The divider strip between the freezer and the fridge is super hot. Both sides are still working fine, but it hasn't been this way until the last few days.

You have a defective defrosting strip. A hearing element that warms the side of the fridge to melt ice that collects. Your fridge is dangerous to operate. You have a possible short in the defrost system that can electrocute you. You should unplug immediately. I am SERIOUS.

Pull the refrig out and remove the rear cardboard panel . Check to see if something is caught in the fan blade stopping it from turning . Also , make sure the black square coils are clean . If the fan is not turning , and no obstruction , replace the fan motor . Use a small house fan to cool the compressor until the motor is replaced or the compressor could stop working .

That fan behind the refrig , is the fan that cools the compressor . It should be running any time the compressor runs . If not running , replace it . The center divider between the fridge and freezer ( front strip ) should be getting hot to the touch if the fan is not running .

This is normal. This is a defroster to keep moisture from condensation from freezing the doors shut.

That is a heat strip to prevent condensate near the door seals and yours is possibly shorting out because the control fo it is defective. Send me the model number for your Roper and I will look at the diaqrams to confirm my theroy. Thanks, Sea BreezeEnter your model number at the link below and it will take you to the parts and photos.http://servicepartstec.blogspot.com

First take the grill off at the bottom under the doors look at the grate under the frig That is your condenser it will probably be covered in dust clean it off the see if you can fill air blowing under the frig there is a fan under there that keeps that coil cool and it runs around the door to keep condensation from build around the doors if no air is blowing take the back panel behind the Frig and there should be a fan running if the compressor is running this will also cause the compressor to over heat and will not cool as well but it might just need to be cleaned Good luck

It is normal for the middle strip to be hot. Did you check the temp setting in the fridge section?
Also - you might check for blockage in the bottom. Excessive dirt/dog hair can block the air flow.
Good luck

I'm not familiar with the Samsung refrigerators, but on most side-by-sides the evaporator (cooling) coils are located within the divider partition between the two sides.... along with the defroster 'heater' coils. During the defrost cycle, this panel may feel warm/hot to the touch. Are the freezer/refrigerator sections staying as cold as they should be otherwise? If they are also TOO WARM, then you may have a 'defrost cycle' relay or timer motor malfunctioning.

also see if the fan works properly.

Good luck..

when is the last time you cleaned the condenser coils the areas you describe are supposed to be hot there is a loop there to keep the door gaskets dry but should not be too hot pull the fridge out check to see if the fan is running on the compressor then unplug the unit and clean the coils the only other thin that will make it super hot if there is a leak in the low side of the system and has drawn air in see if cleaning the coils fixes it first and we will go from there

That sounds like you may have something in your condenser fan motor.. piece of bag, paper and may have stopped your fan altogther.. that would be the first place to check.. right by your compressor in the back of frig.