How to Fix an Ice Dispenser
If the ice dispenser on your refrigerator isn't working properly, you may think a call to a technician is in order. Before your hire someone to come in and fix your home appliance, though, try troubleshooting the problem to see if there is an easy solution you can do on your own. Many times what appears to be a mechanical malfunction may be something less serious, and fixing it yourself will save the expense of hiring a service technician. Start by checking for minor problems and working up to more difficult problems as needed until you find your solution. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Remove the ice bin from the refrigerator. Change control setting on the dispenser to cubed ice.
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Open the freezer and depress the door switch. Press the control switch to retrieve ice. Check to see that the auger motor (the pronged fork that is sticking out from behind the ice bin) is turning. Check to see that the solenoid device (the mechanism that is located just to the right of the motor) turns on.
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If the motor is not turning but the solenoid device is turning on, you will need to unfreeze the motor. Remove the motor by taking the entire section out of the refrigerator and use a hair dryer to dry the motor until it freely turns. Reinstall the entire section.
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If the motor and solenoid device are working properly, check the ice bin for excess ice that may be blocking the ice shoot and preventing it from working properly. Clean out any excess ice by pouring hot water over the area.
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If there is no excess ice accumulation, check the auger to see if it is working properly and replace the part if necessary.
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Check the divider that is located between the ice dispenser and the ice storage. Replace the bin if you find any holes in it.
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Check the ice shoot for any excess ice cubes, which would indicate that the flapper might not be opening properly. Open the door, remove the ice bin and push the ice button while simultaneously depressing the door switch. Check to see if there is a blockage which would be indicated by the door only opening and closing partially.
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If there is no blockage, check the flap itself, the crank, the spring and the solenoid device. Remove the cover from the front of the dispenser. Remove the screws located behind the cover followed by the dispenser control.
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Check the springs on the flap to see if it is misaligned or broken. Replace the spring if necessary.
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Check the crank that is attached to the flap to see if it is broken. Replace it if necessary.
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Check the flap to see if it is broken or if the edges have turned in. Replace it if necessary.
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Check the solenoid device to see if it is rusty, not closing properly or stuck open. Replace it if necessary.
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Remove the cover from the freezer hinge and check to see if wires are plugged in properly.
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Check the auger housing that holds the auger motor in place to see if the plugs are all working properly. If all connections are properly working, replace the entire dispenser board.
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