GE GSS25GSHSS (Side-by-Side) – Ice maker jams Repair Guide

🔧 Step 1: Inspect ice maker for jams

1. Open the freezer door completely and locate the ice maker assembly mounted on the upper left wall of the freezer compartment.
2. Remove the ice bin by lifting it straight up approximately 2 inches, then pulling it forward and out of the freezer cavity.
3. Set the ice bin aside and look directly at the ice maker mechanism now visible on the left wall.
4. Locate the metal bail arm (the wire shut-off arm) positioned horizontally across the front of the ice maker – it extends approximately 4 inches outward and is connected to the right side of the unit.
5. Manually lift the bail arm upward to the “off” position (arm pointing straight up) to prevent the ice maker from cycling during inspection.
6. Examine the ice ejector blades inside the ice maker mold – these are white plastic curved fingers visible through the rectangular opening where ice cubes form.
7. Rotate the ejector blades manually by turning the small white gear mechanism located at the front-left corner of the ice maker housing – turn it counterclockwise slowly through one complete rotation.
8. Watch for resistance, grinding sounds, or stops during rotation – smooth rotation indicates no jams, while resistance indicates ice blockage.
9. If rotation stops, shine a flashlight into the ice mold tray (the aluminum rectangular cavity measuring approximately 10 inches long by 3 inches wide) and look for frozen ice pieces stuck between the ejector blades and mold walls.
10. Check the ice chute opening directly below the ice maker – this rectangular opening measures approximately 3 inches wide by 2 inches tall and leads down to the ice bin area.
11. Look inside the chute opening for any ice pieces bridging across the opening or stuck to the walls.
12. Inspect the fill tube (white plastic tube entering the top-rear of the ice maker) for visible ice buildup blocking water entry.

🛠️ Step 2: Check water fill amount

1. Open the freezer door and locate the ice maker unit mounted on the left wall of the freezer compartment, approximately 8 inches from the top.
2. Look at the ice maker’s mold (the tray where ice cubes form) – it contains 8 individual cube compartments arranged in two rows of 4.
3. Press the test button located on the front face of the ice maker, positioned on the right side near the ejector arm. This button is a small white rectangular switch approximately 0.5 inches wide.
4. Hold the test button for 3 seconds until you hear the ice maker begin its harvest cycle – the motor will make a humming sound.
5. Watch the water fill cycle that occurs at the end of the harvest sequence, which takes approximately 7-10 seconds.
6. Observe the water level in each cube mold compartment after filling completes – proper fill should reach to within 1/8 inch from the top of each compartment (approximately 85-90% full).
7. Compare all 8 compartments – the water level should be consistent across all cavities, with no more than 1/16 inch variation between compartments.
8. If water level is too low (more than 1/4 inch below the top edge), you have underfilling – this produces small, hollow cubes.
9. If water overflows the mold or reaches the very top edge with surface tension holding it, you have overfilling – this creates cubes that stick together or freeze into solid blocks.
10. Use a flashlight to illuminate the back wall of the ice maker assembly and identify the water fill tube – a white or clear plastic tube approximately 1/4 inch in diameter entering the top-back of the ice maker.
11. Check for ice buildup or frost around this fill tube opening, which indicates the water is not dispensing cleanly into the mold.
12. Note your findings – proper fill means no adjustment needed; improper fill requires proceeding to the fill adjustment step.

⚙️ Step 3: Test ice maker operation

1. Locate the ice maker test button on the left side of the ice maker module, positioned approximately 2 inches from the front edge—it’s a small white or cream-colored rectangular button recessed into the housing.
2. Empty the ice bucket completely and set it aside on your counter to clearly observe ice production during testing.
3. Press and hold the test button for 3 seconds until you hear a single chime or beep, then release it immediately.
4. Observe the ice maker arm (the metal bail arm) as it begins a harvest cycle—it should rotate counterclockwise through a complete 360-degree rotation over the next 60-90 seconds.
5. Listen for the water fill valve click, which sounds like a distinct “click-click” coming from behind the refrigerator’s rear wall, occurring approximately 5-7 seconds after the arm rotation begins.
6. Watch the ice mold tray for water filling—you should see water flowing into the ice mold cavities for 6-8 seconds, filling each cavity approximately 80% full.
7. Check that the heating element beneath the ice mold activates by listening for a faint humming sound lasting 2-3 seconds during the ejection phase.
8. Verify the ejector blades (the white plastic fingers inside the mold) sweep completely across all 8 ice cube cavities, pushing any existing ice forward into the collection area.
9. Confirm the bail arm returns to its down position after completing the full cycle, resting horizontally approximately 1 inch above the ice mold surface.
10. Wait 3-5 minutes and inspect the ice mold for standing water in the cavities—you should see clear water filled to the freeze line (approximately ⅝ inch deep in each cavity).

🔩 Step 4: Replace ice maker assembly if needed

1. Locate the ice maker assembly mounted to the left freezer wall, approximately 8 inches from the top and 3 inches from the left side panel.
2. Grasp the ice bucket handle and pull the bucket straight toward you to remove it from the freezer compartment, setting it aside.
3. Identify the wire harness connector on the left side of the ice maker—a white rectangular plug measuring approximately 1 inch wide with 6 wires (typically red, white, black, yellow, orange, and blue).
4. Press the release tab on top of the connector while pulling the plug straight away from the ice maker to disconnect it.
5. Locate the fill tube at the rear of the ice maker—a white or clear plastic tube about 0.5 inches in diameter entering the ice maker from above.
6. Squeeze the spring clamp on the fill tube using needle-nose pliers and slide it up the tube approximately 1 inch, then twist and pull the tube downward to disconnect it.
7. Find the metal mounting bracket holding the ice maker—a silver L-shaped bracket on the left side with 2 screws.
8. Remove both mounting screws using a 1/4-inch hex nut driver, turning counterclockwise. The top screw is located 2 inches from the top of the ice maker; the bottom screw is 2 inches from the bottom.
9. Lift the ice maker assembly up approximately 0.5 inches, then pull it forward and away from the freezer wall to remove it completely.
10. Position the new ice maker assembly (part number WR30X10093) against the mounting bracket holes, aligning the screw holes.
11. Insert and tighten both mounting screws clockwise using the 1/4-inch hex nut driver until snug—approximately 8-10 inch-pounds of torque.
12. Push the fill tube onto the inlet port at the rear top of the ice maker until it bottoms out, then slide the spring clamp down to within 0.25 inches of the ice maker body.
13. Align the wire harness connector and push it into the ice maker socket until you hear and feel a distinct click.

📋 Step 5: Verify proper operation

1. Locate the temperature control panel inside the fresh food compartment on the upper right wall, approximately 3 inches down from the ceiling.
2. Set the refrigerator temperature control to 37°F and the freezer control to 0°F by pressing the adjustment buttons until the display shows these values.
3. Plug the refrigerator back into the wall outlet and push the unit back into position, leaving 2 inches of clearance from the rear wall.
4. Open the freezer door and listen for the compressor to start running within 30-60 seconds—you’ll hear a low humming sound coming from the bottom rear of the unit.
5. Place your hand near the evaporator fan opening inside the freezer compartment at the top rear wall—you should feel cold air blowing within 2-3 minutes.
6. Check the fresh food compartment by holding your hand near the air vents located at the top back wall, centered horizontally—cold air should flow through these vents within 5 minutes.
7. Open the ice maker compartment door on the left side of the freezer and verify the ice maker arm moves freely up and down without obstruction—it should rotate through a 90-degree arc.
8. Fill a glass with water from the dispenser by pressing it against the paddle for 10 seconds—water should flow immediately with steady pressure.
9. Press the ice dispenser paddle and collect 10-15 ice cubes (if ice is available)—cubes should dispense without jamming or irregular shapes.
10. Place a refrigerator thermometer on the middle shelf of the fresh food section and another in the center of the freezer compartment.
11. Wait 4 hours, then check both thermometers—the fresh food section should read 35-38°F and the freezer should read 0-5°F.
12. Listen for unusual noises including grinding, squealing, or rattling sounds during operation—normal sounds include occasional clicking from the defrost timer and gentle humming from the compressor.

⚠️ Safety Reminders

• Always unplug the refrigerator before beginning any repair work
• Allow the unit to warm up if working with frozen components
• Use proper tools and safety equipment
• If you’re unsure about any step, consult a professional

← Back to Top 20 Refrigerators Guide

🛒 Recommended Products

Here are the recommended products for this repair:

• 241798231 241798224 241798211 Ice Maker Replacement, Compatible with Frigidaire Electrolux Kenmore Refrigerators, Replaces 241642511, 241642501 and 241798201 Ice Maker Assembly (Not Universal)

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