51 E
Samsung Refrigerator
Severity: ModerateWhat Does This Error Mean?
The 51 E error on a Samsung refrigerator indicates a fault with the ice maker temperature sensor or the ice maker's own cooling system. Samsung refrigerators that have an ice maker in the freezer door or a separate ice maker compartment monitor its temperature closely. When the ice maker temperature sensor fails or the ice maker compartment cannot maintain the required temperature, 51 E appears. Ice production will stop and the code needs to be resolved.
Affected Models
- RF28R6201SR
- RF23M8070SR
- RF23J9011SR
- RF23R6201SR
- Samsung French door refrigerators with built-in ice makers
- RF28K9380SR — models with external door ice dispenser and dedicated ice maker compartment
Common Causes
- Ice maker temperature sensor (thermistor) has failed and is reading out of range
- Ice has built up around the ice maker sensor or temperature probe, giving false readings
- Ice maker evaporator coils are frosted over — the ice maker compartment cannot cool to the required temperature
- Ice maker compartment fan is not running — without airflow, the compartment warms above the sensor threshold
- Ice maker assembly has an internal fault — the ice maker unit itself needs to be replaced as a complete assembly
How to Fix It
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Perform a forced defrost to check if ice buildup around the sensor or ice maker evaporator is the cause. Hold Energy Saver and Fridge buttons for 8 seconds to enter forced defrost mode. Allow the full cycle to complete.
On Samsung refrigerators with an ice maker in the freezer door, the ice maker has its own evaporator that can frost over separately from the main freezer evaporator.
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After defrost, restart the refrigerator and check whether 51 E clears. If the ice maker resumes operation and the code stays away for several days, ice buildup was the cause — the defrost system needs attention.
If 51 E returns within 24 hours after defrost, the temperature sensor or ice maker assembly is faulty.
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Check the ice maker compartment for ice buildup. On Samsung French door models, the ice maker is inside the left freezer door or in a dedicated compartment. Open the compartment and check if ice has formed around the sensor probe or fan inlet.
Manually chip away any visible ice buildup using a plastic tool — never use metal implements near the ice maker components.
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Listen for the ice maker fan running. The fan should cycle on when the ice maker is active. No fan noise combined with 51 E indicates the fan motor in the ice maker compartment has failed — airflow is needed for the ice maker to reach freezing temperatures.
The ice maker fan is a small motor unit and is replaced as a complete assembly on most Samsung models.
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If ice buildup and fan issues are ruled out, the temperature sensor in the ice maker compartment has likely failed. A technician can test the sensor resistance and replace it, or replace the ice maker assembly if the sensor is integrated and not separately available.
Samsung ice maker assemblies are often replaced as complete units — the sensor, heater, and tray motor are bundled together.
When to Call a Professional
Ice maker sensor and evaporator issues within the ice maker compartment may require partial disassembly to access. A Samsung-certified technician can diagnose and replace the ice maker assembly, sensor, or fan for $150 to $350.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will 51 E affect the rest of my refrigerator or just the ice maker?
On most Samsung models, 51 E affects only the ice maker and its dedicated compartment. The main fridge and freezer compartments continue to cool normally. However, on models where the ice maker shares a cooling circuit with the freezer, you should monitor freezer temperatures when 51 E is active.
Can I reset 51 E by turning off the ice maker?
Turning off the ice maker pauses its operation but does not clear the underlying sensor fault. The code is stored in the control board memory. A full power reset (unplugging for 5 minutes) may temporarily clear it, but it will return if the sensor or evaporator issue is not fixed.
How long does a Samsung ice maker last?
Typically 5 to 10 years. Samsung ice makers have a known history of failures, particularly in French door models. If your ice maker is failing and is more than 7 years old, replacing the entire ice maker assembly is usually more cost-effective than repairing individual components.