Refrigerator
Samsung
Updated Jul 23, 2026
Samsung Refrigerator 24E Error — Freezer Defrost Heater Fault & Fix
24E
Samsung · Refrigerator24E on a Samsung refrigerator means the freezer defrost heater is faulty — either open cir…
Quick answer
24E on a Samsung refrigerator means the freezer defrost heater is faulty — either open circuit or has been running for more than 80 minutes without reaching the target temperature.
What 24E means
The defrost heater is a heating element behind the freezer's rear panel that melts ice from the evaporator during defrost cycles. 24E appears when the heater circuit is open (burned out) or when the heater runs for over 80 minutes — meaning it is working but unable to melt the ice, which usually indicates a secondary problem.
Symptoms: heavy frost buildup in the freezer, frost on the rear panel, the freezer is cold but the fridge side warms up (because the frosted evaporator blocks airflow).
How to fix it
- Unplug the refrigerator.
- Remove the freezer rear panel to access the evaporator and defrost heater.
- Defrost the evaporator if it is covered in ice. This can take 4-8 hours naturally. Place towels below.
- Test the defrost heater with a multimeter — it should show continuity (typically 20-40 ohms). If open (OL), the heater is burned out.
- Also check the defrost thermostat/bi-metal. This safety switch cuts power to the heater when the evaporator reaches a set temperature. If it is stuck open, the heater gets no power even though the heater itself is good.
- Replace the faulty component and reassemble.
What does the 24E code mean?
24E indicates the freezer defrost heater circuit is open (burned out) or the heater has run over 80 minutes without reaching the defrost target temperature.
Common causes
- Burned-out defrost heater element (most common)
- Defective defrost thermostat/bi-metal switch
- Damaged heater wiring
- Excessive ice buildup overwhelming the heater capacity
- Main PCB defrost relay fault
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How to fix the 24E error
Unplug the refrigerator
Safety first.
Remove freezer rear panel
Access the evaporator and defrost heater.
Defrost if iced over
Let ice melt naturally (4-8 hours). Place towels to catch water.
Test the defrost heater
Multimeter should show 20-40 ohms. Open = burned out.
Test the defrost thermostat
Should show continuity at room temperature.
Replace faulty part
Heater or thermostat, then reassemble.
Safety first: The defrost heater operates at mains voltage. Ensure the fridge is unplugged before testing or replacing the heater.
Part you may need: Defrost heater / defrost thermostat (bi-metal)
If both the heater and thermostat test good but 24E persists, the main PCB's defrost relay may be stuck open — this is less common but possible.
Frequently asked questions
Why does ice keep building up in my Samsung freezer?
A faulty defrost heater (24E) or sensor (5E) prevents the defrost cycle from running properly. Fix 24E and the frost problem resolves.
24E and food still frozen?
The freezer may still be cold enough short-term, but the ice buildup will eventually block the fan (causing 21E) and warming.
✎ Written by
REZAUL Karim (Riad)
REZAUL Karim (Riad) is the founder of ErrFixHub and a hands-on electronics and home-appliance repair specialist with over 15 years of experience diagnosing and fixing air conditioners, washing machines, refrigerators, inverters and other household appliances. He built ErrFixHub to turn cryptic error codes into clear, step-by-step fixes anyone can follow — cross-checking every code against manufacturer documentation and real repair-bench experience.
