How to Replace the Ice Maker Assembly on a Samsung RF28T5001SR Refrigerator
The Samsung RF28T5001SR is one of Samsung's popular stainless steel French door refrigerators with Twin Cooling Plus and an in-door ice maker. When the ice maker fails on this model, it typically manifests as no ice production despite the unit being enabled, or a thick frost coating over the ice maker components that prevents the harvest cycle from completing.
Samsung's ice maker design across the RF28T series shares a common weakness: the defrost drain line located directly below the evaporator can freeze solid, causing water to back up and form ice around the ice maker mechanism. This guide covers both the ice maker replacement and the preventive fix to stop recurrence.
Before You Start
- Tools needed: Phillips #2 screwdriver (Samsung's universal fastener), needle-nose pliers, small flathead screwdriver, towels
- Parts needed: Samsung ice maker assembly (model-specific DA97-series part number — look up via your exact model), drain strap kit DA82-02367A (strongly recommended)
- Time required: 35-50 minutes
- Difficulty: Intermediate
- Safety warning: 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.
Do You Have the Right Tools?
Refrigerant gauges ($200+), vacuum pump ($250), leak detector ($150), and EPA-certified recovery equipment. Our technician arrives with $15K+ in professional tools — your diagnostic is free.
Licensed & Insured · 90-Day Warranty · Same-Day Service
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Disconnect power and water supply
Unplug the refrigerator and close the water shutoff valve (behind or below the unit). Open the freezer door and remove the ice bucket by pressing the release tabs and pulling straight out. Empty any remaining ice. Place towels on the floor below the freezer to catch meltwater.
Step 2: Remove the old ice maker assembly
Locate the single Phillips #2 mounting screw on the left bracket of the ice maker. Remove this screw. On the RF28T5001SR, the ice maker hangs on rear mounting hooks. After removing the screw, lift the front edge of the ice maker slightly upward and pull forward to disengage from the hooks. Disconnect the wire harness by pressing the locking tab and pulling the connector apart. Disconnect the water fill tube from the rear quick-connect fitting.
Step 3: Clear ice buildup from the mounting area
If you find frost or ice around the mounting area (which is common and indicates the drain freezing issue), use a hair dryer to melt it completely. Do not install the new ice maker on top of existing ice — it will fail again quickly. Check the drain hole at the bottom of the evaporator area and flush with warm water to ensure clear flow.
Step 4: Install the drain strap kit DA82-02367A
With the ice maker removed, you have clear access to the drain area. Install the copper drain strap by clipping it to the defrost heater element and routing the lower end into the drain opening. This prevents the root cause of Samsung's ice maker freezing issue by keeping the drain entry above freezing temperature during defrost cycles.
Step 5: Connect water supply to new ice maker
Attach the water fill tube to the new ice maker's quick-connect fitting on the rear. Push the tube in firmly until it seats past the internal O-ring. Pull gently to confirm it locked. Route the tube so it will not kink when the ice maker is mounted.
Step 6: Mount the new ice maker assembly
Hook the rear mounting tabs over the mounting hooks on the freezer wall. Pivot the front edge down into position and secure with the Phillips #2 mounting screw on the left bracket. Connect the wire harness — push the connectors together until the locking tab clicks audibly.
Step 7: Restore utilities and verify operation
Turn the water supply valve back on. Check the fill tube connection for leaks. Plug in the refrigerator — the Samsung inverter compressor will click briefly at startup (normal behavior for variable-speed compressors). The ice maker will begin its first fill cycle once the freezer reaches 0 degrees F, typically within 2-4 hours. First ice batch expected in 6-8 hours.
Step 8: Reinstall ice bucket and monitor
Slide the ice bucket back on the guide rails and push rearward until the auger coupling engages. After 12 hours, verify ice is accumulating in the bucket. Test the dispenser. Monitor for the first week to ensure no new frost formation around the ice maker area.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
- No ice after 12 hours: Check that the ice maker is enabled (Ice Maker button on display or SmartThings app). Verify the fill tube is not frozen by running forced defrost (Energy Saver + Fridge, 8 seconds). Confirm water supply is fully open
- Ice maker runs harvest cycle but cubes do not eject: The ejector arm or mold heater may be defective on the new assembly (rare but possible with aftermarket parts). Listen for the motor running — if motor sounds but no ejection, the mold heater is not releasing cubes
- Water leaks from fill tube area: Quick-connect not fully seated. Turn off water, press the release collar, pull tube out, and reinsert with more force until it passes the O-ring
- Frost forming again within a week: Drain strap not properly positioned or door gasket leaking warm air into the freezer. Verify the strap contacts both the heater and the drain opening
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.
Licensed & Insured · 90-Day Warranty · Same-Day Service
When This Fix Will Not Work
Contact a professional if:
- The evaporator coils are completely encased in ice (indicating a potential refrigerant leak or total defrost system failure requiring sealed-system work)
- The main control board behind the lower rear panel shows burn marks or corroded connections
- Your model has had the ice maker replaced multiple times without resolving the root cause — a professional can diagnose whether the issue is beyond the drain strap fix
- The refrigerator is within Samsung's 10-year digital inverter compressor warranty and the compressor itself may be contributing to temperature instability
Same-Day Appliance Repair
Fixed or It's Free
$89 → $0 Service Call & Diagnosis — offer ends May 25
Cost Comparison: DIY vs Professional
| DIY | Professional | |
|---|---|---|
| Parts | $85-$160 | $85-$160 |
| Labor | $0 | $150-$280 |
| Time | 45 min | 30 min |
| Risk | Low with drain strap installed | Warranty on labor included |
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.
Licensed & Insured · 90-Day Warranty · Same-Day Service
Need Professional Help?
FAQ
Q: Why does my Samsung RF28T ice maker keep freezing over? A: Samsung's defrost drain is positioned where condensation refreezes during the defrost cycle, building ice that eventually encases the ice maker. The drain strap kit DA82-02367A conducts heat to the drain entry to prevent this. Always install it during ice maker replacement.
Q: How long does a Samsung ice maker assembly last? A: With the drain strap fix installed to prevent ice buildup, a Samsung ice maker typically lasts 6-10 years. Without the drain strap, repeated freeze/thaw damage can cause failure every 2-3 years.
Q: Can I use a third-party ice maker instead of Samsung OEM? A: Third-party assemblies exist but have higher failure rates due to slightly different thermal characteristics and connector quality. Samsung OEM parts (DA97-series) are recommended for reliability.
Q: Do I need to replace the ice bucket when replacing the ice maker? A: Not necessarily. Inspect the bucket for cracks, a warped bottom, or a jammed auger. If it is physically intact and the auger spins freely, reuse it. If the bucket is over 5 years old, replacement during this repair is efficient since you already have access.
Need a certified technician? Book same-day repair →
