Kenmore Icemaker assembly makes clicking sound while dumping ice

Refrigerator & Freezer Repair
1

Brand: Kenmore
Model Number: 795.72483.411
Main Symptom: icemaker noises
What happens & when:

Error Code (if any):
Parts or tests already tried: Replace icemaker multiple times
Photos / video link:

Replaced icemaker assembly. When it dumps, it makes a loud clicking sound (like its trying to rotate too far), for 20-30 seconds. Occasionally, it turns off the Ice button automatically. Has happened with 2 new icemaker assemblies so far.

2

Since you’ve already replaced the ice maker twice and both replacements are making the same loud clicking noise, I would hold off on replacing it again. This sounds more like something interfering with the ice maker’s harvest cycle or a problem with the wiring or control circuit.

On your Kenmore 795.72483.411, the ice maker should rotate through its harvest cycle, release the cubes, and return to its home position. A loud clicking or ratcheting noise lasting 20–30 seconds suggests the mechanism may be binding or having trouble completing that cycle.

Here’s what I would check next.

1. Check for mechanical interference. Turn the ice maker off and inspect the ice tray, ejector mechanism, and surrounding housing. Look for ice buildup, a stuck cube, or anything that could prevent the mechanism from rotating freely. Also check that the replacement assembly is seated correctly.

2. Check the ice maker’s fill tube. Make sure water isn’t dripping into the tray between cycles and freezing around the mechanism. Excess ice can prevent the tray from moving properly.

3. Verify the replacement part number. Since two replacement assemblies have behaved the same way, I would double-check that the installed ice maker is the correct version for your refrigerator. A physically similar assembly isn’t necessarily electrically compatible.

4. Inspect the wiring harness. Unplug the refrigerator and check the ice maker’s electrical connector. Look for loose terminals, corrosion, damaged wiring, or a connector that isn’t fully seated.

5. Check the ice maker’s operation. If the assembly has a test button, you can initiate a harvest cycle according to its service procedure. Watch whether the tray moves normally, stops partway through, or continues trying to rotate after reaching its home position.

One thing that concerns me is the Ice button occasionally turning itself off. That could indicate the refrigerator is detecting an ice maker fault or that there’s an electrical or communication problem. It makes me more suspicious of the wiring or control circuit, especially after two replacements.

I have two questions that would help narrow this down:

  1. When the clicking starts, does the ice tray continue trying to rotate, or does it stop moving while the clicking continues?
  2. When the Ice button turns itself off, can you turn it right back on, or do you have to reset the refrigerator?

Those two details will help determine whether we’re dealing with a mechanical problem or whether we need to investigate the ice maker’s power and control circuit before replacing anything else.

3

Hello, thanks for the feedback. The tray looks dumps, and when it starts clicking it looks like its trying to rotate too far. That’s what it seems like its doing, lots of time by the time I open the fridge, the ice maker door, it has stopped by then. The button is called Accela ice, and I can just press to turn back on. No resetting of fridge needed.

4

Thanks for the clarification! That helps narrow things down quite a bit.

On your Kenmore 795.72483.411, the fact that the ice tray dumps the ice and then continues clicking for 20–30 seconds makes me suspect the ice maker’s position-sensing system. It sounds like the motor may be trying to rotate the tray beyond its normal stopping point.

Since you’ve already replaced the ice maker twice and both replacements have the same problem, I’m hesitant to recommend another ice maker just yet.

Here’s what I’d check next:

  1. Check the ice maker mounting. Make sure the assembly is fully seated and secured. Look for anything that could interfere with the tray as it rotates.
  2. Inspect the wiring connector. Unplug the refrigerator and check the ice maker connector for loose pins, damaged wires, or corrosion.
  3. Run a manual harvest test. If the ice maker has a test button, initiate a harvest with the ice bin removed so you can observe the tray’s movement. Watch whether it returns to its normal position or continues trying to rotate.
  4. Consider the main control board. If the tray moves freely and the wiring checks out, the control board becomes a possibility. However, the ice maker’s internal position sensor or drive mechanism could also be responsible.

One other important detail: Accela Ice is the accelerated ice-production feature, not the main ice maker power switch. If that feature turns itself off, it doesn’t necessarily mean the ice maker has shut down or that the refrigerator needs resetting.

Two questions:

  1. When the clicking occurs, does the ice tray actually continue moving or twisting, or does it remain stationary while you hear the motor clicking?
  2. Were both replacement ice makers brand-new OEM assemblies, or were they aftermarket replacements?

Those two answers will help determine whether we’re dealing with an ice maker drive/position problem or something outside the ice maker. I’d particularly like to rule out an issue with the replacement assemblies before recommending a control board.

5

Yes, the ice try is clicking it appears BECAUSE its trying to rotate too far it looks.

I bought replacement ice makers through Appliance Part Pros, not sure WHAT you sold me haha.