Amana icemaker

[Charlie]

This is a bottom freezer fridge that is 10 years old.

The icemaker is not making ice although there is fresh ice in the tray. There is a creaking sound from the icemaker as if it is trying to run. It makes no difference if the arm is up or down. Looking in there appears to be some ice sticking out at the rear of the unit. That is it looks like a piece of ice was almost ejected but only got about half way out. it seems to be in there solidly.

What is the likely cause?

I am tempted to remove the icemaker and let it all thaw out and see if that resolves the problem or is this a symptom of a particular problem.

I am fairly handy, but this is my first experience with a balky icemaker and I need some guidance.

Charlie

[trader4]

The mechanism works by freezing water until a temp sensor detects that the ice in the maker is cold indicating it is frozen solid. That enables a heater that loosens up the ice for a brief period. Then the motor moves the paddles that push the ice out, then activate a solenoid that lets in water, and then the motor stops waiting for the ice to freeze again.

It sounds like it could be the ice is not being heated to loosen it up or the gears in the mechanism could be shot, etc.

[Charlie]

The mechanism works by freezing water until a temp sensor detects that the ice in the maker is cold indicating it is frozen solid. That enables a heater that loosens up the ice for a brief period. Then the motor moves the paddles that push the ice out, then activate a solenoid that lets in water, and then the motor stops waiting for the ice to freeze again.

It sounds like it could be the ice is not being heated to loosen it up or the gears in the mechanism could be shot, etc.

A quick follow on question. I am trying to get the cover off the front. Is this simply a friction fit or are there clips or release that I cannot see? I don't want to break anything by being to heavy-handed.

Charlie

[trader4]

Who knows. Depends on the specific unit. If you google for appliance parts, the online shops have pretty good exploded drawings of the fridges that will help show you how it's put together. Just enter the make and model.

[Edwin Pawlowski]

You may luck out and the thaw may fix it. If not, they run about $75 to $100 for a new one. You can see some information at

or

[jimmyDahGeek]

I have a Kenmore unit w/ an ice maker and it has stopped making ice a couple of times. To get it to work I move everything out of the freezer to the freezer downstairs and let it sit open for a while. A repairman once told me there is a valve and sometimes it drips a little instead of shutting off completely. When this happens the water in the line freezes and the ice maker stops working. Let it thaw out and see if that fixes your problem.

GoodLuck, JDG