it's making a loud grinding or buzzing noise when it's supposed to be dropping ice

— asked by Jordan

Quick answer: That's the sound of the ejector blades trying to turn but hitting solid ice. An ice cube is stuck in the mold, and the motor is straining against it.

Diagnosis

That's the sound of the ejector blades trying to turn but hitting solid ice. An ice cube is stuck in the mold, and the motor is straining against it.

How to Fix It

Immediately unplug the machine. Open the lid and look at the ice mold (the metal grid). You'll likely see one cube that didn't fully eject. Take a plastic utensil, like a butter knife or spatula, and gently twist the stuck cube to break it free. Do NOT use anything metal—you'll scratch the mold. Once it's loose, remove all the ice from the basket, plug it back in, and it should start a new cycle quietly.

If That Didn't Work

If the noise persists after clearing visible ice, the problem might be internal. Sometimes the plastic gears on the ejector mechanism can strip. This requires opening the case, which is a more involved repair.

Heads Up

Never let it grind like that for more than a few seconds. You can damage the motor or strip the gears. If you hear that sound, unplugging it is your first move.

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