E3
GE
Harvest Motor or Harvest Position Switch Fault
GE ice maker shows E3 and will not harvest ice or stops mid-cycle.
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Safety Warning
This repair may involve working with high voltage components or water connections. Always unplug the appliance before removing any panels.
If you are not confident in your ability to perform this repair safely, we strongly recommend contacting a professional technician.
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Possible Causes
Failed harvest motor, Stuck or broken harvest cam, Defective harvest position switch, Loose wiring to harvest assembly
How to Fix / Troubleshooting
Safety first: Disconnect power before removing the ice maker head or front cover. Moving parts can start unexpectedly.
- Access harvest assembly: Remove the front cover of the ice maker module (for modular GE units) or the internal panel covering the harvest motor and cam.
- Inspect the cam and motor: Look for broken plastic teeth, jammed ice, or mineral buildup on the harvest cam. Manually rotate the cam slightly (with power off) to see if it moves freely.
- Check the position switch: The harvest position switch is usually actuated by the cam. Ensure the switch lever is not bent or broken and that the switch clicks when pressed.
- Verify wiring: Confirm that the motor and switch connectors are firmly seated and wires are not pinched.
- Test operation: Restore power and initiate a harvest test (if your GE model has a test button or diagnostic mode). If the motor hums but does not turn, or E3 returns, replace the harvest motor assembly or the entire ice maker head.
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Repair Difficulty
Hard
4/5
Required Part
Harvest Motor Assembly
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