Whirlpool Refrigerator Ice Dispenser Auger Motor Replacement — What This Part Does
The ice dispenser auger motor is the drive motor that spins the auger inside the ice bin when you press the dispenser paddle. It turns the helical auger shaft to push cubed or crushed ice from the bin through the chute and out the door. This is not the ice maker harvest motor. It only runs during dispensing.
The motor fails when its internal windings burn out or short, when the motor shaft seizes from rust or corrosion, or when wiring connections loosen or corrode. The auger or drive cam can also bind mechanically and stall the motor, causing it to fail over time. In some cases the motor runs but cannot overcome resistance in a stuck or frozen auger assembly.
Signs It Needs Replacing
- Dispenser paddle does nothing You press the ice paddle and hear nothing, or the motor hums briefly but no ice comes out.
- Ice bin is full but nothing dispenses The ice maker produces ice normally and the bin is full, but pressing the paddle produces no auger rotation or ice delivery.
- Motor runs but auger does not turn You hear the motor energize or a faint hum, but the auger shaft inside the bin does not spin.
- Intermittent or weak dispensing Ice dispenses slowly, stops and starts, or only works occasionally when you press the paddle.
- Grinding or binding noise from dispenser The motor tries to run but makes a grinding, clicking, or struggling noise and little or no ice comes out.
- Motor fails electrical test With a multimeter set to ohms, the motor measures far outside the normal range of about 5 to 20 ohms, or shows no continuity at all.
How to Replace It
- Unplug the refrigerator or shut off power at the circuit breaker.
- Pull out the ice bin or bucket from the freezer compartment and set it aside.
- Remove the screws or clips securing the ice chute cover, dispenser housing, or ice compartment panel to access the auger motor mounting area.
- Inspect the auger shaft and drive components for rust, broken tabs, or mechanical binding before removing the motor.
- Disconnect the auger motor wire harness connector and detach any ground wire or mounting screw securing the motor to the housing.
- Test the old motor terminals with a multimeter on the ohms setting (should read approximately 5 to 20 ohms across terminals).
- Remove the auger motor from its mounting bracket or housing, and transfer the drive shaft or auger coupling to the new motor if the new part does not include it.
- Install the new auger motor into the housing, secure the mounting screw or bracket, and reconnect the wire harness and ground.
- Reassemble the ice chute cover or dispenser panel, reinstall the ice bin, restore power, and test ice dispensing by pressing the paddle.
The Part You Need
| Part | Notes |
|---|---|
| Whirlpool ice dispenser auger motor | Amazon | OEM part number W11671282 (replaces 2252130), or W10225313 / W11117906 / W10309868 / 4444596 depending on model. Find your refrigerator model and serial number on the label inside the fresh food compartment or on the left wall of the refrigerator interior, then cross-reference at Whirlpool parts or an appliance parts supplier to confirm the correct auger motor for your unit. |
Related Error Codes
If this part is failing you may also see one of these codes:
- Whirlpool Refrigerator Df error code
- Whirlpool Refrigerator E0 error code
- Whirlpool Refrigerator E1 error code
- Whirlpool Refrigerator E2 error code
- Whirlpool Refrigerator E3 error code
- Whirlpool Refrigerator E4 error code
- Whirlpool Refrigerator E5 error code
- Whirlpool Refrigerator E6 error code
- Whirlpool Refrigerator E9 error code
- Whirlpool Refrigerator Po error code
When to Call a Pro
Call a technician if you are uncomfortable working inside the freezer compartment, if the auger assembly or ice chute components are cracked or damaged and require additional disassembly, or if the new motor does not restore dispensing after installation. If the motor tests normal electrically but the auger still will not turn, the problem may be a seized auger shaft, broken drive cam, or control board issue that requires professional diagnosis. A pro can also verify correct part fitment and transfer drive components if the replacement motor arrives without the necessary shaft or coupling hardware.