Samsung Refrigerator Issues - Montana Owners Club

glendodom · 10-09-2020, 01:17 PM

I have a 2018 Montana 3721RL with the Samsung (French door) refrigerator. I have seen the various Samsung frig issues and thought I may have missed the bullet but it has finally bit me now.

The frig compartment coil first started freezing up. First service call they replaced the fan motor. The frig again continued to freeze up. Next the coil sensor, the frig temperature sensor, and the thermal fuse was replaced. That fixed the coil issue of it freezing up but onward to the now issue. The frig will cool to the set temperature and hold it for about 24-36 hours then from that point forward it seems like the MCB isn't reading the actual frig temps. The digital display will show the say temp as that which it is set on. I have a thermometer inside the frig to monitor actual temps. The temps start easing up to the 40-45 range in time even tough I have it set for 34.

The service tech is at ends with where to go next advising the decision to replace the Master Control Board (est. $250) plus service charge cost and ultimately can't guarantee that will be the fix! Wow!

Anyone else how Sansumg issue like this that tend to indicate it is the MCB? I hate to put another $300-400 into a sinking ship when I already have $300 in repairs. Sorta like going to the casino gambling. One more pull and I will win!!! Naturally not covered via warranty per Samsung and they don't have an answer other than order another service call.

jcurtis934 · 10-09-2020, 02:29 PM

Only issue we have had is the one where water starts to collect in the crisper drawers and sometimes under them. That was due to Samsung using too short of a metal clip around the heater wire and the end result of ice blocking the drain hole. With a new fridge only costing 1000 or less at home depot and Lowe's, why put money into a unit that a service person can't diagnose?

glendodom · 10-09-2020, 03:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jcurtis934

Only issue we have had is the one where water starts to collect in the crisper drawers and sometimes under them. That was due to Samsung using too short of a metal clip around the heater wire and the end result of ice blocking the drain hole. With a new fridge only costing 1000 or less at home depot and Lowe's, why put money into a unit that a service person can't diagnose?

The Samsung is now running about $1400 at Lowes now. I have tried to find a different brand that will fit in the hole but basically can't find it due to width and depth restrictions. Looks like they built the 3721RL around the Samsung.

Roadtravelers · 10-09-2020, 03:24 PM

just changed mine out for a GE model Real easy to do goes out the door with handles and hinges off

glendodom · 10-09-2020, 03:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Roadtravelers

just changed mine out for a GE model Real easy to do goes out the door with handles and hinges off

What model GE did you find to fit the space? Thanks,

Roadtravelers · 10-09-2020, 03:34 PM

I have a 2020 331RL I installed a GWE19JSLSS- By GE It was about 1/2" wider than the Samsung but fit fine I had to lower the hold in bracket about 2" and modify the hinges and the GE to attach to the hold in bracket I got it from Home Depot

glendodom · 10-09-2020, 03:43 PM

I pulled up this frig and it shows a depth w/o Handle (in.) 29.0

I have a 2018 Montana 3721RL with a center isle and the frig with the slide in the front left side of the frig door snugs right up to the island. The Samsumg from front to back measures 27 1/8" with about a 2" airspace behind it. Does your layout have the island whereas it sits in front of the left side of the frig? Since the 3721RL frig location comes up against the island, I am restrained to a 27" max depth on the side measurement. I may just need to go to HD and measure the GE. Thanks,

Roadtravelers · 10-09-2020, 06:02 PM

Yes the island in ours in just to the left of the frig. I found out that the GE frig levelers on the bottom actually are on the slide out floor the Samsung was not used and hung over the slide out floor. If you want some pictures PM me thanks

glendodom · 10-09-2020, 06:40 PM

Thanks. In the 3721RL, with the slide in, the left side of the Samsun literally comes up to the island for about a 3" stretch on the end and doesn't have about 1/2" at best clearance when the slide is in. If the actual side of the refrigerator is over 27, it simply will not work. There is about a 2" inch space behind the frig but as I understand, you can't literally shove it to the wall since it needs a ventilation space. The Samsung says it is 28.14" w/o handles. The front is somewhat concave and on the side it measures 27". Montana somewhat boxed us in on replacements.

Roadtravelers · 10-09-2020, 06:43 PM

I first called Keystone and asked what brands are they installing in the 2021 models That is where i got the info on the GE frig plus you can't push it back there are stops on the hold in bracket to prevent that

bcrvman · 10-14-2020, 12:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by glendodom

I have a 2018 Montana 3721RL with the Samsung (French door) refrigerator. I have seen the various Samsung frig issues and thought I may have missed the bullet but it has finally bit me now.

The frig compartment coil first started freezing up. First service call they replaced the fan motor. The frig again continued to freeze up. Next the coil sensor, the frig temperature sensor, and the thermal fuse was replaced. That fixed the coil issue of it freezing up but onward to the now issue. The frig will cool to the set temperature and hold it for about 24-36 hours then from that point forward it seems like the MCB isn't reading the actual frig temps. The digital display will show the say temp as that which it is set on. I have a thermometer inside the frig to monitor actual temps. The temps start easing up to the 40-45 range in time even tough I have it set for 34.

The service tech is at ends with where to go next advising the decision to replace the Master Control Board (est. $250) plus service charge cost and ultimately can't guarantee that will be the fix! Wow!

Anyone else how Sansumg issue like this that tend to indicate it is the MCB? I hate to put another $300-400 into a sinking ship when I already have $300 in repairs. Sorta like going to the casino gambling. One more pull and I will win!!! Naturally not covered via warranty per Samsung and they don't have an answer other than order another service call.

The only problem we had with our 2018 Samsung is the little heater thing causing freezing issues and water under the crisper. Here is the part that fixes it. Note that is .ca, change to your country for a local part.
https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B00...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

glendodom · 10-19-2020, 09:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by glendodom

I have a 2018 Montana 3721RL with the Samsung (French door) refrigerator. I have seen the various Samsung frig issues and thought I may have missed the bullet but it has finally bit me now.

The frig compartment coil first started freezing up. First service call they replaced the fan motor. The frig again continued to freeze up. Next the coil sensor, the frig temperature sensor, and the thermal fuse was replaced. That fixed the coil issue of it freezing up but onward to the now issue. The frig will cool to the set temperature and hold it for about 24-36 hours then from that point forward it seems like the MCB isn't reading the actual frig temps. The digital display will show the say temp as that which it is set on. I have a thermometer inside the frig to monitor actual temps. The temps start easing up to the 40-45 range in time even tough I have it set for 34.

The service tech is at ends with where to go next advising the decision to replace the Master Control Board (est. $250) plus service charge cost and ultimately can't guarantee that will be the fix! Wow!

Anyone else how Sansumg issue like this that tend to indicate it is the MCB? I hate to put another $300-400 into a sinking ship when I already have $300 in repairs. Sorta like going to the casino gambling. One more pull and I will win!!! Naturally not covered via warranty per Samsung and they don't have an answer other than order another service call.

Well now after gambling on doing a main control board on the Samsung, it is still doing the same gambit, i.e. after a reset runs great for 4-10 hours then it no longer displays real temp, simply the set temp thus the temp starts rising into the 40s. I am now ready to swap it out but in all my shopping around, I simply can't find another frig with dimensions that will work in the 3721RL hole, considering with the slide in, the frig comes upon the center island for about 3" on its left in, meaning depth is critical at no more than a 27" frig width on the side (opening is 29"). I sure hate to go back with the same Samsung RF18HFENBSR model, but with the location of the center isle on the 3721RL, I guess I am stuck with that choice. I notice for 2021, the 3721RL was dropped! By chance does any of the 3721RL owners who had to replace the frig have any alternative suggestions of a replacement?

jcurtis934 · 10-20-2020, 12:04 PM

Have you put any thought into moving your fridge rearward to get around the island space issue? When i went from the norcold rv fridge to the residential fridge, i had to move the fridge cavity by 6 inches rearward to get around the fridge to island clearance issue. I understand that it might be beyond your skill level or desire to do. I was thinking of modifying my island, but the boss said no way. Of course, I had lots of work to put a residential fridge in my trailer, but it was worth it in the end. Finding another fridge brand to work in your floor plan may be impossible. Just a thought for you. John

scott802 · 06-14-2022, 04:38 AM

Hi,
Our Samsung fridge completely failed and I found this thread. We're really in a bind trying to figure out how to replace and with what.
Naturally, Samsung won't cover it.
When I measured it seems the old one won't fit out the door. Did Keystone build around it?
Has anyone else taken out the Samsung fridge I see replacing with a GE model but this one looks to be retrofitted with the bracket on the front/travel lock.

We're really disappointed that a catastrophic failure like this (the repair person called it an internal system breach manufacturing defect) won't even be covered by Samsung and this fridge is only 3 years old!

Definitely do not want to go back to another Samsung if possible.

Any help would be appreciated,

Scott L

glendodom · 06-14-2022, 06:27 AM

Mine came out the door, right but made it. The only brand I found to fit the whole in slideout was Hisense at Lowes.

mlh · 06-14-2022, 06:32 AM

See if it will go out with the doors off.
Lynwood

Roadtravelers · 06-14-2022, 06:53 AM

Hello Scott Yes we changed ours out for a GE from Home Depot We got Model #GWE19JGLAFBB took doors and hinges off to get the samsung out and the same getting the GE in I had to lower the hold in bard to fit the GE and I modified the ends for the bolts It tool 2 people to install we used a appliance Dolly no problems in 2 + years

Cat320 · 06-14-2022, 02:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Roadtravelers

just changed mine out for a GE model Real easy to do goes out the door with handles and hinges off

Recently we had an appliance repair tech in the stick house for a refer repair. I asked him if he was going to purchase a new refer which one would it be. Without hesitation, he said Whirlpool, GE or Frigidaire (in any order). He said Samsung and LG are too hard to fix and get parts.

mlh · 06-14-2022, 03:53 PM

Did you notice all the brands recommended were American and the two not recommended were not American. The American brands may not be made here but by law they must supply parts for 7 or 10 years while the off shore don’t. That is what the guys where I bought told me.
Lynwood

Joint Venture II · 06-14-2022, 04:34 PM

6 years ago I replaced a dishwasher, oven, over the stove microwave and double door refrigerator with Samsung appliances during a kitchen remodel I did. I have replaced the dishwasher 1 year ago, the oven 6 months ago and the microwave 1 week ago. I did not buy another Samsung appliance nor ever intend to again. What I replaced with Samsung were over 10 years old and all worked well. They were replaced because I wanted to be proactive and "upgrade" to more modern looking appliances.

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