Samsung Ice Maker Not Working: The Permanent Fix Guide

If you own a Samsung French Door refrigerator, there's a good chance you've experienced the frustrating ice maker problem that has plagued millions of Samsung owners. The ice maker stops producing ice, produces only small or misshapen cubes, or freezes over completely. This isn't just bad luck — it's a well-documented design issue that Samsung has acknowledged through a class-action lawsuit settlement and the release of a repair kit.

This guide explains exactly why Samsung ice makers fail, the official fix, and additional steps to ensure the problem doesn't return.

The Root Cause: Samsung's Ice Maker Design Flaw

The ice maker problem primarily affects Samsung French Door refrigerator models manufactured between 2014 and 2020, though some earlier and later models are also affected. The core issue involves the interaction between the ice maker compartment, the defrost system, and the drain path.

Here's what happens:

1. During the defrost cycle, ice that has formed on the evaporator coils melts and is supposed to drain through a drain tube at the back of the freezer compartment.
2. The drain tube exits through the back wall of the freezer and channels water to a drip pan under the refrigerator where it evaporates.
3. The design flaw: The drain tube opening sits at a point where freezing temperatures can cause the defrost water to refreeze before it fully drains. This creates an ice dam.
4. The ice dam grows over successive defrost cycles until it blocks the entire drain opening.
5. Backed-up water then freezes on the evaporator coils, blocking airflow to the ice maker and fresh food compartments.
6. The ice maker stops producing ice or produces small, irregular cubes because insufficient cold air reaches it.
7. Eventually, the fresh food section warms up because the blocked evaporator can't distribute cold air.

The problem is cyclical and progressive. Even if you manually defrost the unit, the ice dam rebuilds within weeks because the underlying design flaw remains.

Affected Samsung Models

The ice maker issue is most commonly reported in these Samsung model families:

• RF28 series (RF28HMEDBSR, RF28HFEDTSR, RF28R7351SR, RF28R7551SR)
• RF263 series (RF263BEAESR, RF263TEAESR)
• RF23 series (RF23J9011SR, RF23HCEDBSR)
• RF25 series (RF25HMEDBSR)
• RF26 series (RF26HFENDSR)
• RF261 series (RF261BEAESR)

Check Samsung's class-action settlement website or call 1-800-726-7864 to verify if your specific model is covered.

Samsung's Official Repair Kit (DA82-02367A)

After years of customer complaints and the class-action settlement, Samsung released an official repair kit designed to address the root cause of the ice maker issue. The kit part number is DA82-02367A and includes:

• Updated drain tube assembly — A redesigned drain that includes a heater element to prevent water from refreezing at the exit point.
• New evaporator cover — An improved cover with better insulation to reduce frost formation.
• Heater clip — A small clip that positions the existing defrost heater closer to the drain area for more effective defrost cycles.
• Installation hardware and instructions — Everything needed for the repair.

Cost: The kit retails for $50–$100 if purchased directly. Samsung may provide it free for affected models covered under the class-action settlement. Professional installation adds $150–$250 to the total cost.

Step-by-Step Installation of the Samsung Ice Maker Fix Kit

This repair takes approximately 1–2 hours and requires basic tools: Phillips screwdriver, quarter-inch nut driver, and a hair dryer or heat gun.

Step 1: Prepare the Refrigerator

1. Unplug the refrigerator from the wall outlet.
2. Remove all food from the freezer compartment.
3. Remove the freezer drawers and shelves.
4. Allow 15–20 minutes for any surface frost to soften slightly.

Step 2: Remove the Evaporator Cover

1. Locate the rear panel inside the freezer compartment. It's held in place by 4–8 Phillips screws and possibly some clips.
2. Remove all screws. If the panel is frozen in place, use a hair dryer on low heat around the edges. Do not pry aggressively — the panel is thin and can crack.
3. Carefully pull the panel forward. You'll see the evaporator coils behind it, likely covered in frost or ice.

Step 3: Defrost the Evaporator

1. Using a hair dryer on medium heat, melt all ice from the evaporator coils, the drain area at the bottom, and the drain tube opening.
2. Use towels to soak up the water as it melts.
3. Pay special attention to the drain opening at the bottom center — this is where the ice dam forms. Ensure it's completely clear.
4. Pour a cup of warm water down the drain to verify it flows freely through the tube to the drip pan below.

Step 4: Install the Heater Clip

1. Following the kit instructions, attach the heater clip to the existing defrost heater. The clip repositions the heater element closer to the drain area.
2. Ensure the clip is firmly seated and the heater wire isn't pinched or strained.

Step 5: Install the Updated Drain Assembly

1. Remove the old drain tube assembly from the back wall of the freezer.
2. Install the new drain tube from the kit. The updated design includes an integrated heater that prevents water from refreezing at the drain exit.
3. Connect the heater wire according to the kit instructions (usually a simple plug connector).
4. Ensure the drain tube is properly seated and the water path is clear.

Step 6: Install the New Evaporator Cover

1. Position the new evaporator cover (from the kit) over the evaporator coils.
2. The updated cover has improved insulation and sealing to reduce frost formation.
3. Secure with the original screws.
4. Ensure all edges are flush and sealed against the freezer walls.

Step 7: Reassemble and Test

1. Replace the freezer shelves and drawers.
2. Plug the refrigerator back in.
3. Set the freezer to 0°F and the refrigerator to 37°F.
4. Allow 24 hours for temperatures to stabilize.
5. Check ice production after 24–48 hours. The ice maker should produce a fresh batch every 90–120 minutes once it reaches operating temperature.

Additional Fixes for Samsung Ice Maker Issues

Beyond the defrost/drain issue, other problems can cause Samsung ice makers to stop working:

Ice Maker Module Failure

The ice maker module itself (part DA97-07365G or DA97-15217D depending on model) contains the motor, heater, and thermostat that control the ice-making cycle. If the module fails, it won't harvest ice even if the freezer is at the correct temperature.

Symptoms: The ice maker tray fills with water but cubes never eject. Or the tray doesn't fill at all.

Test: Press the test button on the ice maker (a small rectangular button on the side or bottom of the ice maker housing). You should hear the motor activate and see the ejector arms rotate. If nothing happens, the module may be failed.

Cost: $60–$120 for the module; $200–$350 with professional installation.

Water Inlet Valve Failure

The water inlet valve (part DA62-02360B) controls water flow to the ice maker. If it fails, no water reaches the ice tray.

Symptoms: Ice maker tray is empty (no water). Water dispenser may also have weak flow or no flow.

Test: Listen for a buzzing sound near the back of the refrigerator when the ice maker calls for water (every 90–120 minutes). No sound means the valve isn't activating. Check for 120V AC at the valve terminals during a fill cycle — if voltage is present but the valve doesn't open, it's failed.

Cost: $30–$60 for the valve; $150–$250 with professional installation.

Water Line Freeze

The small-diameter water line that feeds the ice maker can freeze inside the refrigerator door or along the back wall, especially if the freezer temperature is set too low.

Symptoms: Sudden stop in ice production. Water dispenser still works (it uses a separate line on most models).

Fix: Set the freezer to 0°F (not lower). Locate the water line — in French Door models, it typically runs through the left door hinge area and along the back of the freezer. Use a hair dryer to gently thaw the line. For a more permanent fix, wrap the water line with foam insulation where it passes through the freezer wall.

Ice Maker Turned Off

This might seem obvious, but Samsung's ice maker on/off mechanism isn't always intuitive. On some models, a small wire arm on the side of the ice maker must be in the down position to be ON (up = off). On newer models, there's a button on the freezer door panel or inside the control menu.

Check that the ice maker is actually turned on before assuming there's a malfunction.

The Class-Action Settlement: What You Need to Know

In 2023, Samsung agreed to a class-action settlement (Barnett v. Samsung Electronics America) covering certain French Door refrigerator models with ice maker defects. Key details:

• Covered models: Specific RF-series models manufactured between 2014 and 2020.
• Benefits: Free repair, reimbursement for past repairs (up to $200), or a rebate toward a new Samsung refrigerator.
• How to claim: Contact Samsung at 1-800-726-7864 or visit the settlement administrator's website with your model number, serial number, and proof of purchase.
• Documentation: Keep all repair receipts if you've already paid for ice maker repairs.

Preventing Future Ice Maker Problems

After performing the fix, follow these maintenance practices:

• Keep the freezer at 0°F — not colder. Excessively cold temperatures worsen frost buildup.
• Check the door seal — A compromised freezer door seal allows humid air in, accelerating frost formation.
• Don't overfill the freezer — Allow adequate airflow around the ice maker and evaporator.
• Clean the condenser coils every 6 months — overworked condensers indirectly contribute to freezer frost issues.
• Replace the water filter every 6 months — a clogged filter reduces water flow to the ice maker, causing thin or incomplete cubes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do I force my Samsung ice maker to reset? A: Press and hold the test button on the ice maker for about 10 seconds until you hear a chime. The ice maker will run through a test cycle, ejecting any ice in the tray and refilling. If there's no test button, turn the ice maker off, wait 5 minutes, and turn it back on. On models with a control panel, navigate to the ice maker settings and toggle the power.

Q: Why does my Samsung ice maker keep freezing over? A: The recurring freeze-up is caused by Samsung's drain design flaw that allows defrost water to refreeze at the drain exit, eventually blocking the evaporator. The permanent fix is Samsung's repair kit (DA82-02367A) which adds a drain heater and improved insulation. Without this kit, the ice buildup will return every 3–6 weeks.

Q: Is Samsung still giving free ice maker repairs? A: Under the class-action settlement, Samsung may provide free repairs or reimbursement for affected models. Eligibility depends on your specific model number and date of manufacture. Call Samsung at 1-800-726-7864 with your model and serial number to check. Samsung customer service agents can tell you immediately if your unit qualifies.

Q: How long should a Samsung ice maker take to make ice? A: A properly functioning Samsung ice maker produces a batch of ice every 90–120 minutes, yielding about 120–150 cubes per day. After initial installation or a reset, allow 24–48 hours for the first batches. If no ice appears after 48 hours at 0°F freezer temperature, there's a problem that needs diagnosis.

Q: Can I replace my Samsung ice maker with an aftermarket one? A: While aftermarket ice maker assemblies exist, they don't address the root cause (drain/defrost design) and may void any remaining Samsung warranty coverage. The official Samsung repair kit (DA82-02367A) is the recommended solution because it fixes the underlying design flaw rather than just replacing the ice maker module.

When to Call a Professional

While the Samsung ice maker fix kit can be installed as a DIY project, professional help is recommended in these situations:

• Sealed system refrigerant leak — If the evaporator frost pattern is uneven (one section frosted, another bare), it may indicate a refrigerant issue rather than a drain problem.
• Compressor not running — If the compressor isn't operating, the ice maker failure is a symptom of a larger problem.
• Water inlet valve replacement — While the part is affordable, incorrect installation can cause leaks behind the refrigerator.
• Repeated failures after the fix kit — If ice buildup returns after installing the DA82-02367A kit, there may be a secondary issue like a failed defrost heater or thermostat.
• Under warranty — If your Samsung is under warranty, always use authorized service to maintain coverage.

A certified technician can install the kit correctly, verify the defrost system is functioning, and check for any additional issues in a single visit.

Ready to permanently fix your Samsung ice maker? EasyBear's technicians have installed hundreds of Samsung ice maker repair kits and know every variation across the RF-series lineup. We offer a free diagnostic to confirm the exact cause of your ice maker problem. Our techs carry the official Samsung repair kit on their vans and can complete the fix in a single visit. Every repair comes with our 90-day parts and labor warranty. Schedule your free diagnosis today and say goodbye to the Samsung ice maker headache.