Samsung Refrigerator 40E Error Code — Ice Maker Fix

The 40E error on a Samsung refrigerator indicates an ice maker fault — typically a temperature sensor problem or ice buildup that’s blocking the ice maker fan. Samsung French door and side-by-side refrigerators are notorious for ice maker issues, and the 40E is one of the most common codes on these models. The good news: a forced defrost cycle fixes it in the majority of cases.

Quick Reference

What This Error Means

40E (also shown as 40 C on some models) means the ice maker has detected a temperature out of range, or the ice maker thermistor (temperature sensor) is sending an abnormal reading. Samsung’s ice makers run in a compartment above the freezer section, and they’re prone to ice buildup that can lock up the fan motor or cover the temperature sensor.

Common Causes

• Ice buildup in the ice maker compartment — The most common cause on Samsung French door refrigerators. Ice accumulates around the ice maker fan and evaporator, the fan motor gets blocked or iced in, and the temperature in the compartment goes out of range.
• Failed ice maker thermistor — The small temperature sensor in the ice maker assembly has failed and is sending an out-of-range signal.
• Ice maker fan motor failure — The small fan that circulates cold air through the ice maker compartment has stopped working.
• Expired water filter — A heavily clogged filter restricts water flow to the ice maker and can cause related errors. Samsung recommends filter replacement every 6 months.

Step-by-Step Fix

Step 1: Run a forced defrost cycle

This is the first thing to try and it resolves 40E in most cases where ice buildup is the cause.

1. On Samsung French door models: hold the Energy Saver and Fridge buttons simultaneously for approximately 8 seconds until the display goes blank or beeps.
2. Once in diagnostic mode, press the Fridge button once to cycle to forced defrost (look for “Fd” on the display).
3. The defrost heaters will run for approximately 20–30 minutes, melting any ice buildup in the compartment.
4. After the cycle ends, the refrigerator returns to normal operation.
5. Check if 40E returns. If it doesn’t, the ice buildup was the cause.

Note: The exact button combination varies by model year. If Energy Saver + Fridge doesn’t work, try holding both top dispenser buttons simultaneously for 8 seconds. Check your model’s service manual for the correct combination.

Step 2: Replace the water filter

If your filter hasn’t been changed in more than 6 months, replace it. A clogged filter restricts ice maker water flow.

1. Locate the filter — on French door models it’s typically inside the upper right corner of the fridge compartment.
2. Twist counterclockwise to remove.
3. Install the new filter by inserting and twisting clockwise until it clicks.
4. Run 2–3 gallons of water through the dispenser to flush the new filter.

Step 3: Check the ice maker fan

If 40E returns after defrosting:

1. Unplug the refrigerator.
2. Open the freezer and locate the ice maker compartment cover — usually at the top of the freezer, secured by 2–3 screws.
3. Remove the cover and look at the fan behind the ice maker assembly.
4. Try spinning the fan blade by hand. It should spin freely. If it’s stiff, still iced in, or doesn’t spin at all, the motor has failed.

Step 4: Test the ice maker thermistor

The thermistor should read approximately 5,000–15,000 ohms at freezer temperature (roughly 0°F / -18°C). An open circuit (infinite ohms) means it has failed and needs replacement. The thermistor is part of the ice maker assembly on most Samsung models.

Parts You May Need

• Samsung refrigerator water filter DA29-00003G
• Samsung ice maker assembly replacement
• Samsung ice maker thermistor
• Samsung freezer fan motor

When to Call a Technician

Samsung ice maker problems have been widespread enough that Samsung extended warranties on certain models. Check Samsung’s website with your model number to see if yours qualifies for free service. If it doesn’t, and forced defrost doesn’t fix the issue permanently, the ice maker assembly replacement is the typical repair — it’s a DIY-capable job but does require removing the ice maker from the freezer compartment.

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