How to Replace DA47-00244W Defrost Heater Assembly on Samsung Refrigerator — Step-by-Step

You open your Samsung fridge and notice frost building up on the back wall of the freezer compartment. A few days later, there's a solid sheet of ice, and your food isn't staying cold enough. Your defrost heater has failed — it's one of the most common refrigerator repairs, and the DA47-00244W defrost heater assembly is your fix.

This heater melts frost off the evaporator coils during defrost cycles. When it burns out, frost accumulates continuously until your freezer looks like an igloo. The good news? This replacement takes under an hour and doesn't require a service call.

What You Need Before Starting

Gather these tools before you start:

• Phillips head screwdriver
• Flathead screwdriver
• 1/4" nut driver
• Work gloves (coils have sharp edges)
• Towels (for melted ice)
• Multimeter (optional, for testing)

Repair Time: 45-60 minutes

Difficulty: Moderate — Requires removing freezer contents and evaporator cover

Safety First

Unplug your refrigerator completely before starting this repair. You'll be working near electrical connections and the defrost heater operates at high temperatures. Also, give yourself 30-45 minutes for frost to melt if your evaporator is heavily iced over — or use a hair dryer on low heat to speed it up. Never chip away ice with tools; you'll damage the coils.

Step 1: Empty the Freezer and Remove Shelving

Pull everything out of your freezer compartment and place it in coolers. Remove all shelving, drawers, and the ice maker bucket if equipped. You need clear access to the back panel of the freezer. On models like the RF4287HARS or RF263BEAESR, there are small shelf clips that pop out — don't force them.

Step 2: Remove the Evaporator Cover Panel

The evaporator cover is the white or silver panel on the back wall of your freezer. You'll see 4-6 Phillips head screws holding it in place — remove all of them. Some Samsung models have hidden screws under small plastic caps that pry off with a flathead screwdriver. Once the screws are out, gently pull the panel forward and down. If it's stuck, there's probably ice holding it — wait for more melting.

Step 3: Locate and Disconnect the Failed Heater

Behind the cover, you'll see the evaporator coils and the defrost heater mounted underneath or along the coils. The DA47-00244W has wire connectors on both ends — one connection goes to the defrost thermostat, the other to the main wiring harness. Take a photo before disconnecting anything. Unplug both wire connectors by pressing the release tabs and pulling straight out. Don't yank on the wires themselves.

Step 4: Remove Mounting Clips and Extract Old Heater

The heater is held against the evaporator coils by metal or plastic clips. On most Samsung models, these clips slide sideways or compress to release. Gently work the old heater out of the clips without bending the evaporator tubing. The heater might be brittle if it failed due to overheating — it could break during removal, which is fine as long as you get all the pieces out.

Step 5: Install the New DA47-00244W Heater

Position your new DA47-00244W heater exactly where the old one sat. The heating element should run along or under the evaporator coils without touching them directly. Secure it with the mounting clips — they should snap or slide firmly into place. Connect both wire harness plugs until you hear them click. Give each connector a gentle tug to confirm it's locked in.

Step 6: Reassemble and Test

Reinstall the evaporator cover panel with all screws. Make sure it sits flush against the freezer wall — gaps will cause temperature problems. Put shelving back in place, reload your food, and plug the refrigerator back in. The first defrost cycle typically runs within 6-12 hours. After 24 hours, check the evaporator area — you should see no frost buildup.

Testing After Installation

Listen for normal operation when you first plug in. The compressor should start within a few minutes. After the first day, open your freezer and feel the back wall — it should be cold but not frosty. If you see frost accumulating again after 48 hours, check your wire connections and confirm the defrost thermostat is also functioning. A failed thermostat can prevent the heater from activating even when the heater itself is good.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will this DA47-00244W heater fit my Samsung refrigerator model?

This heater fits RF-series Samsung refrigerators including RF4287HARS, RF4289HARS, RF263BEAESR, and dozens of other French door models manufactured between 2010-2016. Check your model number on the rating plate inside your fridge door. The DA47-00244W replaces part numbers AP5583435, PS4140530, and 2031523.

How do I know if my defrost heater is actually broken?

Heavy frost or ice buildup on the back freezer wall is the primary symptom. If you have a multimeter, unplug the fridge, disconnect the heater, and test for continuity — you should read 200-400 ohms. Infinite resistance means the heating element is open and needs replacement. Visual inspection works too — look for breaks or burn marks on the element.

Can I run my refrigerator without the evaporator cover during testing?

You can test it briefly without the cover to verify the heater works, but don't leave it off. The cover directs airflow properly and prevents frost from forming in the wrong places. Run a test for 10-15 minutes maximum, then reinstall the cover before returning the fridge to normal use. Without proper airflow, your temperatures won't stabilize correctly.