How to replace Samsung refrigerator defrost heater DA47-00244W

Is your Samsung refrigerator frosting over and failing to keep things cool? The culprit might be your defrost heater! Don’t worry—this common issue is easier to fix than you might think. Check out our step-by-step guide and watch the repair unfold in the handy video below to get your fridge back in tip-top shape.

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

Refrigerators rely on an automatic defrost system to prevent ice buildup on interior coils. A key component is the defrost heater, which melts away this frost accumulation. When this heater fails, thick ice can form, blocking airflow and causing the fridge to warm up. Replacing this simple part gets your Samsung refrigerator cooling properly again.

Watch the full repair here!

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.

What you’ll need

Gather the following tools and parts prior to taking on this repair project:

• Samsung Defrost Heater Part (#DA47-00244W) – Make sure this part number matches your specific Samsung fridge model.
• Phillips and Flathead Screwdrivers – For removing cover panels and disconnecting wiring.
• Putty Knife – To release the evaporator cover locking tabs.
• Needle Nose Pliers – For bending and straightening support clips.
• Power Drill – For drilling out the old drain heater rivet.
• Rivet Gun – Along with 1/8″ x 3/8″ aluminum rivet to reattach drain heater.
• 5/64″ Drill Bit – Properly sized for rivet removal.

Safety precautions   

Safety should always be a priority when working on any appliance. Here are a few practical tips to help you stay safe:

• Turn off the power to the appliance by unplugging it or switching off the circuit breaker before starting any maintenance or repairs. This protects you from the risk of electric shock.
• Wear insulated gloves to shield your hands from sharp edges, pinching hazards, or debris.
• Work at a steady pace and take your time to avoid accidents or injuries.
• Make sure your workspace is well-lit so you can clearly see and access the parts you’re working on.
• Keep the area clear of clutter, and ensure children and pets stay out of the workspace.
• Never handle internal parts with wet hands. Check that both your hands and the work area are completely dry.
• Refer to your appliance’s user manual for any specific instructions or safety guidelines related to the part or repair.
• Handle parts gently to avoid damage to the appliance or potential injuries from applying too much force.
• Use safety glasses when dealing with chemicals, dust, or large debris to protect your eyes from harm.
• If the appliance was recently used, give it enough time to cool down before working on any heated components.
• Take photos or notes of wiring connections and terminals before disconnecting anything to make reassembly easier.
• Avoid touching exposed wires or terminals. If you must handle wires, use non-conductive tools or wear insulated gloves to minimize the risk of electrical shock.

Clear out the refrigerator interior

Start by removing all interior components to gain access to the evaporator unit:

1. Take out the vegetable crisper drawers and all shelves from both fresh food compartments.
2. Press the locking tabs on the vegetable drawer cover to detach it and remove it.
3. Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the four screws holding the rear access panel and take it off.

Disconnect the defrost heater wiring

Before fully removing the evaporator components, the defrost heater wires must be disconnected:

1. Release the wiring harness from its retaining clip with a flathead screwdriver.
2. Unplug the two heater wire connectors by pressing in on the tabs and pulling firmly.

With the wiring detached, the evaporator can be removed to access the heater.

Detach and remove the old heater

Now the defective defrost heater can be taken out:

1. Release the evaporator coil from the retaining clip and carefully lift up the evaporator assembly. Avoid bending the tubing.
2. Bend back the support tabs around the heater using pliers.
3. Slide the heater element out from the evaporator compartment.
4. Save the small drain heater plate attached with a rivet for reuse on the new part.

Transfer the drain heater to the new part

The drain heater must be moved from the old defrost heater to the new one:

1. Use a 5/64″ drill bit to carefully drill through the rivet holding the drain heater.
2. Remove the rivet with pliers and detach the drain heater plate.
3. Position the plate on the new heater and install a new 1/8″ x 3/8″ aluminum rivet with a rivet gun to attach it.

Install the new Samsung defrost heater

With the drain heater attached, the new defrost heater can be installed:

1. Insert the drain heater tab into the aligned opening.
2. Slide the heater into the evaporator compartment, angling it into the corner clips.
3. Use pliers to bend down the locking tabs, securing the heater tightly in place.
4. Reconnect the support clips that were detached during removal.

Reassemble refrigerator interior

To finish up:

1. Carefully realign the evaporator assembly, reattaching all the clips and connectors.
2. Plug the defrost heater wires back into their ports.
3. Replace the evaporator cover, rear access panel, shelves, and drawers.
4. Verify proper temperature before returning food and restarting the ice maker.

With that, you’ve successfully replaced the defrost heater!

More information

We hope this article helped you replace the defrost heater DA47-00244W on your Samsung refrigerator. If you’d like to watch the full repair, you can do so here. 

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.

In the meantime, you can explore our DIY blog and watch thousands of video tutorials on our YouTube channel.

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