Samsung Refrigerator 33E error code

The small heater that keeps the ice maker's water fill tube from freezing has failed. The fill tube can freeze shut, so little or no water reaches the ice maker.

Also shown as: 33E, 33C

Last updated: October 6, 2026

Quick answer: Samsung refrigerator error code 33E: ice maker fill-tube heater failure. The most common cause is failed ice pipe (fill tube) heater. Try this first — power-cycle the refrigerator. If that does not clear it, check the water supply to the fridge.

What causes the 33E error?

  • Failed ice pipe (fill tube) heater
  • Frozen or blocked water fill tube
  • Loose or damaged heater wiring or connector
  • Water supply pressure too low, letting the tube freeze
  • Failed main control board not powering the heater

How to fix Samsung 33E — step by step

Work through these in order, from simplest and safest first. Stop as soon as the code clears.

  1. Power-cycle the refrigerator
    Unplug the fridge for 2 to 5 minutes, then plug it back in. This clears false codes. If 33E returns, the heater or tube needs real attention.
  2. Check the water supply to the fridge
    Make sure the water shut-off valve behind the fridge is fully open and the supply line is not kinked. Low water flow lets the fill tube freeze more easily.
  3. Thaw the fill tube area
    Unplug the fridge and let the ice maker section thaw for a few hours with the freezer door open. A frozen fill tube is often the immediate blockage, and thawing restores water flow temporarily.
    Safety warning: Do not use a hair dryer on high heat near plastic parts - let it thaw naturally.
  4. Make sure the freezer is not set too cold
    An extremely low freezer setting increases freeze-ups in the fill tube. Keep the freezer at its normal setting (around 0 F / -18 C) rather than the coldest option.

When to call a technician

Stop and call a qualified technician if any of these apply:
  • 33E returns after thawing and resetting
  • The fill tube keeps freezing shut
  • The ice pipe heater needs continuity testing or replacement
  • The main control board is not powering the heater

Frequently asked questions

My ice maker stopped making ice with 33E. Is that expected?

Yes. When the fill-tube heater fails, the tube freezes shut and no water reaches the ice maker tray, so ice production stops.

Will thawing fix 33E permanently?

Thawing restores water flow for a while, but if the heater itself is dead the tube will freeze again. Repeat freeze-ups mean the heater needs replacement by a technician.

Is it safe to keep using the water dispenser?

Usually yes - the dispenser uses a separate water line. But get the heater checked, because a frozen tube can eventually cause leaks.

Sources

Every meaning and fix above was checked against official manufacturer documentation:

FixCode provides general troubleshooting information only — not professional repair advice. If you are unsure about any step, stop and call a qualified technician. Repairs done incorrectly can be dangerous and may void your warranty.

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