How to replace: Samsung refrigerator ice dispenser door assembly DA97-05368A

Is your Samsung refrigerator leaving you cold with unwanted ice buildup or a non-functional ice dispenser? The culprit may be a faulty ice dispenser door assembly, but don’t worry—it’s a simple DIY fix! Check out the step-by-step guide and watch the how-to video below to get your ice dispenser back in action without the hefty repair bill.

If ice is building up in your Samsung refrigerator or if it’s not dispensing correctly, you might have a faulty ice dispenser door assembly. This part covers the ice chute opening and can fail with repeated use over time. It’s an easy DIY fix that can get your ice maker functioning again.

Let’s walk through the full process of installing a new Samsung DA97-05368A door assembly. By learning how to complete this repair yourself, you can avoid the cost of a service call.

If you need assembly DA97-05368A or other replacement parts for your refrigerator or ice dispenser, grab your model number and head over to AppliancePartsPros.com to place an order. Most orders arrive in two business days.

Watch the whole repair here

Why replace the ice dispenser door assembly?

The ice dispenser door assembly seals off the ice chute when not in use, preventing warm air from entering the freezer and melting ice. There are a few reasons why you might need to replace it:

• Broken hinges or spring – Over time and heavy use, the hinges and spring connecting the dispenser door can wear out or snap, preventing the door from properly closing or sealing.
• Damaged ice chute – Cracks or leaks in the internal dispenser ice chute may mean the whole door assembly needs to be swapped out to provide a good seal. If your ice comes through the refrigerator door, then a damaged chute would require a door replacement because the chute isn’t a separate part.
• Rusted or damaged exterior – External damage to the dispenser housing from corrosion or impacts can prevent the unit from mounting or sealing correctly. If the door becomes warped or fails to close fully, ice can start clumping and melting. The door itself would need to be replaced since the housing isn’t a separate part.
• Corroded dispenser solenoid – Corrosion buildup on the electrical contacts can interrupt the control circuit and prevent the solenoid from properly opening the internal ice chute when the dispenser paddle is pressed. This leads to no ice or occasional dispensing. Partial failure of a corroded solenoid can also allow melted water to enter the ice pathway, where it can refreeze into clogs.
• Faulty electronic control board (less common) – If the control board that operates the ice/water dispenser isn’t allowing power to the dispenser solenoid, it could prevent the ice door from opening.

READ MORE: How To Deep Clean Your Refrigerator

What you need

• Phillips screwdriver
• Putty knife
• Small flathead screwdriver
• Work gloves
• Replacement Ice Dispenser Door Assembly (DA97-05368A)

READ MORE: How To Clean Refrigerator Coils In 5 Easy Steps & Why To Do It

Replacement steps

1. Unplug the refrigerator or turn off the power at the breaker. This prevents electric shock accidents while you’re working on the unit.
2. Remove the control panel
   1. Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the single screw at the base of the control panel. This releases the panel from the door.
   2. Insert a putty knife between the panel and the door frame. Gently pry around the perimeter to release the locking tabs.
   3. Once detached, tilt the panel assembly outward. Turn it over to access the back side.
   4. Find and unplug the wiring harness leading into the refrigerator body. Depress the connector tab and pull firmly.
   5. Set the control panel assembly aside. We’ll reinstall it after replacing the ice door.
3. Remove the old ice dispenser door
   1. Use a flathead screwdriver to detach the water line leading into the dispenser chute.
   2. Remove the two Phillips screws securing the housing to the door liner.
   3. Carefully pivot the dispenser assembly outward and detach it from the refrigerator.
   4. Examine the ice door assembly. Note how the spring loops around the pins on each side.
   5. Use a flathead screwdriver to detach the door from the spring clip brackets.
   6. Remove the pins and spring to fully detach the old ice dispenser door.
4. Install the new door assembly
   1. Wrap the spring around the new door aligned with the pin holes.
   2. While wearing gloves, insert the pins on each side to attach the spring.
   3. Tilt the door assembly and guide the pins into the spring clip brackets. The door should snap securely into place.
   4. Reinstall the ice dispenser housing onto the door liner. Replace the two Phillips screws.
   5. Push the water line back into the dispenser chute until it clicks in place.
5. Replace the control panel
   1. Make sure any wiring harnesses are out of the way before replacing the panel.
   2. Plug the wiring harness connector back into the main control board. Push firmly until it latches.
   3. Tilt the panel assembly back into place, lining up the tabs with the door frame slots.
   4. Apply pressure around the perimeter to snap the panel back into place.
   5. Insert and tighten the Phillips screw at the bottom edge of the panel.

READ MORE: How to clean and maintain your refrigerator’s water dispenser

Test the ice dispenser

Once the ice dispenser door has been replaced and the dispenser is fully reassembled, you can test it.

1. Plug the fridge back in and turn it on.
2. Be patient. Allow 15-20 minutes for the ice maker to start working.
3. Press the dispenser paddle and make sure the ice dispenses correctly.
4. Check that the door fully seals the opening when it’s closed.
5. Monitor ice production over the next day. Make sure the bin fills at the normal rate without any clumping or melting issues.
6. If any problems arise, recheck all connections on the new door assembly.

More information

We hope this guide helped you replace the ice dispenser door assembly 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 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.

Be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to see our latest repair guides!