Samsung Refrigerator Error Code 85

Error code 85 on a Samsung refrigerator is a compressor low-voltage error. It activates when the incoming AC supply voltage drops below 106 volts, or when resistor R517, the DCLINK resistor on the inverter board, is shorted. Either condition causes the control system to shut down compressor operation to prevent damage. Diagnosing R517 is the recommended first step before checking the supply voltage.

Running the refrigerator with this error active is not recommended. Low voltage conditions can overheat and permanently damage the compressor inverter components over time. If the error is caused by a shorted R517, the compressor may already be unable to start, meaning food will not be kept at safe temperatures.

A power reset may temporarily clear the error code from the display, but it will return if the underlying problem is not corrected. If R517 remains shorted or the supply voltage stays below 106V, the fault condition still exists and the compressor will not run reliably. A reset alone is not a repair and should not be treated as a solution.

Checking the outlet voltage with a multimeter is within reach for many DIYers and costs nothing beyond a basic tool. However, testing and replacing R517 on the inverter board requires comfort with electronics repair and soldering, which is better handled by a technician. If the issue is low house voltage, an electrician may be needed to correct the circuit or connection.

Repair costs depend heavily on the root cause. If the issue is a shorted R517 resistor repaired through a component-level board fix, costs could range from around $100 to $250 for a technician visit. A full inverter board replacement typically runs $150 to $400 depending on the model and labor rates. If the problem is a low supply voltage corrected by an electrician, that service can range from $75 to $300 or more.