Trying to identify Samsung fridge sensor

[frankvw]

I have a Samsung fridge/freezer (about 10 years old), model RB29HWR3DSA, that has problems with auto-defrost. The fridge leaks water because the little draining port at the back freezes up, and there's lot of ice at the bottom. I have ensured the draining port is not blocked with dirt.

This fridge uses a heating element for auto-defrost, including the draining port. The heating element seems fine; it measures about 368 ohms which seems sensible. There is a thermistor clipped to the outflow of the evaporator unit which at room temperature measures around 6k ohm and this rises when I apply cold spray.

However, there is another sensor clipped to the evaporator unit assembly itself which consistently measures 0.2 ohms regardless of temperature (cold spray or heat gun on low setting). I'm not sure if this would be a switch or a thermistor. See photo (I've unclipped it and removed the plastic retention clip).

Does anyone know what type of part this is and what role it plays in the autodefrost cycle or the normal regulation of the freezing process?

All suggestions appreciated!

// FvW

 

[WAslayer]

I have a Samsung fridge/freezer (about 10 years old), model RB29HWR3DSA, that has problems with auto-defrost. The fridge leaks water because the little draining port at the back freezes up, and there's lot of ice at the bottom. I have ensured the draining port is not blocked with dirt.

This fridge uses a heating element for auto-defrost, including the draining port. The heating element seems fine; it measures about 368 ohms which seems sensible. There is a thermistor clipped to the outflow of the evaporator unit which at room temperature measures around 6k ohm and this rises when I apply cold spray.

However, there is another sensor clipped to the evaporator unit assembly itself which consistently measures 0.2 ohms regardless of temperature (cold spray or heat gun on low setting). I'm not sure if this would be a switch or a thermistor. See photo (I've unclipped it and removed the plastic retention clip).

Does anyone know what type of part this is and what role it plays in the autodefrost cycle or the normal regulation of the freezing process?

All suggestions appreciated!

// FvW

Maybe..?

Samsung Freezer/Fridge Thermal Fuse | bobshop.co.za

Buy Samsung Freezer/Fridge Thermal Fuse for R295.68

www.bobshop.co.za

 

[frankvw]

Maybe..?

Samsung Freezer/Fridge Thermal Fuse | bobshop.co.za

Buy Samsung Freezer/Fridge Thermal Fuse for R295.68

www.bobshop.co.za

Based on the way it looks, your "Maybe?" seems reasonable. But what I can't figure out is what a thermal fuse would be doing on the top side corner of the evaporator assembly? The freezer would have to be on fire for that to get hot... Or am I missing something?

 

[WAslayer]

Based on the way it looks, your "Maybe?" seems reasonable. But what I can't figure out is what a thermal fuse would be doing on the top side corner of the evaporator assembly? The freezer would have to be on fire for that to get hot... Or am I missing something?

heat rises..? but I get what you are saying..

 

[frankvw]

heat rises..? but I get what you are saying..

I did consider that. But for a thermal cutout to be attached to the (always cold) evaporator unit, not even close to being in contact with the auto-defrost heating element... As I said, the freezer would have to be on fire, in which case the smoke would be sufficient indication of the nature of the problem.

 

[upup]

I also have a Samsung, with the same problem, I once saw a YouTube video, guy replace a thermistor sensor, I did phone a Samsung agent, they said they will come to my house and test, then will give a quote, local fridge shop refuse to sell Samsung parts. So every few months, we switch it off, de ice it with steamer, etc.

 

[frankvw]

The defrost cycle did take place normally; the problem was that the drain port kept freezing up (and did not defrost during the defrost cycle) which caused the melting water from the defrost to end up in the freezer compartment and either freeze there or run out.

I have spoken since with a very helpful Samsung engineer and he suggested that I apply silicone spray in and around the sheet steel tray housing the evaporator unit to promote water run-off, and extend the little aluminium strip on the heating element that runs down into the drain port (the original one is rather short) to promote drain port defrosting.

I have done both and (cross fingers, touch wood, etc!) haven't had any problems since.

 

[SauRoNZA]

When I had this kak with my Samsung fridge/freezer combo it was pretty much piss poor build quality and the heater matrix installed badly.

Shifted it down a bit further by bending it into place and then defrosting worked properly.

Basically wasn’t defrosting at the drainage hole so nothing ever moved out of the freezer like it should.