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chrisbinparadise  
#1 Posted : Monday, February 25, 2008 7:40:40 AM(UTC)
chrisbinparadise

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In the last six months or so my ice making/dispensing abilities have declined. Right now, I cannot dispense ice at all using the outside actuator. I tried removing the bucket, pressing down the door sensor and then pressing the actuator. The white thing on the right (controlled by the selenoid?) pops up, but the crank to the left of it does not turn. Is this an easy fix and just replace the motor crusher dispensor (pn ap3996271) or should I be testing something else too?

Also, in the last few months, I have noticed the ice being made is hollow. I checked for blockage in the line and haven't found any. Any suggestions?

Thanks for this great service!

Sincerely,
Chris
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Gene  
#2 Posted : Monday, February 25, 2008 6:58:40 PM(UTC)
Gene

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Hi Chris,

Before you replace the motor I would recommend to test it for continuity and check if 120V is coming to the motor.

Remove the ice bucket and the ice maker.

Remove the bucket shelf. Remove the wires from the motor and check the motor for continuity. If the reading is about "∞" - the motor is bad.

Depress the light switch on the door frame and check for 120V across the motor wires while the ice dispenser is calling for the ice.

If there is 120V then the motor has to be replaced.

If there is no 120V then possible problem with the dispenser control board.

Here are the break down diagrams for the GE refrigerator Model TPX21BRXAWW

Gene.
chrisbinparadise  
#3 Posted : Thursday, February 28, 2008 7:04:45 PM(UTC)
chrisbinparadise

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OK, I tested everything.

The motor continuity reading is 0. I plugged the motor in to the cable (harness) and the two prongs (top and side) read zero. The solenoid read 0.

There is 120 over the left and top outlet on the refrigerator. I tried plugging in harness testing the end wires (orange and black) and got 0. I then plugged in the motor and got 0. I then plugged the solenoid in and got 0. I then tried the motor hooked up (instead of just testing the wire ends) and got zero.

The motor doesn't even try to move. I can move it by hand in either direction.

Could it be the wiring harness? (Remember I got the 120 reading putting the probes into the left and top socket on the fridge)

Confused,
Chris
Gene  
#4 Posted : Thursday, February 28, 2008 7:14:18 PM(UTC)
Gene

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Did you keep the light switch on the door frame and the ice cubes release lever depressed while you performed all these tests?

Gene.
chrisbinparadise  
#5 Posted : Thursday, February 28, 2008 7:46:33 PM(UTC)
chrisbinparadise

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Yes. That is when I got the 120 with putting the probes in the top and left female spots where the harness plugs in to the refrigerator and 0 when plugged in the harness and tried all the other scenarios described above.

Then solenoid would click, but nothing would bump up on the meter. Visible inspection was that the motor would not even try to start.

Thanks,
Chris
chrisbinparadise  
#6 Posted : Monday, March 3, 2008 11:16:20 AM(UTC)
chrisbinparadise

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OK, now the water dispenser won't work in addition to the ice dispensing. Maybe I blew something when I was doing all the testing with my ohmmeter!?!

Gene, you mentioned on the first post that if it isn't the motor, it would be the dispenser control board. Is that AP2071638 or do I need to replace the main board? It definitely isn't the motor.

Thanks for your help,
Chris
Gene  
#7 Posted : Monday, March 3, 2008 12:00:09 PM(UTC)
Gene

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Hi Chris,

Sounds like the problem is a bad dispenser control board.

You found the right part number for the dispenser control board - AP2071638

Also check how old is the water filter behind the refrigerator (if any).

Gene.
chrisbinparadise  
#8 Posted : Monday, March 3, 2008 1:15:03 PM(UTC)
chrisbinparadise

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I ordered it today and will let you know when it arrives.

About the hollow ice, I had a leak in my Dual Inlet Valve. I replaced it and tested the ice maker today and I have whole ice again!

The controll board should come in next week. Stay tuned...

Thanks,
Chris
chrisbinparadise  
#9 Posted : Thursday, March 6, 2008 12:18:35 PM(UTC)
chrisbinparadise

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The control board came. I installed it in five minutes and whalaa...IT WORKS!!!

Thanks Gene for your advice. I would never have thought of the control board on the door being the problem. My family thanks you and I thank you for your help to me and all the others like me on this forum. You are an appliance repair angel! :)

Sincerely,
Chris
Gene  
#10 Posted : Thursday, March 6, 2008 1:27:33 PM(UTC)
Gene

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Hi Chris,

I'm glad you were able to fix it.

Gene.
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