The Refrigerator Ice Dispenser Is Not Working

Determine the cause of a nonworking ice dispenser.

If your refrigerator has an ice dispenser, you are probably used to getting ice right away when a lever or button is pressed. However, if you depress the ice maker button and nothing dispenses, there is an issue with your refrigerator. There are a few different reasons why an ice dispenser would suddenly not work. It is important to troubleshoot your refrigerator first to determine the problem. Some problems can be fixed at home, while others must be repaired by a professional.

Things You'll Need

• Hairdryer

Instructions

Frozen Motor

1. Remove the ice bin from the freezer and press the button on the front of the refrigerator for cubed ice.

2. Open the freezer door and hold down the switch on the door, which "tricks" the freezer into thinking the door is closed, and push the lever or button to dispense ice. The motor behind the ice bin should turn. If it does not, this means the motor is frozen.

3. Remove the motor, following the directions in your refrigerator's manual. Heat and dry out the motor with a hairdryer until the motor turns again, then reinstall the motor according to the manufacturer's directions.

Ice Bin or Chute

1. Remove the ice bin to see if it is overloaded. Ice bins that are too full can cause new ice being produced to back up and cause blockage. If this is the case, dump out the ice and rinse out the ice bin with hot water until any blockage is melted.

2. Examine the separator that divides the ice storage bin from the ice dispenser for holes. If the separator has a hole or is cracked, it must be replaced.

3. Watch the flap on the ice dispenser as you hold down the door switch and simultaneously press the button to dispense ice. If the flap does not close all the way, check for ice blockage and gently remove it. If there is no blockage, the flap will need to be replaced.

Tips & Warnings

• If you dry out a frozen motor and it still does not turn, it will have to be replaced.

• Check the solenoid, which is next to the motor, for rust. If the solenoid is rusty, it must be replaced.

• If you press the ice dispenser lever or button and there is no sound at all, the problem is most likely electrical, and should be repaired by a professional.

References

• Appliance-Repair-It.com: Ice Dispenser Repair Guide