Samsung DA31-00146H Evaporator & Ice Maker Fan Motor – What It Does and How to Replace It
Need the replacement part? Search your model number at for guaranteed fit and fast free shipping.
Understanding the Problem
What this part is and why it matters: The DA31-00146H is the evaporator / ice maker cooling fan motor used in many Samsung refrigerators. It circulates air over the evaporator and ice maker area so the freezer and ice maker stay cold and to help maintain proper temperatures throughout the cabinet. Step‑by‑step diagnostic & repair instructions: 1) Confirm the symptom: Note exactly what’s happening — noisy fan, no airflow from freezer vents, ice maker failing or slow, freezer warm or uneven cooling, heavy frost/ice build‑up on the evaporator cover. These indicate a problem with the evaporator/ice maker fan motor or an obstruction/defrost failure. 2) Safety first: Unplug the refrigerator or switch off its breaker before opening the freezer interior panels. Wear gloves to protect from sharp sheet metal. 3) Access the motor: Remove all food from the freezer door and shelf that block access. Remove the interior rear freezer panel (usually held by screws) to expose the evaporator, heater, thermostat/thermistor, and the fan motor near the ice maker area. 4) Visual inspection: Look for ice/frost locking the fan blade, broken blades, debris blocking the fan, or burnt/melted wiring/connectors. If heavy frost is present, the motor may be encased in ice and need a manual defrost first. 5) Manually spin the fan: With power still off, try to spin the fan blade by hand. It should spin freely and smoothly. If it’s stiff, grinding, or won’t move, the motor is failed or bearings are seized. 6) Electrical continuity check: Disconnect the motor connector and use a multimeter set to ohms. You should read continuity (a low resistance) across the motor windings. An open/infinite reading means a failed motor. 7) Supply voltage check (advanced): If the motor shows continuity but won’t run when the fridge is powered, restore power and carefully measure for the expected supply voltage at the motor connector while the compressor and cooling system are calling for cooling. If voltage is present and the motor does not run, the motor is bad. If no voltage, the issue may be the control board, defrost thermostat, or wiring. 8) Remove the motor: With power off, remove the fan shroud or bracket screws, unplug the motor harness, and pull the motor and blade assembly out. Note the blade orientation and retain any shims or mounting hardware to transfer to the new motor. 9) Install the new DA31-00146H: Transfer the blade and mount to the replacement motor, plug in the wiring harness, secure with screws, replace the evaporator cover and any insulation, and restore power. 10) Test operation: Listen for smooth operation and verify airflow from freezer vents. Monitor freezer and refrigerator temperatures over the next 12–24 hours. If there was frost/ice, fully defrost the evaporator before testing to avoid immediate re‑encapsulation of the new motor. 11) If the fan failed due to icing: Diagnose the defrost system (defrost heater, defrost thermostat, defrost control or main board) and the door gasket/usage that allowed excess frost. Replacing the fan alone without fixing the cause may lead to repeat failures. Safety note: Always disconnect power before working inside the fridge. When checking live voltage or working near energized components use proper tools and expertise; if you’re not comfortable, hire a qualified appliance technician.
Common Symptoms
Loud grinding or rattling noise from freezer, no airflow from freezer vents, ice maker not making cold ice, freezer warm or uneven temperatures, evaporator area iced over.
Common Causes
- Motor bearings seized or windings failed
- Fan blades blocked or jammed by ice, debris, or dislodged insulation
- No voltage due to control board, defrost thermostat/limit, or wiring failure (secondary cause)
- Repeated icing due to defrost system failure causing motor to be frozen in place and burn out
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
Quick confirmation: With power off, manually spin the fan — if it’s stiff or noisy it needs replacement. If it spins freely, check continuity with a multimeter (should show continuity). If continuity is present but the motor doesn't run when powered, check for voltage at the connector — if voltage is present the motor is bad.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I run the refrigerator with the evaporator fan motor removed?
No — running without the evaporator fan will cause poor airflow, uneven temperatures, and can quickly warm the freezer/ice maker. The compressor may run but cooling will be ineffective and may damage food or the ice maker. Replace the fan before putting the unit back into normal service.
How long does it take to replace the DA31-00146H fan motor?
For a DIYer with basic tools, access and replacement typically take 30–60 minutes: remove freezer panels, diagnose, swap the motor/blade assembly, and reassemble. If defrosting is required first (to remove ice) add several hours for complete thawing.
Related How-To Videos
Real DIY Repair Stories
Be the first to share your repair story!
Share Your Repair Story
Your experience helps other homeowners fix their appliances. Tell us how it went!
Can't Fix It Yourself? Find a Local Technician
It's perfectly okay to call a professional. Some repairs require specialized tools, deep teardowns, or dealing with complex systems that are better left to the pros.
Find the Right Part for Your Appliance
Don't guess — search your exact appliance model number at ProsourceParts.com to find the correct OEM compatible replacement part. They offer fast free shipping, guaranteed fit, and thousands of parts in stock.
Your Free Parts Videos
Whether your dishwasher won't drain, your dryer stopped heating, or your fridge isn't cold, we've created simple repair guides for the most common appliance problems homeowners face. Each guide explains what's going wrong, the most likely causes, and which replacement parts fix the issue. When you're ready to order, we link directly to ProsourceParts.com where you can search by model number and get the right part shipped fast.