How to replace Samsung fridge evaporator shield & drain pan DA61-06186B

Is your Samsung refrigerator not cooling effectively or gathering excessive frost? You might have a cracked evaporator shield causing the issue, but don’t worry! With just a few tools, you can replace it yourself—just watch the helpful how-to video below to guide you step by step.

Does your Samsung refrigerator have cooling issues or excess frost buildup? A cracked or damaged evaporator shield could be to blame.

Thankfully you can swap out this faulty part for a new one with a few tools and tips.

You can find a replacement evaporator shield with a drain pan here. If you need other replacement parts for your Samsung fridge, 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

Why would I need to replace my evaporator shield & drain pan?

The evaporator shield is a plastic cover that sits behind and underneath the evaporator coils inside the fresh food compartment. It directs defrost condensation down the drain and protects the interior lining from heat during defrost cycles.

If the evaporator shield cracks or deforms, it can lead to fridge cooling problems and moisture buildup issues.

What you need

• Phillips head screwdriver
• Flat blade screwdriver
• Aluminum tape
• Replacement Samsung evaporator shield with drain pan (make sure it’s compatible with your fridge model)

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 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.
• Consider wearing safety glasses and/or a dust mask when working with chemicals, dust or a large amount of debris to prevent irritation or injury.

How to replace the evaporator shield & drain pan

Step 1 – Access the evaporator housing

1. Turn off the fridge and disconnect it from the power supply.
2. Turn off the water supply to the fridge at the outlet.
3. Remove all shelves from the fridge by lifting and sliding them out.
4. Remove both crisper drawers from the bottom by releasing the hooks and pulling them out.
5. Detach the crisper cover assembly on the bottom by sliding it forward and lifting it.
6. Remove the four screw caps from the back panel.

Step 2 – Detach the evaporator cover panel

1. Remove the center rail by unscrewing the two Phillips screws.
2. Detach the LED light assembly by inserting a flat-blade screwdriver to release the clips.
3. Slowly pry off the back panel, starting from the bottom edge.
4. Disconnect the two wire harness plugs before removing the panel.

Step 3 – Access the old evaporator shield

1. Carefully peel off the insulating tape that’s sealing the evaporator coil housing.
2. Unclip the evaporator coil from the retaining bracket. Spread the clip slightly.
3. Pry out the defrost pan while very carefully lifting on the evaporator and bend the heater probe out of the way.
4. Remove the cover box by squeezing the sides.
5. Unplug the three wire connectors.

Step 4 – Install the new evaporator shield

1. Rotate the evaporator coil assembly at a 90-degree angle to expose the back and shield. Go slow and only bend the copper lines.
2. Check the old shield and look out for cracks or deformation. Straighten the 4 bent tabs located at the back.
3. Pull the damaged shield out from the evaporator housing.
4. Position the new evaporator shield by aligning the holes with the tabs. Press firmly until it clicks into place.
5. Bend the tabs down to lock the shield onto the evaporator.
6. Reattach the defrost heater and carefully rotate the evaporator coil back into position.

Step 5 – Reinstall the evaporator cover panel

1. Reconnect the three wire harness plugs to the cover box.
2. Clip the cover box back into position around the coil housing.
3. Reposition the evaporator coil and clamp it back into the retaining bracket.
4. Reconnect the two wire harness plugs to the back panel.
5. Align the panel and press the edges to reseat the locking tabs.

Finishing touches

1. Reinstall the LED light assembly by pressing it into the clips.
2. Replace the two Phillips screws to put the rail back in place.
3. Replace the screw caps on the back panel.
4. Reattach the crisper cover assembly and replace the shelves and drawers.
5. Plug the fridge back in and turn on the water supply.
6. Wait around 30 minutes for the fridge to cool down before reloading it with food.

More information

Thanks for reading! We hope this guide helped you replace the evaporator shield and drain pan 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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