Samsung RS27T5200SR Ice Maker Repair Guide
The ice maker in your Samsung RS27T5200SR side-by-side refrigerator is a complex system that relies on multiple components working in harmony. When it stops producing ice, the culprit could be anything from a simple water filter blockage to a failed ice maker assembly. This comprehensive repair guide addresses the most common causes of ice maker failure in this specific model, including water supply issues, electrical problems, and mechanical failures. The Samsung RS27T5200SR features an in-door ice maker system with a removable ice bucket and electronic controls. Most ice maker repairs on this model fall into the MODERATE difficulty category, requiring basic electrical knowledge and the ability to safely access internal components. With proper tools and careful attention to detail, most homeowners can successfully diagnose and repair their ice maker issues.
Symptoms
- Ice maker produces no ice cubes despite being turned on and water supply connected
- Ice maker makes grinding, clicking, or humming noises but fails to dispense ice
- Ice cubes are smaller than normal or have hollow centers indicating insufficient water fill
- Ice maker fills with water but never progresses through the freeze cycle
- Ice maker display shows error codes or the ice maker light blinks repeatedly
- Ice tastes bad or appears cloudy even with recent water filter replacement
⚠️ Safety Warning
Before beginning any repair work on your Samsung RS27T5200SR, disconnect electrical power by unplugging the refrigerator or turning off the circuit breaker. Ice maker repairs involve both electrical components carrying 120V AC current and pressurized water lines that can cause flooding if damaged. The refrigerator weighs approximately 300 pounds and must be moved carefully to access rear connections. Never work on electrical components with wet hands or while standing on wet surfaces. When testing electrical connections with a multimeter, ensure proper probe placement to avoid short circuits. If you smell gas or detect refrigerant leaks during disassembly, stop immediately and contact a certified technician. Keep children and pets away from the work area, and have a helper available when moving the appliance.
Parts Needed
- Samsung Ice Maker Assembly DA97-15217A (complete unit replacement if internal components have failed)
- Water Filter HAF-QIN/EXP or DA29-00020B (genuine Samsung replacement for model RS27T5200SR)
- Ice Maker Water Valve DA62-01477A (solenoid valve assembly located at rear of unit)
- Ice Maker Wire Harness DA39-00006V (if electrical connections are damaged or corroded)
- Door Seal Gasket DA63-01812A (if ice maker compartment seal is compromised)
- Temperature Sensor DA32-10105Q (thermistor for freeze cycle control, if diagnostic testing indicates failure)
- Water Line Connector Kit 5/16-inch compression fittings and 10 feet of 1/4-inch copper tubing (if existing water supply lines are damaged)
Tools Required
- Phillips head screwdriver set (sizes #1 and #2 for accessing ice maker mounting screws)
- Flathead screwdriver (1/4-inch width for prying connector clips and adjusting components)
- Digital multimeter with AC/DC voltage capability for testing electrical circuits
- Adjustable wrench set (3/8-inch and 1/2-inch for water line connections)
- Needle-nose pliers for manipulating small electrical connectors and wire terminals
- Flashlight or headlamp for illuminating internal components during inspection
- Towels and small bucket for catching water during disconnection procedures
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Initial Diagnosis and Power Disconnect
🔨 Pro Tip from Dave
On the RS27T5200SR, the ice maker’s temperature sensor sits in a spot that’s prone to ice bridging, and I’ve seen techs — including guys with years on the job — condemn a perfectly good ice maker assembly because they missed a solid ice plug blocking the fill tube right behind the back panel of the freezer compartment; always hit that tube with a hair dryer on low for 60 seconds before you assume the assembly itself has failed. Running that quick thaw test first has saved my customers hundreds of dollars in unnecessary parts on more calls than I can count.
Unplug your Samsung RS27T5200SR from the electrical outlet or turn off the dedicated circuit breaker. Open the freezer door and locate the ice maker assembly in the upper-left corner of the freezer compartment. Remove the ice bucket by lifting it straight up and out. Examine the ice maker for obvious signs of damage, ice blockages, or loose connections. Check that the ice maker power switch located on the freezer ceiling is in the ON position. Look for any visible ice buildup around the water fill cup or ejector mechanism that might prevent normal operation.
Step 2: Test Ice Maker Reset Function
Restore power to the Samsung RS27T5200SR and locate the test button on the ice maker assembly. This small rectangular button is positioned on the right side of the ice maker housing, approximately 2 inches from the front edge. Press and hold the test button for 5 seconds until you hear a chime. The ice maker should begin a test cycle that includes filling with water, freezing (abbreviated for testing), and ejecting ice. This cycle takes approximately 6 minutes. If the test cycle completes successfully, your ice maker is functional and the issue may be related to water supply or temperature settings.
Step 3: Inspect Water Filter and Supply Lines
Disconnect power again and locate the water filter housing in the upper-right corner of the fresh food compartment. Remove the water filter by turning it counterclockwise 1/4 turn and pulling straight out. Examine the filter for clogs, discoloration, or damage. If the filter hasn’t been changed in 6 months or shows signs of blockage, replace it with a new Samsung HAF-QIN/EXP filter. Push the new filter in until it stops, then turn clockwise 1/4 turn to lock. Run the water dispenser for 3 minutes to flush air from the lines before testing ice production.
Step 4: Access and Inspect Ice Maker Assembly
With power disconnected, remove the three Phillips head screws securing the ice maker to the freezer wall. These screws are located at the top-left, top-right, and bottom-center of the ice maker housing. Carefully pull the ice maker assembly forward 3-4 inches to access the electrical connector and water line. The white electrical connector clips into the rear of the ice maker assembly and can be released by pressing the tab on top while pulling straight back. Take a photo of wire positions before disconnection to ensure proper reassembly.
Step 5: Test Ice Maker Electrical Connections
Set your multimeter to AC voltage and test the electrical supply at the wall connector. With power restored to the refrigerator, you should measure 120V AC between the black (hot) and white (neutral) wires. The green wire is ground and should show continuity to the refrigerator chassis. If voltage is absent, the problem lies in the main control board or wiring harness rather than the ice maker assembly itself. Disconnect power before proceeding with any electrical repairs.
Step 6: Examine Water Supply Components
Locate the water supply line connection at the bottom-rear of the ice maker assembly. This 1/4-inch compression fitting should be hand-tight plus 1/4 turn with a wrench. Check for mineral deposits or corrosion at the connection point. Follow the water line to the solenoid valve mounted on the rear wall of the refrigerator, approximately 18 inches from the floor. The valve should have two wire terminals and make a distinct clicking sound when activated during the ice maker test cycle.
Step 7: Test Water Valve Operation
Disconnect the water valve electrical connector and test the solenoid coil resistance using your multimeter set to ohms. The Samsung DA62-01477A water valve should show 200-500 ohms resistance between terminals. A reading of zero indicates a short circuit, while infinite resistance suggests an open coil. Both conditions require water valve replacement. With power restored, test for 120V AC at the valve connector during the ice maker water fill portion of the test cycle.
Step 8: Inspect Ice Maker Internal Components
Remove the ice maker assembly completely by disconnecting the water line compression fitting. Inside the Samsung RS27T5200SR ice maker, locate the thermistor (temperature sensor) attached to the evaporator coil with a small metal clip. This sensor should show approximately 16,000 ohms resistance at 0°F or 5,000 ohms at 32°F. The fill cup should be clean and properly aligned to receive water from the supply tube. Check the ejector mechanism for smooth operation by manually rotating the gear assembly.
Step 9: Clean and Reassemble Components
Clean all ice maker surfaces with warm water and mild detergent, paying special attention to the fill cup and ejector blades. Remove any mineral deposits from the water supply tube using a cotton swab dipped in white vinegar. Rinse thoroughly and dry all components before reassembly. Apply a thin layer of food-grade silicone lubricant to the ejector mechanism gear teeth to ensure smooth operation.
Step 10: Reconnect and Test System
Reinstall the ice maker assembly by reversing the removal process. Ensure the water line compression fitting is properly seated and tightened to prevent leaks. Connect the electrical harness firmly until it clicks into place. Secure the ice maker with all three mounting screws, ensuring even pressure against the freezer wall. Restore power and run the test cycle again to verify proper operation.
Step 11: Final System Verification
Allow the Samsung RS27T5200SR to operate normally for 24 hours before evaluating ice production. The ice maker should produce its first batch within 6-12 hours and continue cycling every 80-180 minutes depending on usage and temperature settings. Check that ice cubes are properly formed, clear in appearance, and free of unusual tastes or odors. Monitor for any water leaks around connections or unusual operating noises.
Troubleshooting
- If ice maker still doesn’t work after filter replacement, check that freezer temperature is set to 0°F or below, as warmer temperatures prevent proper ice formation in the Samsung RS27T5200SR
- Water valve clicking but no water flow indicates possible water supply shutoff, kinked supply line, or insufficient water pressure (minimum 20 PSI required)
- Ice maker cycles but produces no ice suggests thermistor failure, requiring replacement of the temperature sensor assembly
- Continuous water filling without ice production indicates a stuck water valve solenoid that needs immediate replacement to prevent flooding
- Ice cubes stick together or appear cloudy despite new filter installation points to high mineral content in water supply requiring additional filtration
- Grinding noises during operation suggest ice blockage in the ejector mechanism or worn gear assembly requiring ice maker replacement
When to Call a Professional
- Refrigerant leaks detected during disassembly, indicated by hissing sounds or oily residue around cooling lines
- Main control board replacement needed, requiring programming and calibration specific to the Samsung RS27T5200SR model
- Water supply line installation or major plumbing modifications needed behind the refrigerator
- Multiple electrical components have failed, suggesting underlying power supply issues that require comprehensive system diagnosis
When to Call a Professional
Most of the repairs in this guide are within reach for a careful DIYer with basic tools. In my experience, the moment your diagnostic points to a failed main control board or you’re seeing error codes alongside the ice maker issue — especially anything in the 8E or 39E range on this model — it’s time to call a certified tech, because misdiagnosing a control board on these Samsung units can cost you far more in parts than the service call ever would. When in doubt, a diagnostic service call typically costs $80–$120 and can save you from a misdiagnosis that costs more in parts.
Recommended Parts & Tools
Samsung DA97-15217A Ice Maker Assembly
This genuine Samsung ice maker assembly is designed specifically for side-by-side refrigerator models including the RS27T5200SR. If your ice maker has completely stopped working and troubleshooting steps haven’t resolved the issue, replacing the entire ice maker unit is often the most effective solution. This OEM part ensures proper fit and function for your Samsung refrigerator. Check current pricing on Amazon.
Samsung DA62-01477A Water Filter Cartridge
A clogged or expired water filter can cause ice maker issues by restricting water flow to the ice making mechanism. This genuine Samsung water filter is compatible with the RS27T5200SR model and should be replaced every 6 months for optimal ice maker performance. Installing a fresh filter often resolves ice production problems and improves ice quality. Check current pricing on Amazon.