Replace Broken Auger in Ice Maker – What Part Fixes This Problem?

Understanding the Problem

Brief explanation: A broken auger is the spiral plastic/metal blade inside the ice-dispenser trough that turns to move ice out of the bin and through the dispenser chute. When it cracks, strips, jams, or the auger motor fails, ice won't dispense, the motor may hum, or you may hear grinding and find plastic pieces in the ice bin. Step-by-step diagnostic and repair steps: 1) Safety first: Unplug the refrigerator or switch off power at the breaker. Work with the dispenser area free of people and pets. 2) Remove the ice bin: Open the freezer door, slide out or lift out the ice bin per your model instructions. Empty ice into a bowl if needed. 3) Inspect the auger visually: Look for cracked or missing blades, chewed plastic, or ice jams. Manually try to rotate the auger (some are removable for manual rotation). If it rotates freely and looks intact, the motor or drive coupling may be the issue. 4) Check for ice blockage: If the auger is frozen in place, let the bin and auger warm to melt the jam (hair dryer on low from a safe distance) or defrost per manufacturer guidance. Clearing an ice jam may restore operation. 5) Test the motor (without load): With the ice bin out, restore power and activate the ice-dispense switch briefly (use caution). If the motor hums but does not turn, the motor or gearbox is likely bad. If nothing happens, check the dispenser switch, wiring, and control board. 6) Inspect drive coupling and gears: Many failures come from a stripped plastic coupling between motor and auger or a broken gear. Remove retaining screws or clips and inspect coupling and gear teeth. 7) Order the correct replacement parts: Determine refrigerator model number (usually inside the fresh-food compartment or freezer wall) and order the matching auger blade and/or auger motor assembly. If only the plastic auger blade is cracked you may just need the auger; if the motor hums or coupler is stripped, replace the motor/gear assembly or the coupling. 8) Remove auger and motor assembly: With power off, remove access panels or the dispenser bezel as needed. Unscrew the auger motor mounting screws, disconnect the wiring harness, and pull the auger and motor out from the trough. Keep track of any gaskets or shims. 9) Install the replacement auger and/or motor: Position the new auger onto the drive shaft correctly (match orientation marks), reinstall the drive coupling and motor, reconnect wiring, and secure mounting screws. Reinstall any gaskets so the seal is airtight. 10) Reinstall ice bin and test: Put the ice bin back in place, restore power, and run a test dispense cycle. Expect a few cycles for the bin to refill and clear any loose pieces. 11) Final checks: Listen for smooth rotation (no grinding), confirm there are no leaks or excessive vibration, and discard any ice that may have plastic fragments from the failed auger. How to fix (practical tips): - If the auger is frozen, defrost before forcing it—forcing can break the shaft or coupling. - Replace the entire auger motor assembly if the motor hums without turning or if gearbox teeth are damaged; replacing only the plastic auger is OK when the motor, coupling, and gears are intact. - Tighten mounting screws snugly but do not overtighten plastic parts. Align the auger so it moves freely inside the bin channel. Safety note: Always disconnect electrical power before working inside the freezer or dispenser. Wear gloves to avoid cuts from sharp plastic edges, and keep ice and debris out of the dispenser chute while testing.

Common Symptoms

Ice won't dispense or dispenses slowly; grinding or buzzing noises from the dispenser; visible cracked or missing auger blades; plastic fragments in ice; motor hums but auger doesn't turn.

Common Causes

• Cracked or broken auger (plastic or metal spiral)
• Failed or seized auger motor or gearbox
• Stripped drive coupling or gears between motor and auger
• Ice jam or frozen buildup preventing the auger from turning

Popular Parts That Fix This Problem

These are the most common replacement parts that fix this problem. When you're ready to order, click below to find the right part at ProsourceParts.com — just search by your appliance model number for a guaranteed fit.

Frequently Asked Questions