How to Replace DA31-00345A BLDC Evaporator Fan Motor on Samsung Refrigerator — Step-by-Step

Your Samsung refrigerator is running, but the freezer's not keeping things frozen and you're hearing a clicking sound from the back panel every few minutes. That's textbook evaporator fan failure — and if you've got a model like the RF28R7201SR or RF23A9671SR, you're likely dealing with the DA31-00345A BLDC motor that's stopped spinning.

The good news? This is a straightforward fix you can tackle yourself in under an hour. The evaporator fan circulates cold air throughout both compartments, so when it quits, you'll notice the fridge section warming up while the compressor works overtime trying to compensate.

What You Need Before Starting

• Phillips head screwdriver
• 1/4" nut driver or socket
• Flathead screwdriver (for wire harness clips)
• Work gloves (ice buildup can be sharp)
• Towels (to catch melting ice)
• Container for screws

Repair Time: 45-60 minutes

Difficulty: Moderate — requires removing multiple panels and working in tight freezer compartment

Safety First

Unplug your refrigerator completely before starting this repair. You'll be working near electrical connections in a confined space with potential ice buildup. If your freezer has significant frost accumulation, consider letting it defrost for 30 minutes with the door open — it'll make access easier and safer. Keep towels handy because melting ice will drip.

Step 1: Empty the Freezer and Remove the Shelving

Pull out all frozen food and place it in a cooler. Remove the ice bucket assembly completely — it slides forward and lifts out. Take out all freezer shelves and the wire basket if your model has one. You need clear access to the back wall of the freezer compartment where the evaporator fan housing sits behind a plastic panel.

Step 2: Remove the Evaporator Cover Panel

Locate the screws securing the white plastic evaporator cover — there are typically 3-5 Phillips screws along the top and sides. On models like the RF28R7551SG, you'll find two screws hidden under small plastic caps at the top corners. Once the screws are out, gently pull the panel toward you at the bottom, then lift up. The panel has tabs at the top that slide into slots, so it needs to come forward first. Watch out — there's often ice built up behind this panel.

Step 3: Access and Remove the Failed Fan Motor

With the cover off, you'll see the evaporator coils and the fan assembly mounted on a bracket. The DA31-00345A motor is held by three screws through a metal mounting bracket. Disconnect the wire harness first — squeeze the locking tab and pull straight out. Don't yank on the wires themselves. Remove the three mounting screws (usually 1/4" hex head), then slide the entire fan motor assembly forward. The fan blade is attached to the motor shaft and comes out as one unit.

Step 4: Install Your New DA31-00345A Motor

Your new motor arrives as a complete assembly with the blade already attached. Slide it into position on the mounting bracket, aligning the screw holes. Thread in the three mounting screws and tighten them evenly — don't overtighten or you'll crack the plastic housing. Connect the wire harness until you hear it click. Give the fan blade a gentle spin by hand to verify it rotates freely without wobbling or scraping against the housing.

Step 5: Reassemble and Test

Line up the evaporator cover panel's top tabs with their slots and slide it back into place. Push the bottom flush against the freezer wall, then reinstall all screws. Replace your shelves and ice bucket. Plug the refrigerator back in and listen — you should hear the evaporator fan start spinning within 30-60 seconds. Open the freezer door and verify cold air is blowing from the vents. If the fan doesn't start immediately, close the door and wait a minute (some models have a door switch that stops the fan when open).

Testing After Installation

Let the refrigerator run for 2-3 hours, then check both compartments with a thermometer. Your freezer should be at 0°F and the fridge around 37°F. Listen for unusual noises — the new BLDC motor should run whisper-quiet compared to the old one. If you hear rattling, the fan blade might be loose on the shaft or there's ice still interfering with rotation. The clicking you heard before should be completely gone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will this motor fit my RF28R7201SR if my current part number is DA31-00334D?

Yes, the DA31-00345A directly replaces DA31-00334D and DA31-00287C. Samsung updated the motor design but kept the same mounting configuration and electrical connector. Your RF28R7201SR takes this exact motor.

Why does my Samsung fridge need a new evaporator fan after only 3-4 years?

The BLDC motors in these French door models run continuously and work harder than older designs because they're also responsible for air circulation through Samsung's multi-duct system. Ice buildup from door seal issues or defrost problems can also damage the fan by forcing it to work against resistance, which burns out the motor prematurely.

Can I just replace the fan blade instead of the whole motor?

Not with this part. The DA31-00345A is sold as a complete motor and blade assembly because the BLDC motor shaft and blade are balanced together as a matched set. Using a mismatched blade on a BLDC motor creates vibration that'll destroy the new motor within weeks.