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Samsung Refrigerator Error Code 40E

Reviewed by the ApplianceErrors Editorial Team · Verified against manufacturer service documentation · Last verified: June 10, 2026
⚠ Medium Severity 🔧🔧 Moderate DIY Also shown as: 40C

Ice maker sensor failure — ice maker position sensor

The most common cause of the 40E error on a Samsung refrigerator is ice maker position sensor failure (~55% of cases); start with: defrost ice maker.

💰 DIY cost: $15–$150 👨‍🔧 Pro cost: $150–$350 Save $135+ by doing it yourself
Samsung Refrigerator error code 40E on the display panel
How the 40E code appears on a Samsung refrigerator display

What Does Error Code 40E Mean on a Samsung Refrigerator?

Ice maker sensor failure — ice maker position sensor.

The 40E code (also shown as 40C) fires when the control board loses a valid signal from the ice maker's position sensor, which tracks the ejection arm or tray rotation during a harvest cycle. A shorted, open, or frost-blocked sensor keeps the board from confirming tray position, so it flags a fault. It differs from ice-maker temperature or fan codes like 39E in that it targets mechanical position feedback rather than cooling or airflow performance.

Models affected: Samsung refrigerators with automatic ice makers, including French-door and side-by-side models such as the RF28R7351SG, RF263BEAESR, RF23M8070SR, RS27T5200SR, and RF27T5201SR
What owners report: Owners commonly report this code appearing after a frost buildup or ice jam in the ice maker, and a full manual defrost of the assembly often clears it without any part replacement. When it returns quickly after thawing, the sensor or ice maker module itself is usually the culprit.

What Causes Error Code 40E?

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

  1. 1
    Ice maker position sensor failure 55% of cases
  2. 2
    Ice jam preventing sensor from reading correctly 35% of cases
  3. 3
    Wiring to sensor damaged 10% of cases

How to Fix Samsung Refrigerator Error Code 40E

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

    Defrost ice maker

    Let the ice maker area fully thaw.

  2. 2

    Test and replace position sensor

    Access the ice maker assembly and test the sensor.

    🔩 Samsung ice maker sensor ($15–$40)
  3. 3

    Replace ice maker module

    If individual sensor is not serviceable.

    🔩 Samsung ice maker assembly ($80–$150)

How to Reset Error Code 40E

Press ice maker reset button after repair.

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

If ice maker is replaced and error persists, control board ice maker input has failed.

Average professional repair cost for this issue: $150–$350

Related Error Codes

39E
Ice maker function error — ice maker not cycling
⚠ Medium Severity
22E
Refrigerator fan error — fresh-food compartment fan not running
⚠ High 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

21E Freezer fan error — freezer evaporator fan not running 24E Evaporator sensor error — freezer temperature sensor fault 25E Freezer defrost sensor error 88-88 Display test mode active — not a fault code 5E Defrost sensor error 8E Ice maker sensor failure

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I keep using my Samsung Refrigerator when error 40E appears? +
You often can for a cycle or two, but the sensor issue behind 40E will keep interrupting normal operation until it is fixed. Plan the repair rather than ignoring the code.
What most commonly causes 40E on a Samsung Refrigerator? +
Across reported Samsung refrigerator repairs, the most frequent is ice maker position sensor failure (55% of cases), ice jam preventing sensor from reading correctly (35%), then wiring to sensor damaged (10%). Check them in that order before replacing any parts.
40E keeps coming back after a reset — what should I check next? +
A reset only clears the stored 40E fault; if it returns, the sensor problem is still present. Move on to the physical checks — defrost ice maker, then test and replace position 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 40E? +
A DIY repair typically runs $15–$150 in parts, versus $150–$350 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 40E? +
40E is documented on Samsung refrigerators with automatic ice makers, including French-door and side-by-side 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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