On the covered Samsung refrigerator platform, 83E, 85E, 86E, 88 88 means compressor abnormal current detection error: abnormal current to the compressor is detected. Samsung says a power surge or other electrical anomaly may have occurred. First, note the exact code and whether there was a recent storm, surge or outage.
Differential
Likely causes of “Samsung refrigerator code 83E, 85E, 86E, 88 88”, and how to tell them apart
- 1
A power surge or electrical anomaly
What separates it 83E, 85E, 86E or 88 88 shows after a storm or outage
How to confirm Samsung says these errors can occur if there is a power surge or another electrical anomaly such as a brown out
- 2
A brown out (85E, compressor under voltage)
What separates it The house lights dimmed before the code, which points to a brown out (85E, compressor under voltage)
How to confirm Samsung says a brown out condition may have occurred
- 3
A surge (86E, compressor over voltage)
What separates it The code appeared during a thunderstorm, which points to a surge (86E, compressor over voltage)
How to confirm Samsung says a power surge may have occurred, such as during a thunderstorm
- 4
Power disrupted at boot-up (88 88)
What separates it The display shows 88 88 after the fridge was plugged in
How to confirm Samsung says 88 88 is a communication fault that can occur if power is disrupted during bootup
Before you touch a setting
Record this first — changing settings destroys the evidence
- The exact characters shown on the display: 83E, 85E, 86E or 88 88
- Whether there was a storm, outage or brown out
- Whether the fridge shares a circuit with heavy appliances
Try in this order
0 of 5 completedWhat to do first
ReversibleNote the exact code and whether there was a recent storm, surge or outage.
Correct only the documented fault domain
ReversibleUnplug the refrigerator or turn off power at the circuit breaker for 60 seconds, then turn it back on. If the code returns, Samsung says to request service. Samsung also warns that unless directed you should not unplug the refrigerator or press panel buttons to try to make a code go away, because that makes it harder for a technician to diagnose the fault.
Reset the power once
ReversibleUnplug the refrigerator or turn off power at the circuit breaker for 60 seconds, then turn it back on.
Read the code
Reversible83E is a compressor abnormal current detection error, 85E a compressor under voltage error, 86E a compressor over voltage error and 88 88 a communication fault.
Watch for a repeat
ReversibleIf the code returns, request service; a surge protector or a dedicated circuit may help if the supply is the cause.
Model-specific
What is true of this model and not of its siblings
- Displayed as
- 83E, 85E, 86E, 88 88.
- Parts named
- Compressor; control board.
Stop boundary
When this stops being a self-service repair
- !Cut power at the breaker before you touch the cord, and do not keep cycling power
- !Have an electrician check the circuit if the voltage seems unstable
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
Where the manufacturer's article stops. Samsung lists 83E, 85E, 86E and 88 88 together with one reset, so they share this page.
Exact questions
Common questions
What does 83E, 85E, 86E, 88 88 mean on a Samsung refrigerator?+
Compressor abnormal current detection error: abnormal current to the compressor is detected. Samsung says a power surge or other electrical anomaly may have occurred.
Is 88 88 a fault?+
It is a communication fault that can occur if power is disrupted during boot-up.
Is the food safe while the refrigerator shows this code?+
Check with a thermometer. The USDA says a closed refrigerator keeps food cold for about four hours without power, and food that has sat above 40°F (4°C) for more than two hours should be thrown away. If the compressor is not running, move perishables to a cooler with ice.