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Quick answer
On a Samsung RF27T5201SR/AA showing 39C, treat the code as an ice-maker function error rather than proof that a replacement ice maker is needed. First record the display and check that the freezer is at 0°F or below, the ice maker is enabled, the ice bucket is fully seated and clear, and the freezer or ice-maker area seals without frost blocking it. Run the model-approved ice-maker Test cycle once. If the test does not move or does not add water, check the supply line and water pressure; if it does add water, allow up to 3 hours for production to resume. If 39C returns, the test does not react, the ice maker is frozen, or no ice appears after the wait, request Samsung or qualified appliance service and have the model, code, and test result ready. Do not choose a replacement part from the symptom alone.
Work through in order
Diagnostic checks
Use only checks that match the exact appliance or system and its official guide.
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Check 1
Record 39C exactly as displayed, verify the model label reads RF27T5201SR/AA, and check the freezer temperature without changing other settings.
Expected result: The freezer is above 0°F, the display shows a different code, or the model and 39C match the topic.
Next step: If the freezer is above 0°F, address cooling first and enable Power Freeze only as the model allows. If the identity matches, continue to sealing and ice-maker-state checks.
Stop if: Do not repeatedly clear the code or disconnect power before recording it; a recurring code needs a service record.
Why this matters
Why: A freezer that is not cold enough can prevent ice production; a different code or model changes the applicable guidance. A matching 39C identifies an ice-maker function error but does not identify a replacement part.
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Check 2
Confirm Ice Off is not enabled, seat and lock the ice bucket according to the RF27T5201SR/AA manual, and inspect the accessible bucket and ice-maker opening for frost, a block, or an object other than ice.
Expected result: The ice maker was off, the bucket was not seated, an obstruction or frost is present, or the controls, bucket, and opening appear correct.
Next step: Correct only the documented external state and continue once. If the bucket is frozen or cannot be removed easily, request service rather than forcing it.
Stop if: Do not use a knife, hair dryer, heat gun, or force to remove a stuck or frozen bucket.
Why this matters
Why: Samsung documents an off state, an incorrectly seated bucket, and obstructions or frost as conditions that can stop production. A clear, correctly seated assembly leaves the 39C function error unresolved and calls for the test result.
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Check 3
Run the ice-maker Test button once using the exact RF27T5201SR/AA manual procedure, holding it until the chime and observing movement and the final water fill.
Expected result: The test moves and adds water, moves but does not add water, or does not chime or move.
Next step: If water enters, allow up to 3 hours and check for ice. If no water enters, perform the water-line and pressure check. If there is no reaction or 39C returns, stop and arrange service.
Stop if: Do not repeat the test continuously, bypass the ice-maker interlock, or remove internal covers.
Why this matters
Why: Movement with water points toward a production or timing issue; movement without water points toward water delivery; no reaction after the documented retry leaves a function or control fault that the external checks cannot identify.
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Check 4
Only when the test did not add water, verify the household water valve is fully open, inspect the accessible line for a kink, and measure dispenser flow if this RF27T5201SR/AA configuration has a dispenser; follow the manual before removing a filter.
Expected result: Water flow fills at least three quarters of a cup in under 10 seconds, flow is weak, or the line has no water connection or is kinked.
Next step: Restore only an accessible valve or line condition, then perform the model-approved test once. If flow remains weak, involve a plumber or service provider; if flow is adequate but 39C remains, request Samsung service.
Stop if: Do not open plumbing connections under pressure, disassemble the valve, or test electrical components.
Why this matters
Why: Samsung uses the flow check as an indication of sufficient pressure and states that low pressure or a restrictive filter can prevent ice production. Adequate flow shifts attention back to the 39C function fault or ice maker rather than proving a specific replacement part.
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Check 5
After a successful water fill, keep the doors closed and allow the documented production interval before judging the result; then record whether ice appears and whether 39C returns.
Expected result: Ice appears within the interval and 39C stays away, or no ice appears or 39C returns.
Next step: If production resumes, monitor the appliance. If no ice appears or 39C returns, leave the ice maker in a safe state and arrange qualified service with the recorded observations.
Stop if: Do not order a replacement assembly solely from the code, symptom, or a generic Samsung part listing.
Why this matters
Why: Samsung says production should begin within 3 hours after the relevant checks, while a returning error code or continued no-ice condition needs service. Neither result alone proves which ice-maker assembly or control component is compatible.
Use your observations
Decision map
Find the observation that best matches what you see, then follow the next safe action.
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PATH 01Next step
What you see
The freezer is above 0°F, the bucket is not seated, Ice Off is enabled, or frost blocks the ice-maker area.
Do this next
Correct the documented external condition if safe, then perform one model-approved test; request service for a frozen or stuck assembly.
Why this path and its safety boundary
Why it matters: A temperature, sealing, control-state, or obstruction condition can explain the lack of ice before the 39C function error is diagnosed further.
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PATH 02Next step
What you see
The test cycle moves and pours water, then ice production resumes within the documented interval without another 39C.
Do this next
Monitor normal production and keep the model and test result recorded if the code returns.
Why this path and its safety boundary
Why it matters: The ice maker completed its basic motion and fill path; a temporary state, temperature, or timing condition was more likely than proof of a failed replacement assembly.
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PATH 03Next step
What you see
The test moves but does not add water, and the water valve, accessible line, filter condition, and dispenser flow indicate weak delivery.
Do this next
Correct an accessible supply condition or obtain plumbing help, then repeat only the model-approved test once.
Why this path and its safety boundary
Why it matters: Water supply or pressure is more likely than an ice-maker motor fault, and Samsung says low pressure can prevent ice production.
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PATH 04Next step
What you see
The test does not chime or move after the model-approved retry, 39C returns, or no ice appears after the wait despite adequate temperature, seating, and water flow.
Do this next
Stop troubleshooting, do not select a replacement part from 39C alone, and request Samsung or qualified appliance service with the model, code, test response, water result, and temperature.
Why this path and its safety boundary
Why it matters: The remaining ice-maker function problem cannot be distinguished safely from the outside; Samsung's code guidance routes unresolved error codes to service.
Helpful context
Understand the symptom
What 39C means on this Samsung refrigerator
Samsung's refrigerator error-code guide identifies 39E and 39C as an ice-maker function error. That label identifies the affected function, not a failed replaceable assembly or a guaranteed part fit. Keep the code on the display, confirm the full model is RF27T5201SR/AA, and use the exact model manual for button locations before attempting a test or reset.
Start with cold, sealing, and ice-maker state
Samsung says the freezer must reach 0°F or lower to make ice, and a refrigerator-compartment ice maker needs its bucket fully seated and locked. Check the displayed freezer temperature, look for frost around the ice bucket or opening, confirm the door closes, and verify that Ice Off is not enabled. For this model, the Samsung support page links the RF27T5201SR/AA to its ice-maker and error-code guidance; do not assume an Ice Off control layout from another Samsung refrigerator.
Use the test cycle to separate water flow from motion
With the bucket removed only as the model manual permits, locate the ice maker's Test button and hold it until the chime. Samsung says the test may take about 6 minutes for a refrigerator-compartment ice maker; watch for movement and listen for the water valve at the end. If the test does not react after the documented power-cycle step, or if the 39C code returns, stop testing and request service.
Check water delivery only when the test does not add water
If the ice maker completes its movement but does not receive water, check that the household water valve is fully open and that the line is connected and not kinked. Samsung gives 20 psi as the minimum water pressure and, for dispenser models, a practical check is at least 6 ounces or three quarters of a cup in less than 10 seconds. If removing an old filter restores flow, the filter may be restricting pressure; use the model instructions for the correct filter procedure. Do not open sealed panels or test live valves.
Why a replacement is not the first step
A 39C function error can coexist with a temperature, bucket, control-state, water-pressure, or ice-maker fault. Samsung's public guidance does not establish a replacement assembly or compatibility from 39C alone. Record whether the test moved, whether water entered, whether the bucket was seated, and whether the code returned. Those observations let a qualified technician identify the failed subsystem and verify the exact part against the RF27T5201SR/AA before replacement.
When checks do not resolve it
Need a professional?
Request Samsung or qualified appliance service when 39C returns, the test cycle does not react, the ice maker is frozen or stuck, the water and temperature checks are adequate but no ice is produced, or the code remains after the permitted external checks. Keep the unit off if there is a leak, damaged wiring, burning odor, or another electrical hazard.
Common questions
FAQ
Does 39C mean the ice maker must be replaced?
No. Samsung labels 39C an ice-maker function error, but the code alone does not identify a compatible replacement assembly. Use the temperature, seating, test, water, and timed-production results to determine whether service is needed.
How long should I wait after the ice maker test adds water?
Samsung says ice production should begin within about 3 hours after the relevant checks. If there is still no ice or 39C returns, request service.
Can I defrost the ice maker with a hair dryer?
No. Samsung warns against forcing or using a hair dryer to remove a stuck or frozen ice bucket and directs owners to service for a frozen ice-maker condition.
Read the exact guide
Official sources
- Samsung ice maker is not workingSamsung · Opened Samsung's official U.S. ice-maker troubleshooting guide. The guide applies symptom-level checks to Samsung ice makers; the exact RF27T5201SR/AA manual controls button locations and model-specific behavior.
- French Door RF27T5201SR/AA de 27 cu.ft. | Soporte Samsung LatinoaméricaSamsung · Opened Samsung's official model-support page for RF27T5201SR/AA. It identifies the exact model and links the model to Samsung's ice-maker, error-code, and user-manual resources.
- Samsung refrigerator error codesSamsung · Opened Samsung's official U.S. refrigerator error-code guide. It explicitly lists 39E and 39C as Ice Maker Function Error and advises requesting service for other or unresolved codes.
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