How to Fix a Samsung Fridge Freezer Door Switch DA34-10120E

Are you finding your Samsung fridge freezer light unresponsive or your appliance working overtime with the door ajar? A faulty door switch might be the culprit, and the good news is, it’s an easy fix you can do yourself. Dive into our step-by-step guide, complete with a handy how-to video below, to restore your fridge to full functionality in no time.

Looking for the right part? Enter your appliance model number below to find the exact match and get your appliance running like new again!

Is the light in your Samsung fridge freezer not working? Is the fridge continuously trying to cool, even when the door is open? If that’s the case, you likely have a faulty door switch. But don’t worry! Replacing this part is an easy do-it-yourself fix that will quickly restore your fridge’s functionality. With just a few simple steps, you’ll have your fridge up and running again, providing the cooling and convenience you need. Let’s get started!

Watch here: How to replace freezer door switch in Samsung refrigerator

The information in this article may not apply to your specific appliance model. We recommend consulting your manufacturer’s documentation or contact us with any questions.

An overview of door switches

The door switch, sometimes called the door switch assembly, is the small plastic piece mounted inside the refrigerator or freezer cabinet. Its purpose is to detect door openings and closings. Here’s how they work:

• The switch connects to a circuit board via a wiring harness.
• When the door opens, a plastic tab on the switch moves. This cuts power to lights and cooling systems.
• Closing the door again presses the tab back in to reconnect power. This turns the light off and resumes cooling.

Here are three common door switch failures:

1. Lights don’t turn on when opened
2. The fridge cools non-stop with the door open
3. The switch makes a loud buzzing or sparking inside

Over time, opening and closing the heavy door wear out the plastic parts or wires. Replacement restores normal operation.

So if your Samsung freezer has any of those issues, replacing the switch is likely the fix!

Tools and materials needed

Let’s go over the materials you’ll need so you’re prepared:

• Samsung door switch assembly DA34-10120E– Take your model number to AppliancePartsPros.com to locate the correct part for your appliance.
• Flat head screwdriver 
• 3-inch putty knife
• Protective gloves 

Safety precautions

When working on any appliance, remember to keep safety first. Here are some tips to keep in mind: 

• Always power off and unplug your appliance or switch off the circuit breaker before attempting any maintenance or replacement work. This keeps you safe by preventing any risk of injury from electric shock.
• Wear insulated work gloves to protect your hands from sharp metal parts, pinching hazards and debris.
• Take your time and don’t rush while working to prevent accidents and personal injuries.
• Work in a well-lit area so you can clearly see and access the interior parts.
• Clear your workspace of clutter and other obstacles. Keep children and pets away from the work area.
• Never work on internal parts with bare wet hands. Make sure the work area is completely dry.
• Check your user manual to see if there are specific installation or safety instructions for your part or appliance. 
• Be gentle when handling or removing parts. Excessive force might damage the appliance or cause injury.
• Wear safety glasses when working with chemicals, dust or cleaning large debris to prevent injury. 
• If the appliance has recently been used, give it plenty of time for any heating parts to cool down before working on it. 
• Take pictures or make a note of wiring terminals or other connections before disconnecting to prevent any problems with reassembly.
• When working with wires, avoid touching any exposed wires or terminals. If you need to touch a wire, use a non-conductive tool or wear insulating gloves to prevent electrical shock.

Step 1: Open the freezer door and remove the drawer

We need full access to the freezer interior to reach the switch:

1. Open the freezer door.
2. Make sure the rails on each side of the top drawer are pushed all the way up and lift out the drawer. 

Step 2: Take out freezer basket

The removable basket also blocks access to the left wall where the switch is located. Removing it takes seconds:

1. Open the fresh food doors so you can lift out the basket.
2. Lift the bottom basket from the back first and slide it towards the back slightly so the front will release.
3. Lift out the basket.
4. Close the fresh food doors.

Step 3: Remove the old freezer door switch

Now for the actual door switch replacement! You’ll first remove the faulty switch:

1. Locate the plastic switch assembly along the left wall under the rail.
2. Use the flathead screwdriver and putty knife to carefully pry underneath the front tab. 
3. Press the release tab to remove the switch from the wall.
4. Reach your fingers under the freed switch and slide it and the harness out of the wall. 
5. Pinch the small locking tab on the harness end to disconnect it and release the switch. 

Step 4: Install new door switch

Follow along below to properly insert the new door switch:

1. Plug the new switch into the harness. Press firmly until it snaps and locks securely.
2. Rotate the switch and align it with the opening. 
3. Slide the wiring in first, make sure it doesn’t get tangled up. 
4. Slide the new switch in and snap it into place.
5. Test for tightness by gently shaking. The switch should be fully immobilized. The repair is complete!

Now we can reassemble the appliance.

Step 5: Replace freezer components

Let’s get your Samsung freezer looking stock again:

1. Open fresh food doors.
2. Lift the bottom freezer basket and lower the front down first. Make sure the front locking tabs go in and then lower the back down. 
3. Close the fresh food doors.
4. Align the upper drawer rails on the right and left sides with interior runners.
5. Push the drawer backward until it stops. The plastic clips will catch and lock automatically when straight.
6. Close the freezer door once the rails are re-inserted. 

Step 6: Verify repair

1. Plug the power cord back into the electrical outlet. Wait 30 seconds for a reboot.
2. Open freezer door – light should turn ON and fan should stop blowing cold air.
3. Close the door. The light will turn OFF after a few seconds. You should also hear/feel the fan resume airflow shortly.
4. If light works and cooling only activates with the door shut, enjoy chilled food and drinks again! 

More information

Thanks for reading! We hope this guide helped you replace the freezer door switch in your Samsung refrigerator. 

If you still need some replacement parts, grab your model number and head over to AppliancePartsPros.com. We offer over two million parts and most orders arrive in two business days. If you need some help with finding the right part or placing an order, you can contact our team at 1 (877) 477-7278.

While you’re waiting for your new part to arrive, you can explore our DIY blog and watch thousands of video tutorials on our YouTube channel.

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