33 E — Ice Pipe Heater Error
The small heater that prevents the water/ice fill tube from freezing is open-circuit or not drawing the expected current. Left unfixed, the tube ices over and the ice maker stops filling.
- Keep using it?
- Yes, with caution
- DIY difficulty
- Moderate
- Verified against
- samsung.com ↗
How to fix it
- Unplug the fridge.
- Pull the freezer rear panel and locate the ice pipe heater (wrapped around the fill tube).
- Measure resistance — should read a finite value (varies by model; open = bad).
- Replace the ice pipe heater if open.
- Reseat the harness and verify continuity back to the main PCB.
- If heater is good but doesn't get power, replace the main PCB.
Why it happens
Typical signs: Ice maker stops producing ice · Ice in the fill tube · 33 E on display · Water leaks if tube backs up
- Open ice pipe heater Heater element has failed — common after several years.
- Disconnected heater harness Connector behind freezer back panel unseated.
- Main PCB driver failure Less common — board can't switch heater on.
Replace your water filter
A clogged or overdue water filter is a common cause of low water and ice flow on Samsung refrigerators — they are meant to be changed about every 6 months. The OEM-style filter that fits most Samsung refrigerators is the DA29-00020B ($45-55 OEM, $15-25 compatible).
- Samsung DA29-00020B refrigerator water filter OEM water filterAmazon →
Not sure which filter fits your model? See the full compatibility guide →
Parts you may need
If diagnosis points to a failed part, these are the common replacements. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
- Ice pipe heater Common replacementAmazon →
Related repair guides
More Samsung refrigerator codes
Always unplug an appliance before servicing it. This guide is for informational purposes and is not a substitute for a qualified technician. Verified against manufacturer documentation: samsung.com.