Ice maker stops mid-cycle; diagnostic mode or display shows 5E error related to ice maker motor.

Safety first: Disconnect power to the refrigerator before touching the ice maker mechanism.

Steps:

• Remove ice bucket: Pull out the ice bucket and inspect for large clumps of ice. Discard fused ice and dry the bucket before reinstalling.
• Inspect ejector mechanism: With the bucket removed, look at the ice maker ejector arm or rake. Check for broken plastic teeth, misalignment, or ice jammed around the blades. Carefully remove any loose ice by hand; do not pry with metal tools.
• Manual test: On many Samsung ice makers, you can press the Test button to start a harvest cycle. Restore power temporarily, press and hold the button for 3–5 seconds, then observe. If the motor hums but does not turn, or does nothing at all, the motor/module is likely defective.
• Check for frost buildup: Excess frost around the ice maker can bind the mechanism. If present, defrost the freezer fully by unplugging the unit and leaving doors open for several hours, protecting floors from water. Address any door seal or air leak issues that cause frost.

If the 5E error persists and the ejector cannot move freely, replace the complete ice maker assembly.