12 replies to this topic

[kimdburns]

The fan in our refrigerator started making noises just before Christmas. A few searches on the internet lead me to the fact that there was probably frost buildup. We dismantled the evaporator cover and thawed it out using a heat gun. 

 

Last week we noticed the noise again. I downloaded the service manual from here and tried a "forced defrost" but that didn't really seem to do anything. We decided to empty the unit and leave it unplugged overnight. The ice was pretty massive. 

 

Now that I that I have it completely thawed I want to check the continuity of the defrost thermostat. Can someone tell me where that is? What I see on pg 45 looks exactly like my machine but I'm confused on how to remove or isolate the thermostat to check it. 

 

My dad was high voltage electrician so even for a girl :) I'm pretty well versed on how to use an ohmmeter. I'm just not understanding what to unplug. What I see as the part to replace on the Repair Clinic website, does not look like what I'm seeing in my unit.

 

Is it the two plugs on the top right? (that are conveniently not labeled) Is there anything else I need to unplug? The left side seems to be sealed. 

 

Thank you!

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Edited by kimdburns, 04 February 2013 - 11:04 PM.

[RegUS_PatOff]

check the Fridge Defrost Heater and the Thermo-Fuse for continuity
http://www.repaircli...R=154&N=1515210

 

[kimdburns]

Okay, in the picture attached, the terminal to the left with the yellow wires, no continuity. 

Middle terminal with white and red wires, no continuity. 

Right terminal with black and red wire, reads 1.3. 

 

I think the yellow wires are the defrost thermostat. 

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[RegUS_PatOff]

Samsung doesn't seem to note all of the wire colors on their wiring diagrams ..

looking at the wiring diagram on page 71,

the Fridge Defrost doesn't use a Thermostat, only a Thermal Fuse,

which would seem to be the Red and Black wires as shown in the parts picture above ..

[kimdburns]

Thank you for helping me out here. When I go through the Q&A on Repair Clinic it shows me a defrost thermostat, DA47-10160H, but I don't see that part when I look at the unit. 

 

I reviewed all the parts on Repair Clinic and what I found that does match is a defrost sensor, DA32-00006W, the thermal fuse which you showed me first and of course the evaporator with heater, DA96-00020Q. 

 

The thought that the system has to be cut in to in order to replace the heater is not comforting. I called a couple of repair places this morning and it's going to be a week to 10 days before I can get someone out. I can't believe out of all the people I know in this world I don't know someone who does refrigerator repair. 

 

But I do have a question. Is there absolutely no way to repair or replace the defrost heater without cutting in to the system. Perhaps retrofitting another heater or something? It really irks me that the heater is not separate. 

 

Also, I purchased the unit in 2006 from Lowes. What are the odds of me getting this fixed under warranty? I'm thinking no... but was wondering if anyone had experience dealing with Samsung. Is it reasonable that this would fail after 6 years?

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•  RS267.jpg   37.89K   7 downloads

Edited by kimdburns, 05 February 2013 - 02:11 PM.

[RegUS_PatOff]

... it shows me a defrost thermostat, DA47-10160H,. 

... The thought that the system has to be cut in to in order to replace the heater is not comforting.

... Is there absolutely no way to repair or replace the defrost heater without cutting in to the system.

 

1) that's for the Freezer Evaporator

 

Is the Defrost Thermal Fuse OK ?

there is a way to replace the Defrost Heater (If it's bad)

(may be different part numbers for your model)

http://appliantology...odel-rs265labp/

[kimdburns]

That's what I figured on defrost thermostat. Thanks for verifying. 

 

Yes, the Defrost Thermal Fuse checked out okay. 

 

I just had a conversation with Repair Clinic and the heater is definitely attached to the evaporator and they could not recommend a separate part for installation. 

 

I guess with that, I'm stuck waiting for a technician. 

 

I do appreciate your help. By the way, in your opinion, what's the best refrigerator brand made? What's your opinion of Jenn-Air?

[RegUS_PatOff]

there is a way to replace the Defrost Heater (If it's bad)

(may be different part numbers for your model)

http://appliantology...odel-rs265labp/

Jenn-Aire is OK  (made by Whirlpool)

or any other Fridge made by Whirlpool

 

here's a web-site for dimensions, etc..

multiple choice drop-down boxes, etc..

http://www.ajmadison.com/

[kimdburns]

Oh, I'm sorry, I forgot to mention, that link said I didn't have permission.

 

I did a search for RS265lapb since that was in the link description and I saw a post about a freezer evaporator but not a refrigerator. Was that the one? I saw the note about looking at the picture but it's not obvious to me. Would it be that I purchase the evaporator and take the heater off?

 

Sorry, I can do basic stuff. I replaced a defrost heater before in a Maytag but it was a separate piece and pretty easy for me to understand. 

[RegUS_PatOff]

... that link said I didn't have permission.
... Would it be that I purchase the evaporator and take the heater off?

1) sorry, that was in a special service are forum...
2) yes
.

... found a way to replace the broken one...
... It's not fastened by screws...
... rivets which you'll have to grind the head off.
When you put it back together you could put more rivets in or sheet metal screws.
... pictures that show the separated defrost heater and evaporator...
... The old one was burned out at the joint.

Evaporator w/ Heater is not a bad price ...

ASC20051129001.pdf

Maytag or Samsung part
DA59-00234H

Refrigerator evaporator and heater assembly
This part has been permanently discontinued by the manufacturer (? ? ? )
and we don't know of any source for the part
pssst ... maybe here
OR here

http://www.repaircli...R=154&N=1076322

 

.

A few extra tips........

...bend the tabs a bit...


....grind the offending rivets off from both the old and new heaters...


.......

..the wire will need to be rerouted, I just removed the pin from the connector,
did not want to cut and reconnect the wire..
I got more pics. if'n you gets stuck .....keep us posted....

[kimdburns]

Ah ha, genius! I looked at that this morning for few minutes but with all the tape on there I had not come to a conclusion as to whether it could be pulled apart. I was thinking about dismantling it for heck of it. I mean, it's already broken, I can't break it any further right?

 

Thanks again!

[RegUS_PatOff]

... it's already broken, I can't break it any further right?

yes, and no ...

If you damage the Evaporator and make it leak ... $$$

[kimdburns]

That's true!! But we'll stay clear of that. Ugh that would be a mess.