How do I unstick my ice maker arm? It’s the question of many business owners (sometime homeowners) who’re angry when their ice makers suddenly stop working. Chance is you have a stuck ice maker arm, which occurs when the mechanical lever becomes frozen, thus preventing the ice maker from producing more ice. Sadly, the problem is only for the undercounter ice makers, which cost a fortune to have.
The issue might be from various reasons including ice buildup or mechanical wear. Don’t worry, the ice maker is an easier-to-approach appliance than a refrigerator. To get your ice maker unstuck, you just need to identify whether the problem is from ice buildup or mechanical malfunction.
Today, my article will help you know how to fix a jammed ice maker. I also recommend you read my article of “How to fix ice maker not making ice?”, which is for a different problem that requires different solution. Make sure you don’t mistake our today problem with another.
I’ve made a comprehensive “Ice Maker FAQ” series collecting all common ice maker problems to help Ice Artisan readers quickly troubleshoot their ice maker units.
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How do I unstick my ice maker arm?
Many undercounter ice makers feature either a plastic or metal control arm that extends into the ice storage area. The mechanical bin control uses this arm that hangs off the bottom of the ice maker inside the ice storage bin. When ice builds up to a certain level, it lifts or pushes against this arm, triggering a switch that stops the ice-making cycle.
The arm in your ice maker can be stuck for several reasons. Ice buildup is the most common culprit, with frozen water binding the arm in place. Mechanical issues such as a bent or damaged arm, debris in the mechanism, or improper positioning can also prevent normal movement. Sometimes, the arm gets accidentally pushed into the “off” position during cleaning or when removing ice.
Step-by-step guide to unstick ice maker arm
- Identify the problem: Before attempting any fixes, examine the arm to understand what’s causing the problem. Look for visible ice buildup, exotic objects, or obvious mechanical issues.
- Power off: Always turn off the ice maker before attempting any repairs. For undercounter ice makers, you need to disconnect the power entirely. Why? Ice makers can cause water damage, that’s why.
- Gentle manual adjustment: If the arm appears to be in the wrong position, try gently moving it to the correct “down” position. Never force the movement – if you feel resistance, stop immediately to prevent damage.
- Remove ice buildup: For arms frozen in place, carefully clear any ice around the mechanism using a hair dryer and your fingers. Metal tools may scratch or damage delicate components.
- Reset the mechanism: Many modern ice makers include a reset function. Locate the reset button (usually behind a small panel near the ice maker) and press it for 5-10 seconds after turning it back on.
How to avoid my ice maker being stuck again?
The best way to avoid your ice maker being stuck again is know how to clean ice maker. Proper cleaning can eliminate all possible culprit to jam your undercounter ice maker. Regular cleaning also help you know how to unclog your ice maker, which is another possibility making your ice maker not working correctly.
Use your ice maker consistently. Surprisingly, infrequent use allows ice to melt slightly and refreeze, creating clumps that can jam the mechanism. If you rarely need ice, consider turning off the ice maker when not in use rather than letting ice sit unused for extended periods.
When to call professional help?
If gentle troubleshooting doesn’t resolve the issue, or if you notice damaged arm in your undercounter ice maker, it’s time to call one of my fellow professionals. Attempting complex repairs without proper knowledge can result in more serious damage, and at that point, you can only replace the ice maker.
Most stuck ice maker arms can be resolved with my guide, helping you fix the jammed ice maker. It is just an easy fix, and I wish you success.
