Editorial & technical review
- Written by ApplianceWorth Editorial Team
- Technically reviewed by Victor — appliance technician
- Last reviewed 2026-07-01
- Applies to Samsung refrigerators
- Confidence medium
- Also displayed as 25C
- Sources Manufacturer service documentation and field-repair experience · Methodology · Report a correction
What this code means
The fresh-food evaporator defrost system did not complete normally or the heater circuit is open.
Most likely causes
- A failed defrost heater or thermal safety device
- A disconnected or damaged heater harness
- An iced drain or air leak causing excessive frost
- A failed sensor or control-board defrost circuit
Safe checks for the owner
- Look for weak airflow, water under drawers or heavy frost behind the interior cover.
- Move perishable food if temperatures are unsafe.
- Avoid repeated power resets that temporarily hide the code without correcting the frost source.
Estimated U.S. repair cost
$300–$620, depending on model, access, parts availability and local labor.