For many Samsung refrigerator defrost sensors, a common reference reading is about 13,300 ohms at 32 degrees Fahrenheit when the sensor is placed in an ice-water slurry.
Typical test points
A useful way to check the sensor is to test it at room temperature and again in ice water. Samsung temperature sensors generally change resistance as temperature changes, so the reading should shift noticeably between those two conditions.
At room temperature, many Samsung sensors will read in the low-kiloohm range, while in ice water they commonly rise to around 13k ohms. The exact value depends on the specific sensor and model, so the model chart matters if you want a precise pass or fail result.
What the reading means
-
Around 13,300 ohms in ice water: usually a good sign for many Samsung sensors.
-
Zero or near-zero ohms: suggests a shorted sensor.
-
Infinite or OL reading: suggests an open sensor.
-
A reading that does not change with temperature: suggests the sensor is faulty or disconnected.
Practical check
If you are testing a Samsung defrost sensor, remove it from the refrigerator so you can control the temperature more accurately. Then measure resistance at room temperature, place the sensor in a glass of ice water for a couple of minutes, and measure again.
Important note
Samsung sensors can vary slightly by model, part number, and the exact location of the sensor in the fridge or freezer. That means the most reliable method is to compare your reading with the service chart for your specific model rather than relying on one universal number.
A reading close to 13.3 kOhms at 32 degrees Fahrenheit is the most commonly cited benchmark for Samsung refrigerator thermistors and defrost sensors, but model-specific charts are always the best reference