Your Ice Maker Making Ice But Not Dumping? (6 Reasons!)

Is your refrigerator’s ice maker producing ice but not dispensing it? If so, you may be unsure about what steps to take, and this can be frustrating when you’re unable to use the ice cubes in your favorite beverage.

There are several reasons why your ice maker might be experiencing this issue. It could be due to the active child lock, ice clumping, insufficient or oversized ice cubes, a software glitch, or a malfunctioning defrost function. When it comes to ice clumping, there are several components you should check, including the auger, ice bin, raker, ice chute, ice-bucket opening, and ejector’s arm.

By identifying these six potential issues, you can determine the problem with your ice maker or refrigerator and attempt to troubleshoot it. In many cases, you don’t necessarily need the expertise of a refrigerator technician, as it’s often possible to fix the problem yourself.

This guide will provide you with the necessary steps to resolve the issue of a non-dumping ice maker, regardless of the specific model of your fridge. We will also explore solutions for popular brands such as Samsung, Whirlpool, LG, and GE. So, let’s dive in and get started!

Quick Troubleshooting Guide

Probable Cause	Fix
1. Dirty/Dusty Condenser Coils	Use an effective condenser cleaning brush to clean the dirty/dusty condenser coils
2. Food Overstuffing	Avoid overfilling the fridge to ensure proper air circulation
3. Frosted Evaporator Fan	Test the evaporator fan with a multimeter and replace if it fails
4. Leaky Door	Close the fridge door properly, and if the gasket is worn out or loose, replace it
5. Obstructed or Faulty Condenser Fan Motor	Remove any obstructions around the condenser fan motor and replace if faulty
6. Defective Temperature Control Thermostat	Replace the temperature control thermostat if it fails the multimeter continuity test
7. Defective Start Capacitor	Replace the start capacitor if it fails the multimeter continuity test
8. Faulty Thermistor	Test the thermistor with a multimeter and replace if it shows no continuity
9. Faulty Compressor	Replace the compressor if it’s faulty
10. Malfunctioning Temperature Control Board	Replace the temperature control board with the help of an expert
11. Failed Main Control Board	Replace the main control board if no other parts are faulty

Why Isn’t My Refrigerator Dispensing Ice? 

There are six common reasons why your refrigerator is producing ice but not dispensing it:

Active Child Lock

The ice maker may be running and producing ice, but the child lock feature prevents the ice dispenser from ejecting the ice. Make sure to turn off the child lock to enable ice dispensing.

Solution: Disable the child lock by pressing the switch for a few seconds. Refer to your refrigerator’s manual for specific instructions if needed.

Ice Clumping

Ice clumping can occur in various parts involved in the ice dispensing process, such as the auger, ice bin, raker, ice chute, and ejector’s arm. When these parts become obstructed by ice, the ice won’t eject.

Solution: Inspect these parts for ice clumps and remove them manually. Use a wooden or plastic scraper to avoid damaging the refrigerator. If manual removal doesn’t work, defrost the refrigerator according to the manual.

Insufficient Ice

If the ice maker isn’t producing enough ice, it won’t be able to dispense it.

Solution: Wait for up to 24 hours for the ice maker to produce enough ice for dispensing. Check for any blockages in the water line and ensure the freezer door is closing properly. Also, make sure the freezer temperature is below 19°F and check the fan for any defects.

Larger Ice Cubes

If the ice cubes are too large, they may get stuck and not eject properly.

Solution: Adjust the ice cube size to ensure they are small enough to be dispensed. Consult your refrigerator’s manual for instructions on how to adjust the ice cube size.

Software Glitch

Powering off the ice maker or experiencing a power failure can sometimes cause a software glitch, which can affect ice dispensing.

Solution: Try resetting the ice maker by unplugging the refrigerator for 5-10 minutes. You can also look for a reset button on the ice maker or follow the manufacturer’s recommended procedure in the manual.

Failed Defrost Function

A malfunctioning defrost system can lead to ice clumping and prevent ice from being dispensed.

Solution: Contact a professional refrigerator technician to inspect and fix any issues with the defrost system.

Different Ice Makers

Samsung Ice Makers

If your Samsung ice maker is producing ice but not dispensing it, several issues could be causing this problem. One possible cause is the Child Lock feature, which can lock the dispenser. Another potential issue is ice clumping in the auger, ice bin, raker, ice chute, or ejector’s arm.

If the Child Lock is activated, disable it and manually remove or scrape off any clumped ice. If none of these issues are present, it is possible that the defrost system has failed. In such cases, it is recommended to contact a professional technician who specializes in Samsung refrigerators.

Whirlpool Ice Makers

If your Whirlpool ice maker is not dumping the ice it produces, it is likely due to a jammed ice chute, ice tray, ejector arm, or auger. To resolve this, you can defrost the unit or manually remove the ice.

Additionally, check the size of the ice cubes as they may be too large to dispense. If necessary, consult the manual to adjust the ice cube size.

LG Ice Makers

If the ice maker in your LG refrigerator is not ejecting ice, first check if the Child Lock is activated and disable it if necessary.

Furthermore, if the auger is jammed with ice, you may notice a noisy motor when it runs. In such cases, turn off the unit and either scrape off the ice or defrost the unit.

GE Ice Makers

For a GE ice maker that fails to eject ice, there are a couple of potential causes. One possibility is a freezer door that is not closing properly. Make sure to check and ensure that the door is fully closed. If the door seal is dirty, clean it, and if it appears damaged, consider replacing it.

Additionally, examine the ice chute, ice bin, and ejector arm for any ice obstructions. If present, remove the obstruction or defrost the unit.

FAQs

Why isn’t my ice maker dumping the ice? 

There are several possible reasons why your ice maker is producing ice but not dispensing it. These include ice clumping in the bin, chute, or around the auger, ejector’s arm, or raker. Other potential causes include an active child lock, a failing defrost system, or insufficient or oversized ice cubes.

Why is my Frigidaire ice maker not dumping ice? 

If your Frigidaire ice maker is not dumping ice, it could be because the display is locked. Try unlocking the display. If that’s not the issue, check for ice clogs or clumping in the auger, ice bin, or ice dispenser. If clumping is present, manually remove or scrape off the ice or defrost the fridge.

How often should the ice maker dump ice? 

Typically, it takes up to 24 hours for the ice maker to produce up to 3 lbs. of ice. However, if there are issues that hinder sufficient water flow to the ice maker, it may take longer.

Conclusion

The six reasons for an ice maker not dumping ice have been outlined. Remember to disable the Child Lock, remove any ice clumps, ensure sufficient ice production, and proper ice cube size.

Resetting the ice maker may also help, but if none of these solutions work, it is advisable to seek professional assistance to check the defrost system.