How to force an ice maker to drop ice?

Forcing a residential refrigerator automatic ice maker to drop its current batch of ice cubes through an immediate harvest cycle involves accessing the module and triggering its manual test mechanisms. For traditional modular ice makers, you can insert an insulated wire jumper loop across the test terminals labeled "T" and "H" inside the front module head, or carefully rotate the plastic gear module clockwise by a few degrees. For modern electronic ice makers, you can press and hold the diagnostic test button on the front face of the ice maker housing for three to five seconds until the harvest motor engages. You can troubleshoot mechanical movement easily by watching the harvest rake. You can verify that your forced harvest procedure was successful when the motor rotates the metal prongs, successfully ejects the ice cubes into the bin below, and refills the mold.