How do I stop my ice maker from clogging?

If you hear the ice dispenser motor running but no ice is dropped, this is an indication of an ice cube blockage. The ice cube dispenser motor will run and make grinding noises but no ice will dispense.

Ice Cubes Get Jammed From Icemaker To Dispenser

On most refrigerator/freezer models, the ice drops from the ice maker into a chute and down into the ice dispenser. The ice cubes may get stuck or jam within the chute. When this occurs, the ice cannot move down into the dispenser.

How To Fix Jammed Ice Cubes On Refrigerator

To fix the jammed ice dispenser first unplug the refrigerator from power. Open the fridge door the ice dispenser panel is located on. Locate the chute area where the ice cubes drops down into. This area is most likely jammed with ice cubes. Use something like a long wooden spoon to unjam the ice blockage. Carefully slide the wooden spoon down into the jammed ice cubes. Unjam the ice so there are no obstructions. Take out any ice cubes or frost build up that may be jamming the area.

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Ice Cubes Jammed In RefrigeratorMost common reason for NO ICE is a jammed chute

Reset The Icemaker

If your refrigerator has a display panel, press the ice maker button for 10 seconds to reset it. On some models you can reset by locating the on/off switch on the front of the board. Turn the switch to the Off position. Unplug the refrigerator for 5 minutes to do a hard reset. (Refer to your refrigerator manual for the exact method ice maker reset for your fridge)

Reset Icemaker - Press Button On PanelResetting the icemaker can fix NO ICE issue

Clean Out Ice Maker

Locate the icemaker and (depending on model) slide it out. Dump the ice cubes out in the sink. Make sure the ice maker is clean and free of any ice build up or frost. Slide the ice maker back into place. For ice makers that do not slide out, simply clean it off and remove any chunks of ice that may be hindering ice production.

Clean Ice MakerClean ice maker to fix NO ICE problem

Once the ice is removed and there are no obstructions. Be sure the area is clean and the ice maker is in place. Shut the refrigerator door and test the ice maker.

Ice Dispenser Not Dispensing

See if the ice maker dispenser motor is running. If the motor is operational and the “chute” is free from any blockages, there may be an issue with the ice maker itself.

If everything is operational but the ice maker is NOT making ice cubes see below for what can cause this.

Ice Maker Not Making Ice?

  1. Frozen Water Line – Thaw frozen water line to let water flow.
  2. Water Filter Clogged – Remove and replace the water filter to allow water to ice maker.
  3. Water Filter Not Installed Properly – Reinstall water filter to fit flush and securely to housing.
  4. Ice Maker Faulty – Troubleshoot ice maker and repair or replace if necessary.

Refrigerator Water Filter Clogged Causing NO ICEA clogged water filter can cause “NO ICE”

Troubleshoot The Ice Maker

Some ice makers have an ejector arm. Inspect the ice maker to be sure this part is operational. This small ejector arm can get stuck and can be fixed by unjamming it. The ejector arm can also become damaged and will need to be replaced. The small parts on an ice maker can be removed and replaced, however a complete ice maker is relatively cheap nowadays. So compare pricing between a complete ice maker assembly and the small parts that can be replaced.

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Ice Maker Replacement - Fits Many Refrigerators - UniversalBroken ice maker? Replace with new assembly

Ice Maker Ejector Arm Issue

Check that the ice is not jamming up on the ejector arm of the icemaker. If so remove the ice from the ejector arm. Use a plastic object to not damage the ice maker. This will likely resolve the issue. The cold water can sometimes freeze on the stripper and cause an ice bridge. This ice bridge will cause the harvest fingers to jam

Ice Maker Not Dumping Ice

If the ice maker itself is jammed. You can try and thaw it out. The ice maker may not be allowing the auger to dump ice. Unplug the refrigerator and carefully use a hair dryer to thaw it out. After thawed, plug back in and see if the ice maker will cycle.

There may be a part on the ice maker that is faulty. Check the connection of the ice maker. Are any parts bent or stuck? Check all parts on the ice maker. If you find it to be faulty, you will need to remove and replace the complete icemaker.

If your refrigerator is still under warranty, please refer to your GE, Whirlpool, Samsung, LG, Haier, Kenmore, Hotpoint, Sharp, Bosch, KitchenAid, Hamilton Beach, Frigidaire, Toshiba, or Panasonic refrigerator service manual or warranty manual.

Questions about ice jamming in your refrigerator? Leave your Refrigerator model number below and an explanation of your issue and we will get back to you with help. Other readers in the comment section may also participate in helping you with your issue.

RR Author

Allen Vetter - Appliance Repair Assistant

Allen is the author and creator of this website. He has years of experience with appliance repair, commercial food machinery maintenance, electrical, HVAC, plumbing, vehicle maintenance, and critical aviation related systems.

Why does my ice maker keep clogging up?

Inspect the water supply line every few months. Mineral deposits found in tap water can build up in your water line, eventually clogging the unit. If this water line becomes clogged, your ice maker will work harder than it needs to and is more susceptible to wearing out.

How do I stop my ice maker from clumping?

Always leave the ice maker on. The more ice is used, the less it will clump – if unused, even for a period of a few days, ice will fuse together as the freezer runs through defrost cycles. Empty, rinse, and dry the ice bin 1-2 times per month in order to remove the ice particles.

How do I prevent calcium build up in my ice maker?

There are a few ways to deal with hard water and prevent scale buildup in your ice maker; they include:.
Salt-Based Water Softeners. As the name suggests, salt-based water softeners use salt to reduce the levels of minerals in the water supply. ... .
Salt-Free Water Softeners. ... .
Phosphate Filters..

Can I run white vinegar through my ice maker?

If you don't have affresh® ice machine cleaner at home, cleaning your ice machine with vinegar is another option. Make a mix of 10 parts water to one part distilled white vinegar and pour this into the water reservoir.