How to Replace the Front Control Panel on a Samsung Refrigerator

How to Replace the Front Control Panel on a Samsung Refrigerator
Published: Jul 11, 2011
Updated: Nov 20, 2021
3 minute read

Many Samsung refrigerators come with an ice dispenser on the door, with a control panel above it for changing temperature and ice cube size. On some Samsung models, the control panel also lets you know when something has gone wrong, for example when the doors have not closed properly. If moisture finds its way into the control panel, it may give an incorrect temperature reading or no reading at all. If this happens, or if your refrigerator has stopped dispensing ice, you may need to remove the Samsung refrigerator control panel to figure out what is wrong. Fortunately, this is a straightforward process that does not involve taking off the entire refrigerator door.

Things You Will Need

  • Screwdriver
  • Putty knife
  • Hair dryer (optional)

    Unplug the Power Cord

  1. Unplug the power cord from the wall outlet to cut off power to the refrigerator.

  2. Remove the Control Panel

  3. Some Samsung refrigerators have control panels with screws and clips, some only have screws, and others only have clips. Bend down and look up into the ice-chute area. If you see screws, remove them with a screwdriver. If you see clips holding the control panel in place (you may have to carefully pry the panel off a little to check), use a putty knife to release them. Pull the panel away enough to display the wiring harness on the back of it. On some models, the control panel is glued to the door, which makes it harder to remove. Use a hairdryer on the edges of the panel for a few minutes to warm the glue. Hold the control panel in one hand and pull the wiring harness off with the other. This is a basic pin harness that should easily pull off the back of the panel.

  4. Replace the Control Panel

  5. After you have inspected the parts behind the control panel and replaced any defective parts, replace the Samsung refrigerator control panel by placing it in its original position on the door. Insert the clips and/or screws and use a screwdriver to secure them. Plug the power cord back into the wall outlet and check that the control panel is working as it should.

Claire Gillespie

Claire Gillespie writes about health, science, home and parenting. She has bylines on SELF, SheKnows, The Washington Post, Vice and more.

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