Samsung refrigerators come equipped with built-in self-diagnostic error recognition systems to alert you of issues. When a problem arises, you will immediately observe that the display icons begin to flash, blink, or exhibit a specific fault code message. Instead of showcasing the standard fridge and freezer temperatures, these fault messages or codes will take their place, appearing right where you’d normally see the temperature readings.
Samsung Refrigerator Flashing – Blinking
Samsung Fridge Error Codes:
- 88 88: General Error
- 83E, 85E, 86E: Sensor Errors
- All Display Icons FLASHING: Multiple Issues
- Power Outage: Detected power loss
- PC Er: Communication Error
- OF OF: Cooling Off Mode
- 1E, SE, 5E: Function Errors
- Door Alarm: Door Left Open
This guide addresses the above-listed error codes and provides actionable steps for resolution.
| Error Code | Description | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| 88 88, 83E, 85E, or 86E | Issues with the PBA inverter | Unplug or flip the circuit breaker to remove power, wait 1-5 minutes, then restore power |
| PC Er | Communication problem between door and main control unit | Check and reset the wire harness under the top left door |
| OF OF or O FF | Cooling Off or Demo Mode | Follow instructions to exit Cooling Off or Demo Mode |
| — | Flashing Temperature above 59°F | Lower temperature setting, ensure door isn’t left open for long |
| 1E SE | Power Outage | Press Power Save and Lighting buttons for 10 seconds or Fridge and Freezer buttons for 10 seconds to reset the control panel |
Samsung Refrigerator Error Codes: 88 88, 83E, 85E, 86E
If your Samsung refrigerator shows any of the following error codes: 88 88, 83E, 85E, or 86E, you’re dealing with issues related to the PBA inverter.
Quick Reset Procedure:
- Disconnect Power: Unplug the refrigerator from the electrical outlet or flip the circuit breaker to cut off the power supply.
- Wait: Allow the refrigerator to remain disconnected for a duration of 1 to 5 minutes.
- Restore Power: Reconnect the refrigerator to the power supply or flip the circuit breaker back on.
- Check Display: After 5 minutes, the refrigerator should reset itself, and the error codes should be cleared.
This procedure essentially performs a power cycle, resetting the refrigerator and clearing the error codes related to the PBA inverter.
Samsung Refrigerator Error Code: PC Er
The PC Er error code on your Samsung refrigerator indicates a communication issue between the door and the main control unit.
Root Cause:
- The wire harness located under the top-left door may not be properly connected or may require a reset.
Step-by-Step Resolution:
- Disconnect Power: Unplug the refrigerator or turn off the circuit breaker to cut off power to the appliance.
- Locate Wire Harness: Open the top-left door and find the wire harness situated above the door hinge.
- Inspect and Reset: Disconnect the wire harness and then securely reconnect it to ensure proper communication.
- Restore Power: Plug the refrigerator back into the power outlet or turn the circuit breaker back on.
- Check Error Code: Upon restoring power, the PC Er error code should be cleared from the display.
By following these steps, you reset the wire harness connection, which should resolve the communication issue and clear the error code.
To clear the PC ER error on Samsung refrigerator
Unplug and then reconnect the wire harness in top left door
Samsung Refrigerator Error Codes: OF OF or O FF
If your Samsung refrigerator displays the error codes OF OF or O FF, it means the appliance is in Cooling Off or Demo Mode.
What It Means:
- Cooling Off/Demo Mode: This mode is generally activated in-store for display purposes and disables the cooling system.
By recognizing this error code, you can swiftly take action to exit Cooling Off or Demo Mode and restore your refrigerator’s normal function.
Check this page for instructions detailing How To Get a Samsung Refrigerator out of the Cooling Off or Demo Mode?
Samsung Refrigerator OF OF mode
How to Get Samsung Fridge Out of OFF Demo Mode?
Samsung Refrigerator: Flashing Temperature Display
If the temperature display on your Samsung refrigerator starts flashing or blinking, it’s an alert indicating that the internal temperature has risen above 59°F.
Symptoms:
- Flashing or blinking temperature display
- Audible bell sound as a warning
Common Causes:
- The refrigerator’s internal temperature has exceeded 59°F.
- The door may have been left open for an extended period.
Immediate Actions:
- Adjust Settings: Lower the temperature setting on your refrigerator’s control panel.
- Check Door: Ensure that the refrigerator door is properly closed.
- Monitor Display: The flashing should stop once the internal temperature drops below 59°F.
Note: Persistent issues may require further diagnostic steps or professional assistance.
Samsung Refrigerator: Flashing Display During Self-Test
If you notice that all the icons on your Samsung refrigerator’s display panel start flashing upon plugging it into power, there’s no cause for alarm.
What It Means:
- Self-Diagnostic Test: The flashing display icons indicate that the refrigerator is performing an internal self-diagnostic test.
Behavior:
- All display icons will flash momentarily.
What to Expect:
- The flashing will automatically cease once the self-diagnostic test is successfully completed.
In summary, this is a standard operating procedure for Samsung refrigerators and is entirely normal. The flashing serves as an indication that the appliance is running its self-check protocols and will stop once the test is finalized.
Refrigerator Components Removed
If you’ve taken out an electrical or electronic component from your refrigerator—such as the ice maker, fan, switch, or damper—you may encounter an error code on the display within a specific time frame.
Common Causes:
- Removal of key components like the ice maker, fan, switch, or damper.
Steps to Clear Error Code:
- Disconnect Power: Unplug the refrigerator from its power source.
- Reinstall Component: Place the removed part back into its designated position within the refrigerator.
- Restore Power: Plug the refrigerator back into the electrical outlet.
- Check Error Code: The error code should disappear from the display upon successfully completing these steps.
By following this procedure, you reset the system and clear the error code triggered by the removal of the component.
Samsung Refrigerator Shows 1E, SE
If your Samsung refrigerator displays error codes 1E or SE, it’s signaling that a power outage has occurred.
Symptoms:
- Display shows error codes 1E or SE.
Quick Solutions:
Option 1:
- Press Buttons: Hold down the ‘Power Save’ and ‘Lighting’ buttons simultaneously.
- Duration: Continue holding for 10 seconds.
- Result: This will reset the control panel and clear the error code.
Option 2:
- Press Buttons: Hold down both the ‘Fridge’ and ‘Freezer’ buttons at the same time.
- Duration: Continue holding for 10 seconds.
- Result: This action will also reset the control panel and remove the error code.
Choose either of these options to effectively reset your refrigerator’s control panel and clear the 1E or SE error codes.
How to clear error and reset the display for Samsung refrigerators
PRESS AND HOLD POWER FREEZE AND POWER COOL FOR 10 SECONDS
Samsung Refrigerator Error Codes = Check here for ALL error codes a Samsung refrigerator can display and how to fix them.
Need help? Let us know the model number of your Samsung refrigerator and the error or issue you are having and we can assist you in troubleshooting the problem.




I have a Samsung American fridge freezer, an error has occurred and I have researched the error and it is a defrosting error.
Temperate is showing too high in the freezer at 23.
The freezer itself is on and working fine.
It is not 23 as it is freezing in there.
However it keeps beeping due to the error and keeps showing 23 even though I know it’s in -degrees.
How can I fix this and stop the irritating beeping?
Thank you for the quick freezer temperature fix
Samsung RH269LBSH/XAA freezer door left open. Fridge and freezer stopped cooling. Repairman said replace main electronic control board. Did that; no cooling. Took interior apart and found lots of ice inside behind panel. Unplugged, defrosted all ice and replaced fridge-temperature sensor just in case. Plugged in, waited 5 minutes and pushed power cool and power freeze simultaneously. STARTED COOLING!!! Fridge dropped down to 38 * and freezer to -04*. Great for two hours at which time we unplugged and plugged in our “cool select zone” drawer. Fridge door open for half hour with temp rising to 68*. Plugged back in; freezer dropped back down to -04*. However fridge will not cool; unplugged cool select zone plug and fridge still won’t cool. What could be wrong? Thanks anybody.
Samsung RT60KZRSL1, Temperature display blinks and error “E” displays.
Sharon barker,
Which 2 buttons did you press and hold on your Samsung refrigerator?
Try unplugging the fridge for 30 seconds to 1 minute and it MAY reset.
-RR
Thanks for your reply.
Tried holding the buttons down for twenty seconds. Still nothing.
Sharon Barker,
Are you able to hold the 2 top buttons for 10 to 20 seconds to clear the blinking from the power outage on your Samsung refrigerator?
-RR
We had a power cut and when the American Samsung fridge freezer came back on it is blinking.
It is blinking to the bottom right hand side of the number.
Which shows on your page as cid three.
The model number is rsh 1 fbrs.
My Samsung fridge RH269LBSH/XAA not cooling correctly. Cool Select Zone drawer cools and top of freezer 38 degrees bottom of freezer freezes fine. After disassembly found lots of ice in fridge around coils and fan.
What could be causing this? Also just replaced main control board but not solving the problem.
We have Samsung SR-L36168 fridge/freezer bought around 2005. Never had any problems with it until today. The lights at top 1-5 keep flashing on and off. The power button appears to stick when pushed off and on. Is it repairable?