samsung rs21duns fridge not working?

I have an older version, samsung sr-s2026cvw, over 6 years old and so out of warranty. I've had no problem until last week, when the fridge wasn't keeping cool enough, particularly at the top, but we could cope with keeping things near the bottom.
Now, the knocking noise has started when you open the door. And when closed, the fan gets really noisy. I took the veg drawers out at the bottom, and sure enough, the back wall was covered in ice, and the distressed fan noise comes from the same area.
After reading up about the problem ( and it seems to be very common with samsung side by sides) I think it's the failure of the defrost sensor. I assume the cooling compartment has a sensor to stop it from getting iced up, but keeps it just cool enough for the fan to keep the cool air circulating up and down the fridge.

I would like to fix this myself: How do I remove the back panel to access the fan and sensor etc? I've taken out the available screws, and short of wrenching the panel off, I wondered if I'm missing something?

Also, I have defrosted the fridge and the noises have stopped, so short term peace at last, but I know it will start again.

Alison Saulnier, UK 30 Aug 2008
August 2008

hi there, i am having the same problem as you have had. there is a fan behind the back wall of the fridge compartment that i have found to have been frozen. the noise you will have heard would have been the ice building up. so for some reason there is being a build up of moisture where there isnt meant to be any. i know the problem i just dont know how to fix it. if you find out any more please post it. i am going to try phoning samsung again later today. kind regards

David
August 2008

defrost sensor failure

airkool@hotmail.co.uk
August 2008