How to Install a Secondary Ice Maker on a Samsung Refrigerator

Select Samsung French door refrigerators support dual ice makers — one in the freezer compartment and a secondary unit in the fresh food door or upper section. This guide covers installing the secondary ice maker kit on compatible RF28 and RF29 series models that have the pre-wired mounting location. The secondary unit produces smaller, clearer ice cubes ideal for beverages while the primary freezer unit handles bulk ice production.

Before purchasing the kit, verify compatibility by checking for a blank rectangular cover plate in the upper-left area of the fresh food compartment. Behind this plate should be a capped water line and a pre-routed wire harness connector. If these are absent, your model does not support a secondary ice maker without significant modification.

Before You Start

• Tools needed: Phillips #2 screwdriver, 1/4-inch nut driver, needle-nose pliers, small level, towels for water drips
• Parts needed: Samsung secondary ice maker kit (DA97-series, model-specific — enter your exact model number at Samsung Parts for the correct kit), additional 1/4-inch water tubing if kit does not include sufficient length
• Time required: 45-75 minutes
• Difficulty: Intermediate
• Safety warning: Unplug the refrigerator and turn off the household water supply valve before starting. Water will be present in lines.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Verify model compatibility and locate mounting area

Open the fresh food compartment and look in the upper-left area (some models: upper-right) for a rectangular blank cover plate approximately 4 by 8 inches. Press the release tabs on each side and remove the plate. Behind it you should see a capped 1/4-inch quick-connect water fitting and a wire harness connector. If both are present, your model supports the secondary unit. Note the model number on the sticker inside the compartment (left wall) for ordering the correct kit.

Step 2: Shut off water supply and disconnect power

Locate your household water supply valve — typically behind or beneath the refrigerator connecting to the cold water line. Turn it fully clockwise to close. Unplug the refrigerator from the wall outlet. Place towels under the work area and inside the compartment below the mounting location to catch drips from residual water in the lines.

Step 3: Prepare the water supply connection

Remove the plastic cap from the quick-connect water fitting by pressing the release collar and pulling the cap straight out. Inspect the fitting for debris or mineral deposits. If you see white calcium buildup, clean with a cotton swab dipped in white vinegar before connecting the new line. The quick-connect accepts standard 1/4-inch OD water tubing.

Step 4: Connect the ice maker water supply line

Insert the water supply tube from the ice maker kit into the quick-connect fitting. Push the tube in firmly until it seats approximately 3/4 inch into the connector — you will feel it pass the internal O-ring. Pull back gently to verify it locked; if it slides out, push deeper and try again. Route excess tubing neatly along the compartment wall using the included routing clips.

Step 5: Mount the ice maker assembly in the bracket

Slide the secondary ice maker unit into the pre-installed mounting rails or bracket behind the cover plate opening. Samsung uses Phillips #2 screws throughout their refrigerators. Align the 3-4 mounting holes and secure with the provided screws. Do not overtighten as the mounting surface is molded plastic. Use a small level to verify the ice maker sits level — tilting can cause uneven ice fill or overflow.

Step 6: Connect the electrical harness

Locate the pre-routed wire harness connector. Samsung uses a keyed plug connector that prevents reversed installation. Align the connector notch and push the plugs together until the locking tab audibly clicks. This connection provides power to the ice maker motor, the water inlet valve signal, and the harvest cycle sensor feedback to the main control board.

Step 7: Route the overflow drain line

Connect the included drain tube to the overflow port on the ice maker housing. Route it downward to the drain channel at the rear of the fresh food compartment. This prevents any overflow during the fill cycle from pooling under the crisper drawers — a common complaint on Samsung French door models even without the secondary ice maker, due to the design's susceptibility to ice dam formation near drain paths.

Step 8: Restore water supply and check for leaks

Slowly turn the water supply valve back on (counterclockwise). Watch all connection points for 3-5 minutes. A drip at the quick-connect means the tube is not fully seated — turn off water, press the release collar, reseat the tube deeper, and test again. Check under the refrigerator for any leaks from the main water line connections as well.

Step 9: Power on and enable the secondary ice maker

Plug the refrigerator back in. The Samsung inverter compressor will produce a brief click at startup (normal for the variable-speed system). Navigate to the ice maker settings on the display panel and enable the secondary unit. On some Samsung models with SmartThings integration, you may need to activate it through the SmartThings app if the physical button is not responsive. The first ice production cycle typically begins within 6-8 hours as the compartment reaches operating temperature.

Step 10: Flush the system and discard initial batches

The first 2-3 batches of ice may contain plastic residue from manufacturing, adhesive from tube fittings, or off-flavors from the new water line. Discard these batches entirely. If ice still tastes off after the third batch, replace the main water filter — Samsung uses HAF-CIN or DA29-series filters depending on model. Filters should be replaced every 6 months for optimal water quality.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If the secondary ice maker does not produce ice within 12 hours of installation:

• Water fill tube frozen over: If the fresh food compartment is set below 35 degrees F, the fill tube inlet can freeze. Samsung recommends 37 degrees F for the fresh food section. Thaw the tube with a hair dryer and raise the temperature setting
• Electrical harness not fully connected: Even a partially seated connector can prevent the ice maker from receiving the fill signal from the control board. Disconnect and reconnect the harness, confirming the audible click
• Water filter restricting flow: A clogged or improperly installed DA29-series filter can reduce water pressure below the threshold needed to activate the fill valve. Replace with a genuine Samsung filter
• Ice maker disabled in settings: Some Samsung models default to "off" for the secondary unit even after physical installation. Check both the display panel controls and the SmartThings app
• Low household water pressure: Samsung ice makers require minimum 20 PSI at the inlet. If your home has low pressure (common on well systems), a booster pump may be needed

When This Fix Will Not Work

Seek professional installation if:

• Your model does not have the pre-wired harness and capped water line behind the cover plate, meaning aftermarket electrical routing to the main control board would be required
• The existing quick-connect fitting behind the cover plate is cracked, corroded, or shows mineral damage that could lead to a leak under pressure
• You have a Samsung Family Hub model where the secondary ice maker area shares space with the touchscreen Android computer and its additional wiring
• Your household does not have a separate water shutoff valve accessible behind the refrigerator, requiring plumbing work first
• The primary ice maker already suffers from Samsung's known freezing-over issue, which should be fixed first with drain strap kit DA82-02367A before adding a second ice production unit

Cost Comparison: DIY vs Professional

Need Professional Help?

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FAQ

Q: How do I know if my Samsung refrigerator supports a secondary ice maker? A: Check for a blank rectangular cover plate in the upper-left area of the fresh food compartment. Behind it should be a capped 1/4-inch water line and a pre-routed wire harness. Both must be present for compatibility. Your model number (sticker inside left wall) confirms via Samsung's parts lookup.

Q: Will the secondary ice maker cause the same freezing problems as the primary? A: The secondary unit is less susceptible to Samsung's notorious ice dam issue because it operates in the warmer fresh food compartment. However, setting the compartment below 35 degrees F can freeze the fill tube. Maintain Samsung's recommended 37 degrees F.

Q: What Samsung part number do I need for the secondary ice maker kit? A: Part numbers are model-specific within the DA97 series. Enter your exact model number at Samsung's parts website or samsungparts.com for the correct kit. Common kits include DA97-15217D and related assemblies.

Q: Does adding a secondary ice maker increase energy consumption? A: Minimally. Samsung's digital inverter compressor adjusts speed based on cooling demand, so the additional load is handled efficiently. Expect approximately 5-10 percent increase in energy use, roughly $5-10 per year.

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