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.
- ⚖️ Countertop vs undercounter ice makers
- 👍 Are portable ice makers worth it?
- ⚡ How much electricity does an ice maker use?
- 💧 Does an ice maker use a lot of water?
- 🪣 Do ice makers need to be drained?
- 🚫 Can ice makers cause water damage?
- 🚰 Do ice makers need water lines?
- 🔊 Are countertop ice makers loud?
- 😭 Do ice makers make a lot of noise?
- 🔗 Are countertop ice makers safe?
- ⛺ Can ice makers be used outdoors?
- 🔌 Can ice makers be left running all the time?
- 🚗 Can ice makers be used in RV?
- 🗄️ Can ice makers be installed in cabinets?
- ❄️ Do portable ice makers keep ice frozen?
- 🛠️ Can ice makers be used in garages?
- 📄 Do ice makers store ice?
- 💡 How does ice maker work?
- 🎰 How does a commercial ice maker work?
- 🛠️ How to install an undercounter ice maker?
- ❄️ How to make clear ice in ice maker?
- 🪣 How to increase ice production in ice maker?
- ⏳ How long does an ice maker take to make ice?
- 🔗 When to replace ice maker filter?
- ⏱️ When to replace ice maker?
- 💡 How to clean ice maker?
- 😭 Why does my ice maker smell bad?
- 🫗 How to drain an ice maker?
- 🪣 How to unclog an ice maker?
- 🔗 How do I unstick my ice maker arm?
- 💧 How to fix ice maker leaking water?
- ❄️ Why is my portable ice maker making too much ice?
- 🥵 Why is my ice maker hot?
- 🔌 What happens if you don’t turn off the ice maker?
Ice Artisan‘s best picks
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.
