it's started making a loud grinding or rattling noise during the cycle, sounds awful.

Diagnosis

The loud grinding or rattling noise in the Igloo ICEB26HNWHN is almost always caused by a mechanical obstruction in the harvest cycle. Specifically, this happens when a "bridge" of ice forms—where ice cubes weld together in a clump—or when a stray piece of ice falls back into the evaporator tray. When the auger (the spiral screw) attempts to rotate and push the ice into the basket, it hits these frozen obstacles, causing the motor to strain and create a loud, rhythmic grinding sound. In some cases, the noise is caused by mineral scale buildup (calcium and magnesium) on the evaporator prongs. This scale increases friction, making the ice "stick" to the metal longer than it should. When the auger forces the ice off, it creates a scraping sound. You can confirm this by looking for white, chalky residue on the evaporator plates or by noticing that the ice cubes are smaller or more irregular than usual. If the noise is a high-pitched rattle, it is likely a loose plastic guide rail or a piece of debris trapped in the gear assembly beneath the ice bin.

How to Fix It

Follow these steps to clear the obstruction and reset the mechanism. Do not attempt to force the auger while the unit is powered on, as this can strip the plastic gears.

1. Unplug the unit from the wall outlet and remove the ice basket entirely to get a clear view of the internal chamber.
2. Inspect the evaporator plate (the metal grid) for any "stray" cubes that didn't drop. Use a plastic spatula or a wooden chopstick to gently remove any ice fragments. Never use a metal knife or screwdriver, as you will puncture the refrigerant lines and destroy the unit.
3. Manually rotate the auger. Reach into the chamber and gently turn the spiral screw by hand. If you feel a hard stop or a "crunch," there is a fragment of ice wedged between the auger and the outer wall.
4. If the auger is stuck, pour a small amount of lukewarm (not boiling) water over the frozen clump to melt the bond. Wait 2-3 minutes for the ice to loosen, then rotate the auger again until it spins freely 360 degrees.
5. Clean the evaporator prongs using a soft cloth dampened with a mixture of white vinegar and water to remove mineral scale.
6. Reinstall the ice basket, ensure it is seated flush against the housing, and plug the unit back in.

If That Didn't Work

If the grinding persists after clearing the ice, try these advanced troubleshooting steps:

• Check the Water Level: If the reservoir is too low, the unit may be attempting to cycle without enough ice formation, causing the auger to scrape against an empty, dry evaporator. Fill the reservoir to the "Max" line and run a full 24-hour cycle.
• Level the Unit: Place a bubble level on top of the machine. If the unit is tilted, the auger may be rubbing against the side of the plastic housing. Adjust the placement of the unit on your counter to ensure it is perfectly level.
• Deep Descale: Run a dedicated descaling cycle using a citric acid solution. Fill the reservoir with a mixture of 2 tablespoons of citric acid per liter of water. Let it sit for 30 minutes, then run the machine. This removes internal scale that may be causing the motor to work harder.
• Inspect the Drive Gear: If the noise is a rapid "clicking" or "rattling," the plastic drive gear under the unit may have a cracked tooth. If you are comfortable doing so, remove the bottom panel and check for plastic shavings near the motor assembly. If the gear is stripped, the motor assembly must be replaced.

Heads Up

Keep these maintenance tips in mind to prevent future noise issues:

• Avoid "Ice Bridging": If you aren't using the machine for a few days, empty the basket. Leaving ice in the basket allows it to melt and refreeze into a solid block that will jam the auger.
• Use Filtered Water: Hard water is the primary cause of scale buildup. Using distilled or filtered water significantly reduces the friction on the evaporator plates.
• Weekly Cleaning: Wipe down the interior walls and the auger every 7 days to prevent biofilm and mineral deposits from creating "drag" on the motor.
• Ventilation Space: Ensure there are at least 6 inches of clearance around the sides and back of the unit. Overheating can cause the plastic components to expand, leading to rubbing and noise.