Error Code 39E
The 39E error code signals a general ice maker malfunction in your Samsung refrigerator. The main control board detected that the ice maker is not completing its harvest cycle — the process of freezing water, ejecting ice cubes, and refilling the tray. This code covers multiple possible failures within the ice maker assembly itself. Some Samsung panels display this as 39C.
Common Causes
Stuck ice maker motor: The ejector motor inside the ice maker jammed mid-cycle. Ice buildup around the ejector fingers or a worn gear prevents the motor from completing its rotation.
Failed ice maker thermistor: The temperature sensor built into the ice maker mold reads incorrect values. The board thinks the ice is not frozen or is too cold, so it never triggers the harvest cycle.
Defective ice maker module: The electronic control module on top of the ice maker has failed. This module controls the timing of the fill, freeze, and harvest sequence.
Ice buildup in the maker tray: A slow water leak or incomplete harvest left residual water that froze into a solid block inside the tray. The ejector arms cannot rotate through solid ice.
DIY Troubleshooting
Force-reset the ice maker: Locate the test button on the ice maker — it is a small rectangular button on the side or bottom of the ice maker housing. Press and hold it for 10 seconds until you hear a chime. The ice maker will attempt a full test cycle. Listen for the motor engaging and water filling.
Remove and inspect the ice maker: Lift the wire bail arm to the OFF position. Remove the ice bucket. Unscrew or unclip the ice maker from the freezer wall (usually 2-3 Phillips head screws). Disconnect the wire harness. Pull the ice maker out and inspect the ejector fingers and mold for ice buildup.
Thaw any ice blockage: If ice is packed around the ejector arms or inside the mold, place the entire ice maker in a sink and pour warm water over it until all ice melts. Dry the assembly thoroughly with a towel before reinstalling.
Check the ejector motor: With the ice maker removed, try rotating the ejector fingers by hand. They should turn with moderate resistance in one direction. If they are completely locked or spin freely with no resistance, the motor or gear assembly is broken and the ice maker needs replacement.
Test the ice maker thermistor: Use a multimeter set to ohms. Disconnect the thermistor leads inside the ice maker housing. At room temperature (around 72 degrees F), the thermistor should read approximately 5,000 ohms. At freezer temperature (0 degrees F), it should read approximately 16,000-18,000 ohms. Readings far outside these ranges confirm a bad thermistor.
Replace the ice maker assembly: If the motor, thermistor, or control module is faulty, Samsung sells the ice maker as a complete assembly. Order the part by your refrigerator model number. Mount the new unit in the same position, reconnect the wire harness, and run a test cycle using the test button.
Professional Repair
If the test cycle fails repeatedly after clearing ice and resetting, the ice maker assembly or the main control board needs replacement. TruePro technicians diagnose the exact failure point for a $59 fee, credited to your repair. All repairs carry a 90-day warranty on parts and labor. We serve LA County, Orange County, and Ventura County — call 877-378-3111.
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FAQ
What does Samsung error code 39E mean?
The 39E error code signals a general ice maker malfunction in your Samsung refrigerator. The main control board detected that the ice maker is not completing its harvest cycle — the process of freezing water, ejecting ice cubes, and refilling the tray. This code covers multiple possible failures within the ice maker assembly itself. Some Samsung panels display this as 39C.
Can I fix error code 39E myself?
1. Force-reset the ice maker: Locate the test button on the ice maker — it is a small rectangular button on the side or bottom of the ice maker housing. Press and hold it for 10 seconds until you hear a chime. The ice maker will attempt a full test cycle. Listen for the motor engaging and water filling. 2. Remove and inspect the ice maker: Lift the wire bail arm to the OFF position. Remove the ice bucket. Unscrew or unclip the ice maker from the freezer wall (usually 2-3 Phillips head screws). Disconnect the wire harness. Pull the ice maker out and inspect the ejector fingers and mold for ice buildup. 3. Thaw any ice blockage: If ice is packed around the ejector arms or inside the mold, place the entire ice maker in a sink and pour warm water over it until all ice melts. Dry the assembly thoroughly with a towel before reinstalling. 4. Check the ejector motor: With the ice maker removed, try rotating the ejector fingers by hand. They should turn with moderate resistance in one direction. If they are completely locked or spin freely with no resistance, the motor or gear assembly is broken and the ice maker needs replacement. 5. Test the ice maker thermistor: Use a multimeter set to ohms. Disconnect the thermistor leads inside the ice maker housing. At room temperature (around 72 degrees F), the thermistor should read approximately 5,000 ohms. At freezer temperature (0 degrees F), it should read approximately 16,000-18,000 ohms. Readings far outside these ranges confirm a bad thermistor. 6. Replace the ice maker assembly: If the motor, thermistor, or control module is faulty, Samsung sells the ice maker as a complete assembly. Order the part by your refrigerator model number. Mount the new unit in the same position, reconnect the wire harness, and run a test cycle using the test button.
How much does it cost to fix error 39E?
Typical repair costs: DIY: $60 – $150 | Pro: $200 – $400. Free diagnostic with approved repair.
Estimated Cost
DIY: $60 – $150 | Pro: $200 – $400
Free diagnostic with approved repair
Need Help With This Error?
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