Step-by-Step DIY Fix Guide
- SAFETY: Unplug the refrigerator.
- Perform a power reset: unplug for 60 seconds, then restore power.
- If 33E returns, call Samsung Support at 1-800-726-7864.
- While awaiting service, check whether the ice maker water line is visibly frozen — if so, do not attempt to force ice production.
If it's still not filling correctly
- If normal household water flow looks good but the code returns, the inlet-valve or fill-sensing path becomes more likely.
- If airflow still seems weak after the basic checks, the fan path or a deeper obstruction becomes more likely.
- If the warning returns immediately after a clean restart, the sensor or wiring path becomes more likely than a one-time glitch.
What This Error Means
Error 33E on your Samsung refrigerator means: The heater that prevents the ice maker's water supply tube from freezing has been detected as faulty. Without this heater, the water line will freeze and the ice maker will stop producing ice. The refrigerator's self-diagnostic system has flagged this condition and may have paused affected functions.
The most frequent cause is ice pipe heater element failure — heater has burned out. Work through the causes and steps below before calling a technician.
Samsung's official guidance classifies 33E as a technician-only fault. A 60-second power reset is the only DIY step. If the code returns, contact Samsung Support at 1-800-726-7864.
Before calling a technician for any ice maker error, check the water supply valve behind the refrigerator (it must be fully open), and replace the water filter if it is more than 6 months old. A low-flow water supply is a common root cause of ice maker sensor and cycle errors that can appear to be hardware faults but resolve after a filter change.
Most Likely Cause by Symptom
The Samsung refrigerator may stop, pause, or refuse to complete the cycle normally.
Likely cause: Ice pipe heater element failure — heater has burned out
Check first: SAFETY: Unplug the refrigerator.
Performance may drop because airflow, filtering, or draining is restricted.
Likely cause: Wiring fault in the ice pipe heater circuit
Check first: Perform a power reset: unplug for 60 seconds, then restore power.
The warning may return immediately because the appliance is detecting an internal fault.
Likely cause: Ice maker control board fault — not sending power to the heater
Check first: If 33E returns, call Samsung Support at 1-800-726-7864.
Common Causes
- Ice pipe heater element failure — heater has burned out
- Wiring fault in the ice pipe heater circuit
- Ice maker control board fault — not sending power to the heater
- Ice build-up inside the water supply tube blocking flow
What Not to Do
- Do not attempt to thaw the ice supply line yourself with a heat source — you risk damaging the plastic tubing and internal components
Model and Display Variation Notes
Model-family notes
- Samsung refrigerator display wording and code formats can vary by series.
- If your model behaves differently, check the owner manual before trying any deeper maintenance step.
Display and panel differences
- Panel wording can vary by series, so confirm the exact code pattern before buying parts.
Parts, Tools and Service Options
Service option
Samsung service visit if the warning returns after the basic checks are complete.
Manual and model check
Check your exact model and manual before ordering any Samsung refrigerator parts.
Common parts
- Ice pipe heater ($20–$50)
- Ice maker assembly if heater is integrated ($60–$150)
This section stays service-first because the page points more strongly toward support or professional repair than a routine parts purchase.
When Not to Keep Troubleshooting
Immediately on first appearance of 33E — do not delay
How to Prevent It Recurring
- Have the ice maker inspected annually if the refrigerator is in a room that drops below 50°F — low ambient temperature increases stress on the ice pipe heater
Related Error Codes
8E
The ice maker's freezer temperature sensor has returned an out-of-range reading. This sensor tells the ice maker when the freezer is cold enough to begin a harvest cycle. A faulty reading prevents ice production.
14E
The refrigerator's ice maker sensor has detected a temperature that is out of the expected operating range for ice production. Ice production has stopped to prevent a partial or slushy ice harvest.
39E
The ice maker has failed to complete its harvest cycle within the expected time. The ice maker motor or its control system is not finishing the cycle of making and ejecting ice cubes.
Extra notes
- This page is based on Samsung support material and stays conservative where model-specific guidance may vary.
- The goal is to help you identify safe first checks before you move into parts, service, or model-specific manual lookup.
Source and model notes
Last reviewed: 2026-04-08
Based on: Based on Samsung support material and edited into consumer-safe guidance for the exact code family on this page.
View Samsung US Official Support
Model coverage note: Samsung refrigerator code meanings can vary by series, control panel, and model family, so use this page as a safe starting point rather than a replacement for the model-specific manual.
Important: FixThisError is an independent guide, not the manufacturer. Use your model-specific manual when the panel wording or behavior differs.
Always disconnect power before inspecting appliances. If unsure, contact a licensed appliance technician.