Thermador Ice Maker: not dropping ice

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

Experiencing issues with your Thermador Ice Maker not dropping ice? This common problem often occurs when ice is formed but remains lodged in the tray or chute. Check for ice jams, misaligned components, or temperature issues to restore proper function and enjoy fresh ice again.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Thermador Models

  • Thermador ice maker troubleshooting includes checking water inlet valve, filter, and temperature issues specific to water supply and fill tube freezing.
  • Universal ice maker issues like ice jams and control arm misposition are common across many brands.

Possible Causes

Ice jam/blockage in ice tray or chute

How to Identify: Ice cubes visibly wedged in the ice tray or chute, ice bin overfull, or ice bridging blocking release

Part: Ice tray/chute/auger mechanism

Ice maker control arm or sensor mispositioned

How to Identify: Control arm (or sensor stuck in “up” position, causing machine to falsely think bin is full

Part: Control arm/ice-level sensor

Frozen fill tube or water line leading to glaze or blockage

How to Identify: Ice buildup in fill tube, poor water fill cycles, signs of frost/ice around supply tube

Part: Fill tube/water supply line

Temperature or environmental issue (freezer too warm/cold) causing adhesion

How to Identify: Freezer temperature not within optimal range, excessive frost, slowed ice cycles

Part: Freezer temperature control/sensors

Malfunctioning ice maker motor or ejector mechanism

How to Identify: No movement of ejector/auger during harvest cycle, motor noise absent or abnormal

Part: Ice maker motor/gear/auger

DIY Solutions

Clear ice jams and ensure ice bin alignment

Easy 10-20 minutes
  1. Remove ice bin and inspect for lodged ice cubes.
  2. Manually break or remove any jams in the ice tray or chute.
  3. Ensure the ice bin is seated properly and the control arm/sensor is in correct position.
  4. Replace ice bin and run a harvest cycle if available.
⚠️ Safety First: Avoid using sharp tools that can damage internal components.

Thaw frozen fill tube or water supply line

Moderate 30-60 minutes
Tools Needed: hair dryer or warm cloth
  1. Turn off ice maker and unplug refrigerator.
  2. Locate the fill tube inside freezer leading to ice maker.
  3. Use a hair dryer on low setting or warm cloth to gently thaw ice buildup around fill tube.
  4. Once ice clears, restore power and monitor ice flow.
⚠️ Safety First: Do not overheat or apply excessive heat.

Check freezer temperature and adjust

Easy 5-10 minutes
  1. Verify freezer is set to appropriate temperature.
  2. Move items away from vents to improve airflow.
  3. Allow several hours for temperature to stabilize and test ice release again.

Professional Repairs

Replace ice maker motor/drive assembly

Estimated Cost: $150 - $400

Control board or sensor replacement

Estimated Cost: $200 - $500

When to Call a Professional

Ice maker does not actuate ejector/auger after clearing jams
Signs of electrical or mechanical failure such as repeated clicking, no motor noise, or error indications

Preventive Maintenance

  • Regularly clean ice bin and tray: Ice jams and blockages
    Frequency: monthly
  • Replace water filter per schedule: Restricted water flow/ice production issues
    Frequency: every 6 months
  • Maintain proper freezer temperature: Ice adhesion and performance issues
    Frequency: ongoing

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Thermador Ice Maker not dropping ice?
Common causes include ice jams, mispositioned sensors, or temperature issues.
How do I fix Thermador Ice Maker not dropping ice myself?
Clear ice jams, check bin alignment, or thaw the fill tube with a hair dryer.
How much does it cost to fix not dropping ice?
Professional repairs can range from $150 to $500 depending on the issue.
When should I call a technician for not dropping ice?
If DIY solutions fail or if you suspect a motor or control board issue.

References & Sources

Community Analytical Insights

Analysis based on real user discussions from appliance repair communities

Can I Fix This Myself?

75%
DIY Success Rate Difficulty: DIY

Common Issues Reported by Users

  • Freezer temperature too high
  • Ice maker assembly malfunction
  • Clogged water supply line

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Check and adjust the freezer temperature to ensure it is set between 0°F and 5°F. Allow the ice maker to run for a few hours to see if ice drops.

  2. Inspect the ice maker assembly for any visible damage or misalignment. If necessary, reseat or replace the ice maker unit.

  3. Check the water supply line for kinks or clogs. If clogged, disconnect and clean the line, or replace it if damaged.

Analysis based on 1 community discussions
View Sources

Data compiled from real discussions on r/appliancerepair and r/Appliances:

  1. Need help please Thermador T36|B900SP ice maker not dropping...

Community Discussions

ice maker not dropping ice in the tray

Setting the freezer temperature to super temporarily resolved the issue of the ice maker not dropping ice.

DIY View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

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