How do I fix the ice dispensor in my refridgerator?

Question

It's a Frigedaire brand about 3 years old. The ice dispensor on the door suddenly stopped working but it still will dispense water.

I forgot to mention, the motor is what failed. Before you could hear it turning when dispensing the ice now you can't hear nothing at all. I guess what I really need to know is if this is a part I can get without having to be a vendor.

Answer 1

Allot times it's just Ice Jam. if that is case all you need to do is take an ice pick or such and try to break the ice up. If that doesn't work I would try to thaw it out (Sometimes they literally just freeze up.) If neither of those work I would run through the steps as follows

-Freezer may not be cold enough.
Temperature must be 5 F. or colder to work properly.

-Water supply valve may be blocked or restricted.
Supply valve must have a 1/4" opening for water to fully supply ice maker. Many self-piercing valves do not have this big of an opening. Replace water supply valve with one that has a 1/4" opening.

-Water supply valve may not be open.
Find and open the supply valve.

-Wire signal arm on ice maker is in the up position.
This position shuts off the ice maker. Pull wire arm (bail arm) down to start ice making.

when all else fails you can look around town for spare parts ( If not under warranty) or go to http://www.frigidaire.com/saveacall/Save-A-Call_files/frame.htm
And you can call them
Find an Authorized Service Provider
800-374-4432 M-F 9:00am - 5:30pm

Answer 2

First things first.
Remove the entire ice dispenser. Set it on the counter. Close the freezer door. NOW activate the ice dispenser. If you now hear a motor turning, albeit rather quietly, the motor is ok. With this in mind, remove and save the good ice cubes, then place the ice dispenser in the sink, run hot water in the cavity, and remove the ice obstruction. Be prepared to find ice hidden in odd places.
However, if you do NOT hear a motor turning inside the freezer section, you are correct: the motor is bad and will have to be replaced. Naturally any parts house will gladly sell you a part. Just make sure you present them with the full model number.
Lastly, this is a job you should be able to do with the refrigerator plugged in, but turn the thermostat to 'off' so you won't freeze your hands while working.

Answer 3

There could be a bad switch at the dispenser lever or the auger in the ice bin could be frozen or jambed with ice preventing it from turning. It is very rare that the auger motor goes bad.

Answer 4

Check the filter