Samsung Refrigerator Ice Maker Auger Motor Replacement Guide — What This Part Does
The auger motor drives the spiral auger inside the ice bucket to push ice from the bin to the dispenser chute when you press the paddle. The motor sits at the top of the freezer compartment and turns the auger shaft, which moves ice cubes forward into the door dispenser opening.
The motor fails from normal wear, moisture intrusion, or mechanical overload when ice clumps jam the auger. Samsung’s auger assembly often includes the motor, ice flap solenoid, water tube heating element, and thermistor as one unit. Ice bridging in the bucket or a damaged wiring connector can produce the same no-dispense symptom without the motor itself being the root cause.
Signs It Needs Replacing
- No motor sound when dispensing You press the ice paddle and hear no whirring or humming from the top of the freezer compartment.
- Intermittent or slow ice delivery Ice comes out in spurts or takes much longer than normal to fill the cup.
- Dispenser runs but no ice moves The paddle activates and you hear a motor sound, but ice stays in the bucket and nothing comes out the chute.
- Ice bucket full but dispenser empty The bin holds plenty of ice cubes, yet the dispenser does not push any forward.
- Auger does not rotate You remove the ice bucket and watch the auger shaft during a dispense cycle, and it does not turn at all.
- Grinding or clicking noise The motor tries to start but produces a clicking, grinding, or labored sound without rotating the auger.
How to Replace It
- Unplug the refrigerator from the wall outlet to cut all power before beginning any work.
- Pull out the ice bucket from the freezer compartment and set it aside, emptying any ice inside.
- Remove the screws or clips securing the interior freezer cover panel that blocks access to the auger motor assembly at the top of the compartment.
- Inspect the auger and surrounding area for ice buildup, clumps, or debris that could jam the mechanism, and clear any obstruction by hand or with warm water.
- Disconnect the electrical connector from the auger motor assembly, noting the harness routing and checking the terminals for corrosion or damage.
- Release the locking tab or clip that holds the auger motor assembly to the chassis, then slide or lift the assembly free from its mounting bracket.
- Install the new auger motor assembly by aligning the mounting tabs and pressing firmly until the locking clip snaps into place, making sure the unit seats completely.
- Reconnect the wiring harness to the new assembly, route the wires away from moving parts, and reinstall the freezer cover panel with all screws or clips.
- Slide the ice bucket back into position, plug the refrigerator back in, and press the ice paddle to verify the auger rotates and ice dispenses normally.
The Part You Need
| Part | Notes |
|---|---|
| Samsung ice maker auger motor assembly | Amazon | Model and serial number are on a sticker inside the refrigerator or freezer door frame. Cross-reference your full model number with the parts diagram on Samsung’s support site or an appliance parts vendor to confirm the exact assembly part number (for example, DA97-12540G fits certain French-door models). |
Related Error Codes
If this part is failing you may also see one of these codes:
- Samsung Refrigerator 1E error code
- Samsung Refrigerator 21E error code
- Samsung Refrigerator 22E error code
- Samsung Refrigerator 25E error code
- Samsung Refrigerator 2E error code
- Samsung Refrigerator 33E error code
- Samsung Refrigerator 39E error code
- Samsung Refrigerator 4E error code
- Samsung Refrigerator 5E error code
- Samsung Refrigerator 88 error code
When to Call a Pro
Call a technician if you find burned or melted wiring, if the new motor assembly does not seat correctly despite careful alignment, or if the dispenser still fails after replacement and you have confirmed the ice bucket and auger move freely. A pro can test voltage at the motor connector and trace control-board or door-switch faults that may prevent the motor from receiving power. If your refrigerator is under warranty or a service contract, Samsung or your appliance service provider should handle the repair at no charge or reduced cost.