RCA
Ice Release / Harvest Failure
RCA ice maker frequently freezes solid blocks of ice on the evaporator that do not release.
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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
Faulty hot gas valve or defrost function (if equipped), Evaporator surface scaled, Control board not switching to harvest mode, Stuck ice tray mechanism
How to Fix / Troubleshooting
Safety first: Unplug the unit and allow ice to melt before working on the evaporator.
- Step 1 – Defrost: Leave the lid open and allow all ice to melt. Do not chip ice off the evaporator with sharp tools.
- Step 2 – Descale evaporator: Clean the evaporator plate with a vinegar solution to remove mineral buildup that can cause ice to stick.
- Step 3 – Check harvest cycle: Run a cycle and observe whether the unit switches from freeze to harvest (tray movement or warm gas to release ice). If not, suspect a control issue.
- Step 4 – Inspect hot gas valve (if present): On some RCA models, a small solenoid valve directs hot gas for harvest. If it does not energize, it or the main control board may be faulty and require professional service.
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Repair Difficulty
Hard
4/5
Required Part
Evaporator Plate / Hot Gas Valve
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