Samsung Refrigerator Icemaker Assembly Replacement

Written By: nicO

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Samsung Refrigerator Icemaker Assembly Replacement

Difficulty

Moderate

Steps

Time Required

20 - 45 minutes

Introduction

Follow this guide to remove and replace the icemaker assembly in your Samsung refrigerator.

This guide will work for most French-door Samsung refrigerators where the icemaker is in the refrigerator compartment. If your icemaker is in the freezer drawer, follow this guide instead.

The icemaker assembly is a combination of parts that creates ice. Because of its design, the assembly is prone to freezing over, seizing up the ice making mechanism. If you try to run the ice maker while it's seized up, you may break it.

If your ice maker is frozen, follow this guide to defrost it.

Note: Even if you've followed instructions to defrost your refrigerator, you may need a steamer to aid in removing any leftover ice build up. You should use the steamer whenever necessary throughout the repair to melt any iced over areas.

Note: In 2019, Samsung updated the control board to address the defrost and drain issues related to the ice maker. This update should help reduce the tendency for the icemaker assembly to freeze up and break. If you bought your refrigerator before 2019, you may need to purchase the ice maker service kit (which includes the control board) rather than just the ice maker assembly, or your replacement ice maker may continue to develop issues.

This guide is based on a model RF28R7201SG refrigerator. If you have a different model, you may encounter some minor disassembly differences, but the overall repair process will be the same.

Tools

Parts

Step 1

Unplug your refrigerator before you begin your repair.

Step 2

Open both French doors for the refrigerator compartment.

Step 3

The ice bucket should be located in the upper left side of your refrigerator. It may have "Ice Master" or "Ice Max" on the outside.

Step 4

Pull the ice bucket straight out of its housing and remove it.
On older units, the ice bucket will have a button on the top right that you need to press up in order to release.
If your ice bucket is frozen shut, follow this guide to defrost the ice bucket.

Step 5

Check for cracks or fractures in the ice bucket and auger assembly. Replace the bucket as needed.
Check the gasket around the edge of the bucket. If the gasket's ripped, cracked, rolled or has become too rigid, the bucket won't seal properly and cause condensation to seep in and freeze.

Step 6

Remove the wire harness screw securing the cable cover panel.

Step 7

Use your fingers to slide the cable cover panel towards the front of the refrigerator to unlatch it.
Remove the cable cover panel.
During reassembly, make sure this panel clips fully in place, or the ice tray won't slide in properly.

Step 8

The exact configuration of the connectors may vary on your refrigerator.
Disconnect the left-most yellow connector:
Squeeze the locking tab with your fingers.
Rock the connector gently side to side to disconnect it.
Use your fingers or a screwdriver to guide the wire harness out of the wall clips.

Step 9

Remove the ice maker screw securing the air tunnel flap.

My unit does NOT have a screw in the front as shown in STEP 9 ???

TOM PETERS -

Step 10

A plastic clip holds the air tunnel flap in place.
Use a flathead screwdriver to pry and loosen the air tunnel flap from the plastic clip.

Step 11

Use your fingers to pull the air tunnel flap down enough to access the internals.

Step 12

Use a flathead screwdriver to gently pry the refrigerant loop down by 1–1.5 cm.
During reassembly, use your fingers to push the refrigerant loop back up.

Step 13

A plastic clip holds the icemaker in place.
Use your fingers to press and release the plastic clip.
This clip is stiff and may require substantial force.

Step 14

Pull the front edge of the icemaker assembly down slightly to loosen it.
Be careful not to bend the refrigerant loop too much as you pull the front edge, or you'll damage the loop.
Carefully slide the icemaker assembly out of its housing.