Step-by-Step DIY Fix Guide
- SAFETY: Unplug the refrigerator before checking the ice maker.
- Check that the water supply line to the refrigerator is connected and the inlet valve behind the unit is fully open.
- Check and replace the water filter if it is more than 6 months old or the indicator light is on.
- Remove and empty the ice bucket — a full bucket raises the ice maker arm, which stops production.
- Reseat the ice bucket firmly, confirming it clicks into place.
- Set the freezer temperature to 0°F if it is warmer.
- Plug the refrigerator back in and allow 24 hours for the ice maker to attempt a new cycle.
- If 39E returns, call Samsung Support at 1-800-726-7864.
If it's still not filling correctly
- If normal household water flow looks good but the code returns, the inlet-valve or fill-sensing path becomes more likely.
- If the warning returns immediately after a clean restart, the sensor or wiring path becomes more likely than a one-time glitch.
- 39E returns after water supply, filter, bucket, and temperature are all confirmed correct
What This Error Means
Error 39E on your Samsung refrigerator means: The ice maker has failed to complete its harvest cycle within the expected time. The ice maker motor or its control system is not finishing the cycle of making and ejecting ice cubes. Also displayed as 39C on some models. The refrigerator's self-diagnostic system has flagged this condition and may have paused affected functions.
The most frequent cause is water supply not connected or supply valve not fully open. Work through the causes and steps below before calling a technician.
Many cases of 39E can be partially resolved by the homeowner. Complete all DIY steps before contacting a technician.
Before calling a technician for any ice maker error, check the water supply valve behind the refrigerator (it must be fully open), and replace the water filter if it is more than 6 months old. A low-flow water supply is a common root cause of ice maker sensor and cycle errors that can appear to be hardware faults but resolve after a filter change.
Most Likely Cause by Symptom
The Samsung refrigerator may stop, pause, or refuse to complete the cycle normally.
Likely cause: Water supply not connected or supply valve not fully open
Check first: SAFETY: Unplug the refrigerator before checking the ice maker.
Performance may drop because airflow, filtering, or draining is restricted.
Likely cause: Water filter overdue for replacement — restricted flow prevents ice mould filling
Check first: Check that the water supply line to the refrigerator is connected and the inlet valve behind the unit is fully open.
The warning may return immediately because the appliance is detecting an internal fault.
Likely cause: Ice bucket full and not emptied, preventing the harvest arm from cycling
Check first: Check and replace the water filter if it is more than 6 months old or the indicator light is on.
Common Causes
- Water supply not connected or supply valve not fully open
- Water filter overdue for replacement — restricted flow prevents ice mould filling
- Ice bucket full and not emptied, preventing the harvest arm from cycling
- Ice maker motor or gear mechanism failure
- Freezer temperature too warm to freeze water within the cycle time
What Not to Do
- Do not manually force the ice maker through a harvest cycle — this can strip the gear mechanism
Model and Display Variation Notes
Model-family notes
- Samsung refrigerator display wording and code formats can vary by series.
- If your model behaves differently, check the owner manual before trying any deeper maintenance step.
- Some models may display the same fault as 39E, 39C.
Display and panel differences
- Some control panels show this issue as 39E, 39C instead of only 39E.
- Panel wording and whether the code appears with letters, numbers, or a longer variant can differ by model family.
Parts, Tools and Service Options
Common parts
- Water filter if overdue ($30–$60)
- Ice maker assembly if motor or gear failure ($60–$150)
- Water inlet valve if valve is not opening fully ($30–$80)
Manual and model check
Check your exact model and manual before ordering any Samsung refrigerator parts.
Service option
Samsung service visit if the warning returns after the basic checks are complete.
Suggestions in this section are organized to support the troubleshooting flow first. Any future affiliate relationships should be disclosed clearly.
When Not to Keep Troubleshooting
39E returns after water supply, filter, bucket, and temperature are all confirmed correct
How to Prevent It Recurring
- Replace the water filter every 6 months and empty the ice bucket regularly — both are the most common preventable causes of ice maker cycle errors
Related Error Codes
8E
The ice maker's freezer temperature sensor has returned an out-of-range reading. This sensor tells the ice maker when the freezer is cold enough to begin a harvest cycle. A faulty reading prevents ice production.
14E
The refrigerator's ice maker sensor has detected a temperature that is out of the expected operating range for ice production. Ice production has stopped to prevent a partial or slushy ice harvest.
33E
The heater that prevents the ice maker's water supply tube from freezing has been detected as faulty. Without this heater, the water line will freeze and the ice maker will stop producing ice.
40E
The fan inside the ice maker compartment is not operating. This fan circulates cold air through the ice maker area to maintain freezing temperatures and assists with ice production.
Extra notes
- This page is based on Samsung support material and stays conservative where model-specific guidance may vary.
- The goal is to help you identify safe first checks before you move into parts, service, or model-specific manual lookup.
Source and model notes
Last reviewed: 2026-04-08
Based on: Based on Samsung support material and edited into consumer-safe guidance for the exact code family on this page.
View Samsung US Official Support
Model coverage note: Samsung refrigerator code meanings can vary by series, control panel, and model family, so use this page as a safe starting point rather than a replacement for the model-specific manual.
Important: FixThisError is an independent guide, not the manufacturer. Use your model-specific manual when the panel wording or behavior differs.
Always disconnect power before inspecting appliances. If unsure, contact a licensed appliance technician.