How to Replace Samsung RF28T Fridge Ice Maker

On the RF28T series the ice maker rarely fails on its own. The defrost drain below the evaporator freezes, water backs up, and ice slowly encases the ice maker until the harvest cycle can no longer complete. So this job is two repairs in one — the new assembly, plus the drain fix that addresses the root cause.

Tools & parts#

Safety first#

Unplug the refrigerator and turn off the water supply valve. Allow ice in the freezer area to soften for 15 minutes after unplugging for easier removal.

Step-by-step#

Step 1: Cut power and water#

Unplug the fridge and close the water shutoff valve behind or below it. Remove the ice bucket by pressing its release tabs and pulling straight out, empty any ice, and lay towels below the freezer.

Step 2: Remove the old ice maker#

Back out the single Phillips #2 screw on the left bracket. On the RF28T5001SR the ice maker hangs on rear hooks — lift the front edge slightly and pull forward to unhook it. Release the wire connector by its locking tab and disconnect the water fill tube from the rear quick-connect.

Step 3: Clear ice from the mounting area#

Frost around the mount is the tell-tale of the drain-freeze issue. Melt it completely with a hair dryer — never mount a new ice maker onto old ice or it will fail again fast. Flush the drain hole at the base of the evaporator area with warm water to confirm clear flow.

Step 4: Install the drain strap kit DA82-02367A#

With the ice maker out, clip the copper drain strap to the defrost heater element and route its lower end into the drain opening. It carries heat to the drain entry during defrost so condensation cannot refreeze there — the actual cure for the recurring ice.

Step 5: Connect water to the new ice maker#

Push the fill tube firmly onto the new ice maker's rear quick-connect until it seats past the internal O-ring, then tug gently to confirm it locked. Route the tube so it will not kink once mounted.

Step 6: Mount the new assembly#

Hook the rear tabs over the freezer-wall hooks, pivot the front down, and secure the single Phillips #2 screw on the left bracket. Push the wire connector together until the tab clicks audibly.

Step 7: Restore utilities and verify#

Reopen the water valve and check the fill connection for leaks. Plug in — the inverter compressor clicks briefly at startup, which is normal. The first fill runs once the freezer hits 0 degrees, a few hours out, with the first ice batch several hours after that.

Step 8: Reinstall the bucket and monitor#

Slide the bucket back until the auger coupling engages. Confirm ice is accumulating after about 12 hours, test the dispenser, and watch the first week for any new frost around the ice maker.

When to call a pro#

Get help if the evaporator coils are fully iced over, the control board shows burn marks or corroded connections, the ice maker has been replaced repeatedly without a lasting fix, or the unit is inside Samsung's 10-year inverter compressor warranty.

For a repair-versus-replace budget, see our refrigerator repair cost guide.