Samsung Refrigerator Error Code Ice Room Bucket Heater

This error means the refrigerator's control board has detected an open circuit, short circuit, disconnection, or contact failure in the ice room bucket heater circuit. The ice room bucket heater keeps ice from freezing into a solid mass inside the ice bucket. The control board monitors the heater's electrical characteristics and triggers this error when the readings fall outside acceptable parameters. A technician will typically start diagnosis by measuring resistance at the CN79 connector on the Main PCB.

The refrigerator's cooling and food preservation functions are generally not compromised by this error, so food safety is not an immediate concern. However, the failed bucket heater will likely cause ice to clump together or freeze into a solid block, which can jam the ice dispenser mechanism and potentially cause additional mechanical damage. It is best to have the issue repaired in a timely manner to avoid secondary problems.

A power reset may temporarily clear the error code from the display, but it will not resolve the underlying electrical fault. The error will return once the control board performs its next diagnostic check of the heater circuit. A permanent fix requires identifying and correcting the root cause, whether that is a failed heater element, damaged wiring, a bad connector, or a faulty PCB.

A knowledgeable DIYer with a multimeter can perform the first diagnostic step by disconnecting the CN79 connector at the Main PCB and measuring resistance between the Yellow and Pink wires, looking for a reading of 135 ohms plus or minus 7 percent. If the heater element or wiring harness is at fault, replacing those components is manageable with basic tools and the correct replacement part. However, if the Main PCB is suspected, professional diagnosis is recommended before purchasing that component.

Repair costs vary depending on which component is at fault. Replacing the ice room bucket heater element or its wiring harness typically runs in the range of $50 to $150 for parts, plus labor if a technician is hired. A Main PCB replacement is significantly more expensive, often ranging from $150 to $400 or more for the part alone. Getting a proper diagnosis before ordering parts will help avoid unnecessary expenses.