How to Replace WR17X11705 Ice Bucket Auger on GE Refrigerator — Step-by-Step

Your GE refrigerator's ice dispenser suddenly stopped working — the motor hums but nothing comes out. You hear the engine revving, but the ice just sits there in the bucket. That's usually the auger, and one customer put it perfectly: "Easy installation, now we have ice!" This is one of those repairs that looks intimidating but takes about 15 minutes once you see how it's done.

What You Need Before Starting

The good news? You won't need any special tools for this job. Here's what to have ready:

• Clean towel (the bucket might have some water)
• Container for any loose ice
• Five minutes of patience

Repair Time: 10-15 minutes
Difficulty: Easy

Safety First

You don't need to disconnect power for this repair since you're working inside the freezer compartment, but do turn off the ice maker or flip the ice maker switch to OFF. Remove any loose ice from the bucket before you start — it'll make everything cleaner and easier to see what you're doing.

Step 1: Remove the Ice Bucket Assembly

Open your freezer door and locate the ice bucket. Grab it with both hands and lift straight up while pulling forward. Some models have a release button or tab on the front — press it if yours does. The entire bucket should slide out easily. Dump any remaining ice into a container.

Step 2: Separate the Auger from the Bucket

Flip the bucket upside down so you're looking at the bottom. You'll see the auger shaft running through the center. On most GE models, there's a small retaining clip or the auger simply twists off counterclockwise. If you see the crushing components attached, you might need to remove those first — they typically just snap off. One user noted: "Had my unit disassembled, so parts got scrambled" — take a quick photo with your phone before removing anything. That'll save you headaches during reassembly.

Step 3: Install the New WR17X11705 Auger

Here's something worth knowing: the replacement auger plastic is dark blue, not clear like some online photos show. Don't panic — that's normal. Line up the new auger with the bucket opening and push it through from the top. The spiral blade should sit snugly inside the bucket. Twist clockwise or snap the retaining clip back into place, depending on your model. Give it a test spin with your hand — it should rotate smoothly without binding.

Step 4: Reinstall the Ice Bucket

Slide the bucket back into the freezer compartment. You'll feel it click into place when the auger shaft connects with the motor drive coupling. Push firmly but don't force it — if it's not going in, the auger might not be aligned with the motor spindle. Pull it back out, rotate the auger blade slightly, and try again.

Testing After Installation

Turn the ice maker back on and wait about 30 seconds. Press the dispenser paddle. You should hear the motor engage and ice should flow out smoothly. If the motor runs but nothing happens, double-check that the auger is fully seated and the bucket is pushed all the way back. One customer reported their unit was "working like new" immediately after replacement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to disassemble the ice crushing components to replace the auger?

It depends on your model. Some GE refrigerators have the crusher blades attached to the auger assembly. If yours does, you'll need to carefully remove them first — they usually snap off with gentle prying. The good news is you can reuse those crushing components with your new auger. Just make sure to note their orientation before removing them.

Why does my dispenser motor run but the auger won't turn?

That's the classic symptom of a broken auger. The motor coupling is fine, but the plastic auger shaft has cracked or stripped out. The WR17X11705 fixes this exact problem on models like GSH25JFTAWW, GSS25WGMDWW, and BSS25JFTAWW. Once you replace it, the connection between motor and ice bucket is restored.

How do I know if the new auger is installed correctly?

When you push the ice bucket back into place, you should feel it click or seat fully. The auger shaft connects to a drive coupling in the back — if it's properly aligned, the bucket won't wobble and you'll be able to push it flush with the freezer wall. Test it by dispensing ice right away. If ice flows out smoothly, you nailed it.