My fridge would only dispense crushed ice. Your description of operation was what I need to diagnose that the rod lifting solenoid energises but does not lift the rod/linkage. We never use crushed ice so I removed the 8 screws that hold the ice bucket together and removed the rod, linkage and the plastic flap that directs ice into the chopping blades. Once reassembled it delivers cubed ice only. Thanks very much for taking the time to post this information.