Magic Chef Ice maker repair (Round 2)

[Ishler]

Like many here I purchase the above ice maker. It's served us well until recently when the water tray started cycling back and forth and only occasional stopping to make a tray of ice. An internet search didn't turn up anything useful other than any repair, cost more than to replace the unit. So being a retired engineer I decided I had nothing to lose and started to disassemble it figuring that something was out of adjustment since it occasionally worked. There are two screws on the back panel and six underneath then the back and sides can be removed. What I found was that on the left side of the unit(from the the front) is a plastic square with two micro switches(one on the top and one to the back) and a cam that's connected to the water tray. Watching the unit while it malfunctioned I could hear the top switch close about the time the tray reversed and started a new cycle. I bent the tab on the switch down a little so it would engage sooner and and it now works perfectly. Although there are four holes in the plate and holes in the frame, two screws were driven through the plate instead. Don't know if this well help anyone but I hope it does. FYI many ice makers under different names look just like this so there is a common manufacturer so this can be applicable across brands.

10/9 Update-- At the Fall Rally the ice maker failed again with the same symptoms(luckily ice wasn't in big demand at the fall rally). A little more surfing the web produced a service manual. Looking at the schematic I realized that they are using a very low current and voltage through these micro switches and that the signal may be distorted. I found a parts source for the ice-maker and the switches were $15 each. A little looking found the same switch at Radio Shack for $3.19. So less that $7 later the unit works as good as new. I think these switches may last longer as that have a louder snap action which may keep the contacts cleaner.

[NCFischers]

I saw those switches when I replaced the fan in mine. Good catch.

[HOOK]

I shall try to put this in the memory bank although it doesn't work as well as it used to. I'm a tinker and like the challenge to repair things especially those they tell me it's cheaper to replace. Good work!

[snfexpress]

Woo Hoo! We seem to replace ours about every year and a bit - notice the "bit" meaning out of warranty!

[stiles watson]

Good work! I know it is satisfying to fix things and save a buck or two.

[gcrocket]

Could you post the location of the repair manual please?