How to Replace DA97-15765C Condenser Fan Motor Assembly on Samsung Refrigerator — Step-by-Step

Your Samsung RF263BEAESR started running constantly, the compressor sounds like it's working overtime, and you notice the refrigerator section isn't staying cold enough. Touch the back panel near the compressor — if it's scorching hot and there's no airflow, your condenser fan motor assembly has likely failed. This $148.99 part (DA97-15765C) is what keeps your compressor from overheating by pulling air across the condenser coils.

The condenser fan sits in the machine compartment at the bottom back of your fridge. When it fails, your refrigerator will still try to cool, but the compressor will cycle on and off rapidly or run non-stop trying to compensate. Left too long, you'll burn out the compressor itself — a $600+ repair.

What You Need Before Starting

This is a moderate-difficulty repair that'll take about 45 minutes once you have the back panel off. You'll need:

• Phillips head screwdriver
• 1/4" nut driver or socket set
• Flathead screwdriver for wire harness clips
• Work gloves (metal edges are sharp)
• Flashlight or headlamp
• Towel or cardboard to protect your floor

Estimated Time: 45-60 minutes | Difficulty: Moderate

Safety First

Unplug your refrigerator completely before starting — there's live voltage running to the condenser fan motor. If your fridge has a water line, you don't need to disconnect it for this repair, but give yourself 3-4 feet of clearance to pull the unit away from the wall. The machine compartment gets dusty and the sheet metal edges can be sharp, so gloves aren't optional here.

Step 1: Access the Machine Compartment

Pull your fridge away from the wall and locate the lower back panel — it's the large rectangular cover at the bottom. Remove the screws securing this panel (typically 6-8 Phillips head screws around the perimeter). Set the panel aside. You'll see the compressor (black cylinder), condenser coils, and the fan motor assembly mounted on a bracket.

Step 2: Disconnect the Old Fan Motor

The fan motor has a wire harness connector — press the tab and pull it straight off. Don't yank on the wires themselves. If your model has a ground wire attached to the mounting bracket, remove that screw too. Take a photo of the wire routing before you disconnect anything; it'll save you guessing later.

Step 3: Remove the Mounting Hardware

The fan assembly is held by 3-4 screws or bolts connecting the mounting bracket to the refrigerator frame. Use your 1/4" nut driver to remove these. On models like the RF26HFENDSR, there's also a plastic clip at the top of the bracket — gently pry it loose with your flathead screwdriver. Support the fan assembly as you remove the last fastener so it doesn't drop.

Step 4: Install the New DA97-15765C Assembly

Position the new fan motor assembly so the mounting holes align with the frame. Thread the screws in by hand first to make sure they're catching properly, then tighten them with your nut driver. The fan blade should have about 1/4" clearance from the condenser coils and shouldn't contact anything when you spin it by hand. Reconnect the wire harness until you hear it click, and reattach any ground wires.

Step 5: Test Before Buttoning Up

Before you reinstall the back panel, plug the refrigerator back in and listen. The condenser fan should start running within 30 seconds (it won't run constantly — it cycles with the compressor). You should feel strong airflow and the fan should spin smoothly without wobbling or grinding. Let it run for 2-3 minutes, then check that the compressor area isn't building up excessive heat.

Testing After Installation

Once you've confirmed the fan is running properly, unplug the fridge again and reinstall the lower back panel. Push the refrigerator back into position and plug it in. Check the refrigerator temperature after 4-6 hours — it should drop back into the 37-38°F range. The compressor should cycle on for 10-15 minutes, then off for 20-30 minutes once temperatures stabilize. If you still hear constant running after 12 hours, you may have a refrigerant issue or a different failed component.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will this DA97-15765C fan work on my RF25HMEDBSR?

Yes. This assembly replaces DA97-15765A, DA97-12842A, DA97-12842B, and DA97-12842D, and it's compatible with RF25HMEDBSR, RF25HMEDBSG, RF260BEAESR, RF263BEAESR, RF265BEAESG, RF26J7500SR, and dozens of other Samsung French door and side-by-side models from 2013-2020. Check the compatible models list on the product page to confirm your specific model number.

How do I know if it's the condenser fan or the evaporator fan?

The condenser fan is in the machine compartment at the back/bottom and blows air across the compressor and condenser coils. The evaporator fan is inside the freezer compartment behind the back panel and circulates cold air. If your freezer is cold but your fridge isn't, and the compressor is running hot, it's the condenser fan. If neither section is cooling and you don't hear any fan noise inside the freezer, it's likely the evaporator fan.

Can I just replace the motor and reuse the fan blade?

Don't. The DA97-15765C is sold as a complete assembly — motor, fan blade, and mounting bracket — because these components are balanced together. Mixing old and new parts can cause vibration, noise, and premature failure. For $148.99, you're getting a factory-balanced assembly that'll last another 5-7 years. Trying to save $30 by reusing parts isn't worth the headache.