Samsung Refrigerator Error Code 29C

Error code 29C indicates a defrost fault in the convertible zone compartment. The main PCB has detected that the resistance of the defrost heater circuit at connector CN70_1 pins 7 and 1 is outside the expected range of 63 or 230 ohms plus or minus 7%. A reading of 0 ohms means the heater has shorted, while an infinite reading means there is an open circuit in the heater, bimetal limiter, or wiring.

A power reset may temporarily clear the code from the display, but the underlying fault in the defrost heater circuit will remain. The error will return once the control board runs its next diagnostic cycle. The failed component, whether it is the heater, bimetal limiter, or wiring, must be repaired or replaced to permanently resolve the code.

Repair costs depend on which component has failed. A replacement bimetal thermal limiter or defrost heater for the convertible zone typically costs between $20 and $80 for the part alone. If professional labor is needed, total repair costs including diagnosis and installation generally range from $100 to $300. Main PCB replacement, if required, can push costs higher depending on the specific model.

A knowledgeable DIYer can perform the initial resistance test by unplugging the refrigerator, disconnecting the CN70 harness from the main PCB, and using a multimeter to measure resistance between pins 7 and 1 on the CN70_1 connector. If the reading is 0 or infinite, the faulty component (heater, bimetal limiter, or wiring) needs to be replaced. Accessing the convertible zone evaporator typically requires removing interior panels, so comfort with appliance disassembly is needed.

The 29C error itself does not present an immediate safety hazard. The bimetal thermal limiter in the circuit is actually a safety device designed to cut power to the heater if temperatures become excessive, so an open bimetal is a protective response. The main consequence of leaving 29C unaddressed is ice accumulation on the convertible zone evaporator, which will gradually impair cooling performance in that compartment.