Samsung · Refrigerator
Samsung Refrigerator 31E Error Code
Cool Select Room fan feedback error
What this error means
31E targets the Cool Select Room fan—the independent temperature zone fan must spin and return a feedback signal at startup. Without it, that drawer warms while the rest of the fridge may still cool.
How 31E is detected
When 31E appears on a Samsung refrigerator, the control board has confirmed that water did not leave the machine within the programmed drain window. On Samsung RF28R7351SG, Samsung RF23M8590SG, and similar variants, the drain pump runs for a fixed interval—often three to seven minutes on washers and dishwashers—while a pressure switch or turbidity sensor verifies the tub or sump is empty. If water remains, the cycle stops to prevent spin with a full tub or overflow on the next fill.
Most 31E calls are resolved without parts: empty the cool select drawer and verify nothing blocks the vent grille. Restricted drain paths mimic pump failure because the impeller spins against a blocked hose or filter. Document whether the pump hums audibly during the drain step; a humming pump with no water movement points to a clogged filter or kinked hose, while silence may indicate a failed pump motor or loose wiring at the harness.
After clearing blockages, run a short cycle and listen at the drain hose for steady water flow. If 31E returns on the next load with a clean filter and straight hose, measure resistance at the pump motor connector per the service manual for your model before ordering a replacement pump assembly.
Common causes
- Feedback signal line contact error at the motor plug
- Motor wire separation from vibration
- Internal motor failure—no spin on startup
- Main PCB not supplying 7–12 V at CN7 during fan call
Step-by-step fixes
- 1Empty the Cool Select drawer and verify nothing blocks the vent grille
- 2Power-cycle five minutes after confirming the drawer is fully closed
- 3Listen for fan when changing Cool Select temp setpoint
- 4Avoid overfilling the drawer against the rear air slot
When to call a technician
Correct voltage at CN7 with a silent fan requires Cool Select fan motor replacement.
Affected models
- Samsung RF28R7351SG
- Samsung RF23M8590SG
- Samsung RF28R6241SR
Prevention & maintenance
- Clean drain filters and hose terminations monthly on high-use refrigerators to prevent 31E from lint and food debris buildup.
- Record when 31E appears in the cycle and whether it clears after a 60-second power reset on your Samsung refrigerator—that detail speeds diagnosis if you call service.
- Keep the model and serial number from the rating plate when ordering parts for 31E; Samsung uses multiple revisions with different harness lengths and board firmware.
- Photograph wiring connector orientation before disconnecting any component while troubleshooting 31E; reversed plugs on pumps and valves cause immediate repeat faults.