How to Replace the Water Filter (DA97-17376B) on a Samsung Refrigerator
The DA97-17376B is Samsung's internal water filter cartridge used in many RF-series French door refrigerators. Samsung recommends replacing this filter every six months to maintain water quality and proper flow to the ice maker and water dispenser. A clogged filter reduces water pressure, causes small or hollow ice cubes, and can trigger the filter indicator light on your display panel.
This is one of the simplest maintenance tasks on any Samsung refrigerator. No tools are required for the filter itself — it uses a quarter-turn twist-lock mechanism. The entire replacement takes under five minutes.
Before You Start
- Tools needed: None required for filter replacement. Optional: towel for minor water drips
- Parts needed: DA97-17376B water filter (also sold as HAF-CIN/EXP or DA29-00020B depending on packaging)
- Time required: 3-5 minutes
- Difficulty: Beginner
- Safety warning: No need to unplug the refrigerator. A small amount of water may drip when removing the old filter — place a towel below.
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Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Locate the water filter housing
On Samsung RF-series French door refrigerators, the water filter is located inside the fresh food compartment. Look for a cylindrical filter housing in the upper-right area of the interior, typically recessed into the ceiling of the compartment. Some older Samsung models place the filter in the lower-left base grille — check your model if you do not see it inside the compartment.
Step 2: Remove the old filter cartridge
Grasp the exposed end of the filter and twist it counterclockwise (about a quarter turn). The filter will release from the bayonet lock. Pull it straight down and out. A small amount of water (1-2 tablespoons) may drip from the filter housing — this is normal. Have a towel ready beneath the opening.
Step 3: Prepare the new DA97-17376B filter
Remove the new filter from its packaging. Pull off the protective cap from the O-ring end (the end that inserts into the housing). Some filters have a pull tab sealing the inlet — remove this as well. Do not remove any other caps or covers on the filter body.
Step 4: Install the new filter
Align the new filter with the housing opening. The filter has alignment tabs or a flat edge that must match the slot in the housing. Push the filter up into the housing and twist clockwise (quarter turn) until it locks into position. You should feel a positive stop when it seats fully. The filter should not wobble or feel loose.
Step 5: Flush the new filter
After installation, dispense approximately 2-3 gallons of water through the dispenser to flush manufacturing residue and carbon fines from the new filter. The water may appear gray or cloudy initially — this is activated carbon particles and is harmless but unpleasant. Continue dispensing until the water runs completely clear. Discard the first 2 batches of ice as well.
Step 6: Reset the filter indicator
Press and hold the Ice Type/Water button (or the dedicated Filter Reset button on newer models) for 3 seconds until the filter indicator light changes from red back to blue or green. This resets the six-month timer that Samsung uses to remind you of the next replacement. If you do not reset the indicator, it will continue displaying the replacement warning even with a fresh filter installed.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
If problems persist after filter replacement:
- Water dispenser produces a trickle after new filter: Air trapped in the system after installation. Dispense water continuously for 2-3 minutes to purge air. If flow remains weak, the filter may be counterfeit — Samsung counterfeits are common and often have restrictor defects
- Filter indicator will not reset: Try holding the reset button for a full 5 seconds instead of 3. On Family Hub models, the reset may be in the SmartThings app settings rather than a physical button
- Ice cubes still small or hollow after replacement: Low household water pressure (below Samsung's required 20 PSI minimum) causes this regardless of filter condition. Check pressure at the refrigerator inlet valve
- Water tastes off even with new filter: Run an additional 3 gallons through the dispenser. If taste persists, verify the filter is genuine Samsung (check the hologram security sticker on the packaging)
- Filter housing leaks after installation: The O-ring on the new filter may be dry or misaligned. Remove the filter, wet the O-ring with clean water, and reinstall with a firm quarter-turn
Safety First — Know the Risks
Refrigerant (R-134a/R-600a) requires EPA certification to handle. Improper discharge is a federal violation and health hazard. Our techs are licensed and insured — let them handle the risk.
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When This Fix Will Not Work
Contact a professional if:
- Water leaks from the filter housing area even with a properly installed filter, indicating a cracked housing or damaged O-ring seat inside the refrigerator
- The water dispenser produces no water at all (not even a trickle), suggesting a failed water inlet valve rather than a filter issue
- You see error codes on the display unrelated to the filter (Samsung codes 5E, 8E, or 14E indicate water supply system failures beyond the filter)
- The filter housing itself is cracked, cross-threaded, or will not hold a filter in the locked position
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Cost Comparison: DIY vs Professional
| DIY | Professional | |
|---|---|---|
| Parts | $30-$55 | $30-$55 |
| Labor | $0 | $80-$150 (service call) |
| Time | 5 min | 15 min (including travel) |
| Risk | None — no tools required | Unnecessary for this task |
The Real Cost of DIY
Average DIY attempt: $150-400 in tools you may use once, plus the risk of further damage. Our diagnostic visit costs $0 — we find the problem and give you an honest quote.
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FAQ
Q: How often should I replace the DA97-17376B water filter? A: Samsung recommends every 6 months or 300 gallons, whichever comes first. Households with heavy water and ice use may need replacement every 4 months. The filter indicator light on the display will turn red when replacement is due.
Q: Can I use aftermarket filters instead of the Samsung DA97-17376B? A: While compatible third-party filters exist, Samsung recommends genuine filters for optimal performance. Counterfeit Samsung filters are extremely common online and often have flow restriction issues or poor contaminant removal. Look for the holographic security sticker on genuine packaging.
Q: What happens if I do not replace the filter on time? A: A clogged filter reduces water pressure to the ice maker and dispenser, producing small or hollow ice cubes and slow water flow. It can also allow contaminants to pass through as the carbon media becomes saturated. The refrigerator will continue operating but water quality degrades.
Q: Is the DA97-17376B the same as the HAF-CIN filter? A: Yes. Samsung uses multiple part numbers for the same filter across different model years and packaging. DA97-17376B, DA29-00020B, and HAF-CIN/EXP all refer to the same physical filter cartridge used in Samsung's internal twist-lock housing design.
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