Updated at: 27-10-2022 - By: Sienna Lewis

Your refrigerator’s ice machine will save your life. Having a refrigerator is essential if you want to keep perishables in your home fresh until they are eaten. Most of us would be lost without the daily convenience provided by an ice maker. Because of its usefulness, you may come to rely on your ice maker on a daily or weekly basis.

The problem is that the ice produced by ice makers isn’t always enough for a full glass of soda or juice. Any mechanical system is susceptible to breakdowns just like any other system. If your ice maker suddenly stops producing ice, you should investigate the cause of the problem before attempting any repairs. Identifying the source of the problem is all that’s required if your ice maker isn’t producing ice, and the parts involved aren’t particularly challenging. An ice maker is a device that uses water lines, ice molds, buckets with moving parts, and an ice maker itself to create ice.

In this piece, we’ll discuss typical problems with ice makers and how to fix them.

8 Common Ice Maker Problems

Ice Maker Paused or Turned Off

It’s easiest to fix the stage problem. There are a number distinct, not always obvious, ways to pause or turn off your ice machine. Your ice maker may have stopped working because of an innocent oversight on the part of a family member.

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There’s a chance that the ice maker’s settings can be adjusted via this panel. Pressing and holding the ice maker or power button should reveal whether or not the ice maker has been electronically switched off.

It’s the simplest way to turn off an ice maker. This metal bar, which extends from the ice maker, is installed above the ice storage bin. The ice maker should have a built-in safety feature that turns it off when the ice bin is full to avoid any future problems. Lifting the fill bar is a time-honored way to stop an ice machine. To restart the ice machine, simply lower the fill bar.

Misset Fridge Thermostat

The thermostat may possibly be at fault for the refrigerator’s cooling issues. There will be no ice produced if the freezer is either too warm or too cold. The thermostat is typically stored in a refrigerator. One temperature dial can regulate both the refrigerator and the freezer. If your freezer and fridge have separate controls, you can adjust their temperatures individually.

Discover the fridge’s thermostat and determine if it controls the freezer as well. If your freezer is too warm, the ice won’t freeze. Raising the temperature by a couple of degrees will cause ice to start melting.

Ice Stuck in the Mold

Common problems with an ice maker include warped, shattered, or fluffy ice. The accumulation of ice pieces inside the ice mold is to blame for all of this. No new ice can be created, and the water line could be the problem if it is unable to fill the tray.

It’s fortunate that the answer is simple. After turning off the ice maker, fill a pitcher with warm water and use it to cover the tray (by flipping up the fill bar). The stuck ice cubes can be easily removed with the warm water, and the ice tray can be used again to produce ice. When you’ve finished using the ice, be sure to empty the bin completely so that there’s no standing water or melted ice in there.

Icemaker is Not Level

Many people don’t give their ice maker’s water level any thought until it’s too late. If your ice maker isn’t positioned at a horizontal level inside the refrigerator, the ejector mechanism may not function as intended. Make sure the refrigerator is level before proceeding. Use a bubble level to check the fridge and freezer for plumb. Adjust the feet of the refrigerator to provide a level base.

If the refrigerator is horizontal, check the ice maker’s installation. Before you fasten the mounting brackets to the motherboard, check that the screws are snug and that the brackets are lying flat. If there’s a bent part, take it out and straighten it up or replace it.

Clogged or Leaking Water Lines

The water line to your ice maker is an essential component in making good ice. If the water supply is cut off, there will be no ice cubes for you. Something nasty could be obstructing the pipes, causing the ice to smell bad. Leaky water lines are just as bad as damaged or cracked ones because they can lead to a damp or frozen disaster.

Expired Water Filter

What’s the age of your fridge’s water filter? In spite of its importance, many people go years without replacing their water filter. Your filter can become clogged with whatever is being filtered out of the tap water before it is frozen if you do not replace it periodically. So when the filter is clogged, there’s no way for water to get through. This could lead to a decrease in water pressure and potentially dirty ice. If you change your water filter, everything will be OK.

Malfunctioning or Frozen Ejector Assembly

Finally, think about the ejector assembly. The ice is retrieved from the ice bin by the ejector, which then transports it to the chute in the door. Many factors can contribute to an ice ejector failing to perform properly. First, make sure there aren’t any obvious impediments down the chute, such an ice dam, a lot of ice chunks, or a layer of frost. The next step is to ensure that the gear, the motor, and the flap are all functioning as they should. If your ice maker is malfunctioning, you can either replace the broken portion or the complete device.

How to Get Your Ice Maker to Start Making Ice Again

Machines that make ice don’t randomly stop functioning. An explanation can never be completely dismissed. The problem can be fixed by simply replacing the appropriate part, regardless of how old the ice maker is. The issue with your ice maker could be much less involved than that. Even though they’re rather basic, ice producers might stop working or cease producing ice for a number of reasons. This is not to say that your ice maker is hopeless.

Ice machine repairs are typically easy enough for the average homeowner to handle. Please attempt the following before calling a service or buying replacement parts if your ice machine is malfunctioning. A speedy turnaround in ice production is possible.

Break Or Melt Ice Clogs

The first thing you should look for are ice clogs. If that’s not the case, then it’s likely that your ice maker is functioning normally but that the chute has some frozen water in it. This is by far the most common cause of ice makers suddenly stopping to produce ice, thus it’s important to know how to troubleshoot them. Make sure the paths to the ice maker are clear even if the ice maker is generating noise and shaking.

Ice buildup can easily melted away by saturating the area with warm water (and a towel ready to clean). This procedure is applicable whenever a buildup of ice, whether fluffy or clumped, is causing problems. The handle of a wooden spoon can be used to dismantle certain locations.

Lower The Control Arm

Look at the control arm for a second, too. A metal bar mounted above the ice bucket acts as the device’s control arm. When the ice bin is full, you can turn off the ice maker by lifting the control panel.

The control arm performs the function of a kill switch for the vehicle. You can fix the ice maker by temporarily switching it on high or off. When looking for something in the freezer, you can inadvertently elevate the control bar.

The ice maker will not produce any more ice unless the control arm is flipped down.

How to Fix My Ice Maker When it Won't Make Ice | Wilshire Refrigeration

Change The Water Filter

Some refrigerators won’t produce ice or water after the water filter needs to be changed. When the water filter warning light comes on, the ice maker may cease producing ice. The best course of action is to replace your water filter. Because of this, you’ll never again have to worry about consuming dangerous or unpleasant tasting ice or water from the fridge.

Look for a new water filter to replace the old one. Remove the old filter by twisting and dragging it out of the housing, then insert the new one by twisting it in. To be on the safe side, learn how to properly replace the water filter in your refrigerator.

Turn The Ice Maker Off And On Again

Find any other switch (if any) and activate it to start the ice machine. Simply restarting the ice maker should solve the problem. If your ice machine stops working, try turning the power off and back on again. In some cases, turning off and then back on your ice maker is all that’s needed to clear away any existing flaws and get it to begin producing ice again from square one.

Reset The Ice Maker Settings

If your refrigerator has a touch panel that you use to operate the ice maker and other amenities, you might try resetting it. Make ice by using the buttons on your control panel to select the ice maker. Turning the power on and off is an option. Modify as necessary. Bring the panel back to its factory settings. It is possible to reset the ice maker or any other touch-pad device on your refrigerator by pressing and holding a specific sequence of buttons.

Rinse Out The Ice Molds

Since your ice maker isn’t producing enough ice to fill the molds, it may be broken. Because the molds are likely clogged with old ice or shards of ice, the ice may break or not be finished. Thankfully, the ice maker molds can be cleaned without removing the appliance from the freezer. Melt the old ice and make new ice by pouring a tiny amount of warm water into the molds. This is an excellent method for eliminating uneven molds caused by ice that has frozen in place.

Secure Electrical Connections

If your ice maker isn’t producing ice, you should check for loose electrical connections. You can easily find the connectors and snap them together. Insert the wires firmly into the ice maker at their exterior entry locations. If your ice maker stops working, you may get it back up and running by checking the electrical connections.

Secure Plumbing Connections

Final step: check all seals and moving parts in the plumbing to make sure they are in good shape. The ice maker uses water from the water line leading to the ice maker to fill the molds with ice. A sudden lack of ice could be the result of a blocked pipe or a closed valve, both of which prevent the formation of fresh ice. Some refrigerators’ ice makers are incapable of functioning without a constant supply of water. When there is no longer any water in the system, it may simply grind to a halt and stop down.

Verify the integrity of all plumbing connections. Inspect the plumbing, shutoffs, and fasteners for any signs of dripping or movement. The line should be examined for clogs and snafus. To fix, tighten, or replace anything you find, as needed.

Replace The Ice Maker

If everything else fails, you’ll need to get your ice machine replaced. You are spared the expense of a new fridge. A replacement ice maker, or even just its parts, can be located and ordered online. A new ice maker can be easily installed by yourself or by a professional technician. Fixing a broken ice maker isn’t as challenging as you would imagine. If you understand the fundamentals of your ice maker, fixing it or replacing it won’t be difficult.

How To Repair A Refrigerator That’s Not Making Ice

Water Fill Tubes

Check out the ice mold inside the ice maker. If there is none or very little ice, you can fill the icemaker using the fill cup and the fill tubing in the back. If water isn’t filling the cup, check the tubing to see if there’s an impediment. Get rid of any debris that may be blocking the inlets. Is the water pressure good? If none of these things are the cause, you may be able to unplug the refrigerator, remove the fill valve, and clean or replace the outlet tube connecting the fill valve to the ice maker.

Water Inlet Valve

If the water supply valve in your fridge is clogged, the icemaker won’t be able to draw water from the mains. Therefore, turn off the water supply to your home at this valve, and inspect the input hose for a clog. Fill the ice maker with fresh water and clean the screen if this is the case. Check that the water shutoff valve inside the inflow piping is free of sediment and grime. If the fill tube of the ice maker is frozen over, either the water entry valve is leaking or there is a problem with the water pressure in your home. Before changing the water valve, make sure the new one can get power. To test the water inlet valve, unplug the fridge and turn off the water supply. Take off the back panel and trace the water line that feeds the ice maker to the solenoid inlet valve. Evaluate the solenoid’s operation with a multimeter. These solenoids receive power from the ice maker’s controller.

Ice & Water Filter

If your refrigerator has a water filter that supplies filtered water for drinking or creating ice, you may be having issues with your ice maker. The ice maker’s filter should be changed at least twice a year, and more often if you reside in a hard water area. You may find the location of your refrigerator’s filter in the “Maintenance” section of the owner’s manual; filters are typically displayed in plain view in the refrigerator’s storage compartment.

Ice Maker Assembly & Replacement Ice Maker

If your ice maker isn’t producing ice, you should first make sure the water supply line is clear and then clear any surplus ice from the icemaker’s components. Because of the heat, ice cubes in most machines just slide off the tray and into the storage bin below. The icemaker needs a live voltage test, therefore call a repairman. An icemaker’s front cover can be removed by using a 14-gauge solid wire bent into a U shape, with 34 inches of insulation stripped from each end. Insert the wire ends into the T and H test positions (T and H stand for “test harvest,” denoting the harvest of ice cubes) for around five to ten seconds. While you manually operate the ice release, you can observe the ejector blades, shut-off arm, and fill valve as they work to expel the ice cubes. If the test run fails to initiate, try closing the freezer door switch with your finger to make the appliance assume the door is closed. If the motor does not start during the test harvest, verify power to the ice maker by connecting the voltmeter’s test leads to the L and N test points. In contrast, if power is being supplied but the ice maker is not producing ice, the control unit needs to be replaced.

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More Repair Parts

To this day, you haven’t pinpointed the source of your distress? You can get model-specific help if you provide your model number.

FAQs

How do I reset my ice maker?

Simply restarting the ice maker should solve the problem. If your ice maker stops working, try turning the power off and back on again to see if it helps.

Where is the reset button on ice maker?

In order to reset the ice maker, press the clear, rectangular, rubber button found on the right side of the appliance. The reset button needs to be held down for a few seconds. You will hear a chime if you have a 2010 or newer model. If your device is from 2009 or earlier, press and hold the reset button for 10 seconds.

How long does a refrigerator ice maker last?

Depending on the water quality and how often the ice maker is used, its lifespan might be anywhere from three to ten years.

Will unplugging my fridge reset the ice maker?

Unplug the fridge for five minutes. This will enable the ice system to begin functioning normally once again. Please disconnect the refrigerator from the wall for five minutes before plugging it back in. I hope the ice maker is back up and running now.

Why is my ice maker not dropping ice?

There’s no need to worry if your ice maker suddenly stops dispensing ice because a clump of ice has formed within. Ice cubes are partially melted by released heat before being freed from the mold. The ice maker may need to be thawed, or the bin may need to be emptied entirely.

How do you reset the ice maker on a whirlpool french door refrigerator?

There is usually a reset button on the side or underneath of the ice tray, or at the very bottom of the ice maker unit itself. When the button is pressed for an extended period of time, a beep will sound. When you hear a beep, you can let off of the button. After rebooting the system, verify if the problem persists.

Why does my Whirlpool refrigerator stop making ice?

The water supply to an ice maker could be impeded by a clogged water filter, a kinked water line, or a broken water inlet valve. Production of icy substances will be drastically reduced, if not terminated entirely.

How much does it cost to fix a fridge ice maker?

The cost to fix the ice maker in your refrigerator might range from $90 to $250. The water inlet valve is the most frequent target of maintenance. Between $150 and $200 is what you can expect to pay for this. Most homes will incur a cost of $180 to repair an ice maker.

How do I know if I need to replace my ice maker?

If the refrigerator is getting on in years and the water supply has not been blocked, it may be time to replace the icemaker. Experts in the field of home appliance repair say that icemakers typically break out much before refrigerators do. The installation of a new kit is typically very easy.

How much does it cost to fix a ice maker?

It costs between $150 and $250 to fix a leaking freestanding ice maker, with most homeowners spending around $200. To fix a valve on a portable ice maker will cost you only $75. In order to replace the motor on a high-end built-in ice maker, you will need to shell out around $400.

Is there a reset button on refrigerators?

Fridges that have a reset button can be returned to their original settings. In the event that your refrigerator doesn’t have a reset button, you may always try unplugging it from the wall for a few minutes. It should work again after being plugged back in.

Why did my Frigidaire refrigerator stop making ice?

Whether your ice maker suddenly stops working, check to see if it was switched off by accident. It’s easy to make sure the water filter is securely fastened by removing it and putting it back in place. A clogged water filter, or one that has simply reached the end of its useful life, could be to blame.

How do you know if auger motors are working in refrigerators?

Try turning the auger by hand to discover whether the ice bucket’s motor is broken. If the auger motor spins freely, you can test it for continuity using a multimeter. If the auger motor is not receiving electricity or does not run when it is plugged in, you will need to replace it.

Can water filter cause ice maker not to work?

A clogged water filter is a possible cause of your ice maker’s ineffectiveness, however it’s not very likely. The ice machines have been told to stop making ice until the blockage is removed. The water line should be connected from the refrigerator to the freezer. ‘

Refrigerator Ice Maker Not Working? Here's How to Fix It

Conclusion

This method is suitable for sanitizing the ice maker in your fridge. How easy do you think it is to complete each step? Therefore, you shouldn’t ignore this problem any longer. Your health is at risk if you allow your ice machine become polluted. Clean drinking water is the first step toward a healthy living. Thank you for reading, and we hope this post was able to answer some of your questions and solve some of your problems. Meanwhile, have you ever wondered how long it takes for an AC to defrost? If so, then you should definitely give that one a try!