Refrigerator Not Cooling? Compressor Overload Protector DA34-00004D – Fix No-Cool Compressor Failure Fast

If your Samsung refrigerator is not cooling but the fans are running and the compressor is hot or clicking off repeatedly, a failed compressor overload protector is the most likely cause. In most Samsung refrigerators, the thermal overload protector monitors compressor current and temperature — when it trips or fails open, the compressor shuts down and the refrigerator stops cooling entirely. When it fails, the compressor may click on and off rapidly, run briefly then cut out, or not start at all — while the evaporator and condenser fans continue to operate normally. ⚡ Common failure point in Samsung-built French door, side-by-side, and bottom-freezer refrigerators. Part DA34-00004D is the genuine Samsung OEM compressor thermal overload protector — also described as a compressor overload relay or relay protector O/L — protecting the compressor from excessive current and overheating across 104+ verified models.

❓ Is This the Right Part?

This is the correct fix if ALL of the following are true:

• ✔ Refrigerator powers on — interior lights work and fans are running
• ✔ Compressor is hot to the touch or clicking on and off repeatedly
• ✔ Compressor start relay (PTC relay) has been tested and confirmed good
• ✔ ONLY problem is compressor shuts down immediately or won't sustain a cooling cycle

Note: This is the thermal overload protector — not necessarily the separate PTC compressor start relay. Confirm your compressor configuration and which component has failed before ordering. Not sure? Send us your model number — we'll confirm before you order.

🔧 Common Symptoms

• Refrigerator not cooling — both fridge and freezer sections warming up
• Compressor clicks on then immediately shuts off (thermal overload tripping)
• Compressor runs briefly then cuts out before reaching temperature
• Compressor is excessively hot to the touch at the back of the unit
• Fans running normally but no cooling — compressor not sustaining operation

✔ If these symptoms match, this is the most likely failed component in the system.

✔ In most cases, replacing this overload protector restores normal compressor operation immediately.

📦 Part Details

• Part Number: DA34-00004D
• Type: Compressor thermal overload protector (overload relay / relay protector O/L)
• Production Markings: 445PHBYY, 4TM445PHBYY-82 (component body markings — not OEM service numbers)
• Brand/OEM: Samsung; also used in select Samsung-built Kenmore and Dacor refrigerators
• Canadian & U.S. Part Number: DA34-00004D (same number both markets)
• GTIN/UPC: 00045902895293 / UPC-A 045902895293 (verified Samsung OEM)
• Application: Protects compressor from excessive current and overheating — confirm complete model suffix and compressor configuration before ordering

⚙️ Installation

Skill Level: Moderate — 20 to 40 minutes. Unplug the refrigerator before servicing. Access the compressor compartment at the rear or bottom of the unit. The overload protector clips directly onto the compressor body — note the orientation before removing the old part. Disconnect the wiring, remove the old protector, and install the new one in the same position. Restore power and confirm the compressor sustains a full cooling cycle before closing up.

✓ Compatible Models (104 Verified)

RF23HCEDBSR/AA, RF23HCEDBWW/AA, RF23J9011SG/AA, RF23J9011SR/AA, RF24FSEDBSR/AA, RF24J9960S4/AA, RF25HMEDBSR/AA, RF263BEAESR/AA, RF267AERS/XAA, RF28HFEDBSR/AA, RF28HMEDBSR/AA, RF28K9580SR/AA, RF30HBEDBSR/AA, RF323TEDBSR/AA, RF4287HARS/XAA plus 89 additional verified Samsung, Kenmore, and Dacor models.

Contact us to verify your model number before ordering.

💡 Pro Tip

✓ Model-Specific Repair Pages