Ice Maker Medium Severity
IM Appliance Error Code

Electrolux Ice Maker IM Error: Harvest mechanism fault

Electrolux ice maker im error — understanding this error code helps you decide on the right course of action for your Electrolux appliance. What Does Error Code IM Mean on an Electrolux Ice Maker? Error code IM on Electrolux ice makers signals a failure in the ice harvest mechanism. After the freezing cycle completes, a […]

By Lucy Mitchell Senior Appliance Repair Specialist & Technical Writer

Sometimes

DIY Fixable

From $140

Typical Repair Cost

30-60 min

Pro Repair Time

Quick Assessment

Answer to continue safely

Is it safe to keep using?

Maybe. The unit is safe from a fire or flood standpoint, but it will not produce usable ice while IM is active. Continued attempts with a jammed mechanism can burn out the harvest motor, increasing repair cost.

Can I reset the code?

Yes. Power cycling or pressing the reset button will clear IM. If the physical jam or component failure remains, the code will return during the next harvest attempt.

When to stop immediately?

Stop if you notice: The harvest motor makes a loud buzzing noise but the ejector arm does not move at all, You smell a burning or hot plastic odor from the motor area during harvest attempts.

Symptoms You May Notice

No new ice cubes appear in the storage bin

The freezing cycle may complete but cubes are not released from the mold, so the bin slowly empties as existing ice is used without being replenished.

Grinding or clicking noise from the ice maker

The harvest motor attempts to rotate the ejector arm but is stalled against a jam, producing a repetitive clicking or grinding sound during harvest attempts.

Ice cubes are stuck in the mold tray

Opening the unit reveals fully formed ice cubes frozen solidly into the mold, indicating the harvest heater did not warm the mold enough for release.

IM code appears on the control panel

The display or status LED indicates the harvest mechanism fault, and the unit stops attempting further freeze cycles until the error is cleared.

Possible Causes

1

Ice jammed in the ejector mechanism

A broken or fractured ice cube has wedged between the ejector arm fingers and the mold tray, mechanically preventing the arm from completing its rotation.

DIY Possible
2

Failed harvest heater

The small heater element beneath the mold tray that slightly warms the mold to release ice has burned out, leaving cubes frozen to the mold surface.

Requires Professional
3

Stalled harvest motor

The small DC motor that drives the ejector arm has failed or its gearbox has stripped, preventing the mechanical harvest action.

Requires Professional

Safe Checks You Can Do

These checks are safe for homeowners. No disassembly required. Do not remove panels or access internal components.
  1. 1

    Clear ice jams manually

    Turn off the ice maker. Open the door and inspect the mold area for ice fragments stuck between the ejector arm and mold walls. Use a plastic utensil to gently dislodge any stuck ice. Do not use metal tools that could damage the mold coating.

    Pouring a cup of warm water over the mold helps release stubbornly frozen cubes without damaging components.

  2. 2

    Test ejector arm movement

    With the unit off, try rotating the ejector arm by hand through a full revolution. It should turn smoothly with moderate resistance from the gearbox. If it is locked solid, the motor gearbox may be stripped.

    Do not force the arm if it resists — stripping the gearbox further will make the repair more expensive.

  3. 3

    Reset and monitor a harvest cycle

    Turn the ice maker back on and wait for the next freeze-harvest cycle (typically 60-90 minutes). Listen for the harvest motor engaging and watch for cubes dropping into the bin.

    Some Electrolux models have a manual harvest button — check your manual for a forced harvest test.

When to Call a Professional

Contact a qualified technician if:

  • The ejector arm turns freely by hand but the motor does not engage during an automatic harvest cycle
  • The harvest heater does not warm up when tested with a thermometer during the release phase
  • The control board does not send voltage to the harvest motor — verified with a multimeter at the motor connector

Need Professional Help?

Find qualified technicians in your area for proper diagnostics and repair.

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More Ice Maker Error Codes

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PF DF SA LO HI