How to replace Samsung fridge dispenser switch DA34-00011B


Steven E / Thursday March 7, 2024


Has your Samsung refrigerator stopped dispensing ice or water? Don’t worry, a malfunctioning dispenser switch might be the culprit—and the solution is both affordable and straightforward! Dive into our step-by-step guide, complete with a handy how-to video right below, to restore your fridge’s functionality in no time.

If your Samsung refrigerator isn’t dispensing ice or water when you press the lever, the issue likely lies with a failed dispenser switch. This is an inexpensive part that’s easy to repair yourself in just a few minutes.

The dispenser switch tells the refrigerator when to release ice or water from the dispenser. It’s activated when you press the paddle lever. If the switch fails, the refrigerator won’t respond when you try to dispense.

You can find a replacement dispenser switch DA34-00011B here. If you need other replacement parts for your Samsung refrigerator, just enter your model number at AppliancePartsPros.com to find them. It’s that easy! Most orders arrive in just two business days, and we have thousands of guides to show you how to install your new parts.

Watch the full repair here

What you need

Keep safety first

When working on any appliance, always keep safety first to avoid personal injury or damage to the appliance or parts. Here are some safety tips to keep in mind:

  • Always power off and unplug your appliance or switch off the circuit breaker before you attempt any maintenance or replacement work. This keeps you safe by preventing any risk of electric shock.
  • Turn off the water supply at the outlet before beginning repairs. Keep towels ready to catch any residual water in the system when removing parts.
  • If the appliance has recently been used, give it plenty of time to cool down before working on it.
  • Take your time while working to prevent accidents and personal injuries. Rushing is the enemy of precision.
  • Work in a well-lit area so you can clearly see and access appliance parts.
  • Keep your workspace free of clutter and other obstacles. Keep children and pets away from the work area.
  • Check the user manual to see if there are specific installation or safety instructions related to your appliance or replacement part.
  • Be gentle when handling or removing parts. Excessive force might damage the appliance or cause personal injury.
  • Wear insulated work gloves to protect your hands from sharp metal parts and debris.
  • 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.

How to replace the dispenser switch

Step 1 – Remove the control panel

  1. Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the single screw located on the bottom edge of the control panel. This releases the panel from the door frame.
  2. Insert a putty knife between the control panel and door frame to gently pry and detach the panel. Work your way around the top and sides, releasing all the locking tabs.
  3. Carefully tilt the detached control panel assembly outward. Turn it over to access the back side.
  4. Find the wiring harness connector that routes into the refrigerator. Depress the locking tab on the connector and unplug it from the control board.
  5. With the harness unplugged, set the control panel assembly aside. You’ll reinstall it after replacing the switch.

Step 2 – Remove the faulty dispenser switch

With the control panel detached, you now have access to the dispenser parts that are mounted to the door.

  1. Use a flathead screwdriver to detach the water line leading into the dispenser chute. Press inward on the locking collar and pull the tube free.
  2. Remove the two Phillips screws holding the dispenser housing to the door frame.
  3. Carefully tilt the dispenser assembly outward and detach it from the door.
  4. Find the dispenser switch on the right side of the housing. Depress the locking tab on the switch connector to detach the wiring harness.
  5. Bend up the small retainer tab that locks the dispenser switch in place. Lift the old switch up and off the mounting pegs to remove it.
  6. Check the old switch for any cracks, loose contacts, or damage before replacing it with the new one.

Step 3 – Install the new dispenser switch

  1. Position the new dispenser switch over the mounting pegs and press down firmly. The retainer tab may need to be pushed slightly out of the way to mount the switch.
  2. Plug the wiring harness connector into the new switch.
  3. Reinstall the dispenser assembly into the door frame. Route the wires out of the way as you do this, and replace the two screws.
  4. Reconnect the water line into the dispenser chute until it clicks and locks in place.

Step 4 – Reattach the control panel

  1. Make sure any wiring harnesses are clear and won’t get pinched behind the panel.
  2. Plug the control panel wiring harness back into the main connector. Push firmly until it latches.
  3. Tilt the panel assembly back into position and line up the tabs with the door frame slots.
  4. Apply pressure around the edges to snap the panel back into place.
  5. Insert and tighten the screw at the base of the control panel.

Step 5 – Test the fridge

  1. Plug the refrigerator back in.
  2. Turn on the water supply to the fridge.
  3. Turn the fridge on. Allow a few minutes for the unit to power up.
  4. Open the fridge door and press the dispenser paddle lever.
  5. Make sure that ice and water dispense from the fridge correctly.
  6. Reload the ice bin.

More information

We hope this guide helped you replace the dispenser 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 2 million parts and most orders arrive in 2-3 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. We can also help you troubleshoot common fridge problems here.

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