Kenmore Refrigerator Ice Dispenser Auger Motor Replacement — What This Part Does
The auger motor is the drive motor inside the ice dispenser assembly that spins the auger (a spiral shaft) to move ice cubes from the storage bin through the chute and out the door. When you press the dispenser paddle, the control board energizes this motor, which turns the auger to push ice forward.
The motor fails when its internal windings burn out, the shaft seizes, or the drive cam that couples the motor to the auger breaks or strips. Ice can also freeze into a solid block and jam the auger, which burns out the motor over time. Wiring connector corrosion or a poor ground connection at the dispenser assembly will also stop the motor from running.
Signs It Needs Replacing
- Ice maker works but dispenser won’t deliver ice The bin is full of ice, but pressing the dispenser paddle produces no ice (the most direct sign the auger motor has failed).
- No auger rotation during dispense request You hear the dispenser door flapper open, but the auger does not turn and no ice comes out.
- Humming or buzzing at the dispenser The motor tries to spin but is jammed or seized, so you hear a hum or buzz and then it stops.
- Ice clumped or frozen solid in the bin Repeated freeze-thaw cycles cause ice to fuse together, binding the auger and overloading the motor until it fails.
- Motor resistance out of range Multimeter test across the motor terminals shows no continuity (open circuit) or resistance far outside the normal 5 to 20 ohm range.
- Dispenser works intermittently or not at all after prior service Motor or drive cam was not seated properly during earlier repair, so the shaft slips or does not engage the auger.
How to Replace It
- Unplug the refrigerator and shut off the water supply line (if servicing will disturb water connections).
- Pull out the ice storage bucket or bin and inspect the auger and chute area for ice jams, clumps, or mechanical obstructions (clear any blockage and let frozen ice melt before proceeding).
- Locate the auger motor mounting area behind the ice room housing or mounting plate (on many Kenmore/LG French-door models this requires removing screws and prying clips to access the motor assembly).
- Disconnect the motor wiring harness and ground wire (note the connector orientation and wire routing for reinstallation).
- Remove the mounting screws that secure the auger motor to the housing, then lift or slide the motor assembly free (take care not to damage the drive cam or shaft coupling).
- Test the old motor with a multimeter set to ohms across the motor terminals (a healthy motor reads approximately 5 to 20 ohms, and an open or very high reading confirms motor failure).
- Position the new auger motor so the drive shaft or cam fully engages the auger socket, then secure it with the mounting screws (verify alignment so the shaft seats completely).
- Reconnect the motor harness and ground wire, then reinstall the housing, mounting plate, and ice bucket.
- Restore power and water, then test the ice dispenser by pressing the paddle and confirming the auger rotates and ice is delivered through the chute.
The Part You Need
| Part | Notes |
|---|---|
| Ice dispenser auger motor | Amazon | Find your refrigerator model and serial number on the plate inside the fresh-food door or along the side wall. Common Kenmore/LG OEM part numbers include EAU60784231 (supersedes EAU60784228, EAU61083514, 4391446) and 2188869 for other platforms. Cross-reference your model on the parts supplier site to confirm fit. |
Related Error Codes
If this part is failing you may also see one of these codes:
- Kenmore Refrigerator Er 1F error code
- Kenmore Refrigerator Er Dh error code
- Kenmore Refrigerator Er Ff error code
When to Call a Pro
Call a technician if you are not comfortable working inside the refrigerator cabinet, if the ice room housing is sealed with adhesive or requires refrigerant-line work to access, or if the new motor does not resolve the issue (the control board, dispenser switch, or wiring harness may also be faulty). A pro can also diagnose whether repeated motor failures are caused by a control-board voltage problem or a recurring ice-jam issue that needs a different fix.