Samsung RFG298AA**/XAA User manual

# tsRFG298AA RevC 03/30/2011 1
Fast Track Troubleshooting
IMPORTANT SAFETY NOTICE –“For Technicians Only” This service data sheet is
intended for use by persons having electrical, electronic, and mechanical experience
and knowledge at a level generally considered acceptable in the appliance repair trade.
Any attempt to repair a major appliance may result in personal injury and property
damage. The manufacturer or seller cannot be responsible, nor assume any liability for
injury or damage of any kind arising from the use of this data sheet.
Models Covered:
RFG298AA**/XAA
Press Freezer button a
third time to Force Low
Speed Run
Wait 5 seconds between button pushes
Press Freezer button a
forth time to Force De-
frost of Fridge & Freezer,
measure defrost voltage
at main PCB
Press Freezer button one
time at the Test Mode to
Force Compressor High
Speed Run, measure fan
and Compressor volt-
ages at main PCB
Self Diagnosis: Press both buttons (Energy
Saver–Alarm) simultaneously (No sound
when both buttons are pressed at the same
time) ‟til the display quits blinking and
beeps, 8-12 seconds, then release and read
Fault Codes.
This will also cancel the Fault Mode created
by self-diagnosis at power up.
Forced Mode: Press both buttons (Energy Saver–Fridge) simul-
taneously (No sound when both buttons are pressed at the
same time) „til it beeps and goes blank, 8-12 seconds
Publication # tsRFG298AA Revision Date 03/30/2011
Component Value Chart
Press Freezer button a
second time to Force
Mid Speed Run
3600RPM 2450RPM 2200RPM
NOTICE: Parts Change
The interior lighting changed
from incandescent lighting to
LED lighting. The new parts
are NOT interchangeable with
the old parts. See page 5
SUPPORT INFORMATION
Training —Plus One http://my.plus1solutions.net/clientPortals/samsung/
Help —GSPN http://service.samsungportal.com/
Samsung Product Support TV http://support-us.samsung.com/spstv/howto.jsp
Customer information videos and chat programs. Programs for Fridges, Laundry, Ranges & D/W
Sealed System
Refrigerant Charge
R134a 5.64 oz.
Sales Mode, No Compressor Operation: Press Energy Saver & Freezer temp buttons simultaneously for 3 sec
( you will hear a “Ding Dong”) to remove or put into Sales Mode. When in the Sales Mode the Display will show
"OF" "OF" Removing power will not cancel this mode.
Component Resistance Wattage Voltage
Freezer Defrost Heater 60Ω 240 120vac
Fridge Defrost Heater 120Ω 120 120vac
French Mullion Heater 1800Ω 8 120vac
Ice Duct Heater 3600Ω 4 120vac
Dispenser Heater 9000Ω 1.6 120vac
Water Tank Heater 72Ω 2 12vdc
Fill Tube Heater FRZ 72Ω 2 12vdc
Sensors 2.5kΩ-89kΩ N/A 1~4.5vdc
Fans N/A N/A 7~12vdc
NOTICE:
Parts Change: Refer to bulletin
2/2011 Door Handle Parts Change

# tsRFG298AA RevC 03/30/2011 2
Temperature/Resistance/Voltage Chart for Samsung Refrigerators Sensors
Temp. (Ω) Volts Temp. (Ω) Volts Temp. (Ω) Volts Temp. (Ω) Volts
-29.2°F 64227 4.326 1.4°F 28021 3.685 32.0°F 13290 2.853 62.6°F 6771 2.019
-27.4°F 61012 4.296 3.2°F 26760 3.64 33.8°F 12749 2.802 64.4°F 6521 1.974
-25.6°F 57977 4.264 5.0°F 25562 3.594 35.6 °F 12233 2.751 66.2°F 6281 1.929
-23.8°F 55112 4.232 6.8°F 24425 3.548 37.4 °F 11741 2.7 68.0°F 6052 1.885
-22.0°F 52406 4.199 8.6°F 23345 3.501 39.2 °F 11271 2.649 69.8°F 5832 1.842
-20.2°F 49848 4.165 10.4°F 22320 3.453 41.0°F 10823 2.599 71.6°F 5621 1.799
-18.4°F 47431 4.129 12.2°F 21345 3.405 42.8°F 10395 2.548 75.2°F 5225 1.716
-16.6°F 45146 4.093 14.0°F 20418 3.356 44.6°F 9986 2.498 77.0°F 5000 1.675
-14.8°F 42984 4.056 15.8°F 19537 3.307 46.4°F 9596 2.449 78.8°F 4861 1.636
-13.0°F 40938 4.018 17.6°F 18698 3.258 48.2°F 9223 2.399 80.6°F 4690 1.596
-11.2°F 39002 3.98 19.4°F 17901 3.208 50.0°F 8867 2.35 86.0°F 4218 1.483
-9.4°F 37169 3.94 21.2°F 17142 3.158 51.8°F 8526 2.301 87.8°F 4072 1.447
-7.6°F 35433 3.899 23.0°F 16419 3.107 53.6°F 8200 2.253 89.6°F 3933 1.412
-5.8°F 33788 3.858 24.8°F 15731 3.057 55.4°F 7888 2.205 91.4°F 3799 1.377
-4.0°F 32230 3.816 26.6°F 15076 3.006 57.2°F 7590 2.158 95.0°F 3547 1.309
-2.2°F 30752 3.773 28.4°F 14452 2.955 59.0°F 7305 2.111 96.8°F 3428 1.277
-0.4°F 29350 3.729 30.2°F 13857 2.904 60.8°F 7032 2.064 100.4°F 3204 1.213
DC FAN MOTORS
Brushless DC Fan motors are used to save energy. The fans operate at two speeds. Fan speed information is read by
the Main PCB. If the fan speed exceeds 600 RPM or the speed is too slow, or stopped the fan drive circuit is disabled,
After 10 seconds the circuit tries again with 3 seconds of DC voltage. If the fan continues this activity for 5 cycles, 10
seconds off 3 seconds on, the fan drive circuit is disabled for 10 minutes.
TO TEST THE FAN CIRCUIT VOLTAGE.
Power off and back on to check the DC voltage to the motor, wait from 10 to 60 seconds for the fan voltage to kick in,
and then check fan voltage, the average reading is 9 VDC. If you get 3 seconds of voltage every 10 seconds for the 5
fan power up cycles, then the Main PCB is good.
NOTE: You may need to put unit in FORCED FREEZE mode to activate the fans/compressor.
If the fan blade is blocked by ice, then defrost and check the motor again, after removing power from the unit.
If the evaporator is ice blocked and thus blocking the air flow, the fan will over RPM and it is stopped. Remove ice and
check the motor again. If everything is clear around the fan blade then the motor would be at fault. Continuous fan errors
will be displayed on the front panel display. PLEASE NOTE: The door switches control the evaporator fan motors. Have
them closed to test the motors. Delay time 10 –60 seconds.
Sensors
Defrost –The sensor voltage tells the Main PCB to turn off the
Defrost Heater At 50oin Freezer, 63oin Fridge
Compartment Temp –The sensor controls fan/compressor on/
off to maintain temp
Ice Production –harvests when the I/M sensor reads 1.5 de-
grees for 5 minutes, Flex Tray Only.
If the door is opened during that 5 minutes harvest is delayed.
Ambient Sensor
Fan Speeds –Below 60 degrees condenser fan is off
Defrost Timing –The warmer the room the more often
the defrost
How to Check Sensor Resistances Accurately
Make ice slurry. To do this, fill a cup with ice
(preferably crushed), then add water and a teaspoon
of salt to make a slush. Mix thoroughly and allow to sit
for 2 to 3 minutes. This will give you a 32*F refer-
ence. Now, lower the sensor into the mixture and
leave for about 1 minute, then check the resistance. It
should be very close to 13,300 ohms. Before reinstall-
ing the sensor, be sure to rinse it with fresh water and
dry it.

# tsRFG298AA RevC 03/30/2011 3
Heat Release I/M Test Mode
Press and hold the ICE TEST S/W for at least 1.5sec, the
harvest function will start. If the ice maker Thermistor is be-
low 0 degrees the Ice maker heater turns on for about 2 min-
utes. If the temperature exceeds 0 degrees, Ice maker
heater turns on for 30 seconds. After the Ice maker heater
turns on for 30 seconds, the heater turns off and then Ice
maker harvest motor turns on. The motor will rotate in right
direction for about 3 minutes, after this, water supply valve is
turned on, then the valve is turned off, the test mode is com-
pleted. If the above operation is not carried out within 6 min-
utes, it will go into a fault mode.
Heat Release Ice Production Explanation
38 minutes after the water fill is complete, the control
board will check the temperature of the eject Thermistor,
on the Ice Maker Head, if the Thermistor reads a tem-
perature lower than 18.5 degrees for more than 5 sec-
onds, then the ice production process is completed. The
Ice maker will harvest if the ice bucket is not sensed as
full. If a Fault Mode is detected with the Ice Maker op-
eration, the Ice Maker stops working for 3 hours. Which
means, the Ice Maker checks the operation every 3
hours until it works properly.
FREEZER TEMPERATURE CONTROL BY THE ICE MAKER
Interior Temperature of the freezer will be set to -14 degrees Fahrenheit until the ice bucket is full. When the ice
bucket is full, the freezer will maintain original set temperature. Also, whenever the ice is used, the freezer will
again set to -14 degrees Fahrenheit. Selecting "Ice Off” will allow the freezer to be controlled by the set tem-
perature. If water is not hooked up, the freezer will always be at –14 unless “Ice Off” is selected.
Heat Release Ice Makers
FLEX TRAY Ice Makers
When the initial power is applied, the ice tray will stand by for 2 hours.
After the 2-hour standby time, the Ice Maker Sensor will check
the temperature, when it is lower than 1.5℉for more than 5 minutes,
it will do a harvest, with or without ice in the tray, then fill with water.
58 minutes after water is supplied to the Ice Tray, the Ice Maker
Sensor temperature will be checked. When the Ice Maker Sensor
maintains lower than 1.5℉for 5 minutes, it completes the harvest
(if the ice bin is not sensed as full).
Thermistor senses temperature to determine water fill on newer units
Filling the tray
After the water fill is completed, the ice maker sensor will evaluate the
water volume one and a half minutes later. When it detects no or low
water level, it will add more water. First supply time will be 1.5 sec,
next one will be 1 sec and the last will be 2 sec.
Shattered Ice –Flex Tray
When all ice shatters, it's because of a bad
tray or ice cube temp that is too cold (lower
than -5 degrees). In some areas, there are
water issues that can also cause shattered
cubes. The temp in the freezer should not
have any effect on this issue, as long as it’s
below 1.5 degrees F, as a properly installed
sensor will not read the freezer temp, only the
water/ice temp.
Check the Ice tray for defects in the plastic.
Ice that is too cold will shatter during
harvest. This can be from the (1) sensor not
reading the correct temp (2) or the sensor not
mounted correctly (3). By programming the
icemaker offset value to a lower number (4),
the board not understanding the reading.
To check the sensor, you must check the tray
temp (not air temp) and compare it to the sen-
sor reading. The sensor should read 3.7 volts
at the main board connector when the cube
temperature is 1 degree. After the fill, the sen-
sor will read water temp 1.5 to 2.2 volts.
To clear offsets, put unit into Diagnostics
mode.
Please note, some shattering is normal for
a flex tray icemaker.
Guide –Bin Full
Ice Maker Thermistor
Ice Maker Test Button
First Defrost Cycle, Both Defrost Cycle Fridge only Defrost Cycle Fridge & Freezer
13 hrs, Pause Time 10 minutes 6~11 hrs (varies according to
conditions)
12~22 hrs (varies according to conditions)
Defrost Cycle Timing
FLEX TRAY Ice Makers

# tsRFG298AA RevC 03/30/2011 4
Error Items LED TROUBLE TESTING
I/M-SENSOR (R on Tw in
I/M units)
Ice Maker Sensor Error- open or short-circuit, connector failure. Cause is
also a temperature reading > 122°or < -58 ° F
The voltage at MAIN PCB Sensor
betw een 4.5V~1.0V
R-SENSOR
Refrigerator Room Sensor Error- open or short-circuit, connector failure.
Cause is also a temperature reading > 122°or < -58 ° F.
The voltage at MAIN PCB Sensor
betw een 4.5V~1.0V
DEFROST SENSOR OF R
ROOM
Ref. Defrost Sensor Error- open or short-circuit, connector failure. Cause is
also a temperature reading > 122°or < -58 ° F
The voltage at MAIN PCB Sensor
betw een 4.5V~1.0V
R-FAN ERROR
This error indicates the Refrigerator Evap Fan is not spinning at the correct
RPM or the fan feedback line is open.
Fan voltage at MAIN PCB shall be
betw een 7V~12V
I/M FUNCTION ERROR(R
on Tw in I/M)
This error indicates the Ice tray has not returned to level after an ice harvest.
The error is displayed after three failed attempts.
Replace I/M
COOL SELECT ZONE
SENSOR
Cool Select Zone Sensor Error- open or short-circuit, connector failure.
Cause is also a temperature reading > 122°or < -58 ° F
The voltage at MAIN PCB Sensor
betw een 4.5V~1.0V
R-DEFROSTING ERROR
Refrigerator Room defrost heater- open or short-circuit, connector failure, or
defective temperature fuse/bi-metal. Defrost on over 80 minutes
Disconnect defrost connector
from PCB, check resistance
PANTRY-DAMPER-
HEATER ERROR
Sensor system in Pantry Room errors
Disconnect heater connector
from PCB, check resistance
PANTRY-SENSOR ERROR
CR Room Sensor Error- This can be an open or short-circuit, contact failure.
Cause is also a temperature reading > 122°or < -58 ° F.
The voltage of MAIN PCB Sensor
betw een 4.5V~1.0V
I/M-SENSOR (F on Tw in
I/M units)
Ice Maker Sensor Error- open or short-circuit, connector failure. Cause is
also a temperature reading > 122°or < -58 ° F
The voltage at MAIN PCB Sensor
betw een 4.5V~1.0V
I/M FUNCTION ERROR(F
on Tw in I/M)
This error indicates the Ice tray has not returned to level after an ice harvest.
The error is displayed after three failed attempts.
Replace I/M
WATER HEATER ERROR Error is displayed w hen the w ater reservoir tank heater is open or shorted
Disconnect heater connector
from PCB, check resistance
EXT-SENSOR
Ambient Temp. Sensor Error- open or short-circuit, connector failure. Cause
is also a temperature reading > 122°or < -58 ° F
The voltage at MAIN PCB Sensor
betw een 4.5V~1.0V
F-SENSOR
Freezer Compartment Sensor Error- open or short-circuit, connector failure.
Cause is also a temperature reading > 122°or < -58 ° F
The voltage at MAIN PCB Sensor
betw een 4.5V~1.0V
F-DEF-SENSOR
Freezer Room Defrost Sensor Error- open or short-circuit, connector failure.
Cause is also a temperature reading > 122°or < -58 ° F
The voltage at MAIN PCB Sensor
betw een 4.5V~1.0V
F-FAN ERROR
This error indicates the Freezer Evap. Fan is not spinning at the correct RPM
or the fan feedback line is open.
Fan voltage at MAIN PCB shall be
betw een 7V~12V
C-FAN ERROR
This error indicates the Condenser Fan is not spinning at the correct RPM or
the fan feedback line is open.
Fan voltage at MAIN PCB shall be
betw een 7V~12V
FRENCH DOOR ICE ROOM
SENSOR
Ice Room Sensor Error- open or short-circuit, connector failure. Cause is also
a temperature reading > 122°or < -58 ° F
The voltage at MAIN PCB Sensor
betw een 4.5V~1.0V
F-DEFROSTING ERROR
Freezer defrosting heater- open or short-circuit, connector failure, or
defective temperature fuse/bi-metal. Defrost on for over 80 minutes
Disconnect defrost connector
from PCB, check resistance
FRENCH DOOR ICE ROOM
FAN ERROR
This error indicates the Ice Room Compartment Evap. Fan is not spinning at
the correct RPM or the fan feedback line is open.
Fan voltage at MAIN PCB shall be
betw een 7V~12V
ICE PIPE HEATER ERROR Error is displayed w hen the ice maker fill pipe heater is open or shorted. Replace Fill Tube Ass'y
Uart ERROR
COMMUNICATION
This error is not applicable, if the error is detected during diagnostic testing
please ignore it.
No Repair Necessary
L↔M ERROR
COMMUNICATION
Communication error w ithin the Main PCB Replace main PCB
P↔M ERROR
COMMUNICATION
Communication betw een the Main PCB and Keypad
Check w iring in door & cabinet,
Panel PCB, Main PCB
Samsung 'Refrigerator' Diagnostic Code Quick Guide

# tsRFG298AA RevC 03/30/2011 5
SERVICE BULLETIN
PRODUCT: Refrigerator
BULLETIN NUMBER:
ASC20100714001
DATE:
07/14/2010
Please review before ordering
any parts.
CN78
1-3 Fz LED (Blk-Gry)
4-7-FF LED (Red-Gry)
CN71 All 120vac
5-N (Gry)
9-Def Htr Common (Org)

# tsRFG298AA RevC 03/30/2011 6
CN70 A/C Load 120vac
1-11 I/M Heater (Blk-Gry)
3-11 French-Dsp Heaters (Yel-Gry)
5- (CN71-9) R Defrost (Wht-Org)
7- (CN71-9) F Def/Ice Duct heater (Brn-Org)
9- L1 (Red)
11- N (Gry)
CN71 A/C Load 120vac
3-(CN70-9) F Lamp (Prp-Red)
5 N (Gray)
9 Heater Common (Org)
CN74 A/C Load 120vac
1-(CN70-9) Cube Solenoid (Yel-Red)
3-(CN70-9) Auger Motor (Pnk-Red)
5-(CN70-9) Dispenser Valve (W/Blk-Red)
7-(CN70-9) I/M Valve Fridge (Prp-Red)
9-(CN70-9) Ice Cover Route (Blu-Red)
11-(CN70-9) I/M Motor CW (R) (Brn-Red)
13-(CN70-9) I/M Motor CCW (R) (Wht-Red
CN72 A/C Load120vac
5-(CN70-9) Ice Maker Valve Frz (Brn-Red)
CN31 Sensor
CN31 Sensor
1-4 Ambient Sensor (Wht-Wht) 1.2~2 vdc
2-(CN90-8) I/M (Blu-S/Blu) 5vdc
3-(CN76-1) Ice Room Sensor (Org-Gry) 3~3.8vdc
CN78 Lamp/Veg LED
4-7 (Red-Gry) 13vdc
CN77 Stepper Motor
1-( CN76-1) (Red-Gry) 13vdc
CN91 Pantry Room Damper
1-2 Damper Heater (Blk-Brn) 13vdc
3-4 Damper Motor (Wht-Blu)
5-6 Damper Motor (Yel-Red)
CN90 Ice Maker
1-2 I/M Mtr Frz (Red-Blk) 13vdc
3-4 Eject Sensor Frz(Wht-Wht) 2.1~3.7vd
5-8 Test Sw Frz (Gry-S/Blu) 5vdc
6 Full Hall IC Fridge I/M (Blu)
7 Horiz Hall IC Frz (Prp)
8 Ground vdc (S/Blu)
CN51 Pantry Room
7-5 (Blu-Wht) 13vdc
CN32 Flow Sensor
3-2 (Red-Blk) 5vdc
CN75 To Comp Inverter Board
1- ( CN76-1) (Blk-Gry) 13vdc
2- ( CN76-1) (Brn-Gry) 5vdc
4-3 Compressor control (Org-Red) 2~2.8vdc
CN79
2-7 Fill tube heater freezer (Blu-Wht) 13vdc
3-7 Water Tank Htr (Pnk-Wht) 13vdc
CN30 Sensors & Switches
1-5 Freezer Dr Sw (Blk-Gry) 5vdc
1-5 Freezer Dr Sw (Blk-Gry) 5vdc
2-(CN50-7) R Door Sw (Prp-Gry) 5vdc
3-(CN76-1) F Sensor (Red-Gry) 3.5~4.2vdc
4-(CN76-1) F Def Sensor (Org-Gry) 2.3~4.2vdc
6-(CN76-1) R Sensor (Wht-Gry) 2.4~2.8vdc
7-(CN76-1) Eject Sensor Fridge I/M (Brn-Gry) 2.1~3.3vdc
8-(CN76-1) R Def Sensor (S/Blu-Gry) 2~4.2vdc
9- (CN76-1) Pantry Sensor (W/Blk-Gry) 2.6~2.8vdc
CN76 F, R, C Fans
2-1 Ice Room Fan (Blk-Gry)7-11vdc
3-1 F Fan (Yel-Gry) 7-11vdc
4-1 R Fan (Org-Gry) 7-11vdc
5-1 C Fan (S/Blu-Gry) 7-11vdc
6 Ice Room Fan FG(Pnk)
7 F Fan FG(Brn)
8 R Fan FG(Red)
9 C Fan FG(Blu)
CN50 Display
4-6 (Org-Pnk) 13vdc
5-6 (Yel-Pnk) 5vdc
7 Fridge Door Sw (Gry) (vdc ground)
8-6 Ice/Water Sw (Blu-Pnk) 5vdc
9-6 Ice Rte Sw 1(Prp-Gry) 5vdc
10-6 Ice Rte Sw 2 (Wht-Gry) 5vdc
11 Fridge I/M Horiz Sw (S/Blu) 5vdc
Model: RFG298AA**/XAA
Dual Ice Maker
nominal voltages listed
(early production)
CN= Connector # for measuring voltages; () means go to connector #, pin # shown in () for voltage common.
CN30 Sensors & Switches Component Name
4-(CN76-1) F Def Sensor (Org-Gry) 2.3~4.2vdc
Voltage on operating component
Pin #s & wire colors on each connector to measure voltages Key To Read PCB Layout

# tsRFG298AA RevC 03/30/2011 7
= Late Production change

# tsRFG298AA RevC 03/30/2011 8
Compressor & System Operation Testing
The Time Divided Multi-cycle (TDM) System (Stepper Valve) is
used to switch refrigerant flow . This improves temperature control
and energy efficiency.
If it fails in the all evaporator mode, it should work properly, using
slightly more energy. If it fails in the Freezer evaporator only mode,
there will be a Fridge no cool Force on the Fridge with the ―Power
Cool‖ option. Monitor the Fridge evaporator(s) temp by using the
Defrost Sensor(s). If the temp doesn’t decrease, then suspect the
Main PCB is not supplying signal to switch the diverter valve.
TEST BEFORE INTERPRETING LED BLINKING FREQUENCY
Compressor not running
1. Activate Forced Compressor Operation, wait 2 minutes (in case of high head pressure)
2. If compressor doesn’t start, check CN75 for 2~2.8vdc (if not there replace Main PCB)
3. Check for 120vac to inverter PCB CN02 L-N
4. If voltage is OK, remove power, disconnect CN03 (Inverter PCB) and check resistance to the
windings. Aproxametly10 ohms. If not correct , inspect wire harness, if OK replace compressor.
5. Disconnect CN02 (SMPS PCB), check resistance to Overload , if open replace overload.
CN04 Compressor Control
2- (CN40-4) 5vdc (Brn-Gry)
4 Comp Signal (Org)
CN03 Compressor Windings
1 Compressor (Blue)
3 Compressor (Prp)
5 Compressor (Wht)
CN02 Overload
& A/C Line
1 OLP (Brn)
3 OLP (S/Blu)
3 L (Blk)
1 N (Red)
CN75 To Comp Inverter Board
2-3 (Brn-Gry) 5vdc
4-3 Comp control (Org-Gry) 2~2.8vdc
Protection
Functions
LED Blinking Frequency
Test
Replace
Starting Failure
Check the Inverter PCB & Comp
Relay Connectors
Connectors OK,replace Inverter PCB, if same,
replace compressor
SPM Fault
If blinking after reset,
Check System for restriction & refrigerant, if OK
replace Inverter, if same, replace compressor
Detecting
Position Failure
Check Inverter Connectors,
Connectors measure OK, replace compressor, if
same, replace Inverter PCB
Motor Locked
Compressor Locking
Compressor
Low Voltage
Compressor Locking, check input
voltage
Replace Inverter PCB, if same, replace
Compressor
Over Voltage
Compressor Locking, check input
voltage
Replace Inverter PCB, if same, replace
Compressor