Samsung Refrigerator Error Code 40E
Samsung lists 40E (40C on newer models) as the ice room fan error: the small fan that keeps the separate ice room cold is not turning or not being sensed. Ice buildup around the fan is the first thing to check.
Also shown as: 40C
Common causes
- Ice buildup is blocking the ice room fan
- Ice room fan wire harness connection is loose
- Ice room fan motor has failed
What to check, in order
- Remove the ice bucket and check around the ice room fan for ice buildup; thaw any ice you find.
- Reinsert the ice bucket fully and make sure the freezer door closes and seals.
- Unplug the refrigerator and reseat the ice room fan's wire harness connection.
- If the code returns, the ice room fan motor likely needs replacing.
Clear the code and test
- Fix what the checks above found first. Clearing the code without fixing the cause only brings it back.
- Plug the appliance back in and restore its water supply if it has one.
- Run the shortest programme and watch the point where the code appeared before.
- If the programme finishes with no code, the fault is cleared. If the code returns, write it down before calling a technician — it speeds up the diagnosis.
When to call a professional
Most cases are solved by the checks above. Book a technician if any of these apply:
- The code comes back after you have run the checks and a test cycle.
- You smell burning, see sparks or scorch marks, or the breaker trips.
- Water is leaking and you cannot stop it at the tap.
- The fix needs panels opened beyond what your manual describes, or a part tested with a meter, and you are not set up for that.
When you call, give the brand, the code 40E, your model number (on a label inside the door or on the back) and the checks you already ran. It shortens the visit.
Parts that may be involved
Ice room fan motor
Parts are model-specific. Find your model number first — usually on a label inside the door, on the door frame or on the back — and match the part to that number before ordering.
Questions people ask about 40E
What does 40E mean on a Samsung refrigerator?
40E means: Ice room fan error. Samsung lists 40E (40C on newer models) as the ice room fan error: the small fan that keeps the separate ice room cold is not turning or not being sensed. Ice buildup around the fan is the first thing to check.
Can I fix Samsung 40E myself?
Start yourself: the checks on this page cover the causes you can reach without opening the machine up. If they point to a faulty part, testing or replacing it is usually a technician job.
How do I clear Samsung 40E?
Fix the cause first — clearing the code on its own brings it straight back. Then restore power and water, run the shortest programme, and watch the stage where the code appeared. If the programme finishes with no code, it is cleared.
Sources checked
- Samsung support: washing machine information codes
- Samsung support: dishwasher information codes
- Samsung support (US): dishwasher troubleshooting
The meaning and checks for this code were checked against the sources above in November 2026. Codes vary by model and region; if your manual lists a different meaning for your exact model, follow the manual.