Samsung Refrigerator Not Making Ice? Ice Maker Tray Assembly DA97-21040A – Fix No Ice, Stuck Cubes, or Small Cubes Fast

When your Samsung refrigerator stops making ice, produces undersized cubes, or ice freezes solid and won't eject, the ice maker tray assembly is the most common failed component. In Samsung RF, RS, and RH series refrigerators, the tray assembly houses the ice mold, ejector mechanism, and release heater — when any of these fail, the ice maker cycles endlessly without producing usable output. ⚡ Common failure point in Samsung-built French door and side-by-side refrigerators. Part DA97-21040A is the genuine OEM replacement that restores full ice production without modification.

❓ Is This the Right Part?

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

• ✔ Refrigerator powers on and runs normally
• ✔ Freezer is maintaining temperature (0°F / -18°C or below)
• ✔ Water supply line and shut-off valve are confirmed open
• ✔ Water inlet valve is functioning (you hear a fill sound at harvest cycle start)
• ✔ ONLY problem is no ice production, small/hollow cubes, or ice frozen solid in tray

Not sure? Send us your model number — we'll confirm before you order.

🔧 Common Symptoms

• Ice maker stopped producing ice entirely — most common complaint
• Ice cubes are too small, hollow, or misshapen
• Ice frozen solid in the tray and won't eject into the bin
• Ice maker arm is in the down position but no ice drops
• Loud grinding or clicking noise during the harvest cycle
• Visible cracks or warping on the ice mold tray

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

✔ In most cases, replacing this tray assembly restores normal ice production immediately.

📦 Part Details

• Part Number: DA97-21040A
• Type: Ice maker tray assembly — includes ice mold, ejector, and release heater
• Replaces: OEM direct-fit ice maker tray assembly — supersedes earlier Samsung ice maker tray revisions (no modification required)
• Brands: Samsung

⚙️ Installation

Skill Level: MODERATE — 20–40 minutes. Unplug the refrigerator before beginning any repair. Remove the ice bin and clear any ice buildup, then disconnect the wire harness connector before lifting out the tray assembly — note the connector orientation before removal. If ice is frozen solid in the old tray, use a hair dryer on low heat to thaw before forcing removal; forcing a frozen tray can crack the mounting bracket. After installation, allow 24 hours for the first full harvest cycle before evaluating performance, and confirm freezer temperature is set to 0°F (-18°C) or below.

💡 Pro Tip

Browse all parts for your model: RF263BEAESR, RF263BEAEWW, RF263TEAESR, RS25J500DSR, RH25H5611SR.