How to replace the drive blade in a Frigidaire refrigerator

To take the best care of our household appliances, it’s important to deal with any issues quickly to keep them running smoothly. One problem you might encounter with your Frigidaire refrigerator is a faulty drive blade (also known as a drive plate).

The drive blade spins the auger so ice can be crushed and dispensed. If you’re having trouble getting ice or hearing strange noises from your Frigidaire fridge, it could be time to swap out the drive blade.

If you’re looking for a new drive blade or other parts for your Frigidaire refrigerator, you can use your model number to find what you’re looking for at AppliancePartsPros.com. We also have thousands of free DIY troubleshooting and repair guides to help you fix your fridge yourself.

Disclaimer: The part replacement information provided in this article is based on general service manuals and may not apply to your specific appliance model. While we strive to offer helpful advice for DIY appliance repairs, variations in models and configurations can lead to differences in troubleshooting steps, error codes and part replacements. For the most accurate guidance, we strongly recommend consulting the technical sheet for your specific appliance model.

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What you need

• Phillips head screwdriver
• 1/4-inch nut driver
• Replacement drive blade (make sure it’s compatible with your specific fridge model BEFORE installing!)

Disclaimer: The specific tools required may vary depending on the model of your appliance and the type of fasteners used on it. Always consult the user manual or refer to any specific instructions provided by the manufacturer for the recommended tools for your appliance model.

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Keep safety first

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 you attempt any maintenance or replacement work. This keeps you safe by preventing any risk of electric shock.
• Turn off the water supply at the outlet before beginning repairs. Keep towels ready to catch any residual water in the system when removing parts.
• If the appliance has recently been used, give it plenty of time to cool down before working on it.
• Take your time while working to prevent accidents and personal injuries. Rushing is the enemy of precision.
• Work in a well-lit area so you can clearly see and access appliance parts.
• Keep your workspace free of clutter and other obstacles. Keep children and pets away from the work area.
• Never work on internal parts with wet hands. Make sure the work area is completely dry.
• Check the user manual to see if there are specific installation or safety instructions related to your appliance or replacement part.
• Be gentle when handling or removing parts. Excessive force might damage the appliance or cause personal injury.
• Wear insulated work gloves to protect your hands from sharp metal parts and debris.
• Consider wearing safety glasses and/or a dust mask when working with chemicals, dust or a large amount of debris to prevent irritation or injury.

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How to replace the drive blade

Step 1 – Remove the rod

1. Turn off the fridge and unplug it from the power supply.
2. Remove the ice bin and empty any ice that’s in it. Set the ice bin on a towel.
3. Remove the 2 screws on the inside of the ice bin where the crusher assembly would be.
4. Lift the cover off the ice bin.
5. Remove the screw on the bottom of the bin where it holds the rod in place.

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Step 2 – Remove the crusher cover

1. Remove the 2 screws at the bottom of the bin that hold the auger and crusher assembly in place.
2. Remove the 2 screws that hold the plastic cover over the crusher.
3. Remove the E-Clip and washer from the front of the cover so you can pull the crusher cover off.

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Step 3 – Remove the old drive blade

1. Remove the nut off the front of the auger and carefully remove the crusher blades. Pay close attention to how they come off and place each one down in order so you can reinstall them correctly.
2. Slide the auger out of the opening and on the plate.
3. Remove the drum and drive blade.

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Step 4 – Install the new drive blade

1. Slide the drive blade back onto the auger and the drum.
2. Put the auger back in the bin and put the metal plate in place. Secure it with the screw in the bottom of the bin.
3. Reinstall each crusher blade back in the reverse order as you took them out.
4. Put the nut back on the front of the auger.
5. Reinstall the cover with the screws.
6. Put the washer and E-Clip back in place.
7. Put the rod on the back of the bin and screw it down.
8. Put the cover back on and secure it with the screws.
9. Put the ice back in the bin and slide the bin back in place.

Final steps

1. Plug the fridge back in.
2. Give the refrigerator a few moments to start up.
3. Test the ice dispenser and listen for any unusual noises. If there wasn’t any ice in the bin when you removed it earlier, you may have to wait a few hours for the bin to fill.

READ MORE: What Temperature Should A Refrigerator Be Set To?

More information

Thanks for reading! We hope this guide helped you replace the drive blade in your refrigerator.

If you still need some replacement parts, grab your model number and head over to AppliancePartsPros.com. We offer over two million parts and most orders arrive in two business days. If you need some help with finding the right part or placing an order, you can contact our team at 1 (877) 477-7278.

While you’re waiting for your new part to arrive, you can explore our DIY blog and watch thousands of video tutorials on our YouTube channel. We can also help you troubleshoot common fridge problems here.

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