Samsung RFG297ABBP/XAA Freezer Not Cooling

[Sprink2355]

Hello. I tried to comment on another post, but didn't see how to. I purchased a Samsung RFG297ABBP/XAA unit in August 2010. Of course now, one year outside of the warranty, the freezer stopped cooling. It does not appear to be caused by the evaporator or fan getting covered with ice. About three weeks ago I noticed ice cream was getting soft, but it still said the temperature was 0 degrees. A few days later everything was melted, but it still showed the same temperature.  I called Samsung and they gave me a number for a repair service, but it was disconnected. I know they probably aren't the best, but I had Sears A&E repair come out because of their availability. The tech spent an hour on the phone with someone to diagnose the problem and eventually said the main and inverter boards needed to be replaced, but did not seem too confident in that. They didn't have access to the one of the parts, so I ordered them directly from samsungparts.com. They finally came the other day and I installed them, but the freezer still does not work. I called A&E to come out again and a tech was here for about five minutes this morning. He simply recommended replacing the evaporator cover. After researching and removing that, it does not appear that it can be replaced as one part. There are two fans and I'm guessing a thermostat on it. I noticed there is no frost on the evaporator, but there was a small amount of water on one of the lines about it.

 

Does anyone have experience with this problem and been able to correct it? I noticed in the other thread they ended up having to get a new unit. I was hoping a refrigerator that cost as much as this one did would last longer than six years.

 

 

[Sprink2355]

I forgot to add that when the first A&E tech was out he said that the compressor and all of the fans appeared to be working fine.

[BrewHobbyTech]

6 hours ago, Sprink2355 said:

I forgot to add that when the first A&E tech was out he said that the compressor and all of the fans appeared to be working fine.

If everything is running and you have no frost on the evaporator then it's a system problem. I'd call A&E out again and demand a refund. BTW, if you bring it over to my house I can probably fix it for $300.....as long as I don't have to replace the compressor or a board. If it's just a system problem it's pretty simple, just a little time consuming. I haven't worked on many Samsung's but the half of the ones I have were restrictions, either in the filter/drier or the cap tube. I had to replace a cap tube on one......what a PITA.  Anyway, I'm only kidding about bring it over to my house. Hey, if you lived close enough I'd come out and check it out, but you're probably across the country. 

[Sprink2355]

23 minutes ago, BrewHobbyTech said:

If everything is running and you have no frost on the evaporator then it's a system problem. I'd call A&E out again and demand a refund. BTW, if you bring it over to my house I can probably fix it for $300.....as long as I don't have to replace the compressor or a board. If it's just a system problem it's pretty simple, just a little time consuming. I haven't worked on many Samsung's but the half of the ones I have were restrictions, either in the filter/drier or the cap tube. I had to replace a cap tube on one......what a PITA.  Anyway, I'm only kidding about bring it over to my house. Hey, if you lived close enough I'd come out and check it out, but you're probably across the country. 

Thanks for the reply. I'm going to address A&E tomorrow. I was trying to figure out other solutions today :). I haven't done any research on the two things you mentioned yet, are either of them somewhat easy to access and check? I'm going to guess not but your comment about it being a PITA to replace, but I figured I'd ask. I live in the Indianapolis area in case you're close, or know someone that is experienced in the area.

[lvasquez11]

Most Samsung are having seal system failures. You need to find some that knows how to diagnose n repair seal systems .

No frost on evaporator - possible seal system

how hot is compressor to the touch

is fresh food section still holding temp.

the seal system is one big loop - runs to fresh food then freezer section.

Part number: BK190CL2CE02
 

 

 

 

I would like to try one of these  on a resticted units.    - Part number: Bc2

 

[BrewHobbyTech]

30 minutes ago, Sprink2355 said:

Thanks for the reply. I'm going to address A&E tomorrow. I was trying to figure out other solutions today :). I haven't done any research on the two things you mentioned yet, are either of them somewhat easy to access and check? I'm going to guess not but your comment about it being a PITA to replace, but I figured I'd ask. I live in the Indianapolis area in case you're close, or know someone that is experienced in the area.

The things I mentioned should only be done by a professional, or someone that has experience and knows what they are doing, and legally....you need to be EPA certified, but I'm only giving advice. If anyone wants to work on a refrigerator system job, that's there own decision. I live just west of Detroit, so you would be a little bit out my service area.. 

First I'd deal with A&E, then I'd be searching for a small or independant refrigeration/appliance repair person such as myself in your local area, maybe even on craigslist. But it's a crapshoot. Most of my system job estimates are between $250 and $350(no compressor replacement), depending on what my diagnosis is and accessibility to the problem. Not many techs work on Samsung's and even less do system jobs on Samsung's. I talked to a refrigeration guy about six months ago and he said he went through the factory training for Samsung refrigerators, and he won't even work on them, and he's been in the business about 25 years. I really don't blame him.....but there's a lot of money to be made on LG's and Samsung's if you can figure them out, and that's what I've been trying to do. And I've been somewhat/pretty successful so far, and I'm getting better. I don't know everything.......but I'm working on it.....LMAO.....  

Forgot to mention, my guess is that you either have a leak or a restriction, but the valves on the compressor could be shot also. That's not usually the case but it wouldn't be confirmed either way without tapping the system and putting a set of gauges on and reading the internal pressures. Good luck dealing with A&E........ 

 

 

[BrewHobbyTech]

40 minutes ago, lvasquez11 said:

Most Samsung are having seal system failures. You need to find some that knows how to diagnose n repair seal systems .

 

It's not a seal system. Seals live in the ocean and they have their own closed loop system, and I'm sure have failures here and there, so as not to be confused with refrigeration closed looped sealed systems. Just wanted to clarify.......don't want anyone to be confused........

 

 

[BrewHobbyTech]

46 minutes ago, lvasquez11 said:

 

the seal system is one big loop - runs to fresh food then freezer section.

 

That's actually pretty funny because seals actually do that. That's good......only kidding around but that is pretty good. 

Getting back on topic......hey bro, you haven't lived yet until you replaced a cap tube on a dual evaporator LG or Samsung refrigerator. Every refrigeration tech has to do it at least once.....even if it's the only time you ever do one......at least you can say you did it.....or you tried to do it........LOL   Hey, it's a bitch.......but after the first one it gets easier....I think.....maybe....possibly......well, it's still a bitch.......