Step-by-Step DIY Fix Guide
- SAFETY: Unplug the refrigerator.
- Check that the water supply valve to the refrigerator is fully open.
- Check that the water filter is not overdue for replacement — a clogged filter restricts water flow and can indirectly affect ice maker operation.
- Perform a power reset: unplug for 60 seconds, then restore power.
- If 8E 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 airflow still seems weak after the basic checks, the fan path or a deeper obstruction 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.
What This Error Means
Error 8E on your Samsung refrigerator means: 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. The refrigerator's self-diagnostic system has flagged this condition and may have paused affected functions.
The most frequent cause is ice maker temperature sensor (thermistor) failure. Work through the causes and steps below before calling a technician.
Samsung's official guidance classifies 8E as a technician-only fault. A 60-second power reset is the only DIY step. If the code returns, contact Samsung Support at 1-800-726-7864.
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: Ice maker temperature sensor (thermistor) failure
Check first: SAFETY: Unplug the refrigerator.
Performance may drop because airflow, filtering, or draining is restricted.
Likely cause: Wiring fault between the sensor and the ice maker control board
Check first: Check that the water supply valve to the refrigerator is fully open.
The warning may return immediately because the appliance is detecting an internal fault.
Likely cause: Ice build-up encasing and damaging the sensor
Check first: Check that the water filter is not overdue for replacement — a clogged filter restricts water flow and can indirectly affect ice maker operation.
Common Causes
- Ice maker temperature sensor (thermistor) failure
- Wiring fault between the sensor and the ice maker control board
- Ice build-up encasing and damaging the sensor
- Ice maker control board fault
What Not to Do
- Do not force the ice maker through a manual harvest cycle while 8E is active — it can damage the ice maker 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.
Display and panel differences
- Panel wording can vary by series, so confirm the exact code pattern before buying parts.
Parts, Tools and Service Options
Service option
Samsung service visit if the warning returns after the basic checks are complete.
Manual and model check
Check your exact model and manual before ordering any Samsung refrigerator parts.
Common parts
- Ice maker temperature sensor/thermistor ($15–$40)
- Ice maker assembly if sensor replacement alone does not resolve ($60–$150)
This section stays service-first because the page points more strongly toward support or professional repair than a routine parts purchase.
When Not to Keep Troubleshooting
8E returns after a power reset
- Ice maker produces no ice for more than 24 hours after power restore
How to Prevent It Recurring
- Replace the refrigerator water filter every 6 months — a restricted filter causes ice maker stress that accelerates sensor wear
Related Error Codes
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.
39E
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.
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.