Samsung fridge/freezer rsa1zhpe doesn't cool anymore - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / repair

author: dosensuppe
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: December 18, 2024, 02:59:22 pm
content: Hi. Please help me diagnose what's wrong with this fridge/freezer.It ceased cooling about a week after aquiring it. I put it into diagnostic mode according to the service manual instructionshttps://www.manualslib.com/manual/2571836/Samsung-Rsa1z-Series.html?page=45#manual>no error code is returned>temperature on the display reads fine>fridge cooling only works if put into "forced operation" - but even then, the freezer doesn't seem to coolMy initial guess was the cooling liquid might have leaked, but then it wouldn't cool at all, even in forced operation, right? A faulty sensor is an often reported issue, but this would result in an according error code.I already asked on reddit and got the suggestion that the compressor relay may be broken, but I'm not sure since the freezer does work in the aforementioned circumstances.Best regards.

author: IanB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 18, 2024, 03:25:25 pm
content: Are you prepared to take the cover off and examine the internal workings?Assuming you are, then the freezer will be controlled by a thermostat. When the internal temperature is too high, then the compressor should run.So put the freezer in the normal operating mode, and see what happens. What should happen is that the compressor should start running, and maybe a circulation fan should also be running. When the compressor is running, the evaporator coils should get freezing cold.Check if any of these things are not happening, and then work back from there based on what you observe.For example, if the compressor doesn't run, then check the operation of the thermostat, or any relays that control the compressor.

author: wraper
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 18, 2024, 03:59:22 pm
content: QuoteNot necessarily, it may have leaked only partially, thus it may be cooling a bit even with leak.

author: dosensuppe
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: December 18, 2024, 04:55:57 pm
content: Well it's only running when "forced".Unfortunately I can't figure out where the thermostat may be located.It mentions a bimetal thermostat in the manual, but not where it might be located.https://www.manualslib.com/manual/2571836/Samsung-Rsa1z-Series.html?page=12#manual

author: wraper
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 18, 2024, 04:57:57 pm
content: If it's not cooling properly while compressor is running, it has nothing to do with thermostat.

author: bill_c
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 18, 2024, 06:32:34 pm
content: Make sure the exterior coils are somewhat clean and the exterior fan is working. make sure the interior fan(s) are working, Check compressor model to see if its one of those linear compressors that are prone to failure (runs but doesn't cool well or at all).

author: jnk0le
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 18, 2024, 07:10:26 pm
content: Could be dead defrosting heater. (or whatever it uses for defrosting)

author: dosensuppe
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: December 20, 2024, 09:09:03 pm
content: Right now I'm not in the vicinity of the fridge but I will keep those suggestions in mind and look up the compressor model etc.Thanks for the suggestions

author: dosensuppe
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: December 20, 2024, 09:11:39 pm
content: Merry christmas and all that

author: inse
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 20, 2024, 09:13:16 pm
content: If it failed after one week, why didn‘t you complain at the seller?Merry Christmas to you as well and enjoy your Dosensuppe

author: wraper
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 20, 2024, 11:31:10 pm
content: Quote from: jnk0le on December 18, 2024, 07:10:26 pmIf defrost is dead, you'll get ice buildup in the freezer, not lack of cooling.

author: wraper
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 21, 2024, 12:02:12 am
content: BTW I've seen repairmen saying that modern cheap fridges often have leaky aluminum pipe heat exchangers. Also as it's not working as it should, do not run it for no reason. Running leaky system may kill compressor.

author: darkspr1te
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 21, 2024, 10:48:23 am
content: Modern Samsung fridges have a defrost heating element that is normally located behind a plastic panel at the back of the fridge section, this device is used to stop ice build up on the cooling fins as ice will sit at 0 'c but the fins can go lower (below zero) so normally there a small blower fans to move the cooling air around but is also moves any moisture around too and this collects on the cooling fins and the end result will be a warm fridge but the compressor is functioning normally.this can easily be tested by defrosting the unit for a day or so and when turned back on it will function fine for a few days until it builds up again on the fins.i had my samsung repaired twice before finding a manual online explaining the heating element. so i replaced that and the fridge has been fine since +5 years later.darkspr1te