Samsung Refrigerator 5E / SE Error Code: Ice Maker Fix
The display shows "5E" or "SE", the ice maker stops making ice, and the auger may make a grinding or clicking sound.
DIY Cost
$0–$60
Typical Pro Cost
$150–$350
Tools Needed
- Hair dryer (low heat) or warm towels
- Phillips screwdriver
- Flashlight
Parts Needed
- Replacement ice maker assembly (only if it doesn't recover after a full thaw)
⚠️ Safety Warnings
- Unplug the refrigerator (or switch off Ice Maker mode) before reaching into the ice maker assembly to avoid the auger motor engaging on your fingers.
- Never use a hair dryer on high heat directly against plastic ice maker components — it can warp or crack them.
- Don't use a knife or hard tool to chip out fused ice — you can puncture the evaporator coil behind the ice maker, which is an expensive repair.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Understand what the code means
5E (or SE, depending on model/firmware) means the ice maker's auger motor is drawing too much current — almost always because ice has jammed or fused solid around the auger, not because the motor itself is broken.
Power down the ice maker
From the fridge's control panel, turn off Ice Maker mode (or use the off-switch, usually on the side of the unit in the freezer). This stops the auger from repeatedly trying and re-triggering the fault.
Remove and empty the ice bucket
Take out the ice bucket/bin and empty it completely. Check the auger and the chute for a solid clump of fused ice — this is the most common cause of 5E/SE.
Thaw the ice maker assembly itself
With the bucket out, use a hair dryer on low heat (held several inches away) or a warm, damp towel to melt any ice built up around the auger motor housing and the dispenser chute. A full thaw can take 2-4 hours if you leave the freezer door propped and skip the hair dryer.
Dry everything and power back on
Once fully thawed, dry the bin and chute thoroughly (residual water will just refreeze), reinstall the bucket, and turn Ice Maker mode back on. Give it a few hours to resume normal cycles.
When to Call a Professional
If the code returns immediately after a full thaw and dry-out with no ice jam present, the auger motor or control board itself has likely failed and needs professional diagnosis — this isn't a jam you can clear by thawing again.