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Samsung Refrigerator Error Code 5E

Reviewed by the ApplianceErrors Editorial Team · Verified against manufacturer service documentation · Last verified: June 10, 2026
⚠ Medium Severity 🔧🔧 Moderate DIY Also shown as: 5C

Defrost sensor error

The most common cause of the 5E error on a Samsung refrigerator is defrost sensor open or shorted (~60% of cases); start with: manually defrost the freezer.

💰 DIY cost: $15–$40 👨‍🔧 Pro cost: $150–$300 Save $135+ by doing it yourself
Samsung Refrigerator error code 5E on the display panel
How the 5E code appears on a Samsung refrigerator display

What Does Error Code 5E Mean on a Samsung Refrigerator?

Defrost sensor error.

The sensor watching the evaporator temperature during defrost has failed, so the control board can't tell when the coils have cleared and may end defrost early. Frost then builds on the evaporator and cooling slowly weakens. A burned-out sensor is most common; a loose connector is next.

What Causes Error Code 5E?

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 or shorted 60% of cases
  2. 2
    Sensor connector loose 20% of cases
  3. 3
    Heavy frost skewing the sensor reading 10% of cases
  4. 4
    Control board sensor input fault 10% of cases

How to Fix Samsung Refrigerator Error Code 5E

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

    Manually defrost the freezer

    Unplug the fridge and let all frost on the coils melt fully — several hours — before testing the sensor.

  2. 2

    Test the defrost sensor

    Measure resistance — about 16k ohms at 32°F and ~6k ohms at room temperature; far off means replace it.

    🔩 Multimeter
  3. 3

    Replace the sensor

    Unclip the failed sensor from the evaporator coil and fit the new one, then reconnect its plug firmly.

    🔩 Samsung defrost sensor ($15–$40)

How to Reset Error Code 5E

After replacing the sensor, plug the fridge back in and allow about 24 hours for the cabinet to stabilize and a normal defrost cycle to run before judging whether 5E and any frost buildup are resolved.

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 → Symptom guide: Refrigerator not cooling →

Did this guide fix your appliance?

When to Call a Professional

Call a technician if frost rebuilds on the coils after the sensor is replaced, since the defrost heater or defrost control circuit has then failed and needs professional testing to isolate the faulty part.

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

Related Error Codes

24E
Evaporator sensor error — freezer temperature sensor fault
⚠ Medium Severity
25E
Freezer defrost sensor error
⚠ 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 8E Ice maker sensor failure 6E Ambient temperature sensor error

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I keep using my Samsung Refrigerator when error 5E appears? +
You often can for a cycle or two, but the defrost issue behind 5E will keep interrupting normal operation until it is fixed. Plan the repair rather than ignoring the code.
What most commonly causes 5E on a Samsung Refrigerator? +
Across reported Samsung refrigerator repairs, the most frequent is defrost sensor open or shorted (60% of cases), sensor connector loose (20%), then heavy frost skewing the sensor reading (10%). Check them in that order before replacing any parts.
5E keeps coming back after a reset — what should I check next? +
A reset only clears the stored 5E fault; if it returns, the defrost problem is still present. Move on to the physical checks — manually defrost the freezer, then test the defrost 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 5E? +
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.

Sources & References

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

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