Samsung Refrigerator Evaporator Fan Motor Parts — Models & Compatibility

Your Samsung fridge's evaporator fan motor is the workhorse that circulates cold air from the freezer compartment throughout the entire unit. When it fails, you'll notice your fridge running warmer than it should or making grinding, squealing noises from behind the back panel. The DA81-06013A is Samsung's OEM replacement motor that fits over 20 French door and side-by-side models from their RF-series lineup.

Is This the Right Part for Your Model?

Before ordering, you'll need to verify your exact model number. On most Samsung refrigerators, the model tag is located inside the fridge compartment on the left side wall, just above the top shelf. It's a white or silver sticker that starts with "RF" followed by numbers and letters. Cross-reference your complete model number (including the suffix after the slash) with the compatibility list below — the DA81-06013A replaces the older DA31-00287A part number and works across multiple generations of Samsung refrigerators.

About This Replacement Part

The evaporator fan motor sits behind the freezer's back panel and runs continuously when the compressor is active. The most common symptoms of a failing motor are a fridge that's too warm in the fresh food section (because cold air isn't circulating properly) and unusual noises — grinding, buzzing, or squealing sounds coming from the freezer area. If your freezer is cold but your fridge isn't, this motor is usually the culprit. The DA81-06013A is a direct OEM replacement that includes the motor assembly with mounting bracket, and it's compatible with Samsung French door models like the RF28HMEDBSR, RF263TEAESR, and RF26J7500SR series, as well as counter-depth models like the RF18HFENBSR.

Compatible Samsung Refrigerator Models

This evaporator fan motor works with the following Samsung refrigerator model numbers. If your model isn't listed here, use the search function on the product page to check additional compatibility:

• RF28HMEDBSR/AA
• RF28HFEDTSR/AA
• RF26HFENDSL/AA
• RF25HMEDBSR/AA
• RF26HFENDSR/AA
• RF26HFENDBC/AA
• RF26J7500SR/AA
• RF263TEAESG/AA
• RF263TEAESR/AA
• RF263BEAESR/AA
• RF28HFEDBSG/AA
• RF18HFENBSR/AA
• RF18HFENBSG/US

What You're Replacing

The DA81-06013A supersedes several older Samsung part numbers, including DA31-00287A, AP5914786, PS9603956, and 3967908. If you've found any of these numbers in your parts research, this is the current replacement. Samsung redesigned the motor housing in later production runs, but the mounting points and electrical connections remain identical across all compatible models.

Installation Overview

Replacing the evaporator fan motor requires removing the freezer's back panel to access the evaporator coil compartment. You'll need to unplug the refrigerator, remove all freezer contents and shelves, then take out the screws holding the back panel. The motor is mounted to the evaporator cover with two or three screws and has a wire harness connector that unplugs from the main control board. Most DIYers can complete this repair in 30-45 minutes. If you see heavy frost buildup on the evaporator coils when you open the panel, you'll need to let it defrost completely before installing the new motor.

Why This Part Fails

Evaporator fan motors typically fail after 5-8 years of continuous use. The bearings wear out from constant operation in sub-zero temperatures, or frost buildup caused by a separate defrost system issue can cause the fan blade to seize. If you're hearing noises, the bearings are already damaged — running the motor in this condition will eventually burn out the windings completely. Address the problem when you first notice temperature issues or sounds, because a completely failed motor means no cold air circulation and potential food spoilage.