Samsung refrigerators can lose cooling performance when the evaporator fan motor stops working. This part circulates cold air throughout the compartments, and when it fails, food will no longer stay fresh.
Fortunately, you can replace the fan motor on your own with just a few tools. Follow this step-by-step guide to bring your refrigerator back to working order.
Why the Evaporator Fan Motor Matters
The evaporator fan motor pushes cold air from the evaporator coils into the refrigerator compartment. Without proper air movement, the interior temperature rises, leaving your fridge unable to cool efficiently.
Over time, motor bearings may wear out, causing the fan to overheat and stop functioning. When that happens, the refrigerator warms even though the compressor continues to run.
Benefits of Replacing the Fan Motor Yourself
Handling this repair on your own saves time and money while also giving you more confidence in maintaining appliances. Advantages include:
- Lower repair costs compared to scheduling a technician
- Shorter wait time since you don’t rely on service appointments
- Opportunity to clean hidden parts of the refrigerator while performing the replacement
- Extended lifespan of your fridge when worn components are replaced promptly
- Satisfaction of learning a practical DIY skill that applies to other home repairs
- Ability to troubleshoot future cooling problems with more confidence
Tools and Parts You’ll Need
Before starting the repair, gather these items:
- Replacement Samsung evaporator fan motor (DA97-12815B)
Phillips screwdriver - Flathead screwdriver
- Putty knife
Safety First
Working on appliances requires caution. Follow these guidelines to reduce risk and prevent damage:
- Unplug the refrigerator or switch off the circuit breaker.
- Shut off the water supply at the outlet and keep towels nearby for any remaining water.
- Allow the refrigerator to cool down if it was running recently.
- Work slowly to avoid accidents.
- Use bright lighting and keep the area free of clutter, children, and pets.
- Keep your hands dry before touching any internal parts.
- Refer to the user manual for model-specific details.
- Handle all parts gently to avoid damage.
- Wear insulated gloves to protect your hands from sharp edges.
- Avoid touching exposed wires directly and use insulated tools when necessary.
- Wear safety glasses or a dust mask if dealing with dust or debris.
How to Replace the Evaporator Fan Motor in a Samsung Refrigerator
Here are the steps to remove the old evaporator fan motor, install the new one, and reassemble your refrigerator.
Preparation
- Unplug the refrigerator from the power outlet.
- Turn off the water supply to the refrigerator.
Remove Interior Parts
- Remove the vegetable drawers by pulling them straight out, then lifting and sliding them out.
- Remove all refrigerator shelves by lifting the rear hooks and sliding them out.
- Press the side locking tabs on the vegetable drawer cover, lift, and slide it out.
- Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the four screws holding the rear panel and set the screws aside.
- Lift and remove the central shelf support.
Access the Evaporator
- Insert a putty knife at the locking tab areas of the evaporator cover panel and release the tabs.
- Pull the evaporator cover panel out from the bottom.
- Disconnect the two wiring harness plugs at the back of the panel.
Remove Old Fan Motor
- Use a flathead screwdriver to detach the yellow wiring harness clip.
- Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the four screws holding the motor mounting plate.
- Lift off the old evaporator fan motor with the mounting plate.
Install New Fan Motor
- Place the new evaporator fan motor and mounting plate into position.
- Insert and tighten the four Phillips screws to secure the mounting plate.
- Loop the yellow wiring harness around the motor and reconnect the clip.
Reassemble
- Reconnect the two wiring harness plugs to the evaporator cover panel.
- Push the evaporator cover panel back into place and press to lock the tabs.
- Reinstall the four screws to secure the rear panel.
- Reinsert the central shelf support.
- Slide in the vegetable drawer cover and lock the tabs.
- Slide all shelves and vegetable drawers back into place.
Test
- Close both refrigerator doors.
- Plug the refrigerator back into the power outlet.
- Reconnect the water supply.
- Allow the refrigerator a few hours to cool down.
- Use an independent thermometer to check the interior temperature.
Also Read: GE Fridge Evaporator Fan Motor Replacement Made Easy
Preventing Future Problems
After replacing the fan motor, a few maintenance habits can help keep your refrigerator running efficiently:
- Vacuum and clean the condenser coils every few months to prevent dust buildup
- Keep at least a few inches of clearance around the refrigerator to allow proper airflow
- Avoid overloading shelves, which can block air circulation from the fan
- Replace door gaskets if they start to crack or no longer seal tightly
- Check for unusual noises periodically to catch early signs of wear
- Keep the freezer defrosted to avoid frost interfering with fan movement
- Use a surge protector to protect electronic components from power fluctuations
In Summary
A working refrigerator is the heart of any kitchen, and knowing how to fix one of its most important parts puts you in control. Replacing the evaporator fan motor might feel like a big job at first, but once you break it down into simple steps, it becomes a straightforward project. With a few tools, some patience, and the right replacement part, your Samsung refrigerator can get back to keeping food cold and fresh. Taking on repairs like this not only saves money but also helps you feel more capable the next time an appliance needs attention. With regular maintenance and a little DIY spirit, your fridge can keep running smoothly for years to come.