Samsung Refrigerator Defrost Temperature Sensor Parts — Models & Compatibility

Your Samsung fridge is running warmer than it should, and ice is building up on the evaporator coils in the back. Before you call a technician for a $300 service visit, there's a $36 part that might solve the problem: the defrost temperature sensor. This DA32-00006W sensor fits over 20 Samsung side-by-side and French door refrigerator models, and it's one of the most common culprits when your fridge can't maintain proper temperature.

Is This the Right Part for Your Model?

This defrost sensor replaces Samsung part numbers DA32-10105R, DA32-00006U, and DA32-00006B across multiple refrigerator series. Your model number is located inside the fridge compartment, usually on the left wall or ceiling — it starts with "RS" for most side-by-side models. Check your model against our compatibility list below before ordering. If your fridge is showing symptoms like warm temps or excessive frost buildup, this sensor controls the defrost cycle that prevents ice from blocking airflow.

About This Replacement Part

The DA32-00006W defrost temperature sensor monitors the evaporator coil temperature during defrost cycles. When it fails, your refrigerator can't tell when the coils are cold enough to stop the defrost heater, leading to two main problems: either the fridge runs too warm because frost blocks the airflow, or the defrost system runs too long and wastes energy. This sensor clips onto the evaporator coil assembly — it's a simple mechanical connection with two wire leads. Samsung used this same sensor design across their RS-series side-by-side refrigerators from the mid-2000s through early 2010s, which is why it fits so many models. It's also sold under Magic Chef and Maytag branding for units manufactured by Samsung.

Common Signs You Need This Part

The telltale symptom is a fridge compartment that's warmer than your freezer should allow. You'll notice food spoiling faster, and if you pull out the rear panel inside your fridge, you'll see thick ice buildup on the evaporator coils. The sensor might test fine with a multimeter at room temperature but fail when it gets cold — that's why intermittent warming is so common with this failure. Other symptoms include the defrost heater running constantly (you can hear clicking) or the compressor cycling too frequently as it tries to compensate for blocked airflow.

Compatible Samsung Refrigerator Models

This DA32-00006W sensor works with these Samsung models (partial list — verify your specific model):

• RS26 Series: RS2630SH, RS2630WW, RS267LASH, RS265LABP, RS265TDRS, RS269LARS
• RS25 Series: RS2545SH, RS2555SL, RS2555SW, RS2577SL, RS2577SW, RS2556SH, RS257BARB
• RS23 Series: RS2533SW, RS2534WW
• Additional Models: RS2623SL, RS2623VQ (verify full model number match)

This sensor also appears in Samsung-manufactured refrigerators sold under the Magic Chef and Maytag brands. Always confirm your model number before purchasing — the first six characters are usually enough to verify compatibility.

Why This Part Fails

Defrost sensors live in a hostile environment. They're mounted directly on freezing-cold evaporator coils, then get blasted with heat during defrost cycles — sometimes 20-30 times per day. That constant thermal cycling eventually cracks the thermistor element inside the sensor housing. The failure is usually gradual: the sensor starts giving inaccurate readings before it fails completely, which is why you might notice your fridge getting slightly warmer over several weeks before the problem becomes obvious.

Installation Overview

You'll need to unplug the fridge and remove the rear panel inside the refrigerator compartment (not the freezer) to access the evaporator coil assembly. The sensor clips onto the coil with a plastic bracket and connects via a two-wire plug. Most people can complete this repair in 30-45 minutes. The hardest part isn't the sensor replacement itself — it's removing all the shelves and drawers so you can access the panel screws. Samsung designed these panels to come out without special tools, though you might need a Phillips screwdriver for the mounting screws.

Get Your Replacement Sensor

The DA32-00006W defrost temperature sensor is available for $36.99 and fits over 20 Samsung refrigerator models. It's a direct OEM-quality replacement for part numbers DA32-10105R, AP4135567, PS4138681, DA32-00006U, and DA32-00006B. If your Samsung fridge is running warm and you've confirmed ice buildup on the evaporator coils, this sensor is worth trying before you invest in a compressor repair or a new refrigerator.