How do you fix a stuck ice maker arm?

Author: Kendall Hand  |  Last update: Thursday, February 19, 2026

Ice Maker Arm Troubleshooting
  1. If the arm is locked in the "up" position, firmly press down on the arm to lower it. ...
  2. Confirm the ice maker is turned on at the control panel. ...
  3. If the ice maker control arm is stuck in the "up" position and there is ice in the ice maker, defrost the freezer.

How do I get my ice maker unstuck?

If your ice maker arm is sticking, you can use a hair dryer and thaw out the ice maker to make sure it's clear and not jammed by ice in the head or anything like that. Then wait 24 hours to see if the ice maker will cycle and move the arm on it's own. Other than that, the ice maker would just need to be replaced.

Why is the arm stuck in the up position on my Bosch ice maker?

Control/Shutoff Arm is Not Engaged: The ice maker control arm senses the amount of ice in the ice bin. Once the bin is full, the arm is pushed upwards to turn off the ice maker. The arm may become stuck in this position. Simply, lower the arm to to continue producing ice.

What position should the ice maker arm be in?

To turn ON the icemaker, lower the feeler arm to the ON (down) position. To turn OFF the icemaker, raise the feeler arm to the STOP (up) position.

How do I unstick my ice maker arm?

Ice Maker Arm Troubleshooting
  1. If the arm is locked in the "up" position, firmly press down on the arm to lower it. ...
  2. Confirm the ice maker is turned on at the control panel. ...
  3. If the ice maker control arm is stuck in the "up" position and there is ice in the ice maker, defrost the freezer.

How To: Whirlpool/KitchenAid/Maytag Icemaker Shut Off Arm WP67004028

How to fix an ice maker not making ice?

Troubleshooting Your Ice Maker
  1. ​1. Check the Temperature Settings. ...
  2. Clogged Water Filter. If the water filter in your refrigerator is not changed regularly, this can stop water flow. ...
  3. Frozen Water Supply Tube. ...
  4. ​Turn the switch on and off. ...
  5. Check the Water Supply Line. ...
  6. Faulty Door Switch. ...
  7. After Market Filters.

How do you fix an ice maker that freezes up?

Here are ways to fix your ice machine when it freezes up:
  1. Fix the Jam.
  2. Reduce the amount of Scale in your machine.
  3. Empty your Bins.
  4. Fix your Bin control.
  5. Ensure that your water lines are not freezing.
  6. Make sure your water filter is intact.

Does unplugging a refrigerator reset the ice maker?

If you don't hear a chime, but you can see movement from the ice maker, then the ice maker was reset. If you don't hear a chime and there is no movement from the ice maker, unplug the fridge or turn it off at the circuit breaker for 2 minutes. Then, power it back up and try again.

Why is my ice maker not releasing?

If your ice maker is not dropping ice, it could be that there's a blockage in the ice tray, or an ice cube is jammed between the bin and the lever. If this happens, here are some things you can do: Double-check that the lever is pushed down and/or the ice maker is switched on.

Why does my ice maker keep jamming up?

Most ice makers have a raking mechanism to disperse newly created cubes evenly across the storage bin. The raker bar may have ice caught in it, causing it to jam. To fix this, clear off ice cubes from the raker bar by hand. Remove some ice from the storage bin if it ever starts getting too full.

Where is the reset button on my ice maker?

This will be located at the bottom of the ice maker unit in most models, but in some, it is at the bottom of the ice tray itself. Press the button down until you hear a beep sound. It will require a few seconds of holding it down before it beeps. Your refrigerator ice maker is now reset!

How does the ice maker feeler arm work?

Feeler Arm - Sensing cubes: Before the cubes are ejected, the shut-off arm lifts up (or pulls in). After the cubes are ejected, the arm drops down again (or pushes out) to sense the ice.

Why would an ice maker stop making ice?

Your freezer temperature could be too high, the water inlet valve may not be functioning correctly, your home water pressure may be low, the refrigerator's water filter may be clogged, or the ice maker may need to be replaced.

How long do I unplug my fridge to reset it?

Reset your refrigerator: First, unplug it (or turn off the power at the circuit breaker), and then wait about five minutes for the electrical charge to clear out of it. Then, power it back on again.

How do you unstick a frozen ice maker?

Use a Hair Dryer: If the ice maker is particularly stubborn or frozen solid, you can use a hair dryer to help thaw out the blockage. Set the hair dryer to a low heat setting and hold it a few inches away from the ice maker components. Move the hair dryer back and forth to evenly distribute the heat and melt the ice.

How do I do a hard reset on my refrigerator?

Unplug your refrigerator

Disconnect your fridge from its power source by removing the power cord from the wall outlet. You may hear some whooshing or knocking noises after you do so; that's normal. Make sure your fridge stays unplugged for several minutes, otherwise the reset won't work.

Should I unplug my ice maker when not in use?

A: Only if you want to wake up to a puddle. The machine is designed to remain on at all times.

How do I get my ice maker to work again?

How to Get Your Ice Maker to Start Making Ice Again
  1. Break or Melt Ice Clogs. ...
  2. Lower the Control Arm. ...
  3. Change the Water Filter. ...
  4. Turn The Ice Maker Off and On Again. ...
  5. Reset the Ice Maker Settings. ...
  6. Rinse Out the Ice Molds. ...
  7. Secure Electrical Connections. ...
  8. Secure Plumbing Connections.

What causes short freeze on ice machine?

Normally water only contacts the sensor when the ice is at the proper size. However, irregular water flow can cause premature contact resulting in a short freeze cycle, small bridge, long harvest and even a shut down on short freeze (code 8).

How to get air out of an ice maker line?

Ice makers typically have their own electrically-actuated valves. The system may need to cycle a few times to purge the air. There may also be a manual purge process, depending on the model. See if you can find your owner's manual online by model number.

Why does my ice maker freeze up?

An ice maker freeze up happens when too much water is spread in and around your ice maker and freezes, resulting in damage to vital components. Luckily, there are warning signs and ways to identify when an ice maker freezes up.

Why does my water work but not my ice maker?

The ice maker or dispenser could be jammed or broken, a dirty water filter or kinked water line could be blocking water flow or the water inlet valve could be clogged or faulty.

How do I know if my water line is clogged with an ice maker?

If your ice maker isn't producing ice at all or is producing crescents or cubes that are smaller than usual, it's typically indicative of a clog somewhere along the supply line. Cause: A common cause for a clog is frozen water in the line. Fix: To repair a frozen line, slide the refrigerator and unplug it.

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