Samsung Refrigerator Bimetal Defrost Thermostat Parts — Models & Compatibility

If you're seeing ice building up in your Samsung refrigerator's freezer or your freezer's getting too warm during defrost cycles, there's a good chance your bimetal defrost thermostat has quit working properly. This DA47-00243K thermostat is the direct replacement for Samsung RF-series refrigerators, and it controls when the defrost heater kicks on to melt frost buildup.

Is This the Right Part for Your Model?

Check your model number against our compatibility list below. You'll find your Samsung model number on a label inside the fridge compartment — usually on the left side wall or behind the crisper drawers. The complete model number includes the series letters (like RF263 or RF217) followed by additional characters and typically ends in /XAA or /AA.

About This Replacement Part

The bimetal defrost thermostat is a temperature-sensing switch that tells your refrigerator when to stop the defrost cycle. It's mounted near the evaporator coils in the freezer section. When this part fails — usually from age or electrical wear — it stops opening or closing properly during the defrost cycle. That means your defrost heater either won't turn on (causing ice buildup) or won't turn off (letting the freezer get too warm). The DA47-00243K replaces older part numbers DA47-00243B, DA47-00243C, and DA47-00243J, and it's engineered to the same specs as the original Samsung component.

Compatible Samsung Refrigerator Models

This bimetal defrost thermostat works with the following Samsung models:

• RF197ABPN/XAA-00
• RF197ACRS/XAA-00
• RF197ACWP/XAA-00
• RF217ABRS/XAA-00
• RF217ACRS/XAA-00
• RF217ACPN/XAA-00
• RF263BEAESR/AA
• RF263BEAEBC
• RF267AERS/XAA
• RF268ABRS/XAA
• RF268ABPN/XAA
• RF26HFENDSR/AA
• RF26J7500WW/AA

If you don't see your exact model listed here, cross-reference the part numbers. This thermostat replaces AP4403832 and PS4140510 as well.

Common Symptoms This Part Fixes

You'll know your bimetal defrost thermostat needs replacing when you spot these issues:

• Ice building up in freezer: Frost accumulates on the back wall or around the evaporator coils because the defrost cycle isn't completing
• Freezer getting too warm on defrost cycle: The thermostat isn't signaling the defrost heater to shut off, so your freezer temperature climbs too high

What You're Getting

This is an exact-fit replacement for Samsung part DA47-00243K. It includes the bimetal thermostat assembly with mounting bracket. You're getting the same quality component that Samsung installs in their refrigerators at the factory.

Why This Part Fails

Bimetal defrost thermostats fail for a couple of reasons. The bimetal strip inside gradually loses its spring tension after years of heating and cooling cycles. Electrical contacts can also corrode or pit from arcing, which prevents proper circuit closure. Once either happens, the thermostat won't accurately sense temperature anymore, and your defrost system stops working correctly.

Need Help Identifying Your Part?

If you're not sure whether the defrost thermostat is your problem, check the evaporator coils first. Unplug your fridge, remove the freezer's back panel, and look for heavy frost buildup on the coils. That's your smoking gun. The thermostat itself is a small component clipped to the coils — if you can access it, you can test it with a multimeter for continuity while it's cold (should show continuity) and while it's warm (should show no continuity).