Samsung RF28T5001SR Ice Maker Not Making Ice — Step-by-Step Guide

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In my 15 years in the field, the Samsung RF28T5001SR is one of the models I see on my truck most often, and a dead ice maker is easily the number-one complaint I get called out for on this refrigerator. Nine times out of ten, before I even pull the unit away from the wall, I’m checking whether the water supply line is kinked and whether the filter has been replaced in the last six months — because those two things alone account for the majority of no-ice calls I diagnose on this exact model. If you’ve already ruled those out, don’t worry, because the remaining causes follow a very predictable pattern on this refrigerator and I’m going to walk you through them in the same order I’d tackle them on a service call. Follow these steps carefully and you’ve got a solid shot at fixing this yourself without paying for a technician.

Dave Holt — Certified Appliance Repair Technician

Experience: 15+ years servicing residential & commercial appliances  •  Certifications: EPA 608 Certified, NATE-recognized technician  •  Former lead technician at a multi-state appliance service company  •  Specialties: Washers, dryers, refrigerators, dishwashers, ovens, microwaves, ice makers

Samsung RF28T5001SR Ice Maker Repair Guide

The Samsung RF28T5001SR French Door Refrigerator features an in-freezer ice maker that commonly experiences ice production failures due to water supply issues, electrical component malfunctions, or mechanical obstructions. This repair addresses the most frequent causes including faulty water inlet valves, clogged water filters, defective ice maker assemblies, and control board problems. The ice maker system relies on precise timing cycles, proper water pressure, and consistent electrical signals to function correctly. This repair is considered MODERATE difficulty, requiring basic electrical testing skills and the ability to access components behind interior panels. Most homeowners with basic tool knowledge can complete this repair in 2-3 hours.

Symptoms

  • Ice maker produces no ice cubes after 24-48 hours of operation
  • Water does not fill the ice maker tray during the fill cycle
  • Ice maker motor runs but no ice drops into the storage bin
  • Small, hollow, or malformed ice cubes indicate insufficient water flow
  • Ice maker cycling sounds occur but no visible ice production
  • Error codes displayed on the Samsung RF28T5001SR control panel related to ice maker function

⚠️ Safety Warning

Before beginning any repair work on your Samsung RF28T5001SR, disconnect electrical power by unplugging the unit or turning off the circuit breaker. This refrigerator operates on 115V AC power and contains potentially dangerous electrical components. Turn off the water supply to prevent flooding when disconnecting water lines. The unit weighs approximately 320 pounds – use proper lifting techniques and get assistance when moving the refrigerator. Wear safety glasses when working with electrical connections and water lines. Some refrigerant lines may be present near electrical components – avoid puncturing any copper tubing. Allow the refrigerator to sit upright for 4 hours before reconnecting power if the unit was tilted during repair.

Parts Needed

  • Samsung Ice Maker Assembly DA97-15217A (if complete replacement needed)
  • Water Inlet Valve DA62-03078A or DA74-40151B (dual solenoid valve)
  • Water Filter Housing DA97-17376B (if housing is cracked)
  • Ice Maker Fill Cup DA63-04314A (small plastic water reservoir)
  • Water Line Assembly DA97-12650A (3/8 inch flexible tubing with fittings)
  • Door Switch Assembly DA34-00051A (if door sensing is faulty)
  • Replacement water filter HAF-QIN or HAF-QIN/EXP for Samsung RF28T5001SR

Tools Required

  • Digital multimeter capable of measuring AC/DC voltage and resistance
  • 1/4 inch and 5/16 inch nut drivers
  • Phillips head screwdriver set (#1 and #2)
  • Adjustable wrench (10mm-12mm range)
  • Needle-nose pliers with wire stripping capability
  • Flashlight or headlamp for interior illumination
  • Small mirror for viewing connections behind components

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Initial Diagnosis and Power Disconnection

🔨 Pro Tip from Dave

On the RF28T5001SR, the ice maker has a built-in test mode that most DIYers never know about — press and hold the Test button on the ice maker module for about 3 seconds and you’ll hear a chime, which triggers a full harvest cycle and tells you almost immediately whether the motor and ejector are functioning or if your problem is upstream in the water supply. I’ve saved myself 20 minutes of disassembly on dozens of service calls just by running that test first before touching anything else.

Unplug the Samsung RF28T5001SR from the electrical outlet or turn off the dedicated circuit breaker. Remove all items from the freezer compartment to access the ice maker assembly located on the left wall. The ice maker is positioned approximately 8 inches from the top of the freezer compartment and secured with three mounting screws. Test the ice maker’s basic function by locating the small test button on the bottom-right corner of the ice maker housing and holding it for 5 seconds. If you hear motor operation but see no water flow, proceed with water supply testing.

Step 2: Water Filter and Supply Line Inspection

Locate the water filter housing in the upper-right corner of the fresh food compartment. Remove the filter by turning counterclockwise and inspect for clogs, debris, or expiration dates beyond 6 months. The Samsung RF28T5001SR filter should be replaced every 6 months or when the filter indicator light appears. Behind the refrigerator, inspect the water supply line connected to the inlet valve mounted on the lower-left rear panel. Check for kinks, freezing, or loose connections at the 1/4 inch compression fitting.

Step 3: Access Ice Maker Electrical Connections

Remove the ice maker from the Samsung RF28T5001SR by disconnecting the wire harness connector located behind the unit. The harness features a white 4-pin connector that releases by pressing the plastic tab while pulling straight out. Remove the three 1/4 inch hex screws securing the ice maker to the freezer wall – two screws on the left side and one on the right mounting bracket. Carefully lift the ice maker assembly out while noting the position of the water fill tube that extends from the rear wall.

Step 4: Test Water Inlet Valve Operation

Locate the water inlet valve on the lower-left rear panel of the Samsung RF28T5001SR, approximately 6 inches from the bottom. The valve has two solenoid coils (ice maker and dispenser) and should measure 200-500 ohms resistance across each coil terminal. With power restored temporarily, test for 120V AC at the valve connector during an ice maker fill cycle. The ice maker solenoid should receive power for 7-8 seconds during the fill portion of the cycle. If no voltage is present, the main control board may require replacement.

Step 5: Inspect Ice Maker Fill Cup and Water Distribution

Examine the small plastic fill cup located at the rear of the ice maker assembly cavity. This cup should be positioned directly under the water fill tube and show no cracks or displacement. The fill tube should be centered over the cup with approximately 1/4 inch clearance. Remove any ice buildup or debris from the fill area. Check that the fill cup is securely attached to the rear wall and properly aligned with the water supply tube opening.

Step 6: Test Ice Maker Motor and Harvest Mechanism

With the ice maker assembly removed, manually test the harvest motor by applying 12V DC across the motor terminals (red and black wires in the harness connector). The motor should operate smoothly and complete one full rotation cycle in approximately 15-20 seconds. Check the plastic gear assembly for wear, missing teeth, or obstruction. The harvest arm should move freely through its complete range without binding. Listen for unusual grinding or clicking sounds that indicate internal gear damage.

Step 7: Verify Temperature Sensor Function

Test the thermistor located within the ice maker assembly using your multimeter set to resistance mode. At normal freezer temperatures (0°F), the sensor should read approximately 16,000-20,000 ohms. This sensor tells the Samsung RF28T5001SR control system when ice is properly frozen and ready for harvest. A faulty sensor will prevent proper ice maker cycling. The sensor wires are typically white and yellow in the main harness connector.

Step 8: Check Door Switch and Safety Interlocks

Test the freezer door switch located in the upper-right corner of the door frame. This switch should show continuity when the door is closed and open circuit when the door is open. The Samsung RF28T5001SR will not operate the ice maker when the door is open for more than 2 minutes. Clean any ice buildup around the switch mechanism and verify the door closes completely with proper seal contact around the entire perimeter.

Step 9: Install Replacement Components

If testing revealed faulty components, install replacements using the reverse of removal procedures. For water inlet valve replacement, ensure the water supply is shut off and drain residual pressure. The valve mounts with two screws and connects to 1/4 inch water lines with compression fittings. Tighten fittings hand-tight plus 1/4 turn to prevent leaks. When installing a new ice maker assembly, ensure the wire harness connector locks securely with an audible click.

Step 10: System Reassembly and Water Line Connections

Reinstall the ice maker assembly in the Samsung RF28T5001SR using the three mounting screws in their original positions. Connect the wire harness ensuring proper orientation – the connector only fits one way. Position the water fill tube to center over the fill cup with the tube end approximately 1/2 inch above the cup bottom. Replace any damaged water lines using the same routing path along the rear wall to prevent interference with other components.

Step 11: Final Testing and Calibration

Restore electrical power and water supply to the Samsung RF28T5001SR. Press and hold the ice maker test button for 10 seconds to initiate a complete cycle. The cycle should progress through fill (7-8 seconds of water flow), freeze (90-180 minutes depending on temperature), and harvest (15-20 seconds of motor operation). Monitor the first complete cycle to verify proper water fill levels and ice formation. The ice maker should produce 8-10 ice cubes per cycle.

Step 12: Performance Verification and Adjustments

Allow the Samsung RF28T5001SR ice maker to complete three full automatic cycles over 24 hours. Check for proper ice cube size, shape, and clarity. Cubes should be solid, clear, and approximately 3/4 inch in size. Monitor the ice storage bin for proper cube release and stacking. Verify the ice maker stops production when the bin is full by checking the wire shut-off arm operation. The system should resume ice production automatically when ice levels drop.

Troubleshooting

  • If ice production continues to fail after component replacement, check the main control board for proper signal output to the ice maker module – voltage should cycle through the programmed sequence
  • Small or hollow ice cubes indicate insufficient water pressure – verify home water pressure is 20-120 PSI and check for partially blocked water filter or supply lines
  • Ice maker cycles but produces no ice may indicate a refrigerant system problem preventing proper freezing temperatures – contact a certified technician for refrigerant diagnosis
  • Continuous water flow or overfilling suggests a stuck water inlet valve solenoid – replace the complete valve assembly and check for electrical signal duration from control board
  • Motor runs but harvest arm doesn’t move indicates internal gear failure requiring complete ice maker assembly replacement
  • Intermittent operation may result from loose electrical connections – re-check all wire harness connections and ensure proper connector engagement with audible click confirmation

When to Call a Professional

  • Refrigerant system issues indicated by improper freezing temperatures that don’t respond to standard troubleshooting require EPA-certified technician service
  • Main control board replacement involves complex programming and calibration specific to the Samsung RF28T5001SR that requires factory diagnostic equipment
  • Water pressure problems originating from home plumbing systems need professional plumber evaluation and correction
  • Repeated component failures suggest underlying electrical problems requiring comprehensive system analysis by qualified appliance repair technicians

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, if you’ve confirmed good water pressure at the supply line, replaced the filter, and the ice maker still fails the built-in test cycle with no chime or motor movement after you’ve verified continuity through the wiring harness, you’re most likely looking at a failed control board or a wiring harness fault deeper in the door — and at that point the diagnostic complexity and cost of misdiagnosis make it worth calling a certified technician. 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 Refrigerator Ice Maker Assembly DA97-15217D

This genuine Samsung ice maker assembly is a direct replacement part compatible with the RF28T5001SR French door refrigerator. If your ice maker has completely stopped producing ice or is producing malformed cubes, this OEM part can restore full ice making functionality. Check current pricing on Amazon.

Samsung Water Filter HAF-CIN Genuine Replacement

A clogged water filter is one of the most common causes of ice maker problems in Samsung refrigerators like the RF28T5001SR. This genuine Samsung water filter ensures proper water flow to your ice maker and should be replaced every 6 months for optimal performance. Check current pricing on Amazon.

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