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why does my ice maker not work

by Glenna Volkman Published 1 year ago Updated 1 year ago
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The most common reasons for ice maker problems are:

  • Pause feature enabled
  • Water line malfunction or setting
  • Clogged filter
  • Faulty water inlet valve
  • Thermostat set too low

The water inlet valve is blocked or frozen. The water filter is dirty or clogged. The heating element in the ice machine isn't functioning. A pause command has accidentally been enabled.Jun 15, 2021

Full Answer

Why is my Kenmore refrigerator not making ice?

Why Kenmore refrigerator ice maker not working

  • Ice maker assemblies. ...
  • Ice maker Module. ...
  • Defective Control Board. ...
  • Faulty Door Switch. ...
  • Water filter issue. ...
  • Temperature is above 10 degrees F (-12 degrees C) An ice maker (refrigerator) is designed to operate with the temperature at or below 5 degrees Fahrenheit (-16C) in most cases.
  • Water Inlet Valve problem. ...
  • Low Water pressure from the housing supply. ...

More items...

Why is my Opal ice maker not making ice?

  • Do you have the Opal smartapp set up? Sometimes, there’s an off/on schedule in the app. ...
  • Is your ice bin full? Most GE Opal ice makers have a sensor that turns off ice making if the bin is full.
  • Is the ice bin seated correctly? When you install the ice bin, you should hear a gentle clicking sound. ...
  • When is the last time that you cleaned your ice maker? ...

Why did my Whirlpool refrigerator stop making ice?

  • 1 Make sure the bail wire above the ice tray is in the down position.
  • 2 Check the water supply line.
  • 3 Check the tap valve.
  • 4 Check the solenoid.
  • 1 Lift the bail wire to shut off the ice maker, and remove the ice bin.
  • 2 If the problem persists, consider replacing the ice maker and valve.

Why is my Frigidaire ice maker not getting water?

  • Check the feeler arm or paddle to make sure it can move freely. Ice blocking its movement will signal to the icemaker that it should pause making ice.
  • Make sure the water supply is turned on to the refrigerator. ...
  • The fill tube which supplies water to the icemaker can freeze and cause no water to get to the icemaker. ...

Why does my ice maker stop working?

What happens if you set your ice maker too low?

How to defrost ice maker after thawing?

How to check if ice maker is leaking?

What does pause do on an ice maker?

Where is the water inlet valve on a Whirlpool refrigerator?

Does every ice maker have a water supply?

See 2 more

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What are some common ice maker problems and solutions?

Refrigerator ice maker problems can often be tied back to a handful of main components, including water valves and lines, the water filter, the ice...

Ice maker is not working or not making enough ice

An ice maker that doesn’t produce can feel like nothing more than a waste of precious refrigerator or freezer space. Browse some of the common caus...

Ice maker is making ice, but is not dispensing

A dispenser refusing to release cubes into your cup can be frustrating, especially when the ice bin is visibly full. Some of the most common causes...

The ice maker is making too much ice

Ice makers control ams are designed to sense a full ice bin and pause ice production at the right times, so an overflowing ice bin can be a sign th...

The ice has an odd taste

Strange-tasting ice in your favorite drink can be an unpleasant surprise, and may leave you wondering what’s wrong with your ice maker. Some common...

The ice maker is leaking

A leaky ice maker might drip into the ice bin and may cause ice clumps to form, or leak outside of the refrigerator or freezer and create a puddled...

The ice maker is making ice cubes that are too small

Ice cubes that are hollow or too small can usually be traced back to two main factors: water flow and temperature settings in the refrigerator or f...

The ice maker itself is frozen

Determining the cause of a frozen ice maker can seem complicated when you have large chunks of ice blocking your line of sight. Luckily, the common...

Common Ice Maker Problems

An ice maker can stop working for a variety of reasons. Ice makers receive water through a small water supply line that runs from the refrigerator...

Ice Maker Stopped Working

Many ice makers have a control arm that activates a pause feature when the ice bin is full. The control arm may have inadvertently been moved, or p...

Water Line Is Turned Off or Clogged

Every ice maker has a water supply line. Check to make sure the water supply valve is not shut off or restricted by a bracket or fastener.

Clogged Filter

Clogged filters are a common problem if they are not maintained according to manufacturer specifications. Use the owner’s manual to locate the filt...

Clogged or broken water inlet valve

The location of the water inlet valve depends on the manufacturer but Kenmore ice maker and Whirlpool ice maker water inlet valves are typically lo...

Ice Maker Not Making Ice

A frozen water line may be the culprit. If you locate a frozen line, unplug the refrigerator and turn the water supply line off. You can defrost th...

Ice Maker Not Making Enough Ice

If you are still getting ice cubes but it’s not as much as before, your line may be in the beginning stages of freezing up. Check for a frozen line.

Ice Maker Leaking

Perhaps your ice maker is making ice but it’s leaking water in the freezer or leaking onto the floor. Check your refrigerator and make sure it’s pe...

Ice Maker Frozen

Check your thermostat setting and make sure it’s set to the manufacturer’s recommended temperature in the owner’s manual. If it’s set too low, wate...

Portable ice maker not working, watch this before throwing it away

Portable icemaker repair, simple fix, no parts needed.Once again, I found myself struggling with an issue and could not find any solutions anywhere online.I ...

If there is ice in the tray, the ice maker might need to be reset

If ice cubes are forming in the ice tray but they haven’t dropped down into the collection bin, this means the ice maker is receiving water. The presence of ice signals that a mechanical or electrical problem, rather than a water supply problem, is most likely to blame.

The water filter might be dirty and need replacing

Another potential reason behind an ice maker that quit working is a dirty water filter. Smart fridges will often indicate when the filter needs to be changed, but a good rule of thumb is to replace it every 6 months.

The water dosage can be adjusted for cubes that are too big or too small

In some cases, an ice machine will form cubes that are too small (in the absence of a water line clog) or too big. In this case, a small adjustment to the water dosage can get cubes back to that just-right size.

Hiring a reputable appliance repair service might be the easiest and fastest way to get your ice maker working again

Whether the ice maker in the fridge is not working or there’s frost in the freezer, kitchen appliance issues might be best left to a professional—especially for those who don’t have experience with plumbing, electrical, and other types of repairs.

Why does my ice maker stop working?

The most common reasons for ice maker problems are: Pause feature enabled. Water line malfunction or setting. Clogged filter.

What happens if you set your ice maker too low?

If it’s set too low, water will freeze before it gets to the mold. Whether you have a side-by-side refrigerator, an armoire-style refrigerator, or a standard freezer-on-top model, these ice maker troubleshooting tips may help you avoid that service call.

How to defrost ice maker after thawing?

Always keep the hair dryer above the water source to avoid electrical shock. Once power is restored and the water line is turned on, you should be able to hear the water running into the ice maker after thawing.

How to check if ice maker is leaking?

Check your refrigerator and make sure it’s perfectly level. Check your ice maker unit and make sure it’s level. Check the water supply line for damage, pinching, or kinks. Check the fill cup ; make sure it’s aligned correctly with the water funnel. ...

What does pause do on an ice maker?

Many ice makers have a control arm that activates a pause feature when the ice bin is full. The control arm may have inadvertently been moved, or possibly fallen off, which can pause ice maker functionality. Check the owner’s manual for information about the pause feature and make sure it’s not enabled.

Where is the water inlet valve on a Whirlpool refrigerator?

The location of the water inlet valve depends on the manufacturer but Kenmore ice maker and Whirlpool ice maker water inlet valves are typically located behind your refrigerator. Before checking on the valve, unplug the refrigerator and turn off the valve’s water supply.

Does every ice maker have a water supply?

Every ice maker has a water supply line. Check to make sure the water supply valve is not shut off or restricted by a bracket or fastener.

Why isn't my ice maker producing ice?

There’s No Ice Being Produced. If you’re finding that your ice maker isn’t producing any ice whatsoever, this could be due to blockage in the water supply line - this can happen due to a number of reasons, but the most frequent is that ice has gotten stuck inside. To resolve this issue and unclog it fast, you’ll need to melt that ice.

Why won't my ice dispenser come out?

The cause for this is could simply be due to a clog. One thing to keep in mind is that if you're trying to produce crushed ice (rather than ice cubes), ...

How to unclog a fridge fast?

The easiest solution for this is to simply unplug and defrost your fridge and freezer for a few hours.

How to melt ice in a fridge?

To do so, you’ll need to move your fridge away from the wall, turn off the water valve, and unplug it from its power outlet. Next, melt the ice manually with something warm, like a dryer or heat lamp, or by pouring hot water on it, and waiting until it’s all melted away.

How to check if ice maker is on?

Your ice maker should have an indication of this, either in the form of an ‘ice on’ icon, an on/off switch, or an adjustable arm to turn it off and on. Make sure that the ice maker is in fact turned on, and that the rest of the fridge has a connection to power, before proceeding with the following steps.

Can you eject crushed ice?

One thing to keep in mind is that if you're trying to produce crushed ice (rather than ice cubes), this process typically takes a bit longer to eject, as it's being crushed in real time while you wait. Thus, try to be patient and give it a little extra time to dispense - there could be no issue here whatsoever.

Can you fix an ice maker?

No matter what the issue with your ice maker is, it’s always best to have a trained professional come take a look at it. This way, you can be certain that you’ve isolated the problem and that it can be attended to and fixed properly.

What causes an ice maker to stop working?

There are several reasons you may find your ice maker not working all of a sudden, including a blocked water dispenser, issues with your water supply line, or a clogged water filter.

Why is my ice maker not dropping ice?

If your ice maker is not dropping ice, it could be that there’s a blockage in the ice tray, or an ice cube is jammed between the bin and the lever. If this happens, here are some things you can do:

How to check if ice maker is working?

To check if that may be the case, follow the steps below. Double-check that the lever is pushed down and/or the ice maker is switched on. Unplug your refrigerator. Cut off the water supply. Move your refrigerator to access the water line. Disconnect the water line and place it in a bucket or in your sink.

Why does ice taste so small?

Ice that has a weird taste or ice cubes that come out too small could be caused by the water line, or food odors from your freezer being absorbed by the ice. Check your water line and look for any kinks, bulges or damage. If you see any, you’ll need a replacement.

Why does my water line stop flowing?

A frozen water line or a kink in the water line may cause the water flow to slow or stop altogether. Ensure the house water line is turned on and free of kinks as well.

How to get ice out of a fridge?

Remove the ice bin to see if there’s ice accumulation. Remove any blocked ice by carefully chipping at it with a plastic knife. If the ice is too large, you may have to let the ice melt by defrosting your fridge. 2.

What to do if ice is too large?

If the ice is too large, you may have to let the ice melt by defrosting your fridge.

Why is my ice maker not ejecting?

When ice is not ejecting. If you find ice inside the ice mold, it means your ice maker is receiving water and the problem likely isn't with the water supply. Instead, it's most likely a mechanical or electrical problem. Cause: When moving things around in the freezer, it's not uncommon to accidentally nudge the control arm into the off position, ...

Why does my freezer stop producing ice?

Cause: When moving things around in the freezer, it's not uncommon to accidentally nudge the control arm into the off position, which halts production of ice.

How to fix a refrigerator that won't turn on?

Fix: Start by making sure all electrical connections are properly seated. Slide the refrigerator out from the wall, turn off the water supply valve and disconnect it from power. Locate the quick release plug on the back wall inside the freezer. Unplug the connection it and reconnect it to ensure it's fully connected.

How to remove ice from mold?

Manually remove any remaining ice from the mold by adding some water and letting it sit for a minute. The ice will begin to melt and should be easier to remove.

How long does it take for ice to freeze in a car?

Wait three to four hours for the ice to freeze and see if the ice now ejects. If not, it's likely that you will need to replace the motor or gearbox.

What causes a clogged water line?

Cause: A common cause for a clog is frozen water in the line.

Where is the water filter on an ice maker?

Fix: Locate and replace the water filter. Filters for ice makers are typically located inside the refrigerator (to keep them from freezing).

Why isn't my ice maker putting out ice?

Should your refrigerator be the type that offers filtered water for drinking or for ice, it could be that your ice machine isn’t putting out ice like it used to because the filter’s gotten clogged up. A dirty filter reduces the amount of water that gets into the ice machine, so replace that filter twice a year, or more often if your area has hard water. Check the owner’s manual under “Maintenance” to find the location of the filter in your particular fridge; it’s usually somewhere easy to get to, in the open area of the fridge that stores food.

How to check if ice maker is working?

If the ice is absent or too small, the next stop is the fill system for the water: the fill cup and the tube at the back of the icemaker. If they are iced over, check for a blockage in the tube that could be keeping water from flowing into the fill cup the way it is supposed to. Is the inlet valve clear of blockage? Is the water pressure normal? Barring those malfunctions, the problem could be solved by unplugging the fridge, removing the outlet tube that runs between the fill valve and the ice maker and clearing or replacing that tube.

How to fix a clogged ice maker?

So turn off the household supply to this valve and remove the input tubing to check to see if it has a little debris screen on it that may have gotten clogged. If so, clean the screen to allow water back into the ice machine. Check the inlet tubing for blockage, and make sure the manual water shut-off valve is clean and clear on the inside. If the ice maker fill tube has iced over, it could be that you need greater household water pressure to keep water flowing into the icemaker, or it could be that there’s dirt or a defect in the water inlet valve. Before you decide to replace the water valve, check to ensure power is reaching it properly. To check the electrical function of the water inlet valve, unplug the refrigerator and shut off the water supply to it. Remove the back panel and trace the water tube from the ice machine to the valve, to discover the solenoid inlet valve responsible for switching on the water flow. Test that solenoid with a multi-meter to determine if it has continuity. The electricity that runs to this solenoid originates in the ice maker control.

How to check if ice is iced over?

If they are iced over, check for a blockage in the tube that could be keeping water from flowing into the fill cup the way it is supposed to.

Why does my ice maker fill tube ice over?

If the ice maker fill tube has iced over, it could be that you need greater household water pressure to keep water flowing into the icemaker, or it could be that there’s dirt or a defect in the water inlet valve. Before you decide to replace the water valve, check to ensure power is reaching it properly. To check the electrical function of the ...

How to check water inlet valve?

To check the electrical function of the water inlet valve, unplug the refrigerator and shut off the water supply to it. Remove the back panel and trace the water tube from the ice machine to the valve, to discover the solenoid inlet valve responsible for switching on the water flow. Test that solenoid with a multi-meter to determine ...

Why is my Samsung ice maker restricting water flow?

Water flow to the ice maker can also be restricted if the filter was improperly installed or replaced by a non-OEM filter. Refer to your user manual to confirm the installation instructions for your model filter and always use a Samsung-recommended brand.

Why does my Samsung ice maker keep freezing?

If the freezer is too cold, ice maker components may freeze or not function properly. If the temperature is too high , you’ll find that the refrigerator freezer is warm. This prevents ice from staying frozen or results in smaller, misshapen cubes.

How to make ice in a refrigerator without a water dispenser?

For refrigerators without an external dispenser: Turn off the water supply and disconnect the water line. Dispense water from the line directly into the measuring cup for 6 seconds. If less than ¾ of a cup of water is dispensed, there likely isn’t enough water pressure for ice production.

How to check water pressure in refrigerator?

Here’s how to test your refrigerator’s water pressure: 1 For refrigerators with an external water dispenser: Dispense water into a measuring cup for 6 seconds. If you have at least ¾ of a cup of water, the pressure is adequate. 2 For refrigerators without an external dispenser: Turn off the water supply and disconnect the water line. Dispense water from the line directly into the measuring cup for 6 seconds.

How long does it take for an ice maker to turn on?

Make sure the ICE ON button is illuminated. If it’s not, press and hold the ICE ON button for 3 seconds to turn on the ice maker.

What temperature should a Samsung freezer be?

While the recommended Samsung freezer temperature varies by model, keeping the freezer set between -2-0℉ is ideal for ice production. Image Courtesy of Samsung.

1. The ice maker is not plugged in

The least-concerning problem of all is that you forgot to plug the ice maker in. I get it—you’re busy trying to figure out how to prepare enough glasses and drinks for a party that you might have left your Frigidaire portable ice maker unplugged. It happens to the best of us!

2. There is no water in the water reservoir

Portable ice makers are unlike built-in ice makers in freezers. They do not have an inlet valve where you can connect a water line. Instead, the user has to manually pour water into the water reservoir. If the water reservoir looks a little dry, then the machine’s water pump has nothing to transfer to the ice tray.

3. The water in the reservoir is too hot

As simple as it may be to refill a Frigidaire countertop ice maker’s reservoir, you should make sure that the water isn’t too hot. At most, the water should be blood-temperature (you won’t feel the water if you dip a finger into it).

4. The water line is clogged

The water line is an incredibly thin plastic pipe that connects the water reservoir to the ice tray. Over time, the line can become clogged due to using dirty water, or perhaps a strand of hair fell into the water reservoir unnoticed. When this happens, water will not move from one place to another, so the ice maker will not make ice.

5. The water pump is defective

Ice makers may begin showing signs of slowing down as time progresses. If your Frigidaire countertop ice maker is older than 3 years, and if you use it constantly, then the water pump may be in trouble.

6. The prongs have run out of refrigerant

Inside the prongs is a refrigerant that cools the prong’s exterior to subzero temperatures. When the prongs make contact with water in the ice tray, the water surrounding the prongs will freeze almost instantly.

Clean the machine regularly

The more frequently you clean the machine, the less of a risk there is that the water line will become clogged, and the less frequently you will have to disassemble and reassemble the ice maker.

Why does my ice maker stop working?

The most common reasons for ice maker problems are: Pause feature enabled. Water line malfunction or setting. Clogged filter.

What happens if you set your ice maker too low?

If it’s set too low, water will freeze before it gets to the mold. Whether you have a side-by-side refrigerator, an armoire-style refrigerator, or a standard freezer-on-top model, these ice maker troubleshooting tips may help you avoid that service call.

How to defrost ice maker after thawing?

Always keep the hair dryer above the water source to avoid electrical shock. Once power is restored and the water line is turned on, you should be able to hear the water running into the ice maker after thawing.

How to check if ice maker is leaking?

Check your refrigerator and make sure it’s perfectly level. Check your ice maker unit and make sure it’s level. Check the water supply line for damage, pinching, or kinks. Check the fill cup ; make sure it’s aligned correctly with the water funnel. ...

What does pause do on an ice maker?

Many ice makers have a control arm that activates a pause feature when the ice bin is full. The control arm may have inadvertently been moved, or possibly fallen off, which can pause ice maker functionality. Check the owner’s manual for information about the pause feature and make sure it’s not enabled.

Where is the water inlet valve on a Whirlpool refrigerator?

The location of the water inlet valve depends on the manufacturer but Kenmore ice maker and Whirlpool ice maker water inlet valves are typically located behind your refrigerator. Before checking on the valve, unplug the refrigerator and turn off the valve’s water supply.

Does every ice maker have a water supply?

Every ice maker has a water supply line. Check to make sure the water supply valve is not shut off or restricted by a bracket or fastener.

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