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Samsung Refrigerator Evaporator Fan Motor Replacement Guide

4 min read
⚡ Quick Answer

Warm fridge, uneven cooling, frost buildup, and no airflow noise mean the evaporator fan motor has failed. Replacing it restores air circulation.

Difficulty Intermediate (DIY)
Est. time 15-60 min
Tools Multimeter , nut driver, screwdrivers

Samsung Refrigerator Evaporator Fan Motor Replacement Guide — What This Part Does

The evaporator fan motor moves air across the evaporator coil and into the refrigerator and freezer compartments. When it runs properly, cold air circulates evenly through the cabinet, keeping temperatures stable and preventing frost from building up on the coil or in the compartments. The motor sits behind the evaporator cover panel, usually in the freezer section or fresh-food compartment depending on the model.

The fan motor fails from worn bearings, electrical winding burnout, ice damage, or connector corrosion. Because the motor runs continuously or cycles frequently, mechanical wear over years of operation is common. Ice buildup around the fan housing can also jam the blade or damage the motor windings, and loose or corroded wiring connections can prevent the motor from receiving power.

Jump to Replacement Steps

Signs It Needs Replacing

How to Replace It

  1. Unplug the refrigerator from the wall outlet to disconnect all power before starting any disassembly.
  2. Remove all food, shelves, bins, and drawers from the freezer or refrigerator compartment where the evaporator fan is located to access the back panel.
  3. Remove the screws securing the evaporator cover or back panel (on RF28R7201SG, remove four 18.5 mm screws from the fan bracket), then lift and pull the panel forward to expose the evaporator coil and fan assembly.
  4. Inspect the fan blade area for ice, obstructions, or broken plastic and clear any blockage before proceeding with part replacement.
  5. Disconnect the fan motor wiring harness by pulling the connector straight off the motor terminals, noting the harness routing for reinstallation.
  6. Remove any screws or release tabs securing the fan motor or motor bracket (some models have screws, others use a push-and-rotate mount), then pull the motor and blade assembly out of the housing.
  7. Install the new evaporator fan motor by reversing the removal steps, route the wiring harness along the original path, and reconnect the electrical connector firmly to the motor terminals.
  8. Reinstall the evaporator cover panel and secure all screws, then replace shelves, bins, and food in the compartment.
  9. Plug the refrigerator back in and listen for the fan to start running within a few minutes, then verify that air is moving through the vents and temperatures stabilize over the next few hours.

The Part You Need

PartNotes
Samsung evaporator fan motorAmazon | Part numbers vary by model (examples: DA31-00146E for some freezer fans, DA81-06013A for RF28HFEDTSR/AA). Find your exact part number on the model and serial plate inside the fresh-food compartment door frame or on the left interior wall, then cross-reference it with a Samsung parts supplier or enter your full model number on a parts site.

If this part is failing you may also see one of these codes:

When to Call a Pro

Call a refrigeration technician if you find refrigerant line damage, extensive corrosion on the evaporator coil, or sealed-system leaks during disassembly. Also call a pro if the new fan motor does not run after installation and you have verified all wiring connections are secure, as the problem may be in the main control board or defrost system. If you are uncomfortable working inside a plugged-in refrigerator or handling sheet-metal panels with sharp edges, a technician can complete the replacement safely and verify correct airflow and temperature recovery.


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