amana icemaker problem

[Flip Johnson]

Hello,

I have a bottom freezer amana, 1.5 years old. Since we've had the unit, occasionally I have noticed a creaking noise coming from the icemaker. It only happened a few times, but almost sounded like the gear was trying to turn but for whatever reason couldn't eject the frozen ice. Eventually, it would drop and everything was fine. This creaking would go on for an hour or two at a time but it would only happen here and there (maybe once a month).

Over the last few weeks, we've noticed that the cycle was taking longer and longer. The cubes seem to be the same size they always were. Now, it doesn't seem to want to drop at all.

One thing I have noticed, if I "monkey around" inside the freezer for a while with the door open and then close it, the ice will drop, fill and go on it's merry way.

Any thoughts ? I'm thinking something to do with the heating element ?

Thank you.

[frytech]

My best guess would be that the harvest element in the bottom of it is not working for whatever reason. The element comes on at harvest time to slightly melt the ice off the bottom so it can slide out easier., if that's the case, all you can do is replace it, the element is most likely formed into the bottom of the ice maker.

[Dan O.]

The longer periods between harvests when they were happening could be caused by improper freezer temperature. I suggest you check to make sure your fridge's condenser (under the fridge) is not plugged with dust and pet hairs, etc. hampering cooling.

I agree that the ice mold heater may not be coming on properly to release the ice and the "creaking" you hear is likely the strain put on the ejecting fingers or components in the icemaker head. That likely has nothing to do with the refrigerator's temperatures.

I don't know what is actually the cause of the icemaker problem but on many of the newer 'modular' icemakers which are being used, very few parts are available separately even if you could track the actual cause down. Often replacing the whole icemaker is cheaper than purchasing any of the parts which are available for these like the icemaker head or ice mold.

JMO

Dan O.

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[Dave Harnish]

Hi Flip,

I'd suspect the motor assy, which requires module replacement - assuming yu have the newer, modular style.

These motors will often squeak, or 'creak', when they're wearing out. Not necessary to buy the module from Amana. If it's indeed a modular, the Whirlpool 628366 fits nearly all of 'em, and they're not at all hard to replace. If you can use a screwdriver, you can do it. Most modules can be replaced without removing the icemaker, unlkess yours is a 'sidewinder' (mounted sideways in the freezer).

We talked about this in my Dec/02 newsletter, under the heading 'Feed your baby, fix your icemaker (huh?)', located here:

You can ID which one you have in that article from the pics of the two styles.

One caveat: like so many other things, it's getting cheaper to replace icemaker ass'ys rather than repairing them these days, so you'll want to price it both ways. If I can be of any more help, let me know your model number, and I'll see what I can do. I have the modules in stock if that's what we figure it needs. But the model and 'p' numbers are necessary to 'prove' it.

Hope that's of some help.