How to replace an ice dispenser motor in a side-by-side refrigerator
This step-by-step DIY repair guide shows how to replace the ice dispenser motor in a side-by-side refrigerator. The dispenser motor is in the freezer door under the ice bucket and is controlled by a circuit board in the dispenser assembly. When you press the dispenser paddle or lever, the dispenser motor turns, pushing ice down the dispenser ice chute. If the refrigerator isn't dispensing ice because the motor doesn't rotate when activated, replace the ice dispenser motor with a manufacturer-approved replacement part.
This repair procedure is for Kenmore, Whirlpool and KitchenAid side-by-side refrigerators.
Instructions
- 01.
Disconnect the electrical power
Safely store any food that could deteriorate while the refrigerator is shut off, and then unplug the refrigerator or shut off the circuit breaker for the refrigerator.
- 02.
Remove the drip tray from the dispenser
Slide the bottom drip tray out until it stops at the locking tabs. Lift the back of the tray to free the lock. Slide the drip tray out.
PHOTO: Remove the drip tray.
- 03.
Pull out the dispenser housing
Remove the 2 screws at the back of the dispenser housing. To remove it, carefully pull on the bottom of the housing while lifting the top.
PHOTO: Remove the dispenser housing base screws.
PHOTO: Pull the dispenser housing out.
- 04.
Disconnect the wires
Release the locking tab and disconnect the wires from the back of the dispenser housing. Remove the dispenser housing.
Tip: If your model has a green ground wire, disconnect it.
PHOTO: Turn the dispenser housing around to access the wiring connections.
PHOTO: Disconnect the wires.
- 05.
Remove the screws from the dispenser motor
Lift the plastic flap that covers the dispenser motor and tape it out of the way. Remove the screws from the bracket that holds the dispenser motor in place.
PHOTO: Lift the plastic cover.
PHOTO: Remove the motor mounting screws.
- 06.
Remove the dispenser motor
Raise the metal auger shaft. Pull the motor out of the housing. Use a slot screwdriver to release the locking tab on the wire harness connection.
Pull the wire harness out of the receptacle on the dispenser motor. Remove the motor from the door.
Tip: If your replacement dispenser motor doesn't have a new mounting bracket, save the old one for reuse.
PHOTO: Raise the metal auger shaft.
PHOTO: Pull the motor out.
PHOTO: Disconnect the wire harness.
- 07.
Install the new dispenser motor
Plug the wire harness into the new dispenser motor. Lift the auger shaft and slide the motor into the housing. Drop the auger shaft into the new dispenser motor and secure the motor in the housing with the mounting screws.
Reposition the plastic flap.
- 08.
Reconnect the wire harness on the back of the dispenser housing
Reconnect the wire harness to the back of the dispenser housing. Push the dispenser housing into the door and secure it with the 2 mounting screws.
Tip: If your model has a green ground wire, reconnect it. - 09.
Restore electrical power
Push the drip tray into place and snap it into the locking tabs. Plug in the refrigerator or turn on the house circuit breaker to restore power.
Most common symptoms to help you fix your refrigerators
Choose a symptom to see related refrigerator repairs.
Main causes: damaged door seal, faulty defrost sensor or bi-metal thermostat, broken defrost heater, bad defrost timer o...
Main causes: control board or cold control failure, broken compressor start relay, compressor motor failure, defrost tim...
Main causes: blocked vents, defrost system problems, evaporator fan failure, dirty condenser coils, bad sensors, condens...
Main causes: leaky door gasket, defrost system failure, evaporator fan not running, dirty condenser coils, condenser fan...
Main causes: jammed ice cubes, broken ice maker assembly, dirty water filter, kinked water line, bad water valve, freeze...
Main causes: blocked air vents, compressor problems, condenser or evaporator fan not working, control system failure, se...
Main causes: water valve leaking, frozen or broken defrost drain tube, overflowing drain pan, cracked water system tubin...
Things to do: clean condenser coils, replace the water filter, clean the interior, adjust doors to prevent air leaks, cl...
Most common repair guides to help fix your refrigerators
These step-by-step repair guides will help you safely fix what’s broken on your refrigerator.
How to replace a refrigerator water valve
Replace the water valve that feeds water to the ice maker and water dispenser if it no longer controls the flow of water...
How to replace a refrigerator temperature control board
If the temperature in your refrigerator doesn't match the temperature you set, the problem could be the temperature cont...
How to clean refrigerator condenser coils
Help your refrigerator run more efficiently by cleaning the condenser coils. It's easy and takes just a few minutes....
Effective articles & videos to help repair your refrigerators
Use the advice and tips in these articles and videos to get the most out of your refrigerator.
No matter what style Maytag refrigerator you have, we can walk you through replacing the water filter....
Learn about all the convenient features on our Sears PartsDirect website that make your parts purchases easier....
If your refrigerator's ice maker isn't producing as much ice as it should, or water is flowing poorly from the dispenser...