of cases with this fault pattern.
Temperature sensor fault — The sensor tells the control board when to run the compressor. A faulty sensor can prevent the fridge from cooling even if other parts are working. This is the second most common cause at around 14% of cases.
Compressor issue — The compressor is the heart of the cooling system. If it fails, no refrigerant will circulate and neither compartment will cool. This accounts for approximately 7% of reported cases.
Other possible causes include a blocked dryer filter, a faulty defrost cycle, or a leak in the sealed refrigeration system.
Why this needs an engineer
All of the likely causes involve electrical components (the PCB and sensor) or sealed refrigeration parts (the compressor and pipework).
The PCB and sensor are powered by mains voltage, so diagnosis and repair must be done safely by a qualified engineer.
The compressor is a sealed mechanical unit, and any work on the refrigeration system — including replacing pipes, valves, or the compressor itself — requires EPA-certified training, specialist tools, and safe handling of refrigerant. Attempting DIY work on these parts can damage the appliance further, create a safety hazard, and may invalidate any remaining warranty.
Our engineers have the service manuals, diagnostic equipment, and spare parts needed to identify exactly which component has failed and replace it correctly.
When to call SMC Services
Call us as soon as possible. Until the fridge is repaired:
- Do not leave perishable food in the appliance for more than a few hours.
- Avoid opening the door unnecessarily; cold air will escape.
- If you have ice or frozen food, use a cooler box with ice packs if you need to preserve it.
- Switch off the appliance if you will be away for more than a day.
If you're in Northern Ireland, SMC Services can usually book a repair within 2–3 working days.