Why is my ice maker only making crushed ice and not cubed?

Is your ice dispenser on your fridge only dispensing crushed ice, even on the cube setting?

There are a few common problems that could be causing this issue. Thankfully, you should be able to investigate, diagnose and repair your ice dispenser yourself.

Before you call a repair technician and pay for an expensive service appointment, there are several troubleshooting tips you can try to diagnose and fix an ice dispenser that’s only providing crushed ice.

If you find out that you need ice maker 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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Disclaimer: The troubleshooting 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 information, we strongly recommend consulting the technical sheet for your specific appliance model.

How does an ice dispenser work?

Ice moves through several components of the dispenser before it falls from the fridge and into your glass. Here’s an overview:

• Ice maker – This can be located in the freezer section, fresh food section, or on the door, depending on the model you have. Sensors detect when to harvest cubes into the storage bin.
• Ice bin – Catches and holds ice cubes from the ice maker, keeping them frozen and ready to dispense. This bin also houses the auger that is powered by the auger motor, which works to push the ice out of the bin to dispense it.
• Dispenser unit – An external part containing the ice chute, paddle/switch, and controls. This is typically mounted on the fridge door.
• Ice chute – Opening in the dispenser unit where ice travels out after being released to fall into a cup or container below.
• Actuator paddle – A paddle that triggers a switch that sends power to the auger motor, which turns the auger. This pushes the ice from the bucket to the module and down through the door into the glass.
• Dispenser control – This is the panel that allows you to choose crushed vs. cubed.  It could be part of a control module, which uses switches, or a user interface board.
• Water line – Brings pressurized household water into the fill tube that fills the ice mold.

When the paddle is activated by pressing a cup on it, a switch triggers the internal auger motor. This causes the auger to turn and push the ice to the module, where the unit opens the ice door. The ice can then be pushed through the chute into the glass.

During the cycle, a switch in the ice maker sends power to the water valve, which feeds water to the ice maker so it can keep producing ice.

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How to troubleshoot refrigerator ice dispenser issues

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Inspect the ice bucket

The bucket has an auger powered by the auger motor. A solenoid-controlled lever opens to let the ice fall around the crusher instead of going through it.

Some cubes may still pass through the crusher, resulting in a small amount of crushed ice, even with the cubed ice option selected.

1. Remove the ice bucket from the freezer.
2. Check for any ice clumps stuck together. Break apart any frozen chunks.
3. Check for any cracks or damage on the bucket.
4. Double-check that the ice maker is turned ON and producing ice.
5. Once inspected, reinstall the ice bucket. Press firmly to make sure it’s fully seated.

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Check for ice buildup in the dispenser chute

1. Remove any loose ice around the chute opening.
2. Feel inside the chute for any ice buildup or obstructions.
3. Use a plastic utensil to gently clear any jammed ice fragments.
4. Pour warm water through the dispenser chute opening to melt any built-up ice.
5. Dry the chute fully before reinstalling the ice bucket.

Test the dispenser’s operation

1. Remove the ice bucket.
2. Make sure there are no restrictions on ice movement in the chute.
3. Activate the dispenser lever/button.
4. Listen for the sounds of the motor and mechanisms engaging.
5. See if the actuator arm or flap inside the chute moves freely when changing from crushed to cubed ice settings. If there’s no movement or sound, the dispenser motor may be malfunctioning.

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More tips

• Make sure the water valve is operating correctly when the ice maker refills.
• Remove and fully thaw the ice maker to clear any ice chunks.
• Check for mineral buildup or scale on ice maker parts and clean as needed. Be sure to check your fridge’s manual for cleaning instructions.
• Inspect the water filter and replace it if it’s clogged or overdue for replacement.
• Use a bubble leveler to make sure the refrigerator is leveled and stable.

READ MORE: Refrigerator Won’t Dispense Ice

How to prevent ice dispenser problems

Simple preventative maintenance and being aware of normal ice maker sounds can go a long way toward avoiding dispenser problems. Issues may still crop up, but you’ll be better prepared to deal with them.

Here are some ways you can avoid a repeat of ice dispenser issues in the future:

• Use the ice dispenser frequently so ice doesn’t freeze solid.
• Clean the ice bin periodically to avoid ice clumping.
• Check for ice fragments blocking the dispenser chute.
• Change water filters per manufacturer recommendations.
• Keep your freezer’s temperature between 0° to 10° degrees F.
• Keep the refrigerator level to prevent uneven ice formation.
• Pay attention to ice maker operation and water valve sounds.
• Regularly inspect the ice maker for scale buildup or mineral deposits.

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More information

Thank you for reading! We hope this information helped you get your ice maker working again.

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