GE Ice Maker in refrigerator compartment frosting up
If the ice maker in your refrigerator compartment is frosting up, warm air is getting into the ice area and freezing where it should not. The most likely cause is a damaged or twisted door gasket that is not sealing properly, letting humid air in and causing frost to build around the ice maker; inspect the gasket and replace it if torn or deformed. Next check the dispenser components: a faulty dispenser solenoid or dispenser door motor can leave the dispenser door stuck or operating poorly, and a stuck-open dispenser door or a broken or obstructed funnel guide can also let warm air in and cause frosting. Use a multimeter to test solenoids and motors for continuity and make sure actuator pins and funnels move freely. These failures can also lead to a refrigerator ice maker not working or ice maker not making ice, so address frost and dispenser movement together. Enter your model number on RepairClinic.com to find the exact replacement gasket, solenoid, motor, or dispenser parts that fit your refrigerator.
01 - GE Refrigerator Door Gasket
A door gasket should form an airtight seal around the appliance's frame to keep the cold air in and the warm air out. If the door gasket is twisted or torn, gaps can form that will allow warm air in, which can result in frost building up on the ice maker compartment. Inspect the door gasket for any damage and replace with a new one if necessary.
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The dispenser solenoid opens a door flap to release the ice and then closes the door flap once the dispenser finishes dispensing ice. If the dispenser solenoid is defective, the dispenser door won’t open. To determine if the dispenser door solenoid is defective, use a multimeter to test it for continuity. In addition, check the dispenser actuator pin to ensure that it moves freely. If the dispenser door solenoid does not have continuity, or if the actuator pin does not move freely, replace the dispenser solenoid.
The dispenser door motor opens and closes the dispenser door to prevent cold air from escaping the refrigerator. If the dispenser door motor is defective, the dispenser door won’t open. As a result, the dispenser will not dispense ice. To determine if the motor is defective, first determine if the motor is getting power. If the motor is getting power, but it won’t run, replace it. You can use a multimeter to test the motor for continuity. If the dispenser door motor does not have continuity, replace it.
The dispenser funnel guide is the component that allows the ice from the ice maker to be properly dispensed. If the guide is obstructed or broken, the ice may not dispense as expected. Inspect the funnel guide or any obstruction or damage and replace if necessary.
The dispenser door is opened by a motor, solenoid or actuator arm to dispense the ice, but if the door is broken, it may not open properly in order to release the ice. You should inspect the dispenser door for damage to determine if the component should be replaced. You may have to remove the dispenser control panel or frame to access and inspect the dispenser door.
If the dispenser door is stuck open, warm air can enter the ice maker compartment causing frost buildup and potentially stopping the ice maker. Remove any items that may be keeping the dispenser door from closing.
Less Common
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my refrigerator warm but the freezer cold?
My ice maker is frosting up and not making ice. What should I check?
Ice dispenser not working — how do I know if the dispenser solenoid or door motor is bad?
How can I tell if the dispenser door is stuck open or the refrigerator door gasket is leaking?
How do I find the correct replacement part for my GE refrigerator on RepairClinic.com?
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