40 E — Samsung Refrigerator 40E — Ice Room Fan Error
Samsung documents 40C/40E as an Ice Room Fan Error — the fan that circulates cold air into the ice-making compartment isn't running correctly, most commonly because it's iced over or the motor has failed. This is a different fan than the main freezer evaporator fan (Samsung documents freezer fan errors separately under the 21E family), so this code primarily affects ice production rather than causing both compartments to warm up.
- Keep using it?
- Yes — fix when convenient
- DIY difficulty
- Moderate
- Verified against
- samsung.com ↗
How to fix it
- Unplug the refrigerator.
- Locate the ice room — the sealed compartment housing the icemaker, typically behind or beside the ice bin depending on model.
- Remove the ice bin/ice room cover and inspect for frost or ice buildup around the fan.
- If iced over, let the area thaw fully (or use a hair dryer on low heat, keeping it moving) before restarting.
- Spin the ice room fan blade by hand — it should turn freely with no resistance.
- Test the fan motor with a multimeter; replace it if it shows no continuity.
- Check the fan's wiring harness for damage or a loose connector if the motor tests fine.
Why it happens
Typical signs: 40E or 40C displayed · Ice maker slow to produce ice or stops making ice · Ice cubes small, hollow, or clumped · Unusual fan noise or rattling from the ice room/ice maker area · Fridge and freezer compartment temperatures otherwise normal
- Iced-over ice room fan Frost buildup around the ice-making compartment contacts the fan blade and stalls it.
- Failed ice room fan motor Motor windings open or bearings seized.
- Ice room wiring/harness fault Broken or disconnected wire to the fan.
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.
- Samsung refrigerator ice room fan motor Common replacementAmazon →
Related repair guides
More Samsung refrigerator codes
Frequently asked questions
What does the 40 E code mean on a Samsung refrigerator?
Samsung documents 40C/40E as an Ice Room Fan Error — the fan that circulates cold air into the ice-making compartment isn't running correctly, most commonly because it's iced over or the motor has failed. This is a different fan than the main freezer evaporator fan (Samsung documents freezer fan errors separately under the 21E family), so this code primarily affects ice production rather than causing both compartments to warm up.
What causes the 40 E code on a Samsung refrigerator?
Iced-over ice room fan: Frost buildup around the ice-making compartment contacts the fan blade and stalls it. Failed ice room fan motor: Motor windings open or bearings seized. Ice room wiring/harness fault: Broken or disconnected wire to the fan.
Is it safe to keep using a Samsung refrigerator with a 40 E error?
Yes — fix when convenient. This is rated a minor-severity fault.
How do I fix 40 E on a Samsung refrigerator?
Unplug the refrigerator. Locate the ice room — the sealed compartment housing the icemaker, typically behind or beside the ice bin depending on model. Remove the ice bin/ice room cover and inspect for frost or ice buildup around the fan.
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.