Quick answer
A Samsung refrigerator 39E error code signals an ice maker function or sensor fault, most often from ice jammed in the tray, a frozen fill tube, or an ice maker thermistor reading out of range. Reset first by holding the ice maker test button about 3 seconds, then clear any jammed ice. If the code returns, test the sensor and harness and replace the ice maker assembly, $90 to $200.
Samsung refrigerator code 39E concerns the ice maker on the RF31 setup described here. Stuck ice, a bound mechanism, damaged wiring, or a failed ice maker can trigger the fault, so the code alone is not a replacement diagnosis. This guide covers the reset, inspection, and repair choices that help identify why ice production has stopped.
Quick Facts
| Detail | At a Glance |
| Difficulty | Easy to Moderate |
| Time | 15 minutes for a reset, 1 to 2 hours including a defrost |
| Tools | Hair dryer, Phillips screwdriver, multimeter, towel |
| Part Cost | $0 for a reset, $90 to $200 for an ice maker assembly |
| Skill | Beginner for reset, intermediate for sensor and harness tests |
What Does the Samsung Refrigerator 39E Error Code Mean?
The Samsung refrigerator 39E error code concerns the ice maker on the covered RF31 setup; stuck ice, a bound mechanism, damaged wiring, or a failed ice maker can cause it.
Keep these points in mind.
- Ice maker function or sensor fault
- Which Samsung French door and side by side families show it
- What the display shows as 39 E
A symptom points toward a system, but several parts in that system may cause it; the useful question is which observation separates those parts. Visible damage gives stronger evidence than a guess from age alone. An electrical fault needs a reading made at the right points.
What Causes a Samsung Fridge to Show 39 E?
A reset may clear a stored fault after the mechanism is free; it will not fix a broken arm or damaged connection. The ice bucket can hide a jam, so the absence of fresh cubes does not by itself prove that the entire ice maker needs replacement.
The following details help narrow the decision.
| Condition or Detail | Meaning or Next Consideration |
| ice jammed in the tray or chute | A blockage can stop a sound drive mechanism. |
| frozen fill tube or no water flow | Ice can restrict airflow or water flow even when other parts work. |
| ice maker thermistor out of range | Judge the sensor signal under the correct temperature and test conditions. |
| loose or corroded harness | An interrupted connection can prevent a sound part from working. |
| failed ice maker module | Use this observation to narrow the fault before choosing a replacement. |
A symptom points toward a system, but several parts in that system may cause it; the useful question is which observation separates those parts. Visible damage gives stronger evidence than a guess from age alone. An electrical fault needs a reading made at the right points.
What would make this part a poor choice? A sound test result means you need to consider the other causes before ordering it.
Is 39E an Ice Maker Sensor Fault on a Samsung Fridge?
These signs need to be read together; a single symptom can point to more than one cause, so the condition of the related parts matters too.
Keep these points in mind.
- How the thermistor reports tray temperature
- Why a jammed tray looks like a sensor fault to the board
- And what separates the two
A symptom points toward a system, but several parts in that system may cause it; the useful question is which observation separates those parts. Visible damage gives stronger evidence than a guess from age alone. An electrical fault needs a reading made at the right points.
How Do I Reset the 39E Error Code on a Samsung Refrigerator?
Follow these steps to check this part of the fault.
Check the Reset and Response
- Turn the ice maker off.
- Disconnect power the refrigerator.
- Hold the test button for 3 seconds until the chime.
- And the dispenser panel button-hold reset.
A reset can clear a temporary control state; it cannot remove a physical blockage or repair a broken wire. What happens after the reset matters more than a for a moment normal display. A returning fault suggests that the control is detecting the same condition again.
How to Clear and Test the Ice Maker After a 39E Code Step by Step
Follow these steps to complete the covered procedure for Samsung refrigerator 39E error code.
Phase 1: Reset the Ice Maker and Refrigerator
- Turn the ice maker off and unplug the fridge for a few hours.
- Restore power and turn the ice maker on.
- Check whether the code clears.
Phase 2: Remove the Bucket and Clear Jammed Ice
- Remove the ice bucket.
- Inspect for ice blocks.
- Thaw stuck ice gently with a hair dryer on low.
- Check whether the mechanism turns freely.
Phase 3: Test the Ice Maker Arm and Rotation
- Locate the ice maker arm.
- Move it by hand to check for a bind.
- Inspect the mechanism for damage.
Phase 4: Inspect the Wiring Harness and Connections
- Disconnect power.
- Inspect the ice maker harness for frayed wires and loose plugs.
- Secure loose plugs or replace damaged wiring.
- Restore power and use the model reset controls if the fault persists.
How Do I Test the Ice Maker Sensor on a Samsung Refrigerator?
Follow these steps to check this part of the fault.
Check the Specified Test Conditions
- Disconnect power.
- Pull the ice maker.
- Locate the thermistor leads.
- Expect roughly 5 to 6 kilohms at freezer temperature and a reading that changes as the sensor warms.
- Replace the ice maker if open or fixed.
Resistance is measured in ohms with the part disconnected from power; a kilohm is 1,000 ohms. Continuity means there is an electrical path through the tested part. OL usually means that path is open or beyond the meter range.
Should You Replace the Ice Maker or Call a Technician?
Choose the repair that matches the confirmed fault; a cheaper part will not help if it belongs to a different part of the system.
Keep these points in mind.
- DIY reset and jam clearing at no cost
- Ice maker assembly $90 to $200 and 45 minutes
- Call a technician when the code returns within a week
- The compartment frosts over repeatedly
- Or the unit is under the Samsung ice maker extended coverage
A low-cost part is a good choice only when it corrects the confirmed fault; cleaning can solve a blockage, but it cannot repair a cracked housing or an open winding. A control board should come later in the diagnosis because a bad connection can create the same symptom. Parts cost is only part of the decision.
FAQ
Does 39E Stop the Refrigerator From Cooling?
The code concerns the ice maker on the covered setup. It does not by itself prove that the refrigerator cooling system has stopped.
How Often Can the Ice Maker Be Reset?
A reset is useful after clearing a temporary fault. Repeated resets cannot repair a damaged ice maker or harness.
Why Does Ice Keep Jamming After the Reset?
The cause of the jam may remain, such as a bound mechanism or repeated ice buildup. A cleared display does not prove the mechanism is sound.
Getting Past the 39E Code for Good
You have a clearer path when the symptoms, model, and test results agree; focus on the failed part and keep the nearby wiring, mounts, and seals in view. A sound diagnosis helps the repair solve the original problem.
Check the full model number, then choose the compatible ice maker or wiring harness so the freezer is filling the bucket again.
