How to Bypass an Ice Maker Sensor

Ice makers, whether integral to a refrigerator freezer or as a stand-alone unit, use sensors to trigger the start and cessation of the ice-making process. This allows for the reserve bin to stay full with ice but not overfill. Depending on the make, model and age of your ice maker, the sensor mechanism design varies. On older models, the sensor is typically a thin metal feeler arm that resembles a length of wire hanger or a flat plastic paddle. Newer models often forgo the feeler arm and instead use an optical sensor for this purpose. All manufacturers provide a method to bypass the sensor so that ice making can be paused when it is either not wanted or not needed.

Instructions

1. • 1

     Bypass a door-mounted ice-dispensing unit by turning off the sensor at the door control. Press the "Lock" or "Off" button on the exterior panel to disable the release sensor.

   • 2

     Disable the ice-production-and-release optical sensor that's located inside the freezer compartment by flipping the ice-maker control switch to the "Off" position.

   • 3

     Position the wire feeler arm or plastic paddle in the "Up" or "Off" position to bypass the ice-making sensor and prevent ice from being produced.