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Samsung Refrigerator Error Code 25E

Reviewed by the ApplianceErrors Editorial Team · Verified against manufacturer service documentation · Last verified: June 10, 2026
⚠ Medium Severity 🔧🔧 Moderate DIY Also shown as: 25C

Freezer defrost sensor error

The most common cause of the 25E error on a Samsung refrigerator is defrost sensor open circuit (burned out) (~60% of cases); start with: locate the defrost sensor.

💰 DIY cost: $15–$40 👨‍🔧 Pro cost: $150–$300 Save $135+ by doing it yourself
Samsung Refrigerator error code 25E on the display panel
How the 25E code appears on a Samsung refrigerator display

What Does Error Code 25E Mean on a Samsung Refrigerator?

Freezer defrost sensor error.

25E indicates the control board reads the freezer defrost thermistor as out of range—typically an open circuit, or an out-of-spec resistance from a loose connector or ice-bridged short. This sensor confirms the evaporator has warmed enough to end each defrost cycle. Without a trusted reading, the board cannot safely terminate defrost. Unlike 24E, which points to the defrost function or heater itself, 25E is specifically the temperature sensor feedback that governs cycle timing.

Models affected: Samsung refrigerators using the two-digit fault-code system with a dedicated freezer defrost sensor, including French-door, side-by-side, and bottom-freezer models such as the RF28R7351SG, RF263BEAESR, RF23M8070SR, RS27T5200SR, and RF27T5201SR
What owners report: Owners commonly report this code appearing after a period of ice buildup on the rear freezer panel or following a frost-heavy defrost. A loose or moisture-corroded connector at the sensor is a frequent false trigger, and reseating the plug or clearing ice sometimes clears the fault before any part swap is needed.

What Causes Error Code 25E?

Here are the most common causes in order of frequency. Start with the most likely cause before moving to the next:

  1. 1
    Defrost sensor open circuit (burned out) 60% of cases
  2. 2
    Connector loose at sensor or control board 25% of cases
  3. 3
    Sensor shorted from ice or moisture 15% of cases

How to Fix Samsung Refrigerator Error Code 25E

🔧🔧 Moderate DIY Est. time: 30–60 min
⚡ Safety first: Unplug the appliance before opening any panels or touching internal components.
  1. 1

    Locate the defrost sensor

    Behind the freezer back panel, near the defrost heater. Often a two-wire sensor clipped to the evaporator.

  2. 2

    Test the sensor

    At room temperature: should read approximately 5.5k–6.5k ohms. At 32°F: ~16k ohms.

    🔩 Multimeter
  3. 3

    Replace the defrost sensor

    Disconnect, unclip from evaporator, and install new sensor. Handle the evaporator carefully.

    🔩 Samsung defrost sensor ($15–$40)

How to Reset Error Code 25E

Unplug for 5 minutes after repair. The code should clear after a successful defrost cycle (every 6–12 hours normally).

Note: If the error returns after resetting, the underlying issue has not been resolved. Work through the fix steps above.

Full Samsung refrigerator reset guide → Enter diagnostic mode →

Did this guide fix your appliance?

When to Call a Professional

Recurring defrost errors with correctly functioning sensors point to a defrost heater or timer issue requiring professional diagnosis.

Average professional repair cost for this issue: $150–$300

Related Error Codes

24E
Evaporator sensor error — freezer temperature sensor fault
⚠ Medium Severity

Find Replacement Parts

Use these links to find the exact replacement parts for your Samsung Refrigerator:

🔩
Search PartSelect
Samsung Refrigerator repair parts
🔧
Search RepairClinic
Step-by-step video guides

External links — ApplianceErrors.com is not affiliated with these retailers.

More Samsung Refrigerator Error Codes

22E Refrigerator fan error — fresh-food compartment fan not running 21E Freezer fan error — freezer evaporator fan not running 88-88 Display test mode active — not a fault code 39E Ice maker function error — ice maker not cycling 5E Defrost sensor error 8E Ice maker sensor failure

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I keep using my Samsung Refrigerator when error 25E appears? +
You often can for a cycle or two, but the sensor issue behind 25E will keep interrupting normal operation until it is fixed. Plan the repair rather than ignoring the code.
What most commonly causes 25E on a Samsung Refrigerator? +
Across reported Samsung refrigerator repairs, the most frequent is defrost sensor open circuit (burned out) (60% of cases), connector loose at sensor or control board (25%), then sensor shorted from ice or moisture (15%). Check them in that order before replacing any parts.
25E keeps coming back after a reset — what should I check next? +
A reset only clears the stored 25E fault; if it returns, the sensor problem is still present. Move on to the physical checks — locate the defrost sensor, then test the sensor — since the code will reappear until the root cause is resolved. This is a moderate job — a multimeter and some disassembly are usually involved.
How much does it cost to fix Samsung Refrigerator error 25E? +
A DIY repair typically runs $15–$40 in parts, versus $150–$300 for a professional service call, so handling it yourself saves around $135. Expect the work to take roughly 30–60 minutes.
Which Samsung Refrigerator models show error 25E? +
25E is documented on Samsung refrigerators using the two-digit fault-code system with a dedicated freezer defrost sensor, including French-door, side-by-side, and bottom-freezer models such as the RF28R7351SG, RF263BEAESR, RF23M8070SR, RS27T5200SR, and RF27T5201SR. Other units sharing the same control platform can display it too, so the fixes here generally transfer across the series.

Sources & References

Content verified against manufacturer service documentation. Last verified: June 10, 2026.

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