My KitchenAid Ice Maker Is Overheating

Motor

• KitchenAid ice makers, like other ice makers, contain a motor different from the motor that runs the compression system. The motor controls the water valve, opening and closing it to control the level of water in the ice maker. The motor also controls the ice dispenser. In some cases, the motor also closes the dispenser door after a certain amount of time.

Overheating

• Several factors may cause the ice maker's motor to overheat. They include excessive use, pressing down on the ice maker's lever or arm for an extended period of time and an ice jam in the dispenser. Low or improper voltage caused by a refrigerator's insufficient wiring or hook-up can make the motor overheat, too, as can a broken or otherwise faulty motor.

Troubleshooting

• If the ice dispenser has an ice jam, then clearing it with a wooden spoon or other long wooden utensil can fix the problem. Usually an overheated motor needs to be reset in order to run properly. Some KitchenAid ice maker motors automatically reset after shutting themselves down when they overheat. Others have a trigger, such as a switch, or will reset if you hold the dispenser arm down for a predetermined amount of time. Check the instruction manual for your type and model of KitchenAid ice maker for specific instructions. If all else fails, unplug your the appliance for 10 seconds.

Continuing Problem

• If a KitchenAid ice maker's motor overheats after an ice jam was cleared and the appliance was reset, then it probably has a voltage, wiring or mechanical problem. That circumstance may call for a professional appliance repair technician to diagnose and solve the problem.