Fridge And Freezer Forum

I'm experiencing what looks like a similar problem to other postings on my 3 year old Samsung side-by-side fridge-freezer (RS21DCSV) – standard model without the plumbed-in ice system.

It started with a grating noise from behind the main internal panel, which I suspected was ice building up on the fan, shortly followed by the fridge warming up (especially at the top) and giving temperature readings of 3-15 degrees.

I’ve let the whole unit defrost and have now been able to remove the panel using the four screws from inside the fridge cabinet.

In common with other postings, ice had built up all around the polystyrene ducting and all around the fan, but also the drain at the bottom of assembly was blocked. Even after leaving it overnight, the water still hasn’t drained away and feels cold, which I’m assuming means that there is some residual ice in this drain.

Others have said that the after clearing the ice from around the fan etc. the fridge will be OK again, but that the problem comes back after a few weeks. One contributor suggested that this was due to the inability to remove all the water from the polystyrene, but I’m inclined to think that its more likely to be due to ice forming in the drain which then building up again.

I’ve noticed that the drain hole has wires in it – presumably these are used to provide a bit of local heat, or alternatively sense ice build up.

- Can anyone give me any idea about how I can keep this drain free of ice, or is it likely that this component has failed and a repeat of the problem is inevitable.
- Any idea about the cost of the cost of the part and whether it can be fitted yourself or the likely cost of a repair call?

Many thanks

anand12

hello anand, with respect, it would seem a little foolish to replace a part without testing it and without the proper test equipment and know-how, it would be impossible to test if the drip tray heater was faulty or not.

if you've got ice around the fan area of this fridge, then it's highly likely that the back panel you've taken off is at fault.

that said, you could also have problems with one or more of the defrost components too.

you've paid good money for this appliance, why not pay a little more, call out an engineer and get it repaired professionally?

cheers.