Samsung Older French Door Refrigerator Fresh Food Evaporator Fan Replacement

Written By: Bill Gilbert

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Samsung Older French Door Refrigerator Fresh Food Evaporator Fan Replacement

Difficulty

Moderate

Steps

Time Required

30 - 45 minutes

Introduction

Use this guide to replace the fresh food evaporator fan on your older Samsung French door refrigerator.

The evaporator fan circulates air through the cold evaporator coils. The cold air then circulates in the refrigerator compartment.

If the fresh food evaporator fan doesn't run, either because the motor fails or from ice buildup near the blades, the fresh food compartment will not be able to stay cold.

This guide was created using a Samsung model RFG298HDRS French door refrigerator manufactured in 2013. Other older Samsung French door units with dual evaporators should be similar.

Tools

Step 1

Unplug your refrigerator before you begin your repair.
If you are testing or repairing the following items, you may also need to shut off and disconnect the water supply:
Condenser fan motor
Compressor motor and thermal overload device
Water supply valve assembly

Step 2

Open both French doors for the refrigerator compartment.

Step 3

Lift the front edge of the shelf to release it from the shelf mounts.
Lift the whole shelf and bring it toward the front of the refrigerator.

Step 4

Pull out the crisper drawers to the stop.
Lift the front edge of the drawer and pull it the rest of the way out.

Step 5

Use a #2 Phillips driver to remove the screw securing the bracket to the shelf mount.

Step 6

Unlock the lower shelf by pressing in the locking tabs located on each side of the shelf right next to the crisper drawer wheels.
Maintain a slight upward pressure on the shelf with your hands during this process so the tabs don't click back into place.

Step 7

Use both hands to lift the front of the shelf up.
Pull the shelf towards you once it is lifted up enough to clear the retainers at the side shelf supports.
You should now be able to see some of the screws which hold the rear panel in place.

Step 8

Use a screwdriver or spudger to insert into the bottom of the screw cover, then pry upward to loosen and remove it.. Remove the cover and set it aside.

Step 9

Use a #2 Phillips driver to remove the screws securing the evaporator cover to the rear wall of the fresh food compartment.

Step 10

Grasp the lower edge of the evaporator cover and pull it forward.
Don't force the reposition of the evaporator cover. The cover is mainly foamed plastic, and can be broken if handled carelessly.
If it doesn't want to release, check for ice buildup which may show up in the small vents.

Step 11

Once the lower edge is free pull the right edge free.
Rotate the evaporator cover so it faces the left side of the fresh food compartment.

Step 12

Access the connectors on the left rear wall of the fresh food compartment.
Disconnect the wires that lead to the evaporator cover, by squeezing the locking tab on each connector and pulling the connector toward you.

Step 13

Finish disconnecting the evaporator cover.

Step 14

Remove the evaporator cover from the fresh food compartment.

Step 15

Use a #2 Phillips driver to remove the screws securing the fresh food evaporator fan assembly to the evaporator cover.

Step 16

Unclip the thermistor wires and the wires to the evaporator fan from the evaporator fan assembly.

Step 17

Lift the evaporator fan assembly to separate it from the evaporator cover.

Step 18

Use a 1/4" flathead screwdriver to pry off the fan blades from the fan motor shaft.
They are just held in place by a friction fit and will slide straight off. Try to pry as close to the fan shaft as possible; avoid prying on the fan blades.