Imagine sitting in your living room on a warm, sunny day and discovering that your ice maker is not functioning properly.
The Kenmore ice makers are one of the best in the country, but they are not immune to damage.
Various factors can cause this damage and even lead to your icemaker crashing. These factors include malfunctioning water lines, the inability of the icemaker to dump ice, etc.
Your Kenmore icemaker not being able to dump ice is one of the numerous reasons your icemaker could crash.
Your Kenmore icemaker is not dumping ice because the ice is stuck inside. There are several ways your ice could remain stuck in the ice maker. Your ice bin could develop ice clumps, or ice cubes may have jammed in your ice mold tray.
This article will show you the different causes of your ice maker not dumping ice. I will enlighten you on how to apply it to get your ice maker functioning correctly again.
By the end of the article, you will understand why your icemaker is not dumping ice and what you should do to fix the issue.
Why is my Kenmore Icemaker Not Dumping Ice?
Your Kenmore icemaker is not dumping ice because ice is stuck inside the ice maker.
Here are the different ways ice can get stuck inside your ice maker:
#1. Ice Clumps
When ice cubes fuse and create obstructions, you can correctly assume they are clumping. Ice clumps occur for a variety of reasons.
First, ice clumps can occur when the ice bin is full. The bottom cubes will begin to fuse because of the pressure of the ice cubes on top.
Also, ice clumps can occur when the ice cubes absorb heat from the various freezer cycles, especially the defrost cycle.
#2. Jammed Ice Mold Tray
Your icemaker will be unable to dump ice when pieces of ice drop into the ice mold tray, obstructing the process. Once this happens, the obstruction will damage the ice mold tray.
#3. Ice Clogs
An ice clog occurs mainly when the ice loses its way and gets stuck in any part of the ice maker. You can find ice clogs in any part of your ice maker.
Thus, you need to conduct a thorough search to find these clogs. When you find these clogs, ensure you expose them to a lot of heat.
#4. Jammed Raker
The ice raker distills new cubes and sends them to the ice bin while keeping the old ones aside. When ice obstructs your raker, it will not be able to perform its function efficiently.
Note that only some ice makers have a raker. If your icemaker does not have a raker, you need not worry about this challenge.
#5. Damaged Motors and Gears
The internal hardware of a machine controls over 90 percent of that machine’s functions. Certain unfavorable conditions can cause damage to your icemaker’s gears and motors.
For instance, the auger motor is integral to the icemaker, but low temperatures could freeze the auger motor. You may notice this if you last used your icemaker a while ago.
Hence, you must always ensure you inspect your internal hardware and contact a licensed technician if you notice any issues.
How do you get a Kenmore Icemaker to Dump Ice?
You can get your Kenmore icemaker to dump ice by removing the ice cubes that have caused obstructions in the ice maker. This is the easiest way to fix up your Kenmore ice maker.
You can get your icemaker to dump ice by doing the following:
#1. Melting the Ice Mold Tray
You melt the ice mold tray by taking the following steps:
- Take off your bin from the ice maker.
- Place a towel under the ice maker.
- Soak the mold tray with water.
- Allow the icemaker to reset.
#2. Cleaning the Ice Bin
You clean the ice bin by doing the following:
- Remove the ice bin.
- Remove all the ice from the bin and store them properly in another container.
- Obtain a disinfectant to descale your ice bucket. You can purchase the Lime A Way Descaler for this.
- Using warm water, clean the ice bin thoroughly.
- Apply the disinfectant to the ice bin and leave it to rest for at least 20 minutes.
- Clean off any noticeable debris and rinse the ice bin accordingly.
- Apply more disinfectants to your ice bin before rinsing the bin properly.
- Sanitize the ice bin and leave it to dry. I recommend you purchase the Nu-Calgon 4211-34 sanitizer for this.
- Return your ice bin to its proper position.
- Restart your ice maker.
Alternatively, you can:
- Throw away the contents of your ice bin.
- Rinse your ice bin with warm water.
- Apply soap or detergent to your ice bin and wash thoroughly.
- Apply a bit of vinegar and continue washing.
- Rinse the ice bin
- Dry the ice bin properly.
- Return the ice bin to its proper position.
- Restart the ice maker.
#3. Replacing Internal Hardware Components
You need to replace some gears in your ice maker if you discover damage to the gears. To handle the replacement, contact a licensed technician.
#4. Clearing the Ice Chute
You can clear the ice chute by following these steps:
- Fold a towel and place it in the ice ejector space.
- Pour some warm water into the ice chute.
- Check your ice chute after some seconds to ensure the jams have melted away.
How Do I Force my Kenmore Icemaker to Cycle?
The easiest way to force your Kenmore ice maker to cycle is to switch it off and allow it to rest for about three to five minutes. However, this process only sometimes works.
If you have attempted this process and it is not working out, you do not need to fret. You can always choose to jump-start your ice maker instead.
To jump-start your ice maker, do the following:
- Remove the cover plate of the ice maker. I recommend you use the Craftsman screwdrivers. Purchase the Craftsman tool set here.
- You will find rotary gear inside the ice maker. Use your flat-head screwdriver to turn the gear anti-clockwise. Keep going until you hear a click.
Alternatively, you can do the following:
- Remove the cover plate of your ice maker.
- Get an insulated copper wire. You will need this if your rotary gear has a warning not to operate it manually.
- Attach the copper wires to the letter-shaped holes and insert them properly until you hear a click.
Here are some differences between resetting your icemaker and jump-starting your ice maker.
| Resetting the Icemaker | Jump Starting The Icemaker |
|---|---|
| Does not require you to tamper with the internal hardware components. | You need to access the internal hardware components, like the rotary gear. |
| You only need to disconnect the icemaker from the power source. | You will need your screwdrivers and copper wires. |
| You do not need a licensed technician for this. | You should get a licensed technician to assist. |
Final Thoughts
Your Kenmore icemaker is not dumping ice for one of the following reasons:
- Ice clumps in the ice maker.
- Excessive ice has jammed your ice mold tray.
- Damaged motors or gears.
- There are clogs in your ice maker.
- Ice has obstructed your ice maker.
Once you identify these issues, ensure that you work on resolving them immediately. Once you do this, reset your ice maker.
FAQ
#1. How Do I Remove Stuck Ice From My Icemaker
You can remove stuck ice from your icemaker by pouring warm water on the affected parts. This will allow the ice in question to melt, and soon enough, your ice maker will be free.
#2. Will Unplugging my Icemaker Reset the Icemaker?
Unplugging your icemaker will most certainly reset your ice maker. However, switch off your icemaker first, unplug it, and switch off the ice maker.
