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What Can Cause an Ice Maker to Stop Flipping Ice?

An icemaker inside a side-by-side refrigerator dispenses ice through the door. When the ice maker stops flipping ice, the appliance may need immediate attention. The issue may be as simple as melted ice, or as complicated as a stuck heater. Once you determine the problem, you can then decide if you need to call a service technician or can troubleshoot the appliance yourself.
  1. Ice Maker Arm

    • The ice maker feeler arm determines if the ice bucket is full. The arm remains in the down position for the ice maker to dispense ice. If the feeler arm becomes blocked or stuck, the ice maker will no longer flip the ice. Move the ice cubes around to make sure that they are not blocking the arm. Move the wire arm up and down manually to ensure that it can go from the on to off position. When the wire arm is in the up position, that means the ice maker is off. Move the wire arm down to turn the ice maker to the on position. If the arm does not move, there may be ice frozen around it. Melt the ice with a washcloth and hot water.

    Freezer Temperature

    • If the temperature inside the freezer is not accurate, the ice maker may not produce ice. The warm temperature prevents the ice cubes from cycling properly and they can melt inside the bin. Failure to keep the freezer three-fourths full can result in higher temperatures. The freezer needs the frozen food to help insulate the appliance to maintain the cold air. You can fill plastic jugs halfway full with water and freeze them to help keep the air cold inside the freezer. Opening the freezer door too frequently can also result in a higher temperature. Check the freezer settings and ensure that the temperature control remains at 0 degrees Fahrenheit.

    Stuck or Melted Ice Cubes

    • Ice cubes can become lodged inside the ice chute. This can happen if the ice melts or the ice cubes are irregularly shaped. Insert a long utensil into the ice chute to remove an stuck ice cubes. Remove the ice bin if you cannot find any stuck ice cubes. The ice may have melted in the bin, which can prevent the ice from flipping properly. Let the ice thaw completely and rinse the bin with warm water. Dry the ice bin thoroughly before you replace it.

    Tips

    • Before you fix the ice maker, always consult the owner’s manual to prevent any damage. The owner’s manual often has a troubleshooting section specific to the year and model of the appliance. Always unplug the appliance from the wall before doing any work on the appliance. Make sure your freezer door is shut all the way because the ice will not dispense if the door is slightly cracked. If your ice maker does not produce any new ice, the water supply may not be connected properly. Locate the water supply on the back of the refrigerator and make sure that it is not leaking.