My Frigidaire's Ice-Maker Arm Is Stuck

The ice maker in a Frigidaire freezer automatically shuts off after it produces enough ice. However, the ice maker arm sometimes sticks when obstructed with pieces of ice or debris. When the arm sticks, the ice maker either continues producing ice after the bin reaches its full capacity or fails to produce any ice at all. Troubleshooting the stuck arm yourself saves both time and repair bills.

Switch Turned Off

When the Frigidaire ice maker arm seems stuck, sometimes the problem is actually that the switch is in the "off" position. Depending on the model, the switch is typically located either on the ice maker's side or in the back of the unit. Look at the ice maker switch and determine if it is turned to the "on" or "off" position. If the ice maker is off, flip the switch to turn it back on. If it is already on, however, then the arm actually is stuck.

Blocked Arm

When you jam items in the freezer or place them near the ice maker, they sometimes block the normal movement of the ice maker arm. The items hold the arm in place, preventing its normal function as ice is produced. Turn the ice maker off, then move all items away from the arm. If you do not notice any items blocking the ice arm, inspect the ice cubes in the tray carefully. Ice cubes sometimes freeze over the arm, causing it to stick; loosen the stuck ice with warm water.

Ice Container Issues

The ice maker arm sometimes sticks when the ice bin contains large chunks of ice that have melted and refrozen. When the ice melts, it may freeze around certain ice maker parts. Turn the ice maker off before removing it, then slide the bin out of the freezer and let the ice completely melt. Pour the melted ice down the sink drain and wash the container with warm, soapy water. Before replacing the ice bin, inspect the freezer for any loose pieces of ice. Thoroughly dry the ice maker with a towel and replace the ice bin into the freezer. Turn the ice maker back on so it produces new ice.

Considerations

As Frigidaire models may vary, always read your refrigerator’s instruction manual before attempting to fix a stuck ice maker arm. Specific Frigidaire models may have important differences from other models. Never break ice that is stuck to the ice maker apart with an ice pick or other sharp object. Never rotate the auger inside the ice maker while attempting to fix a stuck arm as this may prevent the freezer from producing ice. Do not clean the ice bin or freezer with abrasive cleaners, bleaches or concentrated cleaners.