Welcome to the
! Please enjoy our special offers for you

Issues with Samsung refrigerator ice dispensers

If your Samsung refrigerator stops dumping ice, accidentally dispenses crushed ice, or makes ice that tastes bad, there is usually a simple solution. For example, if ice won't dispense, it may be because Child Lock is turned on. Or, if your ice tastes funny, you may need to change the water filter.
A Samsung refrigerator ice dispenser with a clear glass positioned under the water and ice outlet.
A Samsung refrigerator ice dispenser with a clear glass positioned under the water and ice outlet.

Issues with Samsung refrigerator ice dispensers

What problem are you having with your ice dispenser?

No ice dispenses
Wrong ice is dispensed
Ice tastes bad
No ice dispenses
Note

Ice typically takes between 2-5 seconds to dispense from the ice dispenser. This is normal. The time it takes for ice to dispense depends on a few variables, including the following:

  • How far back in the bucket the ice is.
  • The amount of ice in the ice bucket.
  • Whether cubed or crushed ice is selected. Crushed ice may take slightly longer to dispense due to the time it takes for the gears in the ice bucket to crush the cubed ice.
1

Make sure there's ice in the ice bucket and it isn't fused.

If you're not getting any ice out of the dispenser, it could be because the ice maker is not making any ice. Open the ice bucket and look inside to check.

Also, if there is ice, but it has fused or formed into clumps, this is the cause of the issue. Dump the ice and allow fresh ice to be made. Either dispense ice or dump it out regularly to prevent it from forming into clumps.

2

Make sure Child Lock is not turned on.

Control lock pointing

Child Lock disables the display panel and the dispenser. Typically, when it is turned on, a padlock icon will be lit on the panel, and might flash when attempting to interact with the panel or dispense water or ice.

Some models have Dispenser Lock which locks the dispenser only.

For instructions on how to disable Child Lock or Dispenser Lock, see the control panel on the fridge or the user manual.

3

Remove the ice bucket and inspect the dispenser opening.

Sometimes bits of broken ice might form up around the opening and block it up. To clear this opening, dump the ice into a temporary storage container like a bowl, and then run warm water through the ice bucket opening to clear it up. Make sure the ice bucket is completely dry before putting it back in.
4

Put the ice bucket back in and verify it seats properly.

If the ice bucket is not fully inserted, the motor for pushing the ice forward and out the dispenser may not connect with the back of the ice bucket. This will make the motor sound like it's working, but ice won't come out.

If the bucket does not click into place when it is inserted, align the back of the bucket at a slightly different angle before inserting it.

5

Check the wire harness.

Wire Harness

This step only applies if one or both of these are true:

  • The sound of the auger motor cannot be heard when trying to dispense ice.
  • The refrigerator has never dispensed ice since the last time the doors were reattached.

When attaching the doors, it's important to correctly connect the wire harness. Instructions can be found in the user manual in the section for attaching the doors.

Important
The RS27T and RS22T models have two water lines to connect. If they are cross-connected, the water and ice dispensing functions will not work correctly. If you have one of these models and the dispenser has not worked since installation, check these lines.
6

Request service.

If the issue continues, visit our Support Center to request service.
Wrong ice is dispensed
Important
If you have the reverse issue, where cubed ice is dispensed when crushed is selected, unplug the refrigerator and leave it unplugged for 1 minute. Then plug it back in and try again. If the issue continues, visit our Support Center to request service.
Note
If a small bit of crushed ice or water dispenses when selecting cubed ice, and then the rest of the ice is cubed, this is normal. The last person who used the dispenser for crushed ice may not have dispensed all of the ice that got crushed. It is also normal if a piece occasionally cracks or breaks as it is being dispensed. Ice is brittle and will sometimes crack.
1

Remove the bucket and make sure the ice is in separate cubes in the bucket.

If the ice has fused together, it will have to be broken into pieces in order to dispense. This is normal and not an issue with the refrigerator, and can be prevented by harvesting ice more frequently. The refrigerator has an automatic defrost, and if ice remains in the ice bucket long enough, it will slightly melt and refreeze during this process and fuse together.

If your ice maker is making small or shattered ice, see our guide for additional troubleshooting.

2

Empty the ice bucket.

The ice will be used again in a later step, so do not dispose of it.
3

Inspect the ice bucket exit.

When removed from the refrigerator, the ice bucket should be in the closed or crushed ice position. If there is ice buildup, it will need to be removed. The fastest way to remove the ice is to run warm water through the chute.

Ice maker blades in two different rotation positions inside a refrigerator

Note
If the flap does not open and close when the actuator rod is moved or turned, the ice bucket will need to be replaced. For service options, check out the Support Center.
4

Check the actuator rod.

The actuator rod is the steel rod that runs along the bottom of the ice bucket. Move the actuator rod and look at the discharge chute. Moving the curved end of the actuator rod will cause the flap to open and close.

Ice bucket actuator rod

5

If you ran water through the ice bucket, dry it thoroughly.

Completely dry the ice bucket after running water through it. Any moisture remaining will freeze over when the ice bucket is reinstalled and may recreate the issue.
6

Put the ice back in the bucket and the bucket back in the fridge.

Return the ice that was removed from the ice bucket and reinstall the ice bucket, making sure the ice bucket is fully installed, latched, and clicks into place. If the ice bucket is not fully installed and latched, the ice function will not operate properly.
7

If cubed ice still gets crushed, request service.

Select cubed ice and dispense into a glass. Check to see that cubed ice is being dispensed properly.

If crushed ice is still dispensing, visit the Support Center to request service.

Ice tastes bad

The first few gallons of water in a brand-new fridge may taste or smell bad, and so will any ice made from that water. We recommend dispensing 2 to 3 gallons of water to flush the system, and throwing out the first batch of ice the fridge makes.

  • If the refrigerator isn't new and the ice or water just started to taste or smell bad, replace the water filter. Once the new filter is installed, dispense approximately 2 to 3 gallons of water.
  • If the water or ice still tastes or smells bad after you've replaced the filter, there might be a problem with the water supply. Contact a professional plumber for further assistance.

Was this content helpful?
We're here for you

Contact Samsung Support

Contact us online through chat and get support from an expert on your computer, mobile device or tablet. Support is also available on your mobile device through the Samsung Members App.
auto-contact_us-pc-2x auto-contact_us-pc-2x
Fast, easy checkout with Shop Samsung App
Easy sign-in, Samsung Pay, notifications, and more!
Or continue shopping on Samsung.com
×
The Shop Samsung app
Free standard shipping, exclusive offers and financing options.
GET
×
The Shop Samsung app
Free standard shipping, exclusive offers and financing options.
GET
×

You Are About To Be Redirected To Investor Relations Information for U.S.

Thank you for visiting Samsung U.S. Investor Relations. You will be redirected via a new browser window to the Samsung Global website for U.S. investor relations information.
CANCEL
CONTINUE
×

Redirect Notification

As of Nov. 1, 2017, the Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. printer business and its related affiliates were transferred to HP Inc.

For more information, please visit HP's website: http://www.hp.com/go/samsung


Select CONTINUE to visit HP's website.

CANCEL
CONTINUE