Testing the drive blade on a Frigidaire refrigerator not dispensing

If your Frigidaire refrigerator isn’t dispensing ice, the problem may be with the drive blade (also may be called a drive plate). This part is responsible for turning the ice container auger and delivering ice to the dispenser chute. 

Before you call for a repair technician, you can quickly test the part yourself to determine if it’s the source of the issue. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you’ll have the knowledge to troubleshoot the problem and get your refrigerator back up and running.

If you find out that you need a replacement part for your appliance, you can enter your model number at AppliancePartsPros.com to order them. Most orders arrive in just two business days, and we have thousands of free guides to show you how to install your new parts.

The testing information in this article is based on model number FRS6LF7FS4 and may not apply to your specific appliance model. We recommend consulting your manufacturer’s documentation or contact us with any questions.

Safety precautions

When working on any appliance, remember to keep safety first. Here are some tips to keep in mind: 

• Always power off and unplug your appliance or switch off the circuit breaker before attempting any maintenance or replacement work. This keeps you safe by preventing any risk of injury from electric shock.
• Wear insulated work gloves to protect your hands from sharp metal parts, pinching hazards and debris.
• Take your time and don’t rush while working to prevent accidents and personal injuries.
• Work in a well-lit area so you can clearly see and access the interior parts.
• Clear your workspace of clutter and other obstacles. Keep children and pets away from the work area.
• Never work on internal parts with bare wet hands. Make sure the work area is completely dry.
• Check your user manual to see if there are specific installation or safety instructions for your part or appliance. 
• Be gentle when handling or removing parts. Excessive force might damage the appliance or cause injury.
• Wear safety glasses when working with chemicals, dust or cleaning large debris to prevent injury. 
• If the appliance has recently been used, give it plenty of time for any heating parts to cool down before working on it. 
• Take pictures or make a note of wiring terminals or other connections before disconnecting to prevent any problems with reassembly.
• When working with wires, avoid touching any exposed wires or terminals. If you need to touch a wire, use a non-conductive tool or wear insulating gloves to prevent electrical shock.

Read more:  How to replace the drive blade in a Frigidaire refrigerator

Testing process

1. Access the drive blade by pulling out the ice bin and emptying the contents into a bag or container to avoid losing any ice.
2. Locate the drive blade on the backside of the drive drum. 
3. Visually inspect the drive blade to check for any signs of damage or bending.
4. Examine the drive blade hole to ensure it has not widened, which could allow the blade to shift on the auger.
5. If the drive blade appears damaged or deformed in any way, it will need to be replaced with a new one.
6. If the drive blade looks to be in good condition without any visible issues, it can be left in place.
7. Once you have confirmed the drive blade is in working order, put the ice back into the bin.
8. Slide the ice bin back into its proper position in the refrigerator.
9. Check that the refrigerator is now properly dispensing ice. 
10. If the issue persists, there may be another component that requires testing or replacement.

Read more:  How to replace the ice dispenser door in a Frigidaire refrigerator

Additional information

Thank you for reading! We hope this guide helped you get your Frigidaire refrigerator working again.

If you have any other appliance repair needs or projects, don’t hesitate to explore our other troubleshooting guides and videos. 

If you need replacement parts or some extra help with ordering them, grab your model number and head over to AppliancePartsPros.com, where you can chat with a pro, read our DIY blog and more.

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