How to replace a Frigidaire refrigerator dispenser auger motor

Replacing the dispenser auger motor in a Frigidaire or Electrolux refrigerator is a straightforward repair that can restore normal ice dispensing when the original motor fails. This article will provide a step-by-step guide to replacing the dispenser auger motor (241816602), allowing you to fix the issue yourself without calling a technician.

The information in this article may not apply to your specific appliance model. We recommend consulting your manufacturer’s documentation or contact us with any questions.

Materials needed

Before beginning this repair, you’ll need to gather the necessary tools and replacement parts:

• Square #2 screwdriver
• 1⁄4 inch nut driver
• Side cutters
• Penetrating oil spray
• Chisel and plastic mallet
• Replacement dispenser auger motor 241816602

Safety precautions   

Safety should always be a priority when working on any appliance. Here are a few practical tips to help you stay safe:

• Turn off the power to the appliance by unplugging it or switching off the circuit breaker before starting any maintenance or repairs. This protects you from the risk of electric shock.
• Wear insulated gloves to shield your hands from sharp edges, pinching hazards, or debris.
• Work at a steady pace and take your time to avoid accidents or injuries.
• Make sure your workspace is well-lit so you can clearly see and access the parts you’re working on.
• Keep the area clear of clutter, and ensure children and pets stay out of the workspace.
• Never handle internal parts with wet hands. Check that both your hands and the work area are completely dry.
• Refer to your appliance’s user manual for any specific instructions or safety guidelines related to the part or repair.
• Handle parts gently to avoid damage to the appliance or potential injuries from applying too much force.
• Use safety glasses when dealing with chemicals, dust, or large debris to protect your eyes from harm.
• If the appliance was recently used, give it enough time to cool down before working on any heated components.
• Take photos or notes of wiring connections and terminals before disconnecting anything to make reassembly easier.
• Avoid touching exposed wires or terminals. If you must handle wires, use non-conductive tools or wear insulated gloves to minimize the risk of electrical shock.

Step-by-step instructions

Follow these steps to replace the dispenser auger motor:

Remove the ice bin and front cover

1. Open both French doors on the refrigerator.
2. Pull out the ice container to remove it.
3. Remove the front cover by taking out the two screws holding it in place – one at the top and one at the bottom. Use a #2 square screwdriver for this.
4. After removing the screws, take off the front cover.
5. Remove the bottom panel by sliding it downwards.

Disconnecting and removing the ice maker

1. Remove the single 1/4-inch screw holding the ice maker housing in place using a 1/4-inch nut driver.
2. Press down on the locking tabs and disconnect the two wire plugs from the ice maker.
3. Slide the ice maker assembly forward to remove it.
4. Clip the two zip ties holding the wire harness with side cutters.
5. Lift the harness up and slide out the ice maker assembly.

Removing the outer housing

1. Use a 1/4-inch nut driver to remove the three screws holding the ice maker container’s outer housing in place.
2. Slide the housing outwards and feed the plugs through the opening.
3. Fully remove the outer housing.

Detaching the auger drive bar

1. Spray penetrating oil on the auger drive bar shaft to help loosen it.
2. Use a chisel and plastic mallet to turn the drive bar clockwise, breaking it free from the shaft.
3. Once loose, finish unscrewing the drive bar fully by hand.

Disconnecting and removing the motor housing

1. Remove the three 1⁄4 inch screws holding the motor housing in place with a nut driver.
2. Disconnect the wire harness plug at the back before fully removing the housing.
3. Squeeze the side locking tabs on the plug to disconnect it.

Removing the old motor and installing the new one

1. Remove the three screws holding the old auger motor in place with a 1/4-inch nut driver.
2. Disconnect the wire terminals from the old motor.
3. Remove the ground screw as well.
4. Install the ground screw on the new motor using the same screw.
5. Attach the two wire terminals to the new motor.
6. Install the new motor using the three screws.

Reattaching the motor housing

1. Feed the wire harness through the opening when reinstalling the motor housing.
2. Push the housing fully into place.
3. Reinstall the three 1/4-inch screws.

Reinstalling the auger drive bar

1. Place the auger drive bar back onto the shaft and turn it counterclockwise.
2. Use the chisel and mallet to further tighten it by rotating counterclockwise.

Replacing the outer housing

1. Feed the wire harness into the outer housing before installing it.
2. Insert the two plugs into the cutouts.
3. Push the housing fully into place.
4. Replace the three 1/4-inch screws.

Reinstalling the ice maker

1. Place the wire harness into the groove at the back corner.
2. Lift up the ice maker assembly and connect the plugs, making sure they lock in place.
3. Slide the assembly back onto the mounting pins.
4. Reconnect the two-wire plugs, again making sure they lock.

Replacing covers and ice bin

1. Slide the front cover tabs into place above the ice maker.
2. Feed the harness into the cover before replacing the single screw.
3. Slide the bottom panel back into place.
4. Push the ice bin fully back into the compartment.

More information

If you need any replacement parts for your appliances, you can enter your model number at AppliancePartsPros.com to locate and order them quickly. Most orders arrive in just two business days, and we have tons of great information in our repair help section and YouTube videos to help you troubleshoot.

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