GE Ice Dispenser Auger WR17X11939 – What This Part Does and How to Replace It
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Understanding the Problem
What this part is and why it fails: The WR17X11939 is the plastic auger that sits inside the ice-dispenser tube (ice bucket) and moves ice from the bucket into the dispenser chute when the dispenser motor turns. It commonly fails by cracking, having broken fins, or becoming jammed with ice, which prevents ice from dispensing even though the dispenser motor may run. Step-by-step diagnostic and repair instructions: 1) Tools and prep: unplug the refrigerator or turn off power at the breaker. Have a screwdriver (Philips and flat), nut driver set (often 1/4" or 5/16"), gloves, and a towel handy. 2) Empty/defrost if necessary: If the auger is frozen in place, allow the ice in the bucket to soften for 10–20 minutes or remove the ice bucket to a warm sink to let ice melt so you can inspect parts easily. 3) Remove the ice bucket: Open the freezer, lift and slide the ice bucket out of the dispenser housing. Some models require you to twist the bucket slightly to clear the housing before pulling it out. 4) Inspect the auger: The auger is the long spiral plastic piece in the center of the bucket. Check for cracked/broken fins, missing pieces, or chunks of ice/jammed foreign objects. Also look at the splined end that engages the motor — if the splines are stripped, the motor will spin without turning the auger. 5) Verify motor action: With the bucket out, gently press the dispense lever and observe the motor/drive coupling in the refrigerator (not the auger). If you hear the motor run but the auger doesn't turn (or turns freely), the problem is likely the auger or the splines. If the motor doesn't run, the issue may be electrical or the dispenser motor. 6) Remove the auger: If the auger is removable on your model, pull it straight out from the bucket center; it may be held by a snap or by the drive shaft. On some models there’s a retaining clip or ring — remove screws or clips if present. Keep note of orientation and any gaskets. 7) Replace the part: Install the new WR17X11939 auger by aligning the spline with the motor drive shaft and sliding it fully into place. Ensure it seats correctly and that any retaining clips or rings are reinstalled. 8) Reinstall the bucket and test: Slide the bucket back into the dispenser housing. Restore power and press the dispenser lever to confirm the new auger turns and ice is delivered smoothly. Cycle a few times to make sure there are no jams. 9) If problems persist: If the auger is intact but won’t turn, check the dispenser motor, the drive coupling/splines for wear, and the switch that activates dispensing. If the motor runs but slips, the drive coupling or motor gear may be worn. Safety note: Always disconnect power before working on electrical appliances to avoid shock. Wear gloves to protect hands from sharp edges and cold ice. Don’t force plastic parts — if something won’t move, inspect for retained screws or hidden clips before prying.
Common Symptoms
Ice won’t dispense or only small/chunky pieces come out; grinding or scraping noise when dispensing; motor sounds like it's running but no ice moves; auger visibly cracked or missing fins.
Common Causes
- Cracked or broken auger fins (plastic fatigue or impact)
- Ice jam or foreign object lodged in the auger tube
- Stripped splines or worn drive coupling causing the auger to slip
Popular Parts That Fix This Problem
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Helpful Repair Tip
To confirm a bad auger, remove the ice bucket and try turning the auger by hand — smooth, resistance-free rotation with no motor input means the auger is likely OK; broken fins, missing pieces, or loose/stripped splines indicate the auger should be replaced.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I need the auger (WR17X11939) or the dispenser motor?
If you hear the dispenser motor run when you press the lever but the auger doesn’t turn or turns freely, the auger is likely damaged (broken fins or stripped splines) or just jammed. If neither the motor nor the auger turns and you don’t hear the motor, the problem could be electrical (switch, wiring, control board) or the motor itself. Remove the bucket and visually inspect/hand-turn the auger first — that tells you which part to replace.
Is replacing the WR17X11939 auger difficult and can I do it myself?
Replacing the auger is a straightforward DIY job on most GE models: cut power, remove the ice bucket, pull out the old auger, and slide in the new one. The tricky parts are thawing a frozen cylinder and making sure splines align correctly. If you need to access the dispenser motor or control assembly, it becomes more advanced and may require tools and experience. Stop and consult a technician if you’re uncomfortable working with electrical components.
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