Loud grinding or rattling noise during ice-making cycle.

Safety: Unplug the unit before reaching inside or tightening components.

Steps:

• Isolate noise source: Remove the ice basket and run a cycle briefly (if safe) to determine whether the noise comes from the ice-making area or the rear fan/compressor.
• Inspect ice shovel area: With power off, check for broken ice pieces, plastic fragments, or foreign objects in the shovel path. Remove any obstructions.
• Check shovel motor and gears: Access the ice shovel motor assembly. Look for cracked gears or loose mounting screws. Tighten or replace as needed.
• Inspect condenser fan: At the rear, ensure the fan blade is not hitting wiring or the shroud. Tighten the fan hub on the motor shaft and secure any loose wires.
• Tighten panels: Tighten all accessible screws on the cabinet panels to reduce vibration noise.
• Replace worn parts: If the gearbox is noisy or the fan motor bearings are rough, replace the ice shovel motor assembly or condenser fan motor accordingly.