How to Replace DA32-00006W Defrost Temperature Sensor on Samsung Refrigerators — Step-by-Step

Your Samsung fridge's freezer is caked with frost while the fresh food section runs too warm. This contradictory behavior points to a failed defrost temperature sensor—specifically the DA32-00006W. This little sensor tells your fridge when to stop the defrost cycle, and when it fails, ice builds up on the evaporator coils and blocks airflow to your fresh food compartment.

The DA32-00006W defrost sensor is a direct replacement for DA32-10105R, DA32-00006U, and DA32-00006B. It fits Samsung side-by-side models like the RS267LASH, RS265TDRS, and RS269LARS, plus dozens of other refrigerator configurations.

What You Need Before Starting

This repair takes about 30-45 minutes and requires accessing the freezer's back panel. Here's what you'll need:

• Phillips screwdriver
• 1/4" nut driver or socket
• Needle-nose pliers
• Towels (to protect food during repair)
• Cooler with ice packs (for food storage)

Difficulty: Intermediate — You'll need to remove the freezer's evaporator cover, but the actual sensor swap is straightforward.

Estimated Time: 30-45 minutes

Safety First

Unplug your refrigerator before starting this repair. The defrost sensor connects directly to the control board, and working on it while powered can damage electronic components. Also, remove perishable food from the freezer and store it in a cooler—you'll have the freezer open for about half an hour. If you see heavy frost buildup on the evaporator coils, let the fridge sit unplugged with doors open for 2-3 hours to fully defrost before attempting this repair.

Step 1: Access the Freezer Evaporator Area

Empty your freezer shelves and remove any drawers or bins that block access to the back wall. You'll see a plastic panel covering the entire back of the freezer—this is the evaporator cover. Remove all visible screws around the perimeter (typically 6-8 Phillips screws). Some models also have clips at the top—gently pull the panel forward at the bottom first, then lift up to release it. Set the panel aside.

Step 2: Locate the Failed Defrost Sensor

With the evaporator exposed, look for a small white or gray component clipped to the evaporator coils, usually on the left side about midway up. It'll have two wires running from it. That's your DA32-00006W defrost sensor. If you see thick frost covering the coils, that confirms the sensor failed—it stopped signaling the control board to end the defrost cycle.

Step 3: Disconnect and Remove the Old Sensor

Trace the sensor wires to their connector plug (usually tucked along the edge of the evaporator housing). Squeeze the locking tab and pull the connector apart. Now look at how the sensor body is mounted—most Samsung sensors slide into a plastic bracket or clip. Gently squeeze the clip tabs and pull the sensor straight out. Note the sensor's orientation before removing it so you install the new one the same way.

Step 4: Install the New DA32-00006W Sensor

Take your new DA32-00006W sensor and slide it into the mounting bracket in the same position as the old one. You should hear or feel it click into place. The sensor needs direct contact with the evaporator coils to read temperature accurately, so make sure it's seated firmly against the metal tubing. Connect the wire harness—it only fits one way. Give the wires a gentle tug to confirm the connection is secure.

Step 5: Reassemble and Test

Reinstall the evaporator cover panel, working in reverse order. Start by hooking the top clips, then pressing the bottom into place. Replace all screws around the perimeter. Put your freezer bins and food back in. Plug the refrigerator back in and set it to your normal temperature settings (typically 0°F for freezer, 37°F for fresh food).

Testing After Installation

Your fridge should start cooling within 30 minutes. Listen for the evaporator fan running—that's a good sign. Within 24 hours, both compartments should reach proper temperature. The real test comes after a week: check the evaporator coils again. If you don't see excessive frost buildup and your fresh food section maintains 37-38°F, your repair succeeded. You should also notice your compressor cycling normally—running for 15-20 minutes, then shutting off for a similar period.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my defrost sensor is bad versus the defrost heater?

If you see heavy frost or ice on the evaporator coils and your fridge runs too warm, it's usually the sensor. The sensor tells the system when to stop defrosting. A bad defrost heater causes the opposite problem—frost never melts at all, and both compartments get warm. You can test the sensor with a multimeter: at room temperature it should read around 47-52K ohms. At freezer temperature (0°F), it should read around 9-10K ohms. No reading means it's open and failed.

Will this sensor fit my Samsung model RS267LASH?

Yes, the DA32-00006W fits the RS267LASH and most Samsung side-by-side refrigerators manufactured between 2005 and 2015. It also works on RS265TDRS, RS269LARS, RS2555SW, RS2577SL, and about 60 other Samsung models. If your original sensor has part number DA32-10105R, DA32-00006U, or DA32-00006B printed on it, this DA32-00006W is the correct replacement.

Can I replace just the sensor without defrosting the evaporator first?

You can physically access and replace the sensor without defrosting, but I don't recommend it. If you have significant frost buildup, that ice indicates your system's been running inefficiently. Installing the new sensor won't instantly melt existing ice—it'll take several defrost cycles. Meanwhile, your fridge continues running warm. Better to unplug, let everything defrost for 2-3 hours with doors open, install the new sensor, then restart with a clean slate. You'll get proper cooling much faster this way.