How do I fix GE Refrigerator Ice Auger Motor Replacement - Signs & How-To?

Follow the step-by-step diagnosis below. The most likely fix is identified by checking power, sensor resistance, and control-board signals in order — using a multimeter and the part numbers documented in the parts reference table.

Can I keep running the equipment with this fault active?

Generally no. Faults on Appliance units are emitted when a sensor, safety, or control circuit is outside its operating envelope. Running through an active fault risks compressor, heater, or control-board damage. Diagnose and clear the fault first.

What part is most commonly replaced for GE Refrigerator Ice Auger Motor Replacement - Signs & How-To?

The most frequently replaced parts for GE Refrigerator Ice Auger Motor Replacement - Signs & How-To are listed in the Parts Reference section of this guide with OEM part numbers and typical price ranges. Check the table for direct replacements.

Is GE Refrigerator Ice Auger Motor Replacement - Signs & How-To a DIY repair or do I need a technician?

Sensor swaps, fan motor replacements, and condenser cleaning are typical DIY-level repairs. Anything involving refrigerant, gas, or high-voltage (>240V) work requires a licensed technician for both safety and code-compliance reasons.

GE Refrigerator Ice Auger Motor Replacement - Signs & How-To

Q: What does GE Refrigerator Ice Auger Motor Replacement - Signs & How-To mean?

When the ice auger motor fails, ice won't dispense even with a full bin, or the mechanism is loud and stalls. Replacing the motor restores dispensing.

GE Refrigerator Ice Auger Motor Replacement — What This Part Does

The ice auger motor drives the auger and crusher mechanism inside the freezer door or compartment. It turns the auger that moves ice cubes from the bin through the chute to the dispenser opening. When the motor or its internal gearbox fails, the auger stops turning and ice stays in the bin instead of reaching the door. The motor assembly is mounted behind or below the ice bucket and connects to the dispenser controls through a wire harness.

Failure usually comes from burned-out motor windings, stripped internal gears, or mechanical binding in the auger drive coupler. Ice buildup around the bucket or a jammed auger shaft can also overload and burn out the motor. Some models use separate motor and support assemblies, so a failed rubber mounting bracket or loose drive coupling can mimic motor failure. GE designs treat the motor as a non-serviceable assembly, so replacement rather than internal repair is the standard fix.

Jump to Replacement Steps

Signs It Needs Replacing

No ice dispenses but the bin is full Pressing the dispenser paddle produces no ice even though you can see cubes in the bucket, which means the auger motor is not driving the auger to push ice forward.
Grinding, humming, or buzzing noise when dispensing The motor tries to run but the auger does not turn, producing a loud hum or grinding sound from the freezer door or compartment.
Intermittent or slow ice dispensing Ice comes out in bursts, stops mid-dispense, or takes multiple paddle presses to deliver a small amount, indicating the motor or gearbox is slipping or stalling.
Auger turns by hand but not during dispense You can rotate the auger manually when the bucket is removed, but the motor does not drive it when you press the paddle, which points to motor or electrical failure.
Visible damage or melted housing on the motor assembly The motor housing shows burn marks, melted plastic, or a burnt smell, which means internal windings or the gearbox overheated and failed.
Ice dispenser works but crushed ice does not Cubed ice dispenses normally but crushed ice mode produces nothing or jams, which can mean the crusher drive portion of the motor assembly has failed.

How to Replace It

Unplug the refrigerator or turn off the circuit breaker supplying power to the unit before starting any work.
Open the freezer door and pull the ice bucket straight out to remove it from the compartment.
Inspect the bucket auger for broken blades, ice buildup, or a stripped drive coupler at the rear of the bucket, and clear any obstructions or replace the auger if damaged.
Remove the screws or clips securing the auger motor assembly cover or housing inside the freezer compartment, and lift the cover away to expose the motor.
Disconnect the wire harness plug from the auger motor assembly by pressing the release tab and pulling the connector straight off.
Unfasten the mounting screws or brackets holding the motor assembly in place, and pull the motor and support out of the freezer compartment.
If replacing only the motor, transfer the rubber support housing, drive cam, solenoid, and any other attached components from the old motor to the new one, matching the orientation exactly.
Install the new motor assembly into the mounting brackets, secure all screws, and reconnect the wire harness until the connector clicks into place.
Reinstall the motor cover and ice bucket, plug the refrigerator back in, and test ice dispensing in both cube and crushed modes to confirm the auger turns and ice flows.

The Part You Need

Part	Notes
GE ice auger motor assembly	Amazon \| Part numbers include WR60X10258, WR60X10259, WR60X10262, and WR60X10362 depending on your model. Find your exact part by locating the model and serial number plate inside the fresh food compartment on the upper left or right wall, then cross-reference the model number on GE’s parts site or with your parts supplier.
Ice bucket auger (if damaged)	Amazon \| Sold separately as WR17X11705 and other model-specific numbers. Replace if the auger blades are broken, the drive coupler is stripped, or the shaft is bent or jammed.

If this part is failing you may also see one of these codes:

When to Call a Pro

Call a technician if you are uncomfortable working inside the freezer compartment with electrical connectors exposed, or if the new motor does not restore ice dispensing after installation. If the dispenser door flap, solenoid, or control board also needs diagnosis or replacement, a pro can test the full dispenser circuit and identify multiple faults in one visit. Some GE side-by-side and French-door models require removing the entire freezer door or extensive disassembly to access the motor assembly, which is faster and safer with a trained tech and the correct tools.