Kenmore model JD-21 icemaker makes a humming sound when the ice is being dumped. As the cut-off arm goes up, you hear a gear grinding to make a loud hum. Banging on the side of the icemaker or refrigerator stops the sound for a few seconds until the arm is through and the ice is dumped. Ice maker is quiet at all the other times.

SOURCE: Whirlpool refrigerator ED22TEXHW01 ice maker

Tammi, you first want to check to make sure the water inlet tube to the icemaker is not frozen shut. Next, get yourself a jumper wire about 4 inches long with the ends stripped exposing the wire on each end. Pull off the ice maker cover, it will pull right off. Now you are looking at the module. On the module, left side, you will see two test points marked V and L. Insert one end of the jumper wire into V and the other marked L. You are now sending 120 volts to the water valve and water should fill the ice maker providing the inlet tube is not frozen over. If it doesn't fill, you either have a bad water valve or module itself. Also check to see if the clips that hold the center gear on the module are not broken. Catriver..post back.

SOURCE: Humming in Whirlpool Side by Side Refrigerator

It is probably just your water inlet solenoid being activated. Not to be concerned.

SOURCE: Ice maker grinding sound

I had the same and found the same solution. Chances are the problem will come back. Just over a week ago (when it was freezing cold in Florida) I took everything out of the fridge and freezer, unplugged it, even pointed a hair dryer in the ice unit. Once I was done it was completely defrosted and dry. I have not heard anything since - and I can sleep again ;-).

SOURCE: Frigidaire side-by-side model # FRS26H5ASB4 making humming or buzzing noise

I had the same problem. I found the buzzing noise was caused by ice build up around the fan motor inside the freezer. I believe water must have leaked down around the fan during a defrost cycle. I removed the ice maker, the ice cube bin and ice dispenser auger motor. It sounds complicated, but it isn't too bad. The ice maker and auger are connected with quick connect plugs. So just unplug, remove the screws and remove them from the freezer. You will need to remove several other screws as well, I believe 11 in total as well as the top freezer rack. This will give you access to the white aluminum panel that runs from the top of the freezer to about halfway down the back of the freezer. After you remove the aluminum panel you will see the fan about half way down the freezer. I found a lot of ice around my fan. The fan blades were hitting the ice causing the buzz. Remove the ice and the buzzing is gone. It took me an hour to complete this repair. I hope this helps.

John Tripp

• 4656 Answers
• Posted on Apr 19, 2009

SOURCE: Kenmore ice maker problem

I'm not sure in your case if its better to order a new ice maker or if you want to take it apart and change the thermostat or possibly the limit switches. Some have a spring so if you try to do it yourself do it slowly and carefully as not to lose the internal parts. Let me know, I will help you if you need, Sea Breeze