DA31-00146H Evaporator Fan Motor – What Part Fixes This Problem?
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Understanding the Problem
The DA31-00146H is the evaporator / ice maker cooling fan motor used in many Samsung refrigerators. It sits behind the evaporator in the freezer section and circulates cold air across the evaporator and into the freezer and fresh-food compartments (and often cools the ice maker). When this motor fails you’ll get reduced cooling, a warm freezer or fridge, loud grinding/humming noises, or ice buildup behind the evaporator. 1) Confirm the symptom and isolate the fan: Remove freezer drawers and the rear evaporator cover in the freezer. With the fridge powered on and compressor running, observe whether the fan blade is spinning. If you hear a hum but the blade doesn’t spin, the motor is likely bad. If the blade is frozen in ice, you may have a defrost problem causing the jam. 2) Visual inspection: Look for ice/ice build-up, cracked or broken fan blade, debris blocking the impeller, melted wiring insulation, or loose connectors. Check the wiring harness and connector for corrosion or bent pins. 3) Spin & feel test: With power off, try to spin the fan blade by hand. It should spin freely with smooth bearings. Roughness or grinding indicates bad bearings. 4) Electrical test: With power on and the fan supposed to be running, carefully measure voltage at the fan connector using a multimeter (service manual will list expected voltage; many models use 120VAC but verify for your model). If voltage is present and the fan doesn't run, the motor is failed. If no voltage, trace back to the control board/thermostat/defrost control. 5) Remove & replace the motor: - Tools: screwdriver set (Phillips/Torx as needed), nut driver, needle-nose pliers, multimeter, towel/drip pan, and replacement motor DA31-00146H. - Power off and unplug the refrigerator. - Remove freezer baskets/drawers and the rear evaporator cover (usually held by screws). - If heavy ice is present, let the area defrost (unplug for several hours or carefully use a hair dryer) to avoid damage during removal. - Disconnect the fan motor electrical connector and remove the screws or clips holding the motor assembly. Pull the fan blade straight off the motor shaft (it may be press-fit). - Install the new motor and fan blade, secure mounting screws, reconnect the wiring harness, and re-install the evaporator cover and drawers. - Restore power and verify the fan runs smoothly and cooling returns to normal. 6) If motor is replaced but ice keeps forming or motor fails again, test the defrost heater, defrost thermostat, and defrost control/board. Ongoing icing means a defrost system failure rather than just the fan. Safety note: Always unplug the refrigerator before working on internal components. Use caution around sharp evaporator fins and electrical testing — if you're not comfortable with voltage measurements, skip the live tests and consult a qualified technician.
Common Symptoms
Freezer or fridge not cooling well; loud humming, grinding, or rattling from freezer; fan not spinning or intermittently stopping; frost buildup behind evaporator/around fan or ice maker.
Common Causes
- Worn motor bearings or internal failure of the fan motor
- Fan blade cracked, broken, or blocked by debris/ice
- Wiring harness or connector corrosion/loose connection
- Power/control board or defrost failure causing repeated icing and mechanical obstruction
Popular Parts That Fix This Problem
These are the most common replacement parts that fix this problem. When you're ready to order, click below to find the right part at ProsourceParts.com — just search by your appliance model number for a guaranteed fit.
Helpful Repair Tip
With the evaporator cover off and the fridge powered, if the motor is getting voltage but the blade won’t turn (or only hums), replace the DA31-00146H. If the blade is frozen in ice, defrost fully before testing—then test again.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I tell if the DA31-00146H motor is bad versus just ice blocking the fan?
First remove the evaporator cover and visually inspect. If the blade is encased in ice, thaw the area and retest—persistent stopping after thaw indicates a bad motor or obstruction. If the motor hums but the blade won't spin when power is applied, or if the blade is stiff/rough when spun by hand (power off), the motor is likely bad. Use a multimeter to confirm the motor is receiving voltage when it should be running; voltage present + no spin = bad motor.
Can I replace the DA31-00146H myself and how long does it take?
Yes—this is a common DIY repair for a homeowner with basic tools. Plan about 30–90 minutes depending on how frozen the evaporator is and your familiarity. Main steps: unplug fridge, remove freezer drawers and evaporator cover, disconnect the wiring, remove motor screws, swap in the new motor, reconnect and reassemble. If you’re uncomfortable working around electrical components or performing live voltage checks, consider hiring a pro.
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